Chrysalis (Kamdaki Kiz) Season 3 Ending Explained

In the TV finale for Chrysalis (Kamdaki Kiz), Sedat and Nalan's actual remarriage was not shown on screen because the production opted for a time-skip conclusion that focused on their reconciliation rather than a full wedding sequence.

The decision to provide a "forced happy ending" for the television series was heavily criticised by viewers and critics, primarily because it deviated significantly from the original book's ending.

Key reasons for the handling of the finale include:

• Deviation from the source material: In the real life-story and the novel, Nalan and Sedat never get back together. Nalan's true life partner after her divorce is Hayri, with whom she lived with for seven years.

• Thematic shift: The TV series chose to redeem Sedat - showing him changing his ways after his mother's death - and concluded with him proposing to Nalan again on her birthday.

• Pacing and Time Skips: Rather than dedicating screen time to a second wedding, the final episode used a one-year time jump to show the couple already reunited and happy, which some viewers perceived as "cutting" the wedding scene.

eToonz And ePlesier Are Believed To Have The Least Amount Of Viewers

eToonz is a South African based children's channel that offers a mixture of animated and live-action shows alongside films. This includes MasterChef Junior, Hank Zipzer, DreamWorks Dragons: Race To The Edge and Angelina Ballerina.

ePlesier serves as a dedicated channel to older shows viewed on e.tv and eExtra's Kuiertyd. These would include Kelders Van Geheime, Annekan Die Swa Kry, Doodsondes and Stiletto Vendetta.

As mentioned, eMedia Investments had published it's ratings cards for all of its 8 channels. It's through this where one can get some pointers on how these channels are performing overall and things aren't looking for eToonz.

It serves as one of the company's longest running channels alongside e.tv, eMovies and eNCA through a separate agreement with MultiChoice. But in terms of investment and marketing the channel is lagging behind its other comrades.

Even ePlesier despite only serving reruns and only packaged on Openview has more viewers than eToonz. You can only conclude this as eMedia Investments charges advertisers more money for ePlesier than they would with eToonz.

This news doesn't come as surprise as Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery were in a dispute last year regarding the carriage of their 12 channels including Cartoon Network and Cartoonito.

Warner Bros. Discovery revealed Cartoon Network was responsible for 50% of kids viewing on DStv. This would mean eToonz formed part of the other 50% alongside Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

eToonz is a channel that is also distributed on DStv so viewers are going to expect that the channel is getting it's money's worth but for ePlesier to rack more dough is kinda depressing.

But from what was understood about Cartoon Network, a percentage of these viewers are adults. You can understand why ePlesier might have gotten the upper hand because kids prefer YouTube and TikTok while a majority on linear TV are adults.

ePlesier likely factored in what led to kill off primetime in the afternoon for daily repeats of Sout Van Die Aarde, Yosef and Bittersoet. Reruns can draw a decent amount of viewers and potential revenue it's like that with e.tv and Mr. Bones. 

eExtra Killing Off Primetime In The Afternoons Explained

eExtra is a South African based entertainment channel that offers telenovelas from Turkey this includes shows like Bittersoet, Sout Van Die Aarde and Soete Wraak. It also offers other shows like Ouma Sarie, Voetspore and Twist Of Fate.

As some viewers recall, eExtra also offered Asian and Bollywood dramas like Naagin, High Society Scandal and Empresses In The Place. Since then, the latter had gradually been phased out or reduced on the channel to just late nights.

Thanks to the rating cards provided by eMedia Sales, viewers get a glimpse into how much the channel charges it's advertisers.

From what is understood here, the timeslots to accumulate the most dough here is the ones where the most viewers reside. eMedia Investments hadn't disclosed how many viewers these shows have but it could be around 100,000+.

These cards also put a damper to shows like India: A Love Story and Naagin as it's clear here that daily repeats of Bloedspoor, Kelders Van Geheime and Yosef dominate the channel's overall viewing.

Despite eMedia Investments already packaging ePlesier for such content on Openview. It's clear that eMedia Investments can re-coperate the costs of ePlesier with just Bloedspoor reruns on eExtra.

We can only assume after eMedia Holdings had acquired the remaining stake in the company. Some restructuring was likely underway for eExtra and this led to reruns (particularly Kuiertyd) taking over afternoons as it made them the most income.

