Canal+ Axes MultiChoice Streamer Showmax

Canal+, busy with aggressive cost-cutting since it recently acquired Africa’s MultiChoice pay-TV group, is shuttering its loss-making and money-guzzling video streaming service Showmax that MultiChoice ran in partnership with NBCUniversal.

Variety has reliably learnt that Showmax will definitely be shuttered “soon” although a specific date isn’t yet available given a few remaining legal implications Canal+ and MultiChoice are sorting out.

Canal+ and MultiChoice confirmed the end of Showmax to Variety, saying there will be a “discontinuation of the Showmax service, following a comprehensive review of its streaming activities.”

MultiChoice launched Showmax across Africa 11 years ago in August 2015 to compete with the advent of streamers like Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon’s Prime Video, Disney+ and others which all became available on the continent and started biting into MultiChoice’s legacy pay-TV subscriber base.

Two years ago, in February 2024, MultiChoice, in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, relaunched Showmax, utilizing the technology behind the Peacock streaming service.

Millions of dollars were poured into the retooling of Showmax’s IT-platform and on content spending to boost the pan-African streamer in its fight against Netflix but it ultimately proved fruitless.

MultiChoice and NBCUniversal roughly poured a combined $309 million in equity funding into Showmax to primarily fuel content creation, but nothing came of the aggressive growth and subscriber uptake targets MultiChoice executives had promised investors before it relaunched.

Looking to shave a combined 400 million euro by 2030 in cost-cutting, including content cuts from the combined Canal+ group, the underperforming and money-guzzling Showmax is the latest victim of Canal+’s rightsizing at MultiChoice.

NBCUniversal has a 30% stake in Showmax as a joint venture. In its last annual results before the Canal+ takeover, MultiChoice revealed that Showmax’s trading losses had worsened by 88% while revenue significantly declined.

According to the company, “The decision to axe Showmax was made by the Showmax board and reflects the continued focus of MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, on financial discipline and investment optimization, in an increasingly competitive and capital-intensive global streaming environment.”

Since Canal+, as part of its agreement to take over MultiChoice, isn’t allowed to get rid of any staff for a period of three years, MultiChoice won’t let any Showmax staff go but will reassign them to other positions within the broader company.

“The decision to discontinue Showmax services will not involve any retrenchments. The group will be engaging and supporting employees through various transition options,” it told Variety.

MultiChoice has already started to quietly rebrand Showmax Originals as Africa Magic, M-Net, kykNET and Mzansi Magic Originals, with original series that will transition to these various DStv linear TV channels on MultiChoice pay-TV platform.

Showmax’s closure comes two years after Amazon MGM Studios shocked Nigeria and South Africa’s creative community in January 2024 when it abruptly announced that it would immediately stop commissioning any new local original content in Africa, and also killed already-existing development deals with a dozen production companies.

In January, during an investors’ call, Maxime Saada, Canal+ CEO, said that Showmax was “not a commercial success” and that its failure as a streaming service was “quite obvious.”

Saada also said that a decision about Showmax’s future would be made soon and that a reduction in the Showmax budget, which has been a huge financial drain on MultiChoice, would contribute significantly to Canal+’s overall cost-cutting goals.

Canal+ says it will “continue to invest in premium content for MultiChoice subscribers, technological innovation and strategic partnerships to consolidate its leadership in the African entertainment market.”

“Further details regarding our expanded content offering and platform upgrades will be shared in due course. We want to reassure our Showmax subscribers that they are our priority as we evolve our services to deliver a superior streaming experience.”

In June, Canal+ and Netflix announced a strategic distribution agreement for Francophone Africa with a new partnership through which Canal+ became the first operator to bundle Netflix subscriptions into its traditional pay-TV offering across 24 Sub-Saharan African countries.

Insiders told Variety that instead of wasting further money through trying to compete with Showmax as a struggling stand-alone streamer, Canal+ is likely to expand its partnership and roll out this Netflix-bundling into the rest of Africa.

An award-winning South African director-producer who has made several series and films for MultiChoice under the Showmax banner, told Variety the end of Showmax is a sad day for South African filmmakers since it closes yet another avenue to showcase work and earn a living in an industry undergoing tumultuous change.

“Showmax was one of the only platforms available to us that was willing to back stories that were bold and authentic in a market that has traditionally always played things safe,” the filmmaker said.

