Development Alert: eVOD Originals uMbali And Splintered Pieces Resurface On Openview

eMedia Investments had added the first seasons of uMbali and Splintered Pieces to eSeries on weeknights at 22:15 and 22:45 respectively. The latter was produced for eVOD and eMedia Investments had limited it's reach to Openview.

Following eVOD's rollout in the market, eMedia Investments had been giving some of its content an open window on their other platforms. But for shows like uMbali and Splintered Pieces, e.tv had been struggling to accommodate these shows.

They attempted to have it take up the timeslot of the Sunday movie block on e.tv and with minimal success for its movie offering. eMedia Investments decided to yank it to weeknights at 22:00 and that too had a limited run.

Now they've limited it's reach to Openview instead of allocating it on eExtra since it's also available on DStv or try to accommodate these shows on e.tv a lot better. One of the two would have helped these shows get more ad revenue compared to eSeries.

Synopsis for uMbali

Mbali is a "beguiling beauty queen" who uses her looks and street smarts to climb the social and economic ladder. After her boyfriend is arrested and her family loses their primary financial support, she vows to do whatever it takes to escape her circumstances.

Her pursuit of "the good life" leads her to steal husbands and boyfriends, creating a trail of enemies. She eventually finds what she believes is true love with her sister's fiancé, Peter, but her past and relentless ambition constantly threaten her safety and the lives of those around her.

Synopsis for Splintered Pieces 

The series explores the lives of two friends caught in a web of secrets and blurred boundaries. It focuses on Linda, a successful therapist who is bored in her relationship with her boyfriend, Paul.

On her birthday, Paul throws a surprise party where Linda meets and sleeps with a photographer named Jade. The situation becomes more complicated when Linda also sleeps with Tebello, the husband of her best friend Tshepi.

Tshepi is struggling with infertility, and when Linda falls pregnant, the paternity of the baby is unclear. A DNA test eventually confirms Tebello is the father, leading to a heartbreaking arrangement where Linda gives the baby to Tshepi and Tebello to raise as their own. 

Reminder: Hawaii Five-O Returns For It's 10th And Final Season On eSeries Alongside CSI: Miami And NCIS: Los Angeles

CSI: Miami Season 10 (FINAL)

This is the tenth and final season of the American crime drama series CSI: Miami, which follows a team of forensic investigators in Miami using cutting-edge science and police work to solve complex crimes. It premiered on CBS on September 25, 2011, and concluded on April 8, 2012, consisting of 19 episodes—the shortest season in the show's run. 

The season picks up from the previous cliffhanger, with Horatio Caine and his team pursuing a serial killer while dealing with personal and professional challenges, including betrayals and high-stakes investigations like a hotel murder and a tornado-destroyed crime scene. 

It starred David Caruso as Lt. Horatio Caine, Emily Procter as Calleigh Duquesne, Jonathan Togo as Ryan Wolfe, Rex Linn as Frank Tripp, Eva LaRue as Natalia Boa Vista, Omar Miller as Walter Simmons and Adam Rodriguez as Eric Delko.

Key episodes include the premiere "Countermeasures," where the team tracks a killer, and the finale "Habeas Corpse," wrapping up major storylines. 

CSI: Miami has been airing on the channel at 21:25 since March 2.

 

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 10

This season of the action-packed spin-off series focuses on the elite Office of Special Projects (OSP) team in Los Angeles handling high-stakes undercover operations against threats to national security. It aired on CBS from September 30, 2018, to May 19, 2019, with 24 episodes. 

The plot kicks off with the team recovering from a dangerous mission in Mexico, introducing new allies like retired Navy Admiral Hollace Kilbride, and tackling cases involving stolen military tech, assassins, and international intrigue. 

It starred Chris O'Donnell as G. Callen, LL Cool J as Sam Hanna, Daniela Ruah as Kensi Blye, Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks, Barrett Foa as Eric Beale, Renée Felice Smith as Nell Jones and Linda Hunt as Henrietta "Hetty" Lange.

Standout episodes feature "To Live and Die in Mexico" as the opener and "False Flag" as the finale, emphasizing team dynamics and espionage. 

Season 10 starts March 16 at 20:30 

Hawaii Five-0 Season 10 (FINAL)

The tenth and final season of the rebooted police procedural series centers on an elite task force combating crime in Hawaii, blending action, drama, and island culture. It premiered on CBS on September 27, 2019, and ended on April 3, 2020, with 22 episodes. 

The storyline wraps up long-running arcs, including Steve McGarrett solving his father's case from a decade ago, while handling cases like mob assassinations, tunnel collapses, and Halloween horrors. Former cast members like Masi Oka and Michelle Borth return as guests. 