If you combine the potential earnings Naagin's weekday timeslot with that or Sout Van Die Aarde. You can see that eExtra can make almost double of Naagin's earnings with Sout Van Die Aarde.

Less Brands, Less Confusion, More Simplicity, Cheaper Packages And Cheaper Decoders. - Canal+ S.A. On DStv

Canal+ unveiled its financial year results ending 31 March 2026 and gave some indicators on where things stand for them with MultiChoice. They acquired the company last year with plans to its rollout its streaming service in place of Showmax.

Unfortunately, Showmax will go dark by the end of April and Canal+ plans to move further shows onto DStv Stream as consumers await for their dedicated app.

Also on the cards is a further restructuring to the DStv services as it was mentioned by the company that MultiChoice way too much. Aside from DStv Premium to Easyview, there's also AddMovies, Insurance and the Explora Ultra.

Showmax formed part of this as it offered a Premier League subscription and a discounted rate for DStv consumers. With it being shuttered, this is one way they're trying to make simplier for consumers.

Canal+ plans to deploy a 1000 salespeople in MultiChoice markets and help them get commission if they're able to push DStv decoders to homes. It appears the focus has shifted toward their mass market or should I say lower paying consumers.

Not long ago, it was that Canal+ might have shelved yet to launch DStv Ultra decoder as it was deemed too expensive for the African market. These sales people aren't pushing Explora type decoders into Africa but DStv ones as they're affordable.

Some consumers probably noticed that Canal+ also brought down the prices to some of MultiChoice's services in the market. The plan is to duplicate this onto DStv packages across Africa and there's no word on how they plan to do all this.

According to Thinus Ferreira, Canal+ outlined it's plans as so: less brands, less confusion, more simplicity, cheaper packages and cheaper decoders.

If you look at how all of this is being worded out, the only way I can see them achieve this level of simplicity is to restructure DStv packages. There's massive overlaps between DStv Family and Compact as well as Premium and Compact+.

Maybe Canal+ will look to merge it's Compact+ and Premium offering into one package with Compact and Family forming the other. There had been talks since last year about unbundling SuperSport from the DStv offering maybe that will be factored in.

MultiChoice also offered a Chinese, Bollywood, French and Portuguese package. I'd imagine Canal+ would want to deploy Tout Canal+ in place of DStv French and likely scrap the Chinese package with further reductions to Bollywood and Portuguese.

In South Africa, MultiChoice even consolidated it's Portuguese offering onto remaining DStv packages. For all we know, Canal+ could look to duplicate this in more African countries. 

Canal+ May Look To Add Adult Entertainment Channels To MultiChoice's DStv

Almost a decade ago, StarSat served as one of the few pay-tv providers to offer adult entertainment channels to viewers in Africa. Before it's closure in South Africa, they had attempted to offer Hustlers TV and a bundle of channels until they got the axe.

Despite StarSat playing it safe ensuring it was only broadcast between 20:00 to 05:00, even requiring subscribers to add parental control to ensure minors don't have access to such material. The backlash and legal rambling wasn't enough to keep it on air.

ICASA was even involved throughout the whole process and even gave StarSat the greenlight to distribute the content as an add-on in South Africa.

MultiChoice at one point attempted to offer an adult entertainment channel and even did market research before going against it. Then again, their former CEO stated that some people misinterpreted the idea on how it would be distributed.

Now MultiChoice's new owners Canal+ is exploring the possibility of rolling out the following to DStv consumers:

* Hustler TV: Owned by the famous Hustler brand, this channel airs a mix of adult movies, including hardcore features and parodies.

* Vixen TV: This channel focuses on high-end, "cinematic" adult content that often has higher production values than typical adult films.

* Private TV: A long-standing European brand known for high-budget, "blockbuster" style adult movies with more of a focus on storytelling.

* Penthouse TV: Linked to the famous magazine, this channel typically features high-quality adult films and erotic specials. 

Canal+ Africa's CEO David Mignot stated Canal+ has always offered adult entertainment channels, but added that the idea is to comply with each country’s local regulations and sensitivities.

As mentioned, there's no laws that prohibit such content from being broadcast in South Africa as ICASA is involved throughout the whole process. But the backlash and legal rambling (or should I say "sensitivities") makes it a no no for South Africa.

Although some reports from late 2025 suggest certain adult sites had more viewers in South Africa than News24 whose peak comes during elections or national crises. 