“From ‘Koek’ to ‘Adulting,’ ‘Spinners’ to ‘Catch Me a Killer,’ ‘Khaki Fever’ to ‘Youngins,’ ‘Wyfie’ to ‘Dam,’ these are films and series which would never be created by rival platforms or broadcasters. Losing Showmax is a huge blow to the local industry and audiences, with Canal+ giving us very little to hope that they will fill that gap with anything of value.”

“If 2026 is the Year of the Horse, it feels like this one is getting sent to the factory to be turned into glue and cheap pies.”

Canal+ is scheduled to report its next set of financial results on March 11. This will be the first full-year combined results since the group took effective control of MultiChoice in September 2025.

MultiChoice Might Be Widening The Reach Of SuperSport Play Channel To More DStv Customers

SuperSport Play is regarded as freemium sports channel, by free we mean available to consumers without an monthly DStv subscription. All you need to do is create a free account on DStv Stream to access the channel.

The suffix "-mium" is basically premium as it offers a mixture of sports from football (e.g. Betway Premiership, some Premier League matches), rugby (Super Rugby, Six Nations, NRL), cricket (1-Day Cup, ICC events), golf (PGA, LPGA, LIV, Sunshine Tour), 

To some degree, you could say it's a mashup of SuperSport Blitz (news coverage and highlights), Grandstand (overflows or simulcast airings) and Variety 4 (school events and local content).

SuperSport Play is available to DStv Free-To-View customers as well as Premium and Easyview customers through the DStv Stream app. Similar to SuperSport Schools, it looks like MultiChoice might be widening it reach for consumers.

We can only assume under Canal+, this was probably another way to enhance consumer's experience. Under the Naspers regime, MultiChoice was very hesitant in making some of its live matches available on a package like DStv Access.

Now consumers on Access not only get to watch La Liga matches live but also RAW and SmackDown on the 24 hour WWE channel.

Besides that, there was also chatter last year about possibly launching a standalone SuperSport package. Although we're not holding our breath on that best guess is them partnering up with Netflix to give consumers access to SuperSport.

MultiChoice Will Be Adding Base Pulse As A Replacement To MTV Base On DStv

Not long ago, it was reported that MultiChoice was testing out another music channel which had since been using the same frequency as MTV Base. This came after MTV Base and Paramount's 3 other channels had exited the platform earlier in the year. 

MTV Base served as one of the longest running channels within Paramount's stable offering a variety of African music. It was ranked the #1 music channel in West Africa which led to the rollout of MTV Base West - a localised feed.

After it's closure, a DStv viewer had started to notice a test card for MTV Base leading fueling speculation of a revival. 

Now word has spread on across social media that MultiChoice will be adding Base Pulse as a replacement to MTV Base. From what we can see this almost looks like a rebrand notice how both channels use Base and have the same presenters.

It's likely that when Paramount decided to close MTV Base and it's operations in Africa. Another brand swooped in and opted to takeover it's operations leading to the removal of the MTV name with Base taking center stage.

Base Pulse is being positioned as a next-generation hub blending music, storytelling, youth trends, and culture (with vibes like "drip" and "umswenko" as part of the lifestyle). The official tagline: "Rooted in youth. Powered by Africa’s pulse. Amplified beyond the screen."

It will not only take up MTV Base's channel number but also be available on the same package being DStv Access on channel 322.

Is MTV Base Making A Comeback To DStv?

Last month, MTV Base and BET went dark on DStv after Paramount decided to shutter it's operations in Africa. Other channels to exit the platform include CBS Reality and CBS Justice in which the company operate alongside AMC Networks International.

These closures were part of a corporate restructure at Paramount following it's acquisition by Skydance Media who are currently in pursuit of Cartoon Network's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount had stated that the decision to oust MTV Base and various of its music channels around the world was part of streamlining efforts. They wanted to put more emphasis on reinventing MTV even if that meant making it rival with Spotify.

Now it appears as if Paramount took a U-turn on the matter as DStv consumers have now spotted what appears to be MTV Base. Some of the signature shows are on the lineup like Bangers Only, Big Base Beats and 5@Five.

Then again this could as well be a placeholder for another TV channel but it seems very unlikely as most placeholders don't have this much content already prepped up. Besides MTV Base was the top rated music channel across West Africa.

If it is making a comeback, several questions would come to mind as MTV Base had presenters and other talent. Is this part of the revival or is this version almost like Mzansi Music or Trace Urban where songs are randomised.