It stars Alex O'Loughlin as Steve McGarrett, Scott Caan as Danny "Danno" Williams, Ian Anthony Dale as Adam Noshimuri, Meaghan Rath as Tani Rey

Beulah Koale as Junior Reigns, Chi McBride as Lou Grover and Katrina Law as Quinn Liu.

Notable episodes include the premiere "Ua 'eha Ka 'ili I Ka Maka O Ka Ihe" and the series finale "Aloha," providing closure to the team. 

The tenth and final season of Hawaii Five-O starts March 17 at 19:35.

Marianne, eExtra's Brand New French Crime Drama Launches In March

eExtra, a general entertainment channel that offers telenovelas and drama series from Turkey, India and Asia launches a new series, Marianne. It is a french crime drama that is scheduled to launch on the channel from 1st March at 7PM.

Synopsis for Marianne 

Known as Marianne, One of a Kind! or Judge Marianne) follows Marianne Vauban, a highly unconventional and outspoken investigating judge based in Toulon. Marianne solves complex, often bizarre crimes alongside Captain Raphaël Pastor and her loyal court clerk, Yves Marguet.

A decade-old cold case involving the murder of a prostitute is central to the plot. Marianne promised the victim's son, Zacharie, that she would find the killer. In Season 1, she takes the gifted teenager under her wing while working to re-open the officially closed investigation.

The series first aired in Switzerland in August 2022, followed by Belgium and on France 2 in September 2022. It stars Marilou Berry as Marianne Vauban, Alexandre Steiger as Raphaël Pastor, Stéphane Pezerat as Yves and Alka Balbir as Selma.

The first season consists of 6 episodes each with a 52 minute duration. A second season was also produced with filming shifting to Marseille.

In other developments, eMedia Investments had announced that they'll be cancelling Kelders Van Geheime after 2 seasons with it to conclude in August 2026. Other shows also ending soon include House Of Zwide, Smoke & Mirrors and Scandal!.

eMedia Streaming Service eVOD Crosses 2.2-million Users

eMedia’s video-on-demand platform eVOD has surpassed 2.2-million registered users, the entertainment group announced.

South Africa has in recent years seen growth in the number of streaming services that have entered the market, including US players Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as Hong Kong’s Viu, which has differentiated itself through local content. MultiChoice has also been investing heavily in the space and is home to three services — DStv, Showmax and Showmax Pro.

While video streaming is small in South Africa and the rest of Africa, the segment is growing. All the country’s big television broadcasters now offer online viewing options. EMedia has eVOD and the government-run SABC now streams its television and radio content through SABC Plus.

EVOD reached its latest milestone in the third quarter of 2025, “marking a significant milestone in its growth journey”.

EMedia established the service in October 2021 through a partnership with MTN, which offered special bundles to entice new sign-ups at the time. Since then the platform has recorded a 22% year-on-year increase in registrations, “reflecting continued audience adoption and engagement”.

EMedia, worth R1.4bn on the JSE, owns television and radio broadcasting businesses such as eNCA, OpenView and Yfm, with production studios.

The eVOD platform has more than 9,000 hours of content, with watch time increasing 56% in 2025 compared with 2024, “highlighting growing consumption across its content library”.

The company plans to launch five new original productions in 2026 to build on this momentum.

Over the past year, the platform has continued to evolve, introducing key features such as offline downloads and expanding accessibility through availability on Android and Hisense smart TVs.

Thapelo Ramatsui, brand manager for eVOD & local content at e.tv, said, “This milestone underscores eVOD’s long-standing commitment to providing authentic, relevant entertainment to South African audiences at no cost.”

“Over the past year, the platform has continued to evolve, introducing key features such as offline downloads and expanding accessibility through availability on Android and Hisense smart TVs.”

In the six months to end-September, the group reported an increase in other revenue, which includes eVOD, online and website sales, from R41.6m to R48.2m, a 16% jump year on year.

Yet, the segment is still the smallest component of group revenue, accounting for just 3.4% of the pie.

The eVOD growth comes while rivals are grappling with their own growth prospects.

MultiChoice’s new owner Canal+ is mulling the future of the unprofitable Showmax platform, which has to recover more than R3bn ploughed into it.

In October, Business Day reported SABC’s streaming platform had tripled its user base in less than a year to 1.5-million, growing well ahead of guidance, which had pegged 1-million users by 2027/28.

The state-owned company is also seeking to capitalise on its digital presence across channels such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube as part of a broader push to grow revenue from online sources.

News Shorts: Ninja Warrior UK On eReality, Cennet: The Power Of Destiny Rebroadcast On Telemundo And Tia Mowry: My Next Act On Bravo

eReality

Ninja Warrior UK S6

Starts 22 February

Only the strongest will survive! Ninja Warrior UK challenges athletes and regular contestants to take on one of the most challenging obstacle courses ever. They try to make it to the finish line with strength, speed, and determination. Who will conquer the course?