Canal+ Might Overhaul The Current DStv Structure And Take A Dig At SuperSport

As it is understood, MultiChoice has lost almost 3 million DStv subscribers in the last two years and this is the reason Canal+ is backing out from further price increases. The focus has shifted on returning the company back to its 2023 projections.

Post the takeover, MultiChoice reportedly had 23.5 million 90 day active subscribers and this dropped further by 11% to 18.5 million. In South Africa, the DStv Premium base (including Compact+) saw a drop of 96,000 subscribers.

Since last year, MultiChoice had been exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport from the current DStv offering to make the costs flexible. This isn't the first time such experiment occurred and it's not known why they hadn't pursued it earlier on.

In France, Canal+ already offers the Canal+ Sport bouquet which includes sports from rival brands like DAZN and Eurosport. There's even a base package with select sports like UEFA Champions League, Formula 1 and Moto GP.

It is currently priced at €34.99 (R671, 89).

Of course, it's Canal+ Afrique's operations uses the same model as DStv which is why there's a lot of skepticism about a SuperSport only package. Canal+ CEO had dismissed the idea stating that "everyone who has tried this has failed". 

If such exists, it's going to be almost as pricey as your current DStv Premium bouquet. It's less likely they're going to make it cheaper as the current DStv structure helps subsidies the costs.

This new structure MultiChoice has been testing out for DStv will only benefit the non sports fanatics on lower tiered packages.

DStv Premium has been in decline for 10 years so it's a safe bet that MultiChoice will gradually use this offering to phase out that market. The plan for this offering was to have 3 sports package one for football with other sports on another package.

There's plenty of Premium subscribers that don't watch football and MultiChoice would give them the option to exclude it from their offering. They'll be times where you don't feel like watching SuperSport and MultiChoice would make that possible too.

In the end, you as a Premium client can continue catching shows like Landman and Doc on M-Net while watching One Piece on Netflix. You can do all this for under R700 and still have R300 to yourself.

DStv Stream Expected To Merge Into Showmax Replacement App

Canal+ is planning to launch its own streaming service in MultiChoice markets as consumers bid farewell to Showmax. Further content from the service will now be redirected to M-Net, Mzansi Magic and KykNET.

Canal+'s streaming service which might fold under DStv Stream, viewers get to watch live TV and content on demand. They plan is to also utilise other apps such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video with VIU likely to form part of this duo.

This was a feature MultiChoice made exclusive to Explora Ultra and since Canal+ takeover in late 2025, the company is cleaning house. They already scrapped M-Net's contract with HBO as well as that of SuperSport for the Winter Olympics.

In October 2025, Canal+ leadership indicated plans to merge DStv Stream, Showmax, and the Canal+ app into a single "super app" to combine content and reduce costs. As seen already, Showmax with all that Comcast filter is going out the window.

As mentioned, Canal+ will likely use the existing footprint of DStv Stream to expand its streaming ambitions as opposed to starting from scratch. It fits well with the company's structure on having the same content viewed across multiple platforms.

Of course, the problem part of retaining the DStv structure would be costs as Showmax would give you the freshest content for under R99 while on DStv you need at R500. Unless Canal+ has a backup plan consumers might not be persuaded by this.

But then again, MultiChoice was in discussion about possibly unbundling it's DStv offering with SuperSport serving as an add-on or standalone package. This would take the strain off paying R1000 for the full package.

Canal+ had deployed similar mechanisms in France where consumers would pay for select content and with the MultiChoice deal these endeavours are expected to accelerate.

Did Canal+ Blow It With The HBO Deal On DStv?

Not long ago, it was reported that DStv and Showmax subscribers will be losing out on The White Lotus and House Of Dragons as Canal+ is slashing costs at MultiChoice. As a result, all this content is now going to be curated for streaming.

This means DStv customers would wait for the latter to rollout on HBO Max which might be available in South Africa within the year. It is likely to be added onto the Explora Ultra alongside Netflix and Disney+.

A lot was riding on getting this deal on the table, it wasn't only the future of The Sopranos on M-Net at stake but that of Cartoon Network. MultiChoice was open to replacing but the reality is there's no real alternative to any of Warner's cable networks.

Cartoon Network alone is responsible for 49% of kids viewing on DStv while Cartoonito is the top rated kids channel on the family package. A replacement will most definitely not be able to recoup the figures by those brands.