Canal+ Confirms That Major Changes Are Coming Soon For Showmax, No Word On DStv Stream

Since Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice in late 2025, the French broadcaster has been slashing costs aiming for R7.5 billion in 2030. Most of these cuts will be coming out of M-Net, SuperSport, Showmax and DStv. 

David Mignot who served as the CEO for the merged group has admitted that it is a commercial failure. Despite MultiChoice attempts at revamping the service, trading losses for Showmax almost doubled in the last two years to R4.9 billion.

Talks were underway with Comcast in regards to the future of Showmax with the company that confirmed major changes are rolling out soon. From the looks of things, it appears as if they plan to either replace or close Showmax.

In an interview, Canal+ had stated that the company “can’t continue” operating the streaming platform as it is today. They're also exploring launching the self titled OTT service to the market but delays have occured due to Showmax.

Although the company has remained hush on what those changes for Showmax could as well be for consumers. One of which occured last month when The Gilded Age and Peacemaker exited the streamer as MultiChoice opted to scrap its HBO deal.

They had mentioned that further reductions are coming to Showmax and you can only assume this would have to do originals like Die Kantoor, Youngins and Outlaws.

It's possible that Canal+ decided to no longer produce original content for the platform and are letting these shows run its course. Let's remember, Canal+ has delayed contractual agreement for local content on M-Net's channels.

Prior to the delays, Canal+ had been widening the windows for these shows between Showmax and DStv. Post the takeover, DStv consumers had to wait several months for these shows and under Canal+ it only takes a couple of days.

Then there's the Premier League package which I can assume is also going away with further efforts being redirected to whatever comes of DStv Stream.

One thing that hasn't quite as yet been addressed by Canal+ is how DStv Stream would come into affect once it's streaming service enters the market. This yet to be launched service is just DStv Stream with additional enhancements.

For all we know, Canal+ could close DStv Stream and redirect viewers to its own streaming service and the same outcome could await Showmax.

Again maybe it's not all over for Showmax and Comcast opts to unburden MultiChoice of its duties. But the reality is this won't save "Showmax Originals" and Comcast could opt for a licensing agreement which is mainly for archived content.

Channel Closure: TV Mozambique Internacional Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv From 24 February 2026

Last month, TLNovelas was axed from the DStv platform as part of Canal+'s cost cutting measures at MultiChoice. This had also led SuperSport to miss out on Philly's Games and Winter Olympics with local content being further reduced at M-Net.

With the month not even up yet, it appears MultiChoice will be claiming another victim on DStv and this time it's TV Mozambique Internacional. 

TV Mozambique, is the international channel of Mozambique's national TV broadcaster, Televisão de Moçambique (TVM), broadcasting for 24 hours per day. It showcased local programming featuring Mozambican culture, tourism and sports.

At the time, Marta Odallah, TVM Internacional director, says "The addition of TVM Internacional on DStv is in line with our objective to spread the social, political, cultural and sporting reality of Mozambique across our borders".

"This collaboration is a giant leap for both TVM and MultiChoice, and indeed a step in the right direction of broadcasting inclusivity for all Mozambicans".

After 7 years, the channel will now be going dark on DStv from 24 February and it appears as if the closure is being swept under the rug. Unlike TLNovelas, MultiChoice hadn't notice to DStv subscribers about TV Mozambique Internacional.

This is not only the second channel to go dark during the year but like TLNovelas catered to Portuguese speaking countries. With TVM Mozambique gone, Kwenda and Maningue Magic would basically be the only other alternatives.

The problem part is that these brands are based in Angola and Mozambique while TVM Mozambique Internacional broadened it's reach to other parts of Africa.

Canal+ Reportedly Delaying Production Of Local Content On KykNET And Mzansi Magic

As some people may recall, Canal+ took control of MultiChoice by late 2025 and are planning to save up at R7.5 billion in costs by 2030. This prompted them not to acquire the Winter Olympics on SuperSport and abandon HBO on M-Net.

Despite what anyone thinks about Canal+, let's face it MultiChoice has been losing subscribers and the French are just doing the heavy lifting. Several insiders had stated that consumers should expect more cuts during the course of the year.

But then most consumers are kind of curious as to whether they'll be a price increase and if not why they should continue to pay more for even less now.

We're already halfway into February and now there's reports that production on local content has been paused/delayed. This is because Canal+ is slashing costs at MultiChoice with efforts being redirected from Johannesburg to Paris.