This season featured several major changes to the competition format, including for the first time ever, the competition would crown both male and female champions. This is also the first season of this format to hand out prizes: £25,000 and a car.

Telemundo

Cennet: The Power Of Destiny

Starts 23 February 

Cennet revolves around a beautiful, determined, and intelligent woman that was given up by her mother as a baby. Her grandmother raised her as her daughter, helping her work towards her dream of becoming an architect. As Cennet is growing up, she has little in her life except for her best friend. However, they are later separated because of an accident, making his best friend vanish from her life.

Years later, Cennet has become one of the most promising students in her architecture class and is destined for greatness. After she graduates, one of her schoolmate’s (Melisa) mother offers her a job at her firm. However, she later learns that the young boy that she infatuated with when they were young and were separated works at the same firm. Cennet meets Selim, her childhood friend, and is gradually drawn to him, and they start remembering their past.

Bravo

Tia Mowry: My Next Act

Season 1 Premieres Sunday 29th March at 19:00

A brand-new series arrives this March with Season 1 of Tia Mowry: My Next Act - in this raw and revealing series, Tia Mowry invites viewers into her post-

divorce world, opening her heart as she navigates singlehood, co-parenting, dating, and expanding her businesses.

Through intimate access, the series chronicles her emotional recovery, new romantic experiences, and multifaceted career adjustments - all while balancing motherhood with grace and grit.

King Of Queens Returns For A Season 7 On eSeries

Airing: 23-Feb-26 at 6:15PM

Season 7 of The King of Queens brings back everything viewers love about this classic sitcom: bigger laughs, deeper family drama, and even more everyday chaos.

What to Expect:

• The Power Couple: Doug Heffernan remains the loud, food-loving delivery driver who prefers the couch to responsibility, while Carrie stays sharp-tongued, ambitious, and perpetually frustrated by Doug’s immaturity.

• Relatable Reality: This season leans into the reality of long-term relationships—tackling money stress, jealousy, and the "small" arguments that inevitably turn into big problems.

• The Arthur Factor: Carrie’s unpredictable father, Arthur, continues to steal scenes with his blunt honesty and bizarre schemes, adding a unique layer of tension and wisdom to the household.

The Verdict: With the supporting cast (Deacon, Kelly, Spence, and Danny) rounding out the neighborhood humor, Season 7 is a crowd-pleasing comedy that celebrates imperfect people and real-life love.

eSeries is available on Openview channel 109

Beat Shazam Returns To eReality For A Season 7

Jamie Foxx and his daughter Corinne Foxx are returning to Fox‘s interactive music game show Beat Shazam for Season 7.

Jamie Foxx serves as host and executive producer with Corinne Foxx set to co-host and deejay when the show premieres on Saturday, February 14 on eReality. Nick Cannon hosted Season 6 as Jamie Foxx was hospitalized due to “medical complications.”

Beat Shazam is a game show that pits teams of two against the clock and each other, as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the most money banked will outlast the competition and go against the app Shazam for the chance to win $1 million. Throughout its six previous seasons, the show has given away more than $10 million. This season, Beat Shazam will feature special themed episodes that include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers – all battling it out to win the prize of a lifetime.

“Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam,” said Allison Wallach, Fox Entertainment’s President of Unscripted Entertainment. “As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it’s wonderful having them back on set this season.”

The series is created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble and is produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam. Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O’Riordan and Jamie Foxx serve as executive producers.

Reminder: NCIS - Los Angeles Returns On eSeries For A Season 9

Season 9 of NCIS: Los Angeles takes viewers deeper into the dangerous world of undercover operations, international crime, and high-risk intelligence missions. The elite NCIS team continues to protect national security while working in the shadows, where trust is fragile, and every decision can mean life or death.

Special Agent G Callen remains calm, strategic, and emotionally complex as his past continues to influence his present. Sam Hanna brings strength, loyalty, and discipline to the team, balancing intense fieldwork with family responsibility. Their partnership anchors the season, underscoring the importance of brotherhood and trust in facing unpredictable enemies.

This season raises the stakes with cases involving terrorism, cybercrime, and global conspiracies. Missions move from the streets of Los Angeles to international locations, giving the series a cinematic feel while keeping stories easy to follow. Each episode delivers action-packed investigations mixed with personal moments that reveal the cost of living undercover.

Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks face challenges that test both their professional skills and personal relationship, adding emotional depth to the storyline. The supporting team plays a vital role, highlighting teamwork, resilience, and shared sacrifice. Technology, strategy, and quick thinking drive every operation.

Season 9 balances suspense with heart, offering thrilling chases, tense interrogations, and powerful character growth. The storytelling remains accessible, with clear motivations and strong heroes audiences can root for. NCIS: Los Angeles Season 9

delivers reliable action drama that celebrates courage, loyalty, and commitment to protecting others, even when the danger is personal, from start to finish.

10 February 8:30PM.

Reminder: Paula S1 (Monday – Wednesday @ 21:00, Starts 19 January 2026) On SABC 3 (S3)

Synopsis: – Paula and James are worlds apart. They might both live in Dublin, but Paula is a respected teacher, whereas James scratches out a living doing maintenance jobs and stealing from his mother. When Paula hears strange scuttling noises in her basement, she hires James to exterminate the rats and silence her fears. The two share a frenzied and fateful one-night stand. Paula is quickly pulled into a vicious game of cat and mouse. James seems to lurk on every street corner and behind every shadow – along with looming ghosts and silent children, buried shame and harrowing secrets. As James’ grip strengthens, Paula’s ‘normal’ life shatters. She is forced to dig deep, and access the darkest depths of her soul, in a battle to survive.

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Monday, 19 January 2026

Paula is trying to end an affair with the handsome but married teacher Philip, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the headmaster. If that wasn’t enough, she discovers a rat infestation in her basement. Paula asks handyman James to sort out the problem. There is an instant spark of animal attraction between the two, leading to a passionate one-night stand. Everything is not as it seems with James, with too many mouths to feed at home he is desperate for money. The pressure is on him, and since meeting Paula something seems to be haunting James…. Having learnt about the affair he tries to blackmail Philip. Things go terrifyingly wrong when he flies into a rage.

Episode 2 – Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Paula struggles to come to terms with Philip’s death and Mac’s superior seems determined to believe that it was suicide. Paula notices some things missing from her home and starts to believe that James was involved in Philip’s death somehow, she enlists Mac’s help. James meanwhile is trying to cope living with two warring women; Crystal accuses Morgan of speaking to the police and reacts violently. James fears that the police are closing in on him and his hallucinations are getting worse. He goes on the run. Paula again is trying to cope with her brother’s alcoholism and is having nightmares herself.

Episode 3 – Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Mac tries to recover from the attack but faces fierce repercussions at work. Meanwhile James is facing charges. Determinedly Mac continues to dig into James’ past, discovering that he had a troubling start to life. As if things couldn’t get any worse for Paula, she faced with the awful reality that Callum may never fully recover. She and Mac continue to get closer, but she is haunted by the image of James coming after her. When he is released, she faces him once more, but this time she is prepared for a fight.

 

Development Alert: SABC 2 Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Ouma Sarie From eExtra's Kuiertyd, To Launch In February 2026

Not long ago, it was reported that SABC 2 would be making minor adjustments to primetime schedule in February 2026. This includes the reinstatement of Afrikaans news and to no one surprise the induction of the sitcom Ouma Sarie.

A few years ago, SABC made the decision to cancel 7de Laan as the soap was deemed non viable. Since then, SABC had made no attempts at replacing the soap with it's timeslot that was taken up by Deal Or No Deal SA and reruns of Vetkoekpaleis.

This led consumers to rely on rival broadcasters such as eExtra's Kuiertyd whose parent company coincidentally launched a rivalled soap Kelders Van Geheime. Even KykNET features an extensive lineup of shows such as Binnelanders and Suidooster.

Now it looks like SABC 2 is going back to basics and could as well be trying to revisit this market with Ouma Sarie from 9 February at 18:30.

Synopsis for Ouma Sarie 

Ouma Sarie is a popular South African comedy series centered on a no-nonsense, straight-talking Karoo grandmother who navigates daily life with sass, humor, and a unique ability to get her way, becoming a beloved figure known for her blunt advice and community presence, starring Moses Williams as the titular character in a hit Afrikaans sitcom. 

SABC 2 Ushers Into The New Year With The Revival Of Nuus, Debuts Pimville And More In February 2026

In the coming weeks, e.tv will be reshuffling their primetime schedule with Smoke & Mirrors and Scandal! concluding soon. Kelders Van Geheime will now be grouped with these shows as e.tv News takes up it's 18:30 timeslot.

Last year, Muvhango concluded on SABC 2 after its 28 year run on the channel and plans were underway to fill up the slot with a new series, Pimville. The show was initially slated to launch in August 2025 but was delayed to February 2026.

There was very little communication over this and as you can imagine for the rest of the year SABC 2 was filling up it's schedule with mostly repeats.

In the case of Pimville, it's likely to end up in the same boat as Queendom on the defunct BET Africa and The Estate on SABC 3.

Firstly, SABC entrusted the livelihood of this show to Bakwena Productions who had been involved in various scandals over non-payment. You can only assume Pimville is another victim and SABC has enough episodes for most of 2026.

Another development at SABC 2 is the apparent reinstatement of Afrikaans news bulletin at 18:30 in February 2026. This comes after SABC had told the media that they'd fold this bulletin alongside a batch of Afrikaans content on SABC 3.

This is part of their so-called "new era" which is just a facade as the move only damaged the viewership for these shows. Some insiders had stated there was no market research done when these changes were made last year.

The cash strapped broadcaster has acquired the Afrikaans sitcom Ouma Sarie from eExtra's Kuiertyd. This is probably their way of trying to fill the void after the abrupt cancellation of 7de Laan.

Press statement from the SABC 

SABC 2 is entering a New Era – a renewed chapter defined by authentic South African storytelling, cultural familiarity, and a deeper connection to everyday life.

This New Era marks a deliberate shift towards programming that feels relevant, emotionally resonant and grounded in lived South African experiences. It reflects a channel that is confident in its audience, clear in its purpose and intentional in how it serves viewers across generations.

As part of this evolution, SABC 2 introduces the first wave of programming that signals the tone, energy and intent of the New Era ahead of the full channel rollout on 09 February 2026.

NEW ERA – FIRST WAVE PROGRAMMING

Eintlik Let’s Connect – 16h30

A topical afternoon companion offering real conversations, lifestyle insights and everyday South African voices.

Afrikaans Nuus – 18h30

The inclusion of Afrikaans Nuus on SABC 2 underscores the channel’s commitment to linguistic diversity, ensuring Afrikaans-speaking audiences are meaningfully represented within the public broadcaster’s comprehensive and accessible news service.

Ouma Sarie – 19h00

A warm, multi-generational favourite that celebrates humour, tradition and the relationships that anchor South African families.

Deal or No Deal – 19h30

The iconic game show Deal or No Deal, hosted by Katlego Maboe, moves into a new timeslot, bringing anticipation, excitement and shared family viewing into primetime.

Pimville – 21h00

Positioned as the flagship of SABC 2’s New Era, Pimville is a powerful telenovela set in Soweto that explores ambition, resilience, love and consequence through authentic township storytelling.

Colour Your Plate with KOO – Sundays 19h00

A vibrant cooking competition celebrating nutritious meals and South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage returns for a new season.

Together, these programmes mark the opening movement of SABC 2’s New Era – a confident first step that signals change while setting the stage for more to come.

Further announcements, including additional weekday and weekend programming, will be revealed at SABC 2’s Live in Every Beat: The Pulse of South Africa launch on 29 January 2026.

SABC 2’s refreshed schedule goes on air from 9 February 2026.

Major Shake-Up. e.tv Moves House Of Zwide, Kelders Van Geheime And More Shows To New Timeslots

For weeks, eMedia Investments had been teasing viewers with some breaking news and now the cat is out of the bag. The broadcaster will be making changes to e.tv's local portfolio in 2026 with some shows like e.tv news airing almost two hours early at 18:30.

This is the timeslot currently occupied by Amalanga Awafani on SABC 1 and by moving news here means they'll be minimal division amongst viewers. 

The most shocking for some viewers will be Kelders Van Geheime as e.tv built up some Afrikaans block which paired up with Yosef and rebroadcast of eExtra's Viola. Now Kelders Van Geheime will be airing 30 minutes later at 19:00.

House Of Zwide and Scandal! will be airing 30 minutes later at 19:30 and 20:00 respectively. Isitha: The Enemy will be airing an hour earlier at 20:30 with Smokes & Mirrors remaining at 21:00.

eMedia Investments hasn't stated why they're adjusting their schedule once again but several scenarios could come into play. Kelders Van Geheime's move was probably their way of trying to group all their local content together.

Isitha: The Enemy's move to an earlier timeslot could stem from the Zulu dubbed drama Uzozisola: Regrets. With TAMS dead, we can only assume this Indian drama had become a flop in its current timeslot so e.tv is burning it off at 21:30.

Current schedule 

18:30 Kelders Van Geheime 

19:00 House of Zwide

19:30 Scandal!

20:00 e.tv News

20:30 Uzozisola: Regrets 

21:00 Smoke & Mirrors

21:30 Isitha: The Enemy

Upcoming schedule from January 19th, 2026

18:30 e.tv News

19:00 Kelders Van Geheime 

19:30 House of Zwide

20:00 Scandal!

20:30 Isitha: The Enemy

21:00 Smoke & Mirrors

21:30 Uzozisola: Regrets (rumour)

New Channel Alert: 1KZN TV And Mpuma Kapa TV Are Now Streaming On SABC+

Following the inclusion of SuperSport Schools, SABC+ has added the provincial stations 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV in an attempt to boost primetime on the platform. As the struggling SABC 2 and SABC 3 start to see a drop in viewership.

Based in Richards Bay, 1KZN TV promotes cultural preservation and community development, making it a key voice for regional narratives. It focuses on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in South Africa, with a strong emphasis on Zulu culture, history, and local stories.

It produces original programming through community engagement, including news, entertainment, youth culture shows, and sports coverage like the DStv Diski Challenge and KZN Sport.

Mpuma Kapa TV (often abbreviated as MPK TV or formerly known as Bay TV) is the Eastern Cape's premier regional broadcaster, serving as a "window to the province" by showcasing local culture, community developments, entertainment, and economic stories.

It features multi-genre content, including religious programs like Shekinah Healing Ministries, talk shows such as Book Review and Street Talk TV, event coverage around Nelson Mandela Bay, and motivational segments.

Aside from SABC+, 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV are also streaming on Freevision Play and through cable on DStv. 

Unlike BET's Black Gold, CBS Reality Won't Be Able To Wrap Up Judge Judy When It Goes Dark On DStv

A few years ago, Judith Sheindlin announced that her court show Judge Judy currently seen on e.tv and CBS Reality would be hanging up its gloves after the 25th season. The problem part is that Africa is still behind as CBS Reality is on its 21st season with e.tv on its 22nd season.

This means e.tv has yet another 3 years worth of court room drama to wrap up while CBS Reality won't be able to air the remaining 4 years of episodes.

Paramount had already confirmed that it's joint venture with AMC Networks International for both CBS Reality and CBS Justice would be ending soon. This would bring about the end of Judge Judy which served as one of the longest running primetime shows on the brand.

None of DStv's other channels such as Investigation Discovery, Curiosity Channel or even Real Time will be adding Judge Judy when CBS Reality goes dark. Judge Judy had been cancelled by 2020-2021 and these brands likely won't hover around old content.

This means while the rest of Africa are being shut out from Judge Judy, DStv consumers in South Africa have to rely on a free-to-air broadcaster. The problem is that consumers would have to purchase an Openview or watch it weekday mornings on e.tv at 11:00.

CBS Reality had been airing a lot of reruns to the show and it's run on eMedia's platforms are very minimal or below average.

SABC Has Revived Top Billing For It's 2026 Content Slate

The SABC is celebrating the return of South Africa's classic 'love it or hate it' magazine show, Top Billing.

The luxury lifestyle show was cancelled in 2019 after 25 years on our TV screens.

The Top Billing comeback was announced during a reunion event featuring former presenters, at a swanky seaside Cape Town hotel.

The show has partnered with Corona to bring viewers a Reunion Special on Thursday 27 November at 7pm on S3. 

Weekly episodes are set to return in March 2026, also available on SABC Plus.

The reunion is the perfect way to bring the show back and segue into what's in store in 2026, says Themba Gwejela, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing at the SABC.

"We bring back the familiar faces for the reunion, and are also throwing back in terms of creating excitement around what people can look forward to next year. I think South Africans have really missed Top Billing."

He gives the assurance that, in line with the Top Billing tradition, they will also be introducing new talent to the show.

eMedia Holdings Acquires 30% Stake In Pristine World Holdings

South African media company eMedia Investments, owner of e.tv, has announced the acquisition of a 30% equity stake in Pristine World Holdings, a specialist provider of high-end visual effects (VFX) services to the global film and television industry. The deal, valued at R119 million, marks a strategic move by eMedia to diversify its content creation capabilities and tap into international production markets.

The transaction will be executed through eMedia Investments, with payment directed to Convergence IT Services FZCO, the sole owner of Pristine World Holdings. Convergence is incorporated in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the international scope of the deal.

In a statement released to investors on Thursday, eMedia highlighted that the investment aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen and diversify revenue streams within its existing media ecosystem. By acquiring a stake in Pristine World Holdings, and by extension, gaining access to its subsidiary MR Factory, a cutting-edge VFX studio, eMedia aims to integrate advanced visual effects technologies into its own production pipeline.

Pristine World’s service offerings include:

• Computer-generated imagery (CGI)

• Motion capture

• Digital compositing

• Animation

These capabilities will enable eMedia to enhance the quality of its content across platforms such as e.tv and eVOD, its video-on-demand service. The investment also positions the company to collaborate on international projects and offer high-end VFX services to external clients.

The timing of the acquisition coincides with eMedia’s ongoing development of its own VFX infrastructure at its Hyde Park studios in Johannesburg. This facility is being built to support real-time visual effects integration, allowing both in-house and third-party productions to benefit from advanced post-production technologies.

eMedia stated:

This investment forms part of eMedia’s strategy to diversify and strengthen its revenue streams within its existing ecosystem. By acquiring a stake in Pristine World (and, in effect, in MR Factory), eMedia gains access to the technology and innovation of MR Factory. It aims to incorporate high-quality visual effects capabilities into its content production pipeline, thus enhancing the quality of its offerings and positioning the eMedia group for international project collaboration.

The transaction is set to become effective on 1 October, pending regulatory approval from the South African Reserve Bank and the finalization of a shareholder agreement between eMedia and Pristine World Holdings.

Catfish: The TV Show Currently Seen On MTV And eReality Has Been Cancelled After 9 Seasons

“Catfish: The TV Show” is dead in the water.

The reality show that investigated deceptive online relationships has been canceled at MTV after nine seasons. The network is allowing the producers to shop the series elsewhere.

Hosted by Nev Schulman, “Catfish” helped people discover the truth about their suspicious digital romances — and sometimes come to terms with the person on the other side of the computer screen. The series is based on Schulman’s 2010 documentary of the same name, which coined the term “catfish” for someone who uses a false identity or stolen photos to deceive others on the internet.

Developed by Schulman, Ariel Schulman and Max Joseph, “Catfish: The TV Show” debuted in 2012 on MTV and ended with Season 9 in July 2024. Nev Schulman and Joseph co-hosted the show for its first seven seasons. In 2018, Joseph was replaced by a rotating list of presenters, including Elle King, Nick Young and Machine Gun Kelly. Eventually, Kamie Crawford joined as a permanent host, joining Schulman for 96 episodes.

“Catfish” not only gave a name to the phenomenon of digital deception. The series also spawned international spinoffs in Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Its legacy continues on-screen: a recent episode of “The Paper” centered on an employee being catfished by someone impersonating a celebrity, and the current No. 1 documentary on Netflix is titled “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.”

Since the end of Season 9, the status of “Catfish: The TV Show” was up in the air, as it had not received a renewal or cancellation from MTV amid the restructuring of the Paramount merger. Last month, Schulman announced he had earned his real estate broker’s license and would be helping people buy and sell homes in New York.

The Next New Season Of MasterChef South Africa Will Sizzle On e.tv

Another piping hot edition of MasterChef South Africa is on its way, and this time it will turn up the heat in its new home on eTV. The local version of the world’s best-known and most-loved television cooking competition is set to sizzle on e.tv on Sunday nights at 18:00 from early 2026. In addition to this prime-time screening, MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will also cook up a storm on eReality and eExtra.

“MasterChef is a tasty and spicy television stew infused with all the ingredients our audiences love – rollercoaster action, suspense, high drama, and unforgettable reality show moments,” said Helga Palmer, Group Head of Content and Strategy at eTV. “The South African adaptation, infused with the flavours of local cuisine, has been a winning recipe with a series of successful seasons, and eTV is the perfect broadcaster for this exhilarating format.”

“Collaborating with e.tv is an exciting step in bringing MasterChef South Africa to a broad, culturally diverse South African audience,” Bongumusa Makhatini, CEO of the franchise’s format rights holder for Africa, Primedia Studios, added. “We’re thrilled to have secured a primetime slot on the country’s biggest free-to-air independent broadcaster and its complementary channels, known for serving world-class entertainment to its multitude of viewers. And, we can’t wait to meet all the contestants who’ll whip up the new season’s must-watch moments.”

MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will once again be produced by the multi-award-winning production company Homebrew Films for Primedia Studios. It will be filmed at Atlantic Studios in Cape Town and has been licensed in the territory following an agreement with Banijay Rights.

The previous season of MasterChef South Africa, aired on SABC, kick-started the culinary careers of several contestants, whether a surprisingly disastrous day in the MasterChef Kitchen caused them to hang up their aprons on the show or their delectable dishes saw them dashing to the final.

Season 5 winner Bridget Mangwandi made history on MasterChef by becoming the franchise's youngest titleholder at the age of 18 and the first black woman to win MasterChef South Africa.

“The show has truly transformed my life,” Bridget commented. “Not only did it open all kinds of culinary doors, but throughout the competition, the gruelling challenges, feedback from the show’s esteemed judges, and interaction with the guest judges, all experts in their fields, allowed me to sharpen my skills behind the pots and pans. I strongly encourage all passionate home cooks to seize the opportunity to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”

Home cooks from across the country who want to follow in Bridget’s food journey footsteps can now put their name in the pot to win the highly coveted title of “MasterChef” and the R1 million prize awaiting the MasterChef South Africa Season 6 winner. 

Visit the official website at masterchefsa.tv to complete the entry form. The closing date for entries is 16 October 2025 at 23:59.

Who is eligible to enter the competition? To bake, fry, or roast your way to success on the show, you must be a South African citizen above 18 who has never earned a living as a professional chef. 

You simply need to live and breathe food, enjoy spending time in front of the stove, and know how to create the most mouthwatering meals.  

The judges for the sixth season of MasterChef South Africa will be announced in due course. 

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records). Now commissioned across 71 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 700 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the superbrand is known and enjoyed worldwide.

Competition Tribunal Approve eMedia Holdings Acquisition Of eMedia Investments

The Competition Tribunal has granted unconditional approval for eMedia Holdings (EMH) to proceed with its acquisition plan, which aims to boost its stake in eMedia Investments (EMI).

This merger is a key part of a broader initiative that will enable eMedia shares to be distributed among Remgro’s shareholders. EMH anticipates that this move will provide it with greater control over EMI’s strategic direction while enhancing the liquidity of its stock.

The approval follows a recommendation from the Competition Commission, which indicated that the transaction would not significantly hinder competition within any market. Once the deal is finalised, EMH will have complete authority over EMI.

eMedia Investments owns several entities, including E-tv, Platco Digital, E-sat TV, Yired, SASANI Studios, and eMedia Properties, with Platco Digital managing the satellite service Openview.

EMH is publicly traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is entirely controlled by Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI). The Commission highlighted that EMH and HCI have diverse investments spanning multiple sectors, such as hospitality, media, transportation, energy, technology, and real estate.

In 2000, a restructuring of the Rembrandt Group led to the formation of VenFin, a holding company that gained joint control of EMI with EMH. Technology investments were assigned to VenFin during this restructuring, while traditional investments remained under Remgro’s control.

Remgro is a South African investment holding company listed on the JSE. It has interests in various sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, insurance, industry, infrastructure, media, and sports.

According to the Competition Commission, the proposed merger is unlikely to substantially reduce or obstruct competition, as it is described as an internal restructuring with no significant public interest issues.

In their documentation outlining the transaction, eMedia clarified that EMH currently owns approximately 67.69% of EMI, while VenFin holds the remaining shares. Under the new agreement, VenFin will exchange its EMI shares for shares in EMH, which it is obligated to distribute to Remgro’s shareholders immediately.

Should VenFin or Remgro neglect to distribute the shares, EMH retains the right to repurchase them for a total cash amount up to US$3.3 million.

eMedia has stated that this merger will significantly increase EMH’s scale by consolidating complete ownership of EMI under the publicly listed company, ensuring that EMH has both independent and comprehensive control over EMI’s future strategic objectives. Furthermore, the transaction aims to increase the percentage of EMH N shares held by the public, thereby enhancing market liquidity and availability.

Competition Commission Approves eMedia Holdings Proposed Attempt To Acquire Remaining Shares In e.tv And Openview Parent Company

The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal unconditionally approve a proposed transaction that will see eMedia Holdings acquire eMedia Investments.

This will give eMedia Holdings (EMH) independent and complete control over eMedia Investments’ long-term strategic direction, and improve the liquidity of EMH’s shares.

eMedia Investments (EMI) controls the following firms: E-tv, Platco Digital, E-sat TV, Yired, SASANI Studios, and eMedia Properties. Platco Digital operates eMedia’s satellite service Openview.

EMH is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is ultimately solely controlled by Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI).

The Commission noted that EMH and HCI have investments in various firms active in several industries, including hotel and leisure, media and broadcasting, transport, energy, services and technology, and property.

Meanwhile, eMedia Investments is jointly controlled by EMH and VenFin, a holding company formed in 2000 as part of the Rembrandt Group’s restructuring.

During the restructuring, technology investments were held by Venfin, while traditional investments remained with Remgro.

Remgro is a South African, JSE-listed investment holding company with interests in the healthcare, consumer products, insurance, industrial, infrastructure, media, and sports sectors.

“The Commission is of the view that the proposed transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market as it is an internal restructuring,” the Competition Commission said.

“The proposed transaction does not raise significant public interest concerns.”

In a circular explaining the deal, eMedia said that EMH holds the majority of the shares (approximately 67.69%) in EMI, its operating subsidiary, while Venfin holds the remainder.

Under the terms of the deal, Venfin will receive shares in EMH in exchange for its EMI shares, which it must then immediately distribute to Remgro shareholders.

If Venfin or Remgro fails to distribute the shares, EMH has the right to repurchase the shares from either party for an aggregate cash consideration of up to R59,509,547.50.

“The proposed transaction will materially enhance EMH’s scale by consolidating 100% ownership of EMI under the listed entity, and ensure that EMH has independent and full control over EMI’s long-term strategic direction,” it said.

“In addition, for an extended period of time, there has been limited liquidity in the listed EMH N Shares.”

eMedia said that the transaction would create a significantly larger percentage of the EMH N shares held by public shareholders, creating additional free float and liquidity.