Same goes for TLC, TNT and CNN as they're ranked #1 in their respective fields on DStv. Several scenarios do however come into play for the fall of HBO and Warner Bros. on M-Net.

Firstly, Canal+ deemed those as non viable but their road on DStv is not up yet just how it will distributed going forward. If Netflix bid for Warner Bros. succeeds that's where it's likely to end up another as mentioned would be HBO Max.

Another has to deal with the decline of DStv, M-Net losing out on HBO will definitely lead some to end their subscription. But it wouldn't be as impactful or massive as the loss of 12 TV channels alongside the 4 closed by Paramount.

DStv Premium has been a sinking ship post the pandemic and even before Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice. M-Net can't fight the streaming wars it does however have the edge over Universal TV and Comedy Central in its primetime offering.

But a majority of people nowadays would rather watch these shows on Netflix then pay R1000 to get them on DStv. It's not M-Net's fault but rather one of the various setbacks to linear TV.

Cartoon Network And Nickelodeon Under The Same Roof??? A Story For The Dark Ages

For decades, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon have been battling it out alongside Disney Channel to be the top kids brand. Now that's all about to end as Paramount emerged victorious in it's bidding war with Netflix with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Cartoon Network is home to Adventure Time, Ed Edd'n Eddy and The Grim Adventures Of Billy And Mandy which were rejects from Nickelodeon. Now that's likely to be merged with Dora The Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants and Rugrats.

Let's not forget, Cartoon Network's failed attempt rivalling with iCarly and Henry Danger with shows like Incredible Crew and Level Up. This merger now gives both brands the leverage over Disney Channel.

Nickelodeon's animation slate hasn't been stable in recent years with it's only successor in the 2010s being The Loud House. During this time, Cartoon Network had Regular Show, Adventure Time, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe and Teen Titans GO!.

With this merger still underway there's growing fear that Nickelodeon will no longer produce animation content moving forward. This is because Paramount let a majority of the brand's staff out of a job and there hasn't any word on new content.

Warner Bros. Discovery is no different on this matter but then again they are in a better position. Even though the latter is mainly existing IPs such as Tiny Toons Looniversity, Adventure Time: Side Quests, We Baby Bears and Batman: Caped Crusader.

Some people probably may not realise this but Nickelodeon was once formed part of a joint venture between Warner Communications and American Express alongside MTV. Due to financial constraints, it was sold to Viacom and formed MTV Networks.

In technicality, what we're witnessing here is basically a re-merger of some kind and Paramount is no stranger to that bit at all as it came out of a merger between Viacom and CBS.

Then again a lot is on the line, what does this deal mean for Nickelodeon on an animation standpoint? What becomes of Nicktoons, Nick Jr. and Cartoonito? Can Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network really function under one company?

If I'm being honest, the difference between the two is live-action as both are dominant in their respective fields so it's a safe bet that Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network will be retained. This is where most of the viewers and advertising revenue reside.

With Boomerang, Boing and Nicktoons basically being used for reruns that's likely to go away soon. The same outcome could await Cartoonito as Paramount doesn't have much animation in the pipeline compared to Warner Bros. Discovery.

Nick Jr. being the most recognisable brand compared to Cartoonito could serve as the new home to shows like Batwheels, Baby Looney Tunes, Hey BMO and Foster's Funtime For Imaginary Friend.

DStv Needs To Be Restructured

Rationality is realising that gone are the days when DStv could offer a bouquet of entertainment from across the world. As suppliers and consumers shift their focus to online viewing further reducing the portfolio for linear consumers.

In general, there's nothing wrong with DStv if it offered more Zee World than HBO content as that's where most consumers reside. It's not that House Of Dragons and The White Lotus aren't superb but most would rather pay for this if it were on Showmax.

If Canal+ is hoping to scale up on subscriber count through its MultiChoice buyout the only best option would be rethinking how content gets packaged.

The premium market needed to be restructured even before the pandemic. Consumers haven't gotten anything worthwhile outside of sports and what little is left is being duplicated and becoming more accessible on cheaper packages.

MultiChoice initially offered DStv Select 1 and 2 in South Africa and from what I recall it's active in few African markets. Think of DStv Easyview but with only the must haves of DStv but expensive which is M-Net, KykNET, BBC Earth and SS Grandstand.

This is something I believe needs to be revived somehow then there's the other which is a standalone sports package or add-on.

SuperSport takes a very large audience share within DStv while eMedia, SABC and even Netflix can offer select sporting events. SuperSport continues to offer the whole enchilada from Premier League, NBA, La Liga, WWE and Moto GP.

Canal+ you could try to offer a promotions to consumers who wish to see select sporting events.

Getting back to the packages, MultiChoice had explored an entertainment only package maybe split this offering into two separate packages. One package carries premium networks like Mzansi Magic while the other has Mzansi Wethu.

Were Mexican Imports On TLNovelas A Miss On DStv?

As I've reported, TLNovelas will be going dark on DStv in the coming weeks likely as part of Canal+'s aggressive cost cuts at MultiChoice. The channel is on track to wrap up Love To Death and It Had To Be You as Fall Into Temptation concludes this week.

Fans of the shows feel like MultiChoice's response is vague because often when a channel is removed the same statements. All consumers want is some clarity and what led TLNovelas to become an afterthought as Telemundo lives another day.

Over the years, Telemundo had seen a major drop in primetime and TLNovelas was regarded to some of these viewers as their holy grace. It features content from Mexico's biggest broadcasters Las Estrellas with Rubi, Love Spell and A Woman Of Steel.

What went wrong?

Firstly, we live in a market which is dominant by African stories and this content takes up a 40% audience share in primetime. TLNovelas was most likely not pulling up those same numbers making it vulnerable to potential cuts.

As for Telemundo, this is basically the HBO of Spanish television with shows like Iron Rose and Queen Of The South commanding a wider audience. It wouldn't be something you'd just let go despite Canal+'s scrutiny.

TLNovelas entire existence was solely based on archived Mexican telenovelas and those can often lead to low viewership.

Another problem stems from TelevisaUnivison, they had existing agreements with other local broadcasters for these shows. TLNovelas was basically another Discovery Family or Nicktoons funneled with repeats for some viewers.

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Look To Expand Novelas TV's Operations To DStv?

As reported, MultiChoice will be axing TLNovelas after 5 years from their platforms by the end of January. They haven't given a reason to the sudden reason for the exclusion of the channel but several theories enter the mount.

Firstly, Canal+ has been slashing costs at MultiChoice and TLNovelas happens to be the first victim in this pursuit. Other cuts ranged from sporting events seen on SuperSport such as Philly Games and World Darts Championship.

Another theory to various DStv consumers is that the French broadcaster has plans to possibly possibly ramp up another TV channel, Novelas TV.

Novelas TV is the go to destination for French dubbed Latin American and Turkish telenovelas for consumers in France and Africa. A Polish version known as Novelas+ is being broadcast on Platforma Canal+ in Poland.

In technicality, it would be rivalling with both Telemundo and eExtra's existing offering on DStv.

MultiChoice had mentioned that they plan to enhance consumer's offering with more content and channels. To some, this could as well imply possibly reverting further content from TLNovelas onto Novelas TV or whatever the French prefers to call it.

It's less likely to be referred to as Novelas TV seeing as there's already one in Africa but rather Novelas+ as seen in Poland seeing as there's no overlap.

Novelas TV being a localised brand with both French and Polish audio could signal that a speculated feed will be in African languages.

KykNET has been distributing Afrikaans dubbed Turkish telenovelas like My Naam Is Farah and Kind Van Die Noodlot. Oddly enough, it had even been picked up by Maisha Magic which is based in East Africa so don't be surprised if that got slotted in.

Canal+ currently has a 37% stake in the Asian based streamer VIU and is looking to acquire majority stake. They've followed a similar route as Zee TV and KykNET with localised dubbing to international dramas again could be slotted in.

Teresa, Love Spell and the funnel of content viewed on TLNovelas again might as well garner some new life on Novelas TV.

Dark Days Could Be Lurking For TNT Africa

As advised, MultiChoice will be shuttering Warner Bros. Discovery's 12 channels on the DStv platform due to pricing problems. Channels like Food Network qnd Discovery Family will cease to exist in Africa as MultiChoice was the only provider for them.

Another channel that could be joining Food Network and the other channels in a not so distant future would be TNT.

TNT is ranked as the #1 international movie channel in Africa offering action based films and various content from wrestling promotion AEW. It was only last year when StarTimes opted to discontinue carriage of the channel for similar reasons.

Unlike Cartoon Network and a fleet of channels that are packaged on StarTimes, Zuku TV and Azam TV. The only other means of viewing TNT would be through Canal+ Afrique's operations in Rwanda.

The problem part, Canal+ Afrique and MultiChoice are owned by the same company meaning TNT Africa's days in the market could be numbered. It's less likely to be revived on another platform as StarTimes and the latter already have alternatives in place.

Unlike Cartoon Network and TLC where the content can't simply be replaced with an alternative. Outside of AEW, TNT uses the same catalogue as ST Movies, Studio Universal and M-Net Movies.

How Azam TV And Canal+ Afrique In Rwanda Are Impacted By DStv's Closure Of Cartoon Network And Cartoonito?

With a few days left in 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice are set to close 12 channels on DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa by 31 December. Talks between the two have stalled due to pricing and might continue into 2026.

This means DStv consumers will be losing out on shows like Teen Titans GO!, Bugs Bunny Builders and Mr. Bean. Whatever alternatives MultiChoice's new owners have in store is less likely to include these shows from Cartoon Network and Cartoonito.

Cartoon Network would be exiting DStv platform after 30 years serving as one of 15 channels alongside CNN and Travel Channel when DStv launched in the market.

As advised, the exit of Cartoon Network means the only other way consumers can view the brand would be through Azam TV which is located in East Africa and Canal+ Afrique in Rwanda.

The problem part is that majority of Cartoon Network and Cartoonito's consumers were on DStv meaning most of their revenue resided with MultiChoice. If that space is closed, Warner Bros. Discovery will most definitely scale back on its operations.

Cartoon Network had been dubbing Teen Titans GO! and The Wonderfully Weird Of Gumball to Zulu that could as well get the boot. They had produced local series like Woola for Cartoonito which too is at risk of cancellation.

MultiChoice's cancellation of these brands could impact Canal+ Rwanda's existing agreement seeing as they're both divisions of Canal+. Warner Bros. Discovery might not deem Africa as viable for these networks with only Azam TV.

If Warner Bros. Discovery were to charge more to Azam TV, they may follow the same strategy as MultiChoice and severe its ties.

This is why the new management at MultiChoice doesn't feel threatened by their possible exit as the only other means for Regular Show would be streaming. Compared to South Africa, there's a lot of constraints to that in other parts of Africa.

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Give HGTV The Boot?

With only a few days left in 2025, MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery have yet to come into an agreement over the fate of its 12 channels. These include Discovery Channel, TLC, TNT, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, CNN, Travel Channel and HGTV.

If these brands do get removed from DStv, some brands like Discovery Family for instance is less likely to resurface on another platform. As I mentioned, further content is on Discovery Channel.

There's also a possibility that this may extend to include HGTV.

HGTV was launched in South Africa by July 2019 and since it's inception it isn't viewable in most parts of Africa in which MultiChoice operate. Part of the reason is similar to what happened to BBC Earth's operations in these markets - it was just not viable at the time.

Now that Canal+'s is looking to slash costs at the company it's very likely that if a new agreement is reached some brands may not form part of this offering. In this case, it could as well be HGTV not because of consumer preferences but cost cutting.

MultiChoice had lost close to 3 million subscribers in the past two years and as a result they're operating income had plummeted.

Under previous management, they would have fought for HGTV but under Canal+ pricing is another factor. And if HGTV were to shutter it's less likely that StarTimes would snatch those rights and they could as well opt for alternatives e.g. Real Time.

From Kartoon Channel To DocuBox: Could MultiChoice Be Eyeing These As Potential Suitors For Cartoon Network And Discovery Channel?

As some consumers have heard, MultiChoice might be removing TNT alongside Warner Bros. Discovery's other TV channels on DStv. It does appear like a probable scenario as the DStv Upsize promotion had been extended until 31 January 2026.

It's likely we'll start the new year with 16 less channels and DStv Upsize promotion is expected to serve as a distraction. But consumers on the high end packages to family won't handle the potential losses without a fight.

Warner Bros. Discovery had stated that 49% of kids viewing on DStv comes from Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. They also operate the #1 movie channel and #1 lifestyle channel making MultiChoice's situation complicated.

Now under French hands, MultiChoice had stated that they are more than willing to fill the entertainment gap. But the media is kind of skeptical about how they'd replace Cartoon Network and TLC.

As mentioned, MultiChoice is under the management of French giant Canal+. They operate their own production company StudioCanal, Dailymotion their video sharing app and have pay-tv services in Europe and Asia.

You can only assume some of these alternatives MultiChoice seemed to be hinting at must come from corporate's operations within these markets.

For Cartoon Network, only two options would come to mind the first would an anglophone version of Canal+ Kids. In most markets in which Canal+ operate in they do have a dedicated children's network and in some way this would mark M-Net's re-entry in the kids space.

Second option would be the Kartoon Channel which houses classic shows like Dennis The Menace, Inspector Gadget and Dino Squad alongside other animated shows like Superhero Kindergarten and Rainbow Rangers.

For Cartoonito, MultiChoice might as well reintroduce ZooMoo to the lineup after launching it as a pop-up channel in 2020. It was described as a wildlife channel offering a mixture of educational and entertaining programming.

Another comes from Disney and has been viewed as an afterthought to the brand following its acquisition of 20th Century Fox, Baby TV.

For TNT, there's FilmBox Africa from Netherlands's SPI International in which Canal+ had acquired. It is described as a complementary movie channel with genres ranging from adventure, action, drama and romance, it also offers international series.

 

For Discovery's cable networks, several brands do enter the equation for this one.

There's the Amsterdam based entertainment group Insight TV that specializes in real-life, story-driven content, focusing on genres such as action sports, lifestyle, adventure, and science & technology. It comprises of several linear channels like Infast, Inwonder, Inwild and Intravel.

Viasat World, a Swedish based entertainment company creating, curating, and distributing content around the world. It brings history to life and tell nature’s greatest stories with brands like Viasat History, Viasat Explore and Viasat Nature.

Expanding from SPI International, DocuBox offers an unforgettable collection of fascinating, award-winning documentary features and TV programming exploring the mysteries and beauty of the planet.

Love Nature is a Canadian specialty television channel owned by Blue Ant Media. The channel broadcasts documentaries and television series related to wildlife and nature.

Travelxp is the world's leading travel channel, OTT platform which is based in India and the leading influencer for travel enthusiasts. It offers series focused on adventure, culture, heritage, cuisine, and global destinations.

For CNN, it would be the French based news channel France 24 that MultiChoice had been distributing in some African markets. It's headquarters may be in France but it also has news coverage from Africa particularly french speaking Africa.

Could Canal+'s MultiChoice Be Hinting At A Grim Future For Warner Bros. Discovery?

Warner Bros. Discovery serves as MultiChoice's largest entertainment provider behind BBC Studios, Disney, NBCUniversal and Paramount. It provides shows like House Of Dragons to M-Net alongside cable networks like Discovery Channel, CNN and Cartoon Network.

The fate of this offering now hangs in the balance as MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery struggle to finalise to a new agreement. Aside from Paramount's 4 channels, consumers stand a chance of losing an additional 12 channels bringing to 16 channels.

A petition had been going around in order to try and save these channels. Because let's face it within this 12 everyone has a favourite and some have even threatened to cancel their subscription.

MultiChoice was asked what they're next grand plan would be if the 12 channels were axed and of course it would be replacing them. But none of the content viewed on Cartoon Network or TLC would make it which is what consumers are paying for.

So now they're extending the DStv Upsize promotion to 31 January 2026. Not as a thank you for being a loyal subscriber but rather a way for them to say we're screwed without these channels.

Consumers missing out on Cartoon Network would have Disney Channel and Nickelodeon to keep occupied. Those missing out on AEW on TNT would have access to live episodes of Raw and SmackDown alongside PPV events.

This is all until 31 January 2026 which would give them ample time to find replacements. If I'm being honest here, there's a 50/50 chance that all 12 channels will be exiting or maybe 4-6 get retained.

According to insiders, talks between them aren't looking good so consumers should expect something major to get axed. This is why there's talks of replacements and for Paramount's brands which are definitely exiting aren't getting replaced.

Will Cartoon Network Get A Name Change Under Discovery Global?

Cartoon Network's parent company as some people recall will be undergoing a split within the first quarter of 2026. Discovery Global will serve as the new parent company for the cable network while Teen Titans GO! and Batwheels forms part of Warner Bros.

Similar to Disney/FOX, a licensing agreement could be on the cards for Cartoon Network when it comes to use on the cable network. Warner Bros. which owns the trademark and IPs is being auctioned off to potential buyers including Netflix, Paramount, Apple and Comcast.

In the event of sale/split, Cartoon Network would continue to offer shows like Teen Titans GO! and Regular Show similar to how FOX still airs The Simpsons as it's part of the whole licensing.

In Cartoon Network's case, these may not be first run shows and might be prioritised on third party platforms like Showmax and Netflix. The channel may lean more toward shows like LEGO DREAMZzz and Dragonball Super as they reside from third party studios.  

Of course, Discovery Global won't be able to commission content under the trademark and the division The Cartoon Network Inc. which is used for animation brands like Cartoonito and Boing would have to be renamed in such an event.

Canal+ Looking To Make MultiChoice Go Global

While DStv subscribers are generally unaffected by the Canal+ buyout of MultiChoice, they should get ready for a content shakeup in the near future.

According to the Sunday Times, now part of a global multinational media giant, South African content once exclusive to DStv will be heading to other markets for the first time.

In the same vein, international content should be making its way onto DStv.

CEO of Canal+ Africa, David Mignot, said the group aims to export DStv content worldwide through its integration into StudioCanal.

Mignot is one of two Canal+ executives heading up Canal+ Africa, which took over MultiChoice in September.

StudioCanal is the wider group’s production arm, which houses 19 production companies, over 9,400 titles, and operates in multiple major markets, mostly in Europe.

With MultiChoice now being absorbed into the group, local productions that have been created exclusively for DStv platforms are now part of the mix.

Mignot noted that high-quality productions coming out of MultiChoice are likely to have wide appeal and can make waves in other markets and on other Canal+ platforms.

As part of the takeover, the Canal+ Group committed to continued investment in local productions, which will now be part of the blended library for use wherever Canal+ operates.

Notably, the reverse is also on the cards, with DStv expected to gain access to the extensive library of the wider Canal+ group, though the specifics of this remain to be seen.

Mignot previously stated that DStv customers should expect to see content “from American companies, from companies all over the world, as well as the local sports and general entertainment content.”

Canal+ has positioned itself as a ‘super aggregator’, which aggregates multiple services like Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, and HBO Max into its own platform.

MultiChoice’s key brands like DStv, Showmax, and SuperSport are now part of this.

However, the executive has stressed that these brands will remain as they are for now, saying they were “very sensitive and careful about brands”.

How SuperSport Is Impacted By The Canal+ Acquisition?

Not long ago, Canal+ SA had completed its acquisition of South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group, securing a 48.2% stake in the company.

The transaction, which Canal+ described as its largest ever, creates a global media and entertainment group serving more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, with approximately 17,000 employees.

Since the merger, there had been a great deal of concern amongst the media regarding SuperSport and Canal+ was quick to clarify that the deal wouldn't lead it to become Canal+ Sport. Of course, they've been talking about synergies in the last couple of months.

In Francophone Africa, MultiChoice has been distributing an add on service to Canal+ Afrique consumers known as DStv English Plus. It offers Premier League and La Liga for instance I'm assuming those are the type of synergies they're referring.

Before the merger, Canal+ didn't have much sporting rights for consumers in Africa as seen in Europe and France so they'd license content from rivals such as Bein Sports and DAZN. Under this merger, SuperSport will most definitely need to align with its French equivalent Canal+ Sport.

If Canal+ Afrique distributed Ligue 1 through its deal with Bein Sports rather than SuperSport launching a dedicated channel it also distributes Bein Sports to prevent any overlaps or duplication. Same goes for doccies like Chasing The Sun which will likely get dubbed rather than retooled into a separate series.

Some revaluation is underway for Showmax in which MultiChoice revamped last year in partnership with NBCUniversal. This could affect Showmax Premier League offering as it would rival with DStv Stream's extensive offering due to its low rates.

MultiChoice is looking to possibly offer SuperSport as a standalone service on DStv combined with Showmax this could as well be Football based package with separate offering for cricket, rugby and tennis. Maybe they could take a page from Ultraview by offering PSL and La Liga separately. 

Finally with a merger there's always potential drawbacks as MultiChoice has lost over a million subscribers in the last year. The acquiring company makes cuts think of the Ethiopian Premier League the losses could affect more niche African leagues.