According to reports, numerous contracts for local series and soap operas are unsigned by Canal+. This would explain why there has yet to be word whether iThonga is getting renewed as the first season concludes this month on Mzansi Magic.

There's fears that Canal+ will prioritize on foreign series as seen with the recently added show on KykNET, The Landman. This part shouldn't come as a shocker because the owners are based in France and majority of content is dubbed there.

MultiChoice has been leaning toward this path post the takeover as seen with Zee Zonke and Star Khanya. Even international brands like Cartoon Network and Cartoonito are also starting to dub animated shows to Zulu.

This delay has also led some to believe that Canal+ will further reduce primetime in favour of archived material such as Isibaya on Mzansi Magic.

MultiChoice Zambia Adds Government Based News Channel Zanis TV To DStv

ZANIS TV has officially been onboarded onto the DStv platform following a landmark signing ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana represented the Zambian Government at the historic event, describing the partnership between Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) and MultiChoice Group as a major breakthrough for the country’s media industry.

Kawana said the development will significantly expand the reach of ZANIS TV, enabling more Zambians both at home and in the diaspora to access information on government programmes and national development initiatives.

“This partnership is a game-changer for our media industry. By expanding our reach, we are ensuring that every Zambian at home and abroad has a front-row seat to the developmental projects and policies of the New Dawn Administration,” Kawana said.

He noted that the move will enhance the visibility of Zambia’s developmental agenda and strengthen the dissemination of credible, timely and factual information.

However, Kawana said government has taken note of concerns raised by members of the public regarding DStv services. 

During the ceremony, he urged MultiChoice to address issues surrounding high subscription fees, reduce repetitive content and maintain ZNBC TV as a Free-To-Air channel.

“We have heard the concerns of our people and we have conveyed them directly to MultiChoice. It is important that as we expand access, we also ensure affordability and quality content for viewers,” he said.

Kawana also challenged the ZANIS team to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity as the channel transitions onto a broader continental and global platform.

"To the ZANIS team, the world is now watching. Let us continue telling the Zambian story with professionalism and integrity,” he said.

The onboarding of ZANIS TV onto DStv is expected to boost the channel’s visibility across Africa and beyond, positioning it as a key platform for showcasing Zambia’s development trajectory and national discourse.

Love Nature Expanding To More Canal+ Markets, Still No Word On MultiChoice's DStv?

Love Nature is a factual channel operated by Blue Ant Media with content focused on environmental appreciation and conservation. Based in Toronto, it features a range of wildlife and nature documentaries.

Following it's inception on Canal+ Polska, the French broadcaster is looking to expand Love Nature to all its French territories in France, Europe and Africa.

Programming set to be included at launch include Big Cat Country, Malawi Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife Icons Seasons 1 and 2 all of which are filmed in Africa. It seems kind of odd that a channel featuring this much local content is not as yet on DStv.

We've shot up a couple of theories as to why this may be the case as seen with the WBD deal. MultiChoice's contracts was aligned with that of Canal+'s operations in Europe so talks are likely still underway as the deal was said to unlock synergies.

There's no reason to think otherwise as Canal+ had promised that the buyout would include increased content for DStv consumers particularly local. Since last year, MultiChoice had stated they were in position to allocate more content and channels.

If I had guess where Love Nature would be placed probably in People's Planet former space which was channel 180. 

Is Canal+ Looking To Sell Showmax?

Last month, Canal+ held a media briefing discussing various details about MultiChoice after completing it's acquisition of the company in late 2025. It was revealed that Showmax was losing a lot of money and are exploring options for the brand.

Canal+ is also looking at possibly launching its self titled streaming service in MultiChoice markets which would bundle Netflix and Apple TV.

The problem part as outlined would be Showmax and during that briefing it was revealed that Canal+ would be reducing its investment toward the streamer. They've even held various talks with Comcast about the future of the brand.

One of which could include a possible sale of the brand to Comcast's NBCUniversal after acquiring a 30% stake. Another could be Canal+ acquiring the remaining stake and phasing it out for its self titled streaming service although it may seem unlikely.

In the event, NBCUniversal does look to acquire the remaining 70% which seems possible as Canal+ talked about selling none-core assets. It's likely that a licensing agreement between them and MultiChoice would be put in place for local content. 

Canal+ plans to sell MultiChoice content even to the likes of Netflix which they deem a partner. Under the Nasper era, 

What to me would be unknown is whether Showmax as a brand would continue to operate in Africa under that trademark or fold under Peacock as seen in the US and select international markets.

There's literally nothing stopping NBCUniversal from retaining the Showmax trademark as Canal+ has already begun the due diligence. Several original shows like Youngins and Die Kantoor their windows between DStv has been shortened.

Another is the international deals, Canal+ got out of renewal talks with Warner Bros. Discovery which saw consumers lose out on HBO content. If I had to guess, the next victim to all of these cuts within Showmax will be that Premier League subscription.

Canal+ could redirect this efforts back to DStv Stream.

If NBCUniversal is looking to acquire Showmax, HBO may not be the only thing to get reduced even content from Sony, Paramount and AMC will see radical declines. As NBCUniversal can use this buyout to expand its own catalogue instead.

How Canal+ Might Rollout A Sports Only Package On DStv?

Canal+ managed to complete it's acquisition of MultiChoice by late 2025 and since then had been undergoing some restructure. This includes scaling back on services such as Showmax and renewal of WBD channels in Europe and Africa.

Prior to the takeover, MultiChoice was exploring possibly offering sports on a separate package with another package offering local entertainment, movies and news.

It should be noted that this isn't the first time they explored such an offering and they've been very skeptical about separating SuperSport. This is because it wasn't deemed as viable as seen with Showmax PRO another had to do with the pricing.

In MultiChoice's first test run, consumers would have been given the option to pay a monthly rate of R300 for Mzansi Magic, Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network. This excluded the AddMovies offering which comprised of M-Net Movies 1 & 2.

SuperSport's offering on this package was divided between two the first would consist of PSL, La Liga and Premier League while the other featured Tennis, Rugby and Cricket. Both of which were also priced at R300 and those opting to pay both got a discount.

As seen with AddMovies where consumers aren't paying for this as a standalone the same is likely to await the sport's offering but under Canal+'s influence they could find some workaround.

A majority of Netflix subscribers are less likely to subscribe to the sports offering if MultiChoice were to tell them they needed to pay for the general entertainment package. This is what MultiChoice wanted to burden onto these clients in its drafts.

Under Canal+, these clients may be given the option to include SuperSport in their Netflix subscription. For those using Showmax, Canal+ could give these clients a discounted rate by bundling this service with SuperSport.

Netflix and Showmax are basically the OTT counterparts to this general entertainment package from DStv so the idea of them bundling SuperSport onto these services wouldn't seem far fetched.

Canal+ Looking To Launch It's Own Streaming Service In Place Of Showmax

Canal+ SA is considering deploying its streaming app, which includes deals with Apple TV and Warner Bros Discovery’s HBO Max, to clients of South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice Group, which the French firm bought last year.

“All of the content is embedded on the Canal+ app, and as a user, you do not have to go on another app,” chief financial officer Amandine Ferre said in an interview on Thursday.

Canal+ gained control of MultiChoice — part owner of streaming service Showmax with Comcast — late last year in a deal that valued the African platform at about $3 billion.

The Johannesburg-based firm’s operations are mainly in the south and east of the continent, as well as Nigeria and Ghana, while the French company already has a presence throughout francophone western Africa.

It hasn’t taken a final decision on what to do with Showmax — MultiChoice’s streaming offering — or on the roll-out of the Canal+ app to countries where MultiChoice operates, Ferre said.

Canal+ shares surged as much as 15% in London on Thursday and are at a record.

The combined entertainment platform will likely deliver more than €400 million in earnings before interest, tax and amortisation, and about €300 million in free cash flow cost savings by 2030, it said in a statement Thursday.

Canal+ is working to start growing MultiChoice’s subscriber numbers after the company lost almost 3 million customers over the past two financial years.

It has already renegotiated a contract for set-top boxes and has provided cheaper units since November, she said.

“We are really working on the entry ticket and the best packages, and making sure we have the best price,” said Ferre.

The combined entity has returned National Basketball Association content to the SuperSport offering after an eight-year break, and also added French Ligue 1 football matches to its platform.

MultiChoice was created by Cape Town-based Naspers.

In 2019, the company was spun off from Naspers and in 2024, Canal+ made a takeover approach. Its premium service is priced at about $60 a month.

From Discovery Channel To CNN: Could MultiChoice Have Broadened The Reach Of More Channels On DStv?

During the week, it was confirmed by MultiChoice that DStv Access subscribers would be gaining 3 additional 3 channels. This would consist of 2 music channels Trace Ngoma and Trace Gospel alongside wrestling promotion WWE.

This news came right after several DStv subscribers had spotted this channels on the company's website now listed under Access. It appears that MultiChoice may have broadened the reach of more channels.

As it should be noted, MultiChoice was running an Upsize promotion for various DStv consumers which is scheduled to end by 31 January 2026. Since then, a majority of Warner Bros. Discovery's channels are now listed under particular packages.

And it goes follows:

Discovery Channel - DStv Premium to Compact 

Discovery Family - DStv Family to DStv Access

HGTV - DStv Family to DStv Access

Food Network - DStv Family to DStv Access 

ID - DStv Compact to DStv Access

Travel Channel - DStv Family to DStv Access

Cartoonito - DStv Family to DStv Access

CNN - DStv Compact to DStv Access

Canal+ made a last minute deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for these channels which led to HBO and Warner Bros. content to get exempted from M-Net. Now it appears that the value of the higher end packages are being diluted.

According to a rep at Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice, these channels are part of the Upsize promotion which runs from November 2025 to 31 January 2026. Of course, it still doesn't answer why these channels are listed on these packages.

Showmax Has Been Deemed As Unsuccessful, Canal+ Looking To Wind Down On Investments

Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada says MultiChoice’s streaming platform, Showmax, was not a commercial success and that the company will cut further investments into the service.

Speaking during Canal+’s presentation on cost-cutting targets following its acquisition of MultiChoice, Saada was asked about his company’s plans for Showmax.

“Showmax is not a commercial success. It’s quite obvious. There were a lot of dedicated investments on the marketing side, on the content side, on the technology side,” the CEO said.

“We are in a position to reduce those investments. They are included in the synergies. I won’t say how much, but it is significant.”

However, he explained that their strategy was all about growth. So, when making these decisions, Canal+ will be very careful to avoid losing potentially valuable subscribers.

“Although we are very quick at assessing the investments that we believe are required and those that are not. We are also very cautious not to negatively impact the top line,” Saada said.

“Otherwise, it would be like a bandaid we could rip off, but we are not going to do that. There was so much investment there that we had a lot of room to improve the situation.”

Groupe Canal+ gained control of the MultiChoice Group in September 2025, following a lengthy mandatory buyout process. The final phase of the transaction commenced on 13 October 2025.

MultiChoice first launched its Showmax streaming platform in 2015. However, it received significant upgrades and relaunched as Showmax 2.0 in February 2024.

The DStv-owner had high hopes for the revamped platform, pinning its entire future on it and telling investors that it expected to generate $1 billion (R15.7 billion) in net revenue in five years.

The first indications of MultiChoice’s plans for Showmax surfaced in March 2023, when it announced a deal that would give its streaming service access to the technology behind NBCUniversal’s Peacock.

The deal’s terms stipulated that MultiChoice would sell a 30% stake in Showmax to NBCUniversal and Sky.

Showmax 2.0

MultiChoice invested in marketing, technology, and new content for Showmax’s relaunch. MultiChoice announced three subscription plans for Showmax alongside its relaunch.

These are Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile, and Showmax Premier League. The latter is a mobile-only subscription providing access to all 380 English Premier League matches.

Showmax Entertainment offers content like series, movies, and kids’ shows. It is also available in a mobile-only format for a lower monthly fee.

Showmax’s relaunch included an expanded local catalogue, including 21 Showmax Originals from four African countries. It promised that 1,300 hours of new Showmax Originals would be released in 2024.

The company’s strategy aimed to leverage the African streaming market entering an anticipated boom phase, and position Showmax to become the continent’s leading video streaming service.

It highlighted that Africa is home to more than 450 million smartphone users and 250 million football lovers, which MultiChoice saw as a significant untapped market.

“It is critical that we make our move now before others reorganise themselves and make a play for Africa, which is seen as the last remaining growth market,” MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela said.

A year after Showmax’s relaunch, MultiChoice said it was seeing significant growth in its subscriber base, with the number of paying customers increasing 50% year-on-year by September 2024.

“It was a landmark year for Showmax, which grew its paying subscriber base, excluding discontinued services, by 50% year-on-year,” it said.

In its results for the period, the broadcaster said it expected the growth to accelerate as its strategic initiatives start to bear fruit.

“Showmax streamer was named Best Television/Streaming Network at The National Film and TV Awards South Africa and Entertainment App of the Year at the Stuff App Awards,” it added.

While the streaming platform recorded further year-on-year growth in the 2025 financial year, it hasn’t been the success that MultiChoice had envisioned.

The streamer recorded 44% year-on-year growth and said the number of Showmax Originals offered on the platform had increased to 89.

The revenue it generated during the financial year was approximately R750 million, and MultiChoice said its revenue growth was impacted by discontinued products, like Showmax Pro, ahead of the relaunch.

MultiChoice initially projected that Showmax would make trading losses, which would begin decreasing by the 2025 financial year. However, the opposite happened.

MultiChoice’s latest annual results showed that Showmax’s trading loss had worsened by 88% from R2.6 billion to R4.9 billion. At the same time, revenue also significantly declined.

“The increased trading losses reflect the start-up nature of the business, with a step-change in content costs and increased platform costs,” MultiChoice said.

“Its results were also impacted by discontinuation of the Showmax Pro and diaspora packages in 2H FY24, prior to re-launch.”

The Group also recognised a R1.5 billion net loss from Showmax in its bottom line for its last financial year. Considering it owns 70% of the platform indicates that its overall net loss was R2.15 billion.

Canal+ Expects Billions In Savings After MultiChoice Deal

Canal+ expects to generate more than €400-million (R7.5-billion) in annual earnings “synergies” from its acquisition of MultiChoice Group, underlining the strategic importance of Africa to the French media group’s long-term growth ambitions.

In a statement released on Thursday, Canal+ said the combined group is targeting run-rate cost synergies of more than €400-million at earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (Ebita) level, and more than €300-million in free cash flow, from 2030 onwards.

The group said the acquisition, which gave Canal+ effective control of MultiChoice in September 2025, had created a “unique global entertainment platform” anchored in Europe and Africa, with increased scale allowing it to optimise costs across content, technology and other group functions.

Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada said the deal positioned the group to capitalise on Africa’s long-term growth potential, while also delivering substantial efficiencies. “Our increased scale will enable us to generate substantial synergies, particularly across our cost base,” he said.

Africa is central to Canal+’s growth plans. The company said a combined management team is now responsible for all African markets under the leadership of Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot, bringing together executives from both businesses.

The group cited favourable long-term trends on the continent, including rapid population growth, improving economic prospects and rising electrification and pay-TV penetration. Canal+ said its African subscriber base grew from 400 000 to nine million between 2010 and 2025, while MultiChoice’s customer base expanded from 3.9 million to 14.1 million over the same period.

Cost base

Together, the combined group has more than 40 million subscribers and operates in more than 70 countries. Canal+ said it is targeting between 50 million and 100 million subscribers over the longer term.

The company added that work is already under way to return MultiChoice’s African operations to growth following subscriber pressure in recent years. Further details on its plans for MultiChoice markets will be shared alongside Canal+’s full-year results in March.

Canal+ estimates the combined group’s 2025 cost base at around €8-billion, split between content costs of about €4.6-billion and technology and other costs of roughly €3.4-billion.

Cost synergies are expected to ramp up steadily, with more than €150-million in Ebita and free cash flow benefits targeted in 2026, rising to more than €300-million by 2028 and reaching full run-rate levels from 2030.

The group said more than €80-million of free cash flow synergies for 2026 have already been secured, including through new content partnerships, renegotiated hardware prices, optimisation of broadcasting and technology infrastructure, and the refinancing of MultiChoice’s long-term debt.

Implementation costs linked to the integration are expected to total about €35-million in 2026, rising to €40-million in 2028 and then declining to €20-million in 2030.

To support delivery of the synergies, Canal+ has centralised key group functions, including sports and entertainment content acquisition, technology, and procurement. It has also established dedicated governance structures to track and manage integration and cost savings.

Canal+ will provide further detail on the combined group’s strategy when it publishes its results for the year ended 31 December 2025 on 11 March 2026.

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.

Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel And WWE Channel Now On DStv Access???

MultiChoice had been running an Upsize promotion on the DStv platform since November 2025 as part of a 30 year celebration. This meant lower packages would get access to premium content at no additional charge.

Unbeknownst to some viewers was the sudden inclusion of Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel and the 24 hour WWE channel on DStv Access.

WWE Channel (Channel 128) is a dedicated 24-hour channel for all things World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It offers flagship shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, as well as pay-per-views documentaries, and archival content.

Trace Gospel (Channel 332) is a 24-hour music channel dedicated to showcasing the diversity and richness of local and international gospel music.

Trace Ngoma (Channel 326) is the new home for South African music and culture, with a strong focus on local genres and artists. "Ngoma" reflects themes of drumbeat, celebration, and heritage.

Last year, Paramount had shuttered MTV Base, BET, CBS Reality and CBS Justice due to a restructuring following it's buyout by Skydance. It was stated by MultiChoice that consumers could browse similar content on Mzansi Magic and Channel O.

This was their way of saying no plans are underway to retain Judge Judy much less rollout replacements. Consumers would be starting the new year with 4 less channels.

Since late 2025, Trace Africa, Trace Gospel and WWE brands which had been exclusive to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact and Family are now listed on Access.

In an enquiry to MultiChoice, they were only able to confirm the inclusion of Trace Urban's other TV channels. We can only assume that maybe MultiChoice wants to make Access the premier destination for Gqom and Amapiano.

As for WWE, MultiChoice had been very mim about whether it's a permanent addition but if you do browse the company's services in other parts of Africa. WWE does serve as a permanent fixture to these consumers and oddly it wasn't the case in SA.

MTV Will No Longer Air Music Programming Following The Closure Of MTV Base

During the month, Paramount closed four channels within the African market this comprises of BET, MTV Base, CBS Reality and CBS Justice. This forms part of corporate restructure which saw several linear channels close around the world.

This includes MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live in various European markets, BET in France and Nickelodeon in New Zealand.

For DStv consumers that are hoping that some fragment of MTV Base will form part of MTV shouldn't bet on it for the foreseeable future. This is because Paramount is leaning more toward reality TV for the main network.

This comprises of shows like Teen Moms, Dating Naked UK and Caught In The Act: Unfaithful. Award shows such as MTV EMAs were put on pause for the 2025 period and might be the closest anyone has to this fragment of MTV.

Speculation making the mount is that these are also in danger of getting the axe as seen with most of BET's award shows like Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards.

The new management at Paramount is getting with times and fact is Spotify and YouTube are gradually phasing out the likes of MTV Base. Plan B is to make MTV more leaner with documentaries, reality shows and some behind the scenes.

Problem here with Plan B is that MTV hasn't been as relevant as in a long while and the only reason it got this far was it's music brand it shuttered globally.

As it stands, MTV is at greater risk of following the same route as E! with the cancellation of Ridiculousness and Catfish: The TV Show. Majority of their audience latched onto these shows without them it's makes survival almost impossible.

Juana's Story And Aurora's Quest No Longer Moving Forward On DStv Following The Closure Of TLNovelas

MultiChoice will be axing TelevisaUnivison's TLNovelas channel from DStv and GOtv platforms by the end of the month. As part of Canal+'s cost cutting measures following it's takeover of the company.

According to some insiders, TLNovelas allegedly had two shows slated for African audiences and were slated to launch in the first quarter of the year. Following their axing, these titles would be directed to TLN Network in Angola and Mozambique.

Affected shows included Juana's Story (La Historia De Juana) and Aurora's Quest (El Ángel De Aurora).

Synopsis for Juana's Story 

The narrative follows Juana Guadalupe Bravo (played by Camila Valero), a 20-year-old virgin and engineering student. Her life is unexpectedly upended during a routine medical checkup when she is accidentally artificially inseminated due to a clinical mix-up. 

As Juana grapples with an impossible pregnancy, she eventually crosses paths with the biological father, Gabriel Rubio (played by Brandon Peniche). Gabriel is a powerful businessman and cancer survivor who had previously frozen his sperm, believing it was his only chance to have a child and leave a legacy. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two begin a complicated journey that evolves into a deep, unconventional romance. 

Synopsis for Aurora's Quest

The story is set in motion by Jezabel, Aurora's jealous sister, who orchestrates a brutal attack on Aurora by a man known as "El Pintas". Aurora becomes pregnant as a result of this rape. 

On Aurora’s wedding day to her fiancé, Antonio, Jezabel presents a falsified DNA test claiming the baby is not his. Simultaneously, El Pintas calls Antonio to falsely claim he and Aurora were lovers. Devastated, Antonio abandons Aurora at the altar.

Driven by shame and sexism, Aurora’s father, Miguel, snatches her newborn son, Gabriel, and gives him to a humble couple, Pascual and Victoria, to raise. 

Gabriel has grown up as Ángel Santos, unaware of his true origin. Destiny brings him into Aurora’s world when he begins working at her corporation.