Reviewing Major Changes Coming Soon To The SABC: The Early 2023 Edition

Throughout most of 2022, I'd say the public broadcaster was silent regarding upcoming developments for SABC 1-3, Sport and Education and after that last minute showcase that was aired virtually I'm more convinced that they're now interested in reinventing themselves.

Earlier in the month, they unveiled a new project known as SABC eKhaya which is set for launch on the DTT platform and SABC+. The project is an expansion of the current SABC News Channel on the DStv platform and also the revamped SABC Parliament channel.

Aside from the new project, the public broadcaster was part of an interview basically discussing some minor aspects of reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC and also briefing readers in on a couple of other aspects I thought readers would find interesting.

SABC:
- Could SABC Encore revival be scrapped?
- A former SABC channel was added onto Openview
- SABC Movies' dream journal
- SABC Education not launching on Openview

Probably give readers a better understanding regarding some of the questions - new channels.

As mentioned last year, plans are underway to reduce the load of rebroadcasts seen on their 3 channels meaning instead of having Uzalo broadcast on SABC 1 with repeats on the other two channels you'll have repeats air on 1 channel and the other alternative is SABC+.

From what media outlets got from the public broadcaster it could take into affect between now and April 2023.

If I had to guess why these changes haven't taken to affect by now they're probably trying to find other content to put in their place while as changing the timeslots for other content. I mean I don't see any sense in repeating Uzalo more times in 24 hours if the goal is to increase the attention for SABC+.

I mean e.tv once offered two repeat timeslots on weekdays for their longest running soap Scandal and the former musical Rhythm City. Now there's plenty of repeat variety with Elif, Wrede Stad and Verdeelde Liefde.

I do remember them mentioning that SABC 1 would be more youth oriented and SABC 2 would stick to current affairs so maybe more of that will be seen in the blank spaces. As for SABC 3, it will keep moving forward even though some prefer it merging with the other two channels.

Other aspects discussed had to do with SABC Sport, for several decades it was long stated SABC 1-3 will be more like e.tv which is general entertainment and if you wanted to view soccer, cricket and netball you needed SABC Sport.

The problem with getting there had to be the demise of analogue TV. The government has been delaying for more than a decade already same goes for the chances 7de Laan's timeslot won't be interrupted every now and then.

SABC:
- Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
- TelkomOne's transition into SABC+
- SABC 1 title card registered for Openview
- SABC Children appears to have wrapped production

Considering that not everyone has access to SABC Sport particularly when they do turn off these signals with others on the likes of DStv and StarSat. The likelihood is that similar to Impact Wrestling on e.tv, viewers will get 2 hours of sports at least as to not drive away viewers.

If this switch happens, I doubt it would be completely over with I'm just not expecting them to use the channels for FIFA as that disrupted their schedule quiet frequently.

Over to the content, we all know that SABC is not ringing in as much dough to get as much content as possible as some report that staff and crew members don't get paid on time.

Now the idea is to also greenlit content exclusively for Netflix and MultiChoice similar to what DreamWorks Animation does with the streamer alongside Peacock and Apple TV+ now they're another alternative for programming.

As for SABC+, the goal right now is to gain enough traction especially after that whole mess with TelkomOne so original ideas isn't in the pipeline for the time being as they're more focused in getting the brand off the ground at this stage.

Conclusion

Despite being past the age of retirement, SABC is proving you can still grow in big boy pants and go through hurdles. It doesn't stop when you're 85, you got to keep moving forward instead of waiting for life to grab you by the balls.

TAMS: Television Ratings For SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv For December 2022

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 5 190 596
Generations the Legacy - 4 104 634
Generations Soap - 3 576 722
Skeem Saam - 3 575 190
Skeem Saam Repeat - 2 323 406
Xhosa News - 2 053 214
Uzalo Repeat - 2 048 018
Zulu News - 1 966 104
Soccer Build-up - 1 855 415
Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: Build up - 1 742 008
Uzalo Omnibus - 1 698 042
Sgudi Snaysi - 1 660 294
Judas Kiss Repeat - 1 554 088
Last Chance Music Experience - 1 547 507
Muvhango Repeat - 1 529 209
Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: Argentina Vs Spor - 1 459 354
The Braai Show with Aka - 1 401 099
Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: France vs Mor - 1 396 850
Skeem Saam Omnibus - 1 343 661
Spring Fiesta - 1 316 864

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 1 548 055
Kgatelopele - 786 740
7De Laan - 764 955
Bone of My Bones - 736 496
Majakathata Repeat - 705 325
Muvhango Omnibus - 672 089
Nuus - 616 357
Majakathata - 614 738
Leihlo La Sechaba - 586 163
Phamokate - 576 567
Skeem Saam Repeat - 535 392
Vutha Repeat - 509 095
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 484 646
Imvelogy - 470 556
Soccer Wrap - 469 041
Monk Repeat - 469 119
Morning Live News - 450 740
Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: Ghana vs Urug - 449 850
Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: Morocco vs Sp - 443 578
The Estate Repeat - 436 683

Openview Plus:
- Could international series be making a comeback on e.tv?
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
- Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra
- Imbewu has been cancelled on e.tv after 5 seasons

SABC 3:

Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: Japan vs Spain - 519 808
Serengeti - 471 921
The Amazing Spider-Man - 455 286
Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022: Cameroon vs B - 442 645
Spider-Man 2 Movie - 419 711
Soccer Wrap - 412 617
Premier League Manchester City vs Everto - 407 236
Tropika of Treasure - 388 008
Spiderman Yent - 387 075
On Point News - 377 313
The Estate Repeat - 361 749
The Estate Omnibus - 317 563
The Lost World - 298 970
Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa Movie - 290 413
News - 289 308
7De Laan Repeat - 279 889
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Movie - 279 425
Twilight Movie - 278 805
Generations the Legacy Repeat - 273 285
Spider-Man 3 - 259 030

e.tv:

Scandal - 4 017 097
House of Zwide - 3 123 660
Imbewu - 2 139 908
The Black Door - 1 851 207
Durban Gen - 1 635 594
Big Momma's House 2 Movie - 1 619 820
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 1 560 133
E.TV News - 1 549 126
Isono - 1 533 338
Big Momma's House Movie - 1 523 149
Big Mommas: Like Father Like Son Movie - 1 475 866
The Medallion - 1 394 698
Imbewu Repeat - 1 352 904
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 314 627
Scandal Repeat - 1 277 663
House of Zwide Repeat - 1 226 574
Newsnight - 1 138 316
Inhlawulo - Damages - 1 131 887
Bad Boys Movie - 1 084 671
Around the World in 80 Days - 1 062 985

DStv:

* Between households and 18-49 years of age

MZAN Gomora - 912 173 & 1 079 016
MOJA Uyajola 9/9 - 670 983 & 796 929
MZAN Uthando Nesthembu - 640 181 & 752 616
MZAN The Queen Movie - 620 601 & 736 305
MZAN Diep City - 553 799 & 676 477
MZAN The River Movie - 550 747 & 647 279
MOJA X-Repo - 518 780 & 627 054
MWET The Wife Movie - 503 368 & 645 911
MWET Lingashoni - 478 744 & 591 056
MWET The River Repeat - 469 890 & 523 761
MWET The Queen Repeat - 463 879 & 510 963
MWET The Queen Repeat - 453 021 & 468 865
MWET The River - 411 586 & 517 550
MZAN Date My Family - 406 259 & 485 781
MWET Lingashoni Repeat - 392 448 & 411 478
MBIO Umacala Wami - 380 643 & 336 847
NEWA Daytime Update - 355 122 & 450 897
MOJA Mamazala Real - 351 731 & 416 581
MBIO Oksalayo Ngiyashisa - 343 848 & 353 398
MWET Gomora Repeat - 343 779 & 406 638
MBIO Sekoloto - 339 186 & 215 329
MOJA Khuzeka - 339 035 & 407 778
MZAN Imboni Yama Tekisi - 335 842 & 391 980
MBIO One Time Pin - 335 462 & 281 586
MBIO Kasi Loving - 334 251 & 420 881
MZAN Grootboom and Sons - 333 384 & 389 923
CHNO Uthando Lodumo - 333 298 & 447 166
MOJA Rea Tsotella - 331 045 & 387 811
MOJA Umakhelwane - 327 056 & 377 390
MBIO Pearls of Wisdom - 325 346 & 405 443

Roundups #123: DreamWorks To Rollout New Local Production Inspiration Station, The Kelly Clarkson Show To Make It's Free-To-Air Debut On SABC 3 And Till Jail Do Us Apart Still Not Accessible In The African Market

DreamWorks investing in its first local production for the market

INSPIRATION STATION
Bringing local youth talent to the screen​.
Opportunity for children to connect more deeply with DreamWorks on DSTV​.

Aimed at kids ages six to 12, the series (six x 22 minutes) is hosted by two boys, Tanaka and Aaron, who discuss topical issues with other children from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The hosts will also explore the stories behind award-winning DreamWorks Animation series and films. Inspiration Station Africa will premiere from 13 January 2023, with a new episode airing weekly on the Universal+ SVOD in Latin America and on the DreamWorks channel available via African broadcaster DStv.

Broadcast: Friday 13th of January 2023 to Sunday 19th of February
Times: Fridays at 5.05pm, Saturdays at 8.35am, 4.35pm, Sunday at 9.05am, 7.35pm

Regular Nick:
- CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
- Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
- We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
- January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
- January on Disney Channel
- January on Da Vinci Kids

Kelly Clarkson is coming to S3

A few years ago, the public broadcaster cancelled The Real Talk With Anele since then S3 has been funneling the schedule with rebroadcasts. As seen in their showcase, the SABC transitioned to video entertainment and is looking to reinventing their offering.

As such the team acquired the talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show where the singer brings her gift of connection to a fun and funny hour each weekday, offering heartwarming stories, live musical performances, games and surprises.

M-Net acquired the show when it broadcast in 2018 and offered an open window to other consumers but didn't bother to give consumers a chance to view the Emmy Award winner now leaving consumers to flee to SABC 3 by January 2023.

DStv Flex:
- What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
- What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
- What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
- Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
- What to expect this January on TNT?

Kate Del Castillo stars in this female led drama

Ángela, Viri, Esme and Sofía hate each other. When their husbands wind up in jail for stealing millions from the biggest drug lord in Miami, the foursome ends up on the street at his mercy. As they adapt to their new lives, the wives must work together to survive.

The show is currently streaming on NBCUniversal's Peacock which still hasn't been made available in South Africa and the rest of Africa but the DStv friendly version of the service Universal+ launched a while back.

As seen with Paramount+ and HBO Max, several content have been made for available for linear viewing and questions amount to how Till Jail Do Us Apart would rollout on a brand like Telemundo or pass down to Universal since it's more short form.

Everyday Novelas:
- Televisa's Fall Into Temptation rolls out in Nigeria
- Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
- Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
- Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
- Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
- Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Reviewing Major Changes Coming Soon To The SABC

Last month, the public broadcaster was all buzz hosting a last minute showcase where they transitioned to video entertainment announcing further content for their current channels on top of launching SABC+ in place of the former TelkomOne streaming service.

Of course, what remains absent is the two entertainment channels announced in partnership with eMedia Investments last year. Just like SABC+, sources mention that those channels had already entered final stages a while back.

Honestly, it doesn't appear that they'll be anything time soon but with these recent adjustments. It's possible that they'll likely bring them up in the near future or as soon as most of these developments are dealt with.

As mentioned, the SABC has shared a couple of things in which we want to brief everyone on:

* The public broadcaster is heading for another loss making year with R608 million which has just tripled from last year R201 million.
* They failed to hit their targets in terms of commissioning, producing and broadcasting fresh content with most of the blows going onto SABC 1. All 3 channels target 20% of which the top channel reaches 4% with the second channel 14% and least watched 9%.
* The SABC is expected to make a chunk of cash through their newly launched streaming service, SABC+. R6 million in one quarter alongside R31.5 million in the next quarter.
* The revenue for their 3 channels has been negatively impacted following the cancellation of analogue signals.
* SABC+ has about 15000 signups on a daily basis can't say it's surprising considering that they have the most accessible channels in South Africa.
* A new loyalty programme might be in works the aim is to boost the number of TV Licence payers.
* Still bickering want MultiChoice to pay for their 3 channels although other outlets like Openview view them freely.
* A budget for their channels had been shared with the media. From what's known R468 million had been budgeted for which 218 million is spent and R665 million is earned on SABC 1, R141 million is spent and R199 million earned on SABC 2 and lastly R69 million is spent and R79 million is earned on SABC 1.
* SABC 1 will focus more on sourcing youth based content while SABC 2 transitions to current affairs and news.
* They'll be cutting back on the amount of social media handles we assume that they are also referring to shows like The Epic Hangout which too has a social page.
* A cutback on repeats especially on primetime with the axing of non-performing content. We assume The Estate will be saved despite primetime not being one of the top 20 shows on SABC 3.
* Uzalo remains on SABC 1 and Muvhango remains on SABC 2 - remember how the public broadcaster repeated shows on multiple channels well they'll put a stop to that meaning each primary show will air on their primary channel with SABC+ also filling that gap.
* The public broadcaster in partnership with SABC News is trying to find alternatives to the cancelled Special Assignment on SABC 3.

SABC Launches Its Streaming Service SABC+, Includes SABC News Channel

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has launched its long-anticipated OTT platform, SABC +.

The SABC + streaming app will provide the best that the SABC has to offer including 19 radio stations and 3 free-to-air television channels SABC 1, SABC 2, SABC 3, as well as the SABC Sports Channel and the SABC’s 24-hour news channel. In addition, the app will feature a variety of local and international content, to extend the Corporation’s mission to inform, educate and entertain citizen, everywhere, anytime.

“SABC + signals a new digital era for the SABC and a key accomplishment in addressing universal access for all citizens” states Mr Madoda Mxakwe, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the SABC. “ SABC + app also presents a growth path to enhancing our value offering to clients and customers to build a strong foundation for future financial sustainability of the SABC”, concluded Mxakwe.

In partnership with the global consumer electronics and home appliances market leader, Hisense, the Corporation will distribute the SABC + app through the Hisense VIDAA Smart TVs and mobile devices in time for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on 20 November 2022. Together, these two powerhouses will bring 28 matches of the FIFA World Cup and the official FIFA World Cup show daily, for FREE.

The SABC is proud to partner with a technology company such as Hisense to enable us to fulfil our public mandate, whilst utilising innovation to provide cutting edge content to the public.

SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv Ratings For October 2022

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 5 885 560
Generations the Legacy Soap - 4 643 191
Skeem Saam - 3 947 527
Skeem Saam Repeat - 2 450 962
Dstv Premiership Orlando Pirates vs Kaiz - 2 423 495
Uzalo Repeat - 2 414 381
Zulu News - 2 304 660
Xhosa News - 2 190 530
Muvhango Repeat - 1 990 752
Uzalo Omnibus - 1 906 091
Ingono Yomsamo - 1 874 283
Mtn 8 Amazulu vs Kaizer Chief - 1 755 035
Roxic - 1 715 652
Mtn 8: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirate - 1 678 476
Fooled by Love - 1 621 164
The Executives - 1 588 745
Stokvel - 1 558 673
Come Again - 1 535 831
Emasisweni - 1 518 662
Skeem Saam -O Dram 3.64 1 407 682

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 1 579 884
7De Laan - 908 895
Muvhango Omnibus - 869 911
Kgatelopele - 771 078
Phamokate - 670 229
Nuus - 611 606
Father's Matter - 583 652
Morning Live - 570 202
Live Lotto Draw Quiz - 567 248
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 532 032 5.8
Noot Vir Noot - 492 398
The Estate Repeat - 490 481
Majakathata Repeat - 465 410
7De Laan Repeat - 465 624
Presidential Address News - 449 769
Black Tax Repeat - 444 711
Murder She Wrote - 443 929
7De Laan Omnibus - 439 429
Generations Repeat - 429 079
Venda/Tsonga News - 428 747

SABC 3:

Premier League Manchester City vs Southa - 608 491
Tropika Island of Treasure - 547 990
Rise of the Planet of the Apes Movie - 546 037
News - 509 394
Soccer Wrap - 507 618
Twilight Movie - 485 575
Die Hard with the Vengeance - 467 469
Animal Einsteins Documentary - 464 721
The Estate Repeat - 457 703
The Estate Omnibus - 445 046
Die Hard 4 Movie - 386 168
Burnt Movie - 356 986
7De Laan Repeat - 355 067
Top Docs Repeats - 350 636
Generations the Legacy Repeats - 334 666
The View - 296 121
Tropical Heat - 288 162
On Point - 286 416
Sport Arena - 285 035
Mapungubwe Echos in the Valley - 280 964

e.tv:

Scandal - 5 114 755
House of Zwide - 4 312 744
Durban Gen - 2 594 173
Imbewu - 2 257 070
The Black Door - 1 994 484
The Tuxedo Movie - 1 795 383
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 1 770 787
Xxx:State of the Union Movie - 1 743 742
Ride Along Movie - 1 704 180
Xxx: Return of Xander Cage Movie - 1 646 873
E.TV News - 1 602 816
Xxx Movie - 1 555 916
Imbewu Repeat - 1 531 748
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 458 695
Scandal Repeat - 1 432 933
John Wick Movie - 1 407 942
Ride Along 2 Movie - 1 383 217
Blood Father - 1 354 396
Durban Gen Omnibus - 1 314 768
Xxx Return of Xander Cage Movie - 1 300 856

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 997 735 & 1 213 829
MOJA Uyajola 9/9 - 924 859 & 1 084 848
MZAN Uthando - 741 043 & 978 775
MZAN Idols SA - 686 199 & 840 965
MZAN The Queen Movie - 659 211 & 839 214
MOJA X-Repo - 647 213 & 757 135
MZAN Diep City Repeat - 625 098 & 785 910
MZAN Uthando Nesthembu - 585 731 & 713 062
MZAN The River Movie - 564 451 & 748 562
MZAN Diep City - 534 130 & 657 634
MZAN The Real Housewives of Cape Town - 531 981 & 653 260
MZAN Mnakwethu - 531 409 & 676 496
MZAN Our Perfect Wedding (Mag) - 495 598 & 601 290
MOJA Umakhelwane - 491 618 & 569 420
MWET The River (Drama) - 481 247 & 635 468
MOJA Mamazala - 476 919 & 565 774
MWET Ngi Shade Wrong - 456 047 & 552 361
MZAN Mngani Wam - 433 612 & 527 440
MWET The River (Drama) Repeat - 429 624 & 481 593
MWET The Queen Omnibus - 428 289 & 557 133
MWET Suxoka - 413 120 & 570 001
MZAN The Wife Movie - 407 994 & 520 578
MWET The Queen Repeat - 395 759 & 473 824
MWET Our Perfect Wedding - 392 210 & 508 408
MBIO Losing Lerato - 385 858 & 527 300
MOJA Khuzeka - 385 063 & 435 780
MWET Ebukhosini - 380 268 & 488 173
MOJA Zodwa Wabantu Uncensored - 379 640 & 474 622
MOJA Giants of the City - 377 237 & 474 618
MWET The Queen Repeat - 373 735 & 408 930

Homegrown Entertainment: Another Openview Vs. DStv Saga

SABC 1-3 and e.tv were basically the only channels you could view the bulk of local content. As they are the first channels you spot when purchasing at a TV outlet and the same to could be said when purchasing a digital terrestrial television platform or in this case, Openview.

Now in 3 million households, Openview continues to further boost their entertainment with the likes of Zee One, France24, eXposed and The Home Channel+ with plans to kind of add more channels on top rolling out a new pay-tv service, Openview+.

But if you look over this above-mentioned list of channels you'd notice that there's not much local content in store not that I watch anything from that field but if you had to look the amount of views SABC 1 gets on a monthly basis you know local is power.

I mean a series like Doodsondes can only pull less than 2 million viewers on e.tv while as a show like Scandal can almost triple that. Not saying one show is better than another but when you reside in a particular region these things are common but it's nice to have alternatives.

Point being made here is that if you didn't have a DStv you basically lose as you don't have anything that can replicate Skeem Saam, 7de Laan or The Estate but what some may not was that MultiChoice had been excluding some of their audiences.

In this case, DStv Easyview a package which some may consider as dead weight for the lake of premium entertainment channels and if we had to compare with Openview you could literally write a book. If there was one thing that these two excel at it was definitely local content.

Just like most of South Africa they were missing out on shows like Being Bonang, My Kitchen Rules SA, Battleground, Isibaya alongside another never ending list of local content. As seen these past years, the bulk of entertainment on Openview had led customers to flee the package.

Also resulting in MultiChoice to drop the fee for Easyview from R39 to R29 on a monthly basis and for years we hadn't got much update and consumers weren't given a lot of new or rather watchable content aside from TNT and Real Time.

Last month, MultiChoice announced plans to prep two entertainment channels particularly for those consumers as they plan to use the platform as an outlet to analogue following similar endeavours to eMedia's Openview.

The first already launched Magic Showcase will offer the above-mentioned shows and the latter CineMagic will offer a mixture of local and international movies 18 hours a day.

Sure it may be a bummer viewers ain't getting 24 hour screening but it's better than nothing and on the bright side eMedia is very much padded with 16-18 hour channels ranging from People's Weather, ePlesier, eToonz, eReality and eXposed.

In some way, there's a reason to get Openview mostly for third party content and finally after so many years Easyview can be used for something other than SABC 1.

Ratings For SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv For September 2022

Notes
- Uzalo and Generation's viewership decreased to more than 0.8 million.
- Uzalo is the only show to come with an omnibus.
- Plate It Up is the only magazine show on the channel.
- Dramas occupy the most spots.

Notes
- Muvhango is the only show to get an omnibus within the month.
- Ubettina Wethu is currently sitting in the Top 10.
- Dragonball Super remains as the only popular youth show.
- Dramas occupy the most spots.

Notes
- The Estate Omnibus is currently the most watched drama, sitting in the Top 15.
- Alvin And The Chipmunks dominates the Top 5.
- SAFTA is the only variety show present in Top 20.
- Documentaries occupies the most spots.

Notes
- Johnny English's two instalments is currently sitting in the Top 10.
- Dramas occupy the most spots.
- All 5 of e.tv's soaps are sitting in the Top 5.
- Date My Family is the only reality show present.

Notes
- Mzansi Magic occupies the most spots, ratings continue to plummet.
- Losing Lerato is currently the only film present in the Top 20.
- Dramas and reality shows occupies an evenly amount of spots in the Top 10.
- Despite being a repeat, Lingashoni is the only drama to not have primetime occupy the Top 30.

TV Ratings For SABC 1-3, e.tv And DStv For August 2022

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 6 561 077
Generations the Legacy - 5 546 492
Skeem Saam - 4 306 426
Zulu News - 2 642 166
Xhosa News - 2 615 648
Roxic - 2 369 062
Plate it up - 2 253 451
Skeem Saam Repeat - 2 207 491
Uzalo Repeat - 2 161 174
Fooled by Love - 2 120 009
My First Documentary - 2 115 778
Selimathunzi - 2 027 297
Uzalo Omnibus - 2 025 320
#Issa Vibe - 1 831 836
Siswati/Ndebele News - 1 818 759
Ubettina Wethu - 1 801 997
The Executives - 1 797 619
Ses Top La - 1 794 719
I Can with Absa Drive Quiz - 1 786 179
Mtn 8:Stellenbosch Fc vs Kaizer Chiefs Spor - 1 755 299

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 1 585 498
7De Laan - 992 234
Kgatelopele Repeat - 706 785
Nuus - 704 272
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 668 961
Dragon Ball Super - 623 496
Bophelo Ke Semphekgo - 615 907
Kgatelopele - 614 608
Ubettina Wethu Repeat - 545 056
Black Tax - 526 024
The Color Purple Movie - 522 535
Behind the Scenes: Muvhango 25 Years - 518 381
Murder She Wrote - 514 203 
Muvhango Omnibus - 496 767
The Estate Repeat - 491 627
Morning Live - 486 205
Harriett Movie - 455 063
Generations Repeat - 454 475
Noot Vir Noot - 441 701
Live Lotto Draw Quiz - 440 148

SABC 3:

The Wonders of Marsupials - 625 650
News - 566 757
Eden Untamed Planet - 508 935
Costa Rica: Rise of Nature - 480 309
The Estate Repeat - 442 004
A Time to Kill Movie - 440 935
Premier League 2022/23 Manchester City V - 427 487
Premier League Chelsea vs Leicester - 424 863
Premier League Crystal Palace vs Aston V - 393 813
The Estate Omnibus - 329 173
The Favourite Movie - 322 300
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Movie - 292 584
Little Miss Sunshine Movie - 289 873
On Point - 286 436
Soccer Build-up - 285 908
Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur vs Sout - 285 500
Songland - 281 780
La Heat (Drama) - 274 373
The Horse Whisperer Movie - 268 159
The Insider Sa Repeat - 264 222

e.tv:

Scandal - 5 542 427
House of Zwide - 5 142 445
Imbewu - 3 059 307
Durban Gen - 2 748 014
The Black Door - 2 705 919
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 2 314 432
Just for Laughs Gags Filler - 2 142 008
Transformers: Age of Extinction Movie - 1 987 449
Is'phindiselo - 1 981 088
E.TV News - 1 901 023
Bumblebee Movie - 1 739 200
Imbewu Repeat - 1 718 692
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 703 924
Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie - 1 668 390
I Can with Absa Drive Quiz - 1 640 494
House of Zwide Repeat - 1 624 762
Droomverlore - 1 571 918
Our Perfect Wedding - 1 558 141
Transformers: the Last Knight Movie - 1 519 749
Scandal Repeat - 1 518 248

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 1 122 155 & 1 331 760
MOJA Uyajola 9/9 - 985 124 & 1 158 713
MZAN The Queen Movie - 754 539 & 875 405
MZAN Isifiso - 683 441 & 825 271
MZAN Idols SA - 661 758 & 826 943
MZAN The River Movie - 639 015 & 774 258
MZAN The Real Housewives of Cape Town - 618 994 & 701 545
MZAN Diep City - 616 646 & 711 648
MZAN Mnakwethu - 612 946 & 696 765
MWET The River (Drama) - 571 113 & 777 720
MZAN Short and Sweet - 568 743 & 711 472
MOJA Gog'skhotheni - 550 625 & 646 320
MOJA X-Repo - 548 976 & 643 629
MZAN Ehostela - 534 412 & 613 914
MWET Suxoka - 519 792 & 696 933
MBIO Ubhuti Wami Lona - 502 026 & 712 445
MOJA Umakhelwane - 498 858 & 597 180
MZAN Idols SA - 489 608 & 565 876
MWET Uthando Nesthembu - 485 798 & 652 205
MZAN Miss South Africa 2022 - 478 540 & 595 621
MWET Our Perfect Wedding - 464 803 & 666 840
MBIO Buyela Ekhaya - 409 880 & 618 649
MZAN Ayeye: Stripped - 403 883 & 464 708
MBIO Luthando Movie - 402 235 & 553 927
MWET Wangkolota - 399 155 & 549 159
MOJA Mamazala - 395 101 & 466 087
MBIO Umnisamvula - 394 000 & 534 181
MWET The River (Drama) Repeat - 392 959 & 483 661
MWET The Queen Repeat - 1 385 937 & 455 393
MBIO Ziright Igirls - 384 309 & 514 059

Roundups #88: The Good Doctor Getting A Female Led Spinoff, Young Justice Reportedly Not Moving Forward At HBO Max And King Kong Series In Development For Disney+

The Good Doctor spinoff in development

ABC is developing “The Good Lawyer,” a legal spinoff of the medical drama “The Good Doctor” which stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Sean Murphy, a surgeon with autism.

“The Good Lawyer” will be introduced as a backdoor pilot during Season 6 of “The Good Doctor,” which is set to premiere in October. Sean finds himself in legal trouble and seeks the services of Joni, a twentysomething defense attorney who has OCD. Joni, relatively new to her law firm, is funny, eager, self-aware and anxious. She is a skilled lawyer and doesn’t want to be treated differently by others, though her OCD symptoms affect her personal and professional life. At one point, her firm tries to fire her, after which she is forced to threaten to sue for a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

One higher-up at the firm involved in the firing attempt is Janet, a highly-regarded attorney and partner at the firm who has represented Dr. Glassman (Richard Schiff) in several legal matters throughout the years. Glassman turns to her to represent his protégé Shaun, and when Shaun chooses Joni to represent him, the cynical Janet is forced to reconsider her assessment of Joni.

Young Justice cancelled on HBO Max

It appears that Young Justice has been canceled for the second time in its run as HBO Max is reportedly not bringing the beloved DC animated series back for season 5. August has been a turbulent month for Warner Bros. Discovery following their massive merger earlier this year. The studio made major headlines with the shocking decision to cancel HBO Max's Batgirl movie, starring Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon. Despite principal photography having completed in late March, Warner Bros. Discovery shelved Batgirl while also revealing plans to have HBO Max and Discovery Plus become one streaming service next summer.

With the shake-up going on, it was also revealed during the Warner Bros. Discovery earnings call that animation would be part of a "restructuring" for the new version of the studio. This put the popular series Young Justice in question regarding if it will get a season 5. Despite having already finished airing season 4, subtitled Young Justice: Phantoms, HBO Max, or Warner Bros. TV have yet to announce a renewal for the series, which originally began on Cartoon Network. Concerns have been high ever since Young Justice showrunner Greg Weisman confirmed on social media that they have yet to learn about a potential season 5.

King Kong is coming to Disney+

An iconic monster is headed to Disney+. Disney Branded Television is in very early development on King Kong (working title), a series for Disney+ tracking the original story of the famous ape. Deals have just closed for the project, from James Wan’s Atomic Monster, which would mark the first live-action series set in the Kong universe.

Written by Paper Girls creator Stephany Folsom, King Kong is a serialized action-adventure drama that brings the classic monster story into the modern age, with a return to Skull Island and the dawn of a new Kong. The series will explore the mythology of King Kong’s origin story and the supernatural mysteries of his home based on IP from Merian C. Cooper’s original books and the new King Kong novelizations by Joe DeVito.

A live-action series, King Kong Skull Island, was in development at MarVista Entertainment and IM Global Television five years ago with a different creative team, also based on Cooper’s King Kong and DeVito ArtWorks’ Skull Island, with Festa executive producing. It did not come to fruition.

Taken Occupies The Top Spot On S3 While The Black Door Remains In The Top 5 Watched Shows On e.tv - Ratings For July 2022

Previous results

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 5 932 199
Generations the Legacy Soap - 4 793 138
Skeem Saam - 4 507 416
Skeem Saam Repeat - 3 139 924
Zulu News - 2 477 851
Xhosa News - 2 472 789
Roxic Reality - 2 431 510
Plate it up - 2 320 607
Selimathunzi - 2 219 400
My First Documentary - 2 204 285
Uzalo Repeat - 2 058 328
Identity - 1 884 324
#Issa Vibe - 1 841 570
Uzalo Omnibus - 1 771 448
Siswati/Ndebele News - 1 766 392
Ses Top La - 1 620 792
Makoti - 1 597 755
Muvhango Repeat - 1 470 926
Stokvel - 1 432 084
Khumbul'Ekhaya - 1 387 017

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 1 726 228
Presidential Address News - 990 877
7De Laan Soap - 945 543
Ses/Tsw/Sep News News - 896 109
Kgatelopele - 832 393
Bophelo Ke Semphekgo - 710 848
Hlala Kwabafileyo - 670 295
Nuus - 629 895
Muvhango Omnibus - 546 448
Dragon Ball Super - 544 948
Ubettina Wethu Repeat - 529 044
Superman IV: the Quest for Peace Movie - 503 377
Filler: Noot Vir Noot Documentary - 479 293
The Estate Repeat - 472 979
Black Tax - 472 511
Superman Returns Movie - 470 498
Music - 462 764
Morning Live News - 453 733
Murder She Wrote - 449 326
Caf Women's Africa Cup of Nations Zambia - 441 024

SABC 3:

Taken 3 Movie - 682 739
Eden Untamed Planet - 650 953
Taken Movie - 594 911
News - 563 514
Men of Honor Movie - 501 089
Independence Day: Resurgence Movie - 406 825
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions - 400 884
The Estate Omnibus - 361 509
The Estate Repeat - 326 788
Jojo Rabbit Movie - 307 421
Bohemian Rhapsody Movie - 290 857
Filler Documentary - 277 889
Gifted Movie - 265 907
Tropical Heat - 265 131
On Point News - 260 353
Special Assignment Repeat - 259 374
Ad Astra Movie - 249 159
The View - 247 833
Generations the Legacy Repeat - 246 921
Child in the Wild Documentary - 245 733

e.tv:

Scandal Soap - 5 311 319
House of Zwide - 4 918 290
Imbewu - 2 774 727
The Black Door Dram - 2 580 116
Durban Gen - 2 556 437
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 2 118 179
Imbewu Repeat - 2 019 566
Just for Laughs Gags Filler - 1 919 249
House of Zwide Repeat - 1 905 014
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie
Scandal Repeat - 1 790 432
E.TV News - 1 777 164
Transformers Movie - 1 775 627
Isono - 1 738 649
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 666 366
Is'phindiselo - 1 643 864
Droomverlore - 1 583 917
Kong: Skull Island Movie - 1 572 599
I Can with Absa Drive Actuality - 1 537 112
Britain's Got Talent - 1 519 929

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 1 108 493 & 1 325 168
MZAN Ehostela - 913 363 & 1 125 703
MZAN Our Perfect Wedding - 765 938 & 916 138
MZAN Idols SA Mzansi Magic 18 - 743 516 & 934 642
MZAN The Queen Movie - 737 092 & 897 470
MOJA Isencane Lengane - 679 149 & 764 857
MZAN The River Movie - 662 734 & 779 940
MZAN Date My Family Real - 609 801 & 736 285
MZAN Diep City - 606 030 & 726 006
MOJA Gog'skhotheni - 599 490 & 687 471
MZAN Short and Sweet - 592 320 & 720 220
MZAN The River Drama - 591 387 & 710 422
MZAN Mnakwethu - 579 892 & 708 747
MWET Mnakwethu Happily Ever After - 566 571 & 728 371
MOJA X-Repo - 547 403 & 596 350
MZAN The Real Housewives of Cape Town - 515 928 & 600 689
MZAN Isifiso - 490 263 & 586 045
MZAN The Saturday Showdown - 483 768 & 627 088
MWET Suxoka - 481 354 & 576 694
MOJA Mamazala - 463 051 & 550 747
MBIO Vaya Movie - 458 993 & 593 659
MWET The River - 446 896 & 595 852
MWET Lingashoni Repeat - 438 757 & 497 250
MBIO Ikhandlela Elibovu - 430 379 & 572 977
MBIO Umoni Wothando - 419 547 & 561 629
MWET Wangkolota - 405 227 & 489 629
MZAN Makoti Are You the One? - 403 875 & 505 413
MWET The Queen Repeat - 400 067 & 498 259
MWET Umndende - 389 403 & 454 987
MZAN Gomora Repeat - 1 388 584 & 531 500

'Days Of Our Lives': Could The Sand In The Hourglass Be Heading To A New Era In South Africa?

NBC’s long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives will be leaving broadcast television after 57 years to stream exclusively on Peacock, the network announced on Wednesday. The change means that fans who previously have been able to watch the show for free on broadcast will now have to pay for a streaming service to learn what happens next in the show’s fictional town of Salem.

“With a large percentage of the Days of Our Lives audience already watching digitally, this move enables us to build the show’s loyal fanbase on streaming while simultaneously bolstering the network daytime offering with an urgent, live programming opportunity for partners and consumers,” Mark Lazarus, chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a press release.

Earlier in the year, Days Of Our Lives was swept out of e.tv's primetime offering as eMedia tries to boost their original offering with eMedia Investments expected to invest R100 million in their streaming endeavours which has seen success as the company was able to obtain half a million registrations and record breaking ratings.

Of course, Days Of Our Lives' absence still haunts a lot of consumers as they've been following the soap for half a century when it began on the free-to-air SABC 3 channel which was known at the time as CCV channel and after the SABC's controversial COO at the time Hlaudi Motsoeneng put up a ban for international series forcing the drama to air close to midnight. 

As seen earlier in the year, the sand in the hourglass for e.tv has come to an end after almost 5 years of broadcast which has some feeling agitated over an outlet to this ongoing soap opera.

Peacock overseas decided to move Days away from cable as the ratings have been slipping on a year to year basis as direct-to-consumer becomes a top priority for international brands like The Walt Disney Company.

Before this news came into affect, Vodacom's defunct streaming service supplied Bold And The Beautiful another ongoing soap opera and rival to Days Of Our Lives after it was swept out of SABC's lineup due to the corrupt bold man thereafter MultiChoice's DStv as AMC International opt to not supply EVA channel which was the home of Bold on cable.

As it is a lot of long format or in other terms old timers like The Simpsons moved from cable to streaming for consumers in South Africa as The Walt Disney Company retracted the FOX channel as they plan to become a digital exclusive platform like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Now Days Of Our Lives being a digital exclusive doesn't seem far fetched and on Peacock although not available in the region as yet wouldn't be far fetched a stretch as well seeing as Days Of Our Lives: Beyond Salem which is a spinoff to be the soap can be viewed on the platform.

Peacock on top of being a streaming service is owned by NBCUniversal the same people that own Days Of Our Lives and now the chances of it suffering the franchise getting swept on this platform is close to zero but questions amount to how this service will eventually rollout in South Africa

As it is, Peacock is just another Showmax holds a lot of third party content, limited original content and is not knowledgeable by a lot of consumers as seen with Netflix and Disney+. In some regions, the platform was able to fold under Paramount+ which is expected in Africa by early next year but that doesn't guarantee it will supply Peacock.

Peacock is a very complicated case as outlined there's not much to offer on the table that you would dump a hamburger for a salad while others found comfort on Paramount+ (also known to some as SkyShowcase). Others got it as standalone as seen overseas while others found comfort in a local provider to which I nominate Showmax.

Say what you want about their owners MultiChoice but NBCUniversal has a tight relationship to the company as they supply the only alternative to M-Net on the DStv platform as others were retracted due to content or management changes. On top of that, the movie offering on Studio Universal can come in handy when you're avoiding cartoons.

Special Assignment Axed After 24 Years On SABC 3

The SABC has decided to cancel the public broadcaster's long-running weekly Special Assignment investigative magazine programme on SABC3 after 24 years, blaming low TV ratings.

The last episode is set to air on 2 August.

Special Assignment's viewership drop on SABC3 is however not unique, with the majority of SABC3's programming schedule struggling in the South African TV ratings race.

SABC3 is currently the public broadcaster’s channel with the lowest ratings among its three major TV channels.

 

The channel has also felt the brunt of the impact of the South African government and Sentech's switch-off of analogue TV signal transmitters in the switch to digital terrestrial television (DTT).

Special Assignment's timeslot will be filled with a shortened version of the longer SABC News (DStv 404) channel's studio-based programme, It's Topical, while SABC News and SABC3 consider the option of a new investigative magazine show for the public broadcaster.

Special Assignment, which first aired in August 1998, has been competing over decades in the investigative television journalism space with e.tv's 3rd Degree hosted by Debora Patta and later Checkpoint with Nkepile Mabuse, as well as Devi fronted by Devi Sankaree Govender also on e.tv and eNCA (DStv 403); and the long-running Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) from Combined Artistic Productions.

 

The SABC used the chaotic and disorganised behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the broadcast of an episode of Special Assignment on 14 September 2021 about the towtruck-industry which should still have been held back by the broadcaster following a court interdict, as evidence to get rid of the former SABC News boss Phathiswa Magopeni, arguing that she was responsible for not preventing the episode from being aired and negligent.

Special Assignment executive producer Busisiwe Ntuli who testified in Phathiswa Magopeni's disciplinary hearing, supported her, saying the mistake of airing the episode was not the news division or Special Assignment's fault but due to an issue with the original and replacement programme codes being similar which is the responsibility of the SABC's video entertainment department.

Phathiswa Magopeni said that the SABC used the Special Assignment issue to "hound" her out of the public broadcaster.

About Special Assignment's abrupt cancellation, Moshoeshoe Monare, SABC News boss, told staff in a letter that the show is now getting axed because Special Assignment "has lost its mojo and signature influence, with the consequential effects being loss of audience".

Ndindi Cola, SABC spokesperson, didn't respond to a media query made last week about the canning of Special Assignment and questions around it, including what will be happening to staff who have been working on the show.

SA TV Ratings: Dragonball Super Enters The Top 10 Most Watched Shows On SABC 2 And Sarafina Continues To Dominate e.tv's Lineup From June 2022

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 6 103 846
Generations the Legacy - 4 959 896
Skeem Saam - 4 279 734
Zulu News - 2 769 385
Xhosa News - 2 763 049
Roxic - 2 746 803
Ngomusa Documentary - 2 512 938
Clover Classic Celebrations - 2 439 703
Soccer Build-up - 2 312 060
Selimathunzi - 2 231 776
Uzalo Repeat - 2 197 121
Skeem Saam Repeat - 2 172 571
#Issa Vibe - 2 124 700
My First Documentary - 2 091 668
Makoti - 1 940 645 18.6
Ses Top La - 1 937 804
Siswati/Ndebele News - 1 918 286
Uzalo Omnibus - 1 848 364
Identity (Religion) - 1 845 267
Muvhango Repeat - 1 653 227

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 1 885 401
7De Laan - 990 032
Hlala Kwabafileyo - 933 299
Kwa Mamazala - 719 792
Nuus - 716 185
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 655 202
Ubettina Wethu Repeat - 608 537
Bophelo Ke Semphekgo - 594 424
Dragon Ball Super Repeat - 585 319
Voetspore - 569 773
Dragon Ball Super - 563 609
Muvhango Omnibus - 549 904
Morning Live News - 487 763
Music - 486 955
Murder She Wrote - 452 865
Venda/Tsonga News - 439 191
Fokus - 427 742
Batman Returns Movie - 419 451
Muvhango Repeat - 399 561
Skeem Saam Repeat - 399 844

 

SABC 3:

Twilight - 596 374
Serengeti Documentary
News - 539 067
Twilight Saga: Eclipse - 536 388
Maze Runner: The Death Cure - 504 531
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions - 500 847
Birthplace of the Giants Documentary - 457 203
My Super Ex-Girlfriend - 444 322
Juno Movie - 344 666
Spiderwick Chronicles Movie - 319 132
Norin's Ark - 305 718
Inside the Bat Cave Documentary - 292 498
The Lost World (Drama) - 290 049
On Point News - 281 207
Unpacked with Relebogile Repeat - 244 703
Unpacked with Relebogile - 241 283
Meerkat Manor:Rise of Dynasty Documentary - 241 061
7De Laan Repeat - 234 814 5
The View - 231 647
Morning Glory Movie - 229 175

 

e.tv:

Scandal - 5 152 960
House of Zwide - 4 653 752
Sarafina Movie - 3 968 144
Durban Gen - 2 947 572
Just for Laughs Gags Filler - 2 693 328
Imbewu - 2 522 840
Isono - 2 322 415
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 2 301 328
The Black Door - 2 292 277
White Wedding Movie - 2 117 780
E.TV News - 1 907 831
Is'phindiselo - 1 849 328
Date My Family - 1 817 186
Imbewu Repeat - 1 789 464
The Millennium Menace - 1 776 638
Transporter 3 Movie - 1 754 599
Droomverlore - 1 746 976
Transporter 2 Movie - 1 670 417
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Movie - 1 620 936
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 561 737

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 1 189 324 & 1 486 970
MZAN Gomora Repeat - 1 032 714 & 1 233 343
MZAN The Queen - 785 625 & 938 326
MZAN The River Repeat - 683 860 & 838 260
MZAN Our Perfect Wedding - 614 625 & 801 200
MZAN Epk:Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice Documentary - 613 302 & 795 639
MOJA Umndeni Documentary - 605 374 & 734 455
MZAN The River - 605 555 & 780 669
MZAN Diep City - 572 881 & 725 835
MZAN Umbuso - 555 404 & 697 882
MWET Lingashoni Repeat - 535 886 & 598 371
MZAN Date My Family - 532 628 & 658 772
MWET Sengkhathele - 520 208 & 595 737
MBIO Ubukhosi Namakhosana - 503 317 & 648 679
MOJA Mamazala - 501 804 & 608 672
MOJA Isencane Lengane - 488 679 & 566 975
MBIO Indodakazi Yami - 484 555 & 564 059
MBIO Istina Dram - 481 313 & 622 314
MBIO One Time Pin - 468 871 & 623 483
MBIO Bonus - 457 070 & 579 832
MZAN Twice as Bold - 450 935 & 549 622
MWET Mnakwethu Happily Ever After - 448 892 & 544 445
MOJA Ukungenwa - 442 347 & 546 464
MWET The Queen Repeat - 430 345 & 491 084
MBIO Tshenyeho Masisa Pelo - 427 014 & 498 121
MZAN Abandoned Movie - 423 705 & 501 206
MBIO Idlozi - 416 740 & 495 085
MZAN Housekeepers - 412 898 & 488 221
MWET The Queen Repeat - 408 068 & 499 714
MBIO Gwababa - 400 192 & 528 475

Alternatives To e.tv's Defunct International Offering At 20:30

Since April 2022, e.tv halted distribution of weeknight international series at 20:30 in an attempt to bolster their streaming endeavours with the likes of Disney+, Netflix and Showmax all following a similar pattern.

While e.tv's new offering has seen somewhat of success, there's still various consumers that feel excluded from this shakeup having no means opted to create some distance with the channel and explore the number of alternatives out there.

It's obvious the streamers mentioned above would make a suitable candidate to this offering but as some households struggle to get the necessary means it's best to just look at alternatives that despite being phased out are still reachable to this day.

 

I managed to find a list of alternatives which I thought of dividing between pay and free as there's some that are willing to the freshest shows at a cheaper price or wait a while longer to view some of this content.

Now a look at the pay-tv alternatives

1. M-Net is a premium entertainment channel home to the very best and latest international series. While e.tv used to give you 3-5 year old repeats to their offering with M-Net you can several of their upcoming projects like Chicago Fire, Seal Team, New Amsterdam and NCIS: Los Angeles.

The biggest downfall to the brand is obvious pricing which is almost close to a R1000 monthly on DStv Premium that brings in item number 2.

2. Me is catch-up channel to M-Net infused with a bit of 1Magic. The only issue with the channel is the rollout of some of the content formerly and currently on e.tv. You have Queen Sugar airing on Sundays and stuff like Chicago PD can air as early as 17:00 while e.tv used to give you that 3 hours later. But again it can be useful and make e.tv feel like they're repeating their shows 2 or 3 years later.

Best part this is all available for as little as R309p/m on DStv Family formerly R420 on DStv Compact when it was M-Net City.

3. Universal, if you've viewed e.tv's 20:30 slot that's basically what the channel is about. You had variations like Rizzoli and Isles, Bones and Leverage Redemption but the lot winds up being e.tv's lineup. You have the latest seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles and The Librarians and you find them catching up with the Chicago franchise and S.W.A.T.

In the end, Universal has more value with e.tv opting to cancel these shows from their lineup and is far better than option number 2 and valued at the same amount as them.

 

Now a look at the free-to-view alternatives

1. SABC 3, stylised as S3 is currently a must have for those on pay platforms following the loss of several premium International channels like Sundance TV and FOX. Viewers on those platforms like to browse shows like Kim's Convenience, Killing Eve and Narcos. Although most of it is repeats they're not following the same pattern as e.tv as the content can be outdated or probably never before seen on the pay alternatives. The disadvantage is that viewers would probably want Chicago PD and all S3 would do is air NCIS.

The channel is accessible anywhere just don't use an aerial as those will be thrown in the recycle bin.

2. eXposed

Although the lineup of shows are dead, eXposed is the reruns graveyard to the international offering. You find stuff like Empire, Shades Of Blue, Hawaii Five-O and even Blackish. Compared to all others this could be the new home of 20:30 or the reincarnate.

Downfall of Xposed is the resumes at 8am not everyone will be around to binge whatever content comes onto the channel which is why one would need the extra 7 hours. The channel is available on Openview.

Mama Jack Was The Most Watched Movie On e.tv And Viewership Declines Amidst Load Shedding In May 2022 Viewership For SABC, e.tv And DStv

April results: click here

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 5 783 736
Generations the Legacy - 4 637 861
Skeem Saam - 4 132 873
Xhosa News - 2 691 071
Zulu News - 2 520 180
Roxic (Reality) - 2 505 610
Ngomusa Documentary - 2 410 008
Uzalo Omnibus - 2 249 884
Uzalo Repeat - 2 246 796
Clover Classic Celebrations - 2 232 492
Skeem Saam Repeat - 2 109 741
Selimathunzi - 2 102 279
Identity (Religion) - 2 026 618
#Issa Vibe - 1 908 548
Siswati/Ndebele News - 1 883 290
Ses Top La - 1 660 487
Muvhango Repeat - 1 656 276
Kwakhala Nyonini - 1 581 831
Dance Yo Dumo - 1 572 226
Side Dish - 1 558 562

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 2 408 898
7De Laan - 1 040 016
Giyani - 952 721
Hlala Kwabafileyo - 872 793
Muvhango Omnibus - 744 125
Kwa Mamazala - 644 923
Nuus - 633 687
Abakwa Zidenge Documentary - 610 472
Ubettina Wethu Repeat - 582 789
Dragon Ball Super - 535 352
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 525 935
Voetspore - 504 055
Morning Live - 492 423
Giyani Repeat - 455 009
Muvhango Repeat - 448 957
Venda/Tsonga News - 435 685
Music - 430 214
Live Lotto Draw - 424 009
Filler:SABC Sport - 421 989
Uzalo Repeat - 400 620

 

SABC 3:

Serengeti Documentary - 518 197
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions - 514 182
The Proposal. Movie - 468 281
News - 437 313
Abduction Movie - 429 981
Cheetah Family & Me Documentary - 371 717
Baby Chimp Rescue Documentary - 348 695
Think Like a Man Movie - 342 059
Norin's Ark Drama - 316 078
There's Something About Mary Movie - 300 568
Child in the Wild Documentary - 292 706
Afternoon Express - 284 336
On Point - 283 905
La Heat (Drama) - 275 471
Murder on the Orient Express Movie - 273 001
Special Assignment Repeat - 272 761
What to Expect When You're Expecting Movie - 271 402
Arena - 254 834
Inside the Bat Cave Documentary - 254 709
Braveheart Movie - 249 813

e.tv:

Scandal - 4 820 110
House of Zwide - 4 520 246
Mama Jack Movie - 3 121 462
Durban Gen - 2 824 098
Imbewu - 2 328 412
The Black Door - 2 232 013
Inumber Number Movie - 2 119 942
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 1 964 831
Atlantis - 1 912 439
Is'phindiselo - 1 791 013
E.TV News - 1 756 145
South Africa Tonight News - 1 702 366
Imbewu Repeat - 1 600 320
Droomverlore - 1 588 389
Date My Family - 1 561 202
Paradise Stop Movie - 1 527 372
Superstore - 1 514 919
Durban Gen - 1 482 674
Ekasi Our Stories: A Family That Prays - 1 462 947
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 449 499

 

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 1 127 879 & 1 355 150
MZAN Gomora Repeat - 1 075 967 & 1 306 585
MZAN The Queen - 752 068 & 874 572
MZAN The River - 703 778 & 849 740
MZAN The River Repeat - 656 922 & 793 446
MWET Our Perfect Wedding - 608 597 & 792 333
MZAN Diep City - 581 207 & 705 858
MZAN Date My Family - 565 158 & 662 372
MZAN Umbuso - 537 659 & 619 134
MZAN Twice as Bold - 509 706 & 604 437
MOJA Umndeni - 503 442 & 598 657
MZAN Sengkhathele - 493 404 & 595 878
MWET The River - 462 569 & 589 133
MWET Mnakwethu Happily Ever After - 432 112 & 528 629
MWET The Queen Omnibus - 417 673 & 539 169
MWET The Queen Repeat - 416 624 & 450 893
MBIO Dana's Deathday Party - 407 357 & 557 341
MWET Lingashoni Repeat - 396 252 & 417 571
MOJA Rea Tsotella - 379 357 & 376 448
MZAN Housekeepers - 373 753 & 433 674
MZAN Abandoned - 372 893 & 452 210
MBIO Vilakazi Supermarket - 368 278 & 455 931
MOJA Dloz'lami - 360 894 & 347 809
MOJA Ukungenwa - 360 638 & 435 101
MBIO Izulu Lami My Secret Sky - 359 346 & 499 154
MZAN Pastor Wants a Wife - 359 305 & 439 246
MOJA Isencane Lengane - 359 135 & 349 294
MOJA Mamazala - 357 999 & 403 892
MBIO Sephiri High Movie - 350 111 & 484 048
MBIO Iwashi Dram - 349 530 & 466 324

e.tv Experiences A Plummet In Viewership For Movies As SABC 3 Becomes The #1 Hotspot For Movies - Viewership Stats For April 2022

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 6 471 686
Generations the Legacy - 5 566 826
Skeem Saam - 4 096 548
The Estate - 3 904 719
Zulu News - 2 625 221
Xhosa News - 2 608 225
Ngomusa Documentary - 2 421 534
Selimathunzi - 2 150 111
Clover Classic Celebrations - 2 063 946
Uzalo Omnibus - 2 062 426
Roxic Reality - 2 025 651
#Issa Vibe - 2 015 621
Uzalo Repeat - 1 977 567
Skeem Saam Repeat - 1 881 438
Ses Top La - 1 841 228
Siswati/Ndebele News - 1 685 009
Makoti - 1 641 520
13 Weeks to Find Mr Right Movie - 1 600 895
Ubambo Lwami Repeat - 1 598 433
Muvhango Repeat - 1 547 113

 

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 3 285 619
Hlala Kwabafileyo - 1 066 447
Giyani - 987 098
7De Laan - 897 739
Presidential Address - 872 141
Muvhango Omnibus - 859 914
Kwa Mamazala - 761 499
Abakwa Zidenge - 731 588
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 670 784
Nuus - 649 046
Giyani Repeat - 539 454
Venda/Tsonga News - 515 326
Voetspore - 499 996
Samson - 498 043
The Estate Repeat - 486 379
Morning Live - 482 301
Voetspore Zambezi Documentary - 477 698
Uzalo Repeat - 474 962
Muvhango Repeat - 456 676
Generations Repeat - 456 635

 

SABC 3:

Titanic Movie - 793 301
Ice Age Continental Drift Movie - 630 920
Life of Pi Movie - 563 017
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Movie - 561 932
Serengeti Documentary - 559 490
News - 524 295
The Estate Omnibus - 487 796
Planet of the Apes Movie - 446 145
The Masked Singer - 429 838
A Perfect Planet: Oceans Documentary - 394 972
We Bought a Zoo Movie - 384 730
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions - 375 071
Betway 2nd Test Series: South Africa vs B - 351 963
The Estate Repeat - 350 828
The Shape of Water Movie - 349 121
The Estate - 340 269
Water for Elephants Movie - 335 628
Betway 1st Test Series: South Africa vs B - 328 331
Generations the Legacy Repeat - 326 129
On Point - 314 518

e.tv:

Scandal - 5 274 616
House of Zwide - 4 589 276
Mr Bones 2: Back From the Past - 3 238 200
Imbewu - 2 860 068
Durban Gen - 2 753 425
Piet's Sake Movie - 2 613 058
The Black Door - 2 449 977
E.TV News - 1 921 331
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 1 869 208
Is'phindiselo - 1 748 320
Just for Laughs Gags - 1 716 761
South Africa Tonight News - 1 677 656
Droomverlore - 1 669 936
Kandasamys : the Wedding - 1 618 783
Imbewu Repeat - 1 582 917
Imbewu Omnibus - 1 567 666
Date My Family - 1 493 581
Our Perfect Wedding (Mag) - 1 493 026
Durban Gen Omnibus - 1 476 205
The Fashion Hero Repeat - 1 462 231

 

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 1 278 247 & 1 544 471
MZAN The Queen Movie - 1 077 302 & 1 267 747
MZAN Umbuso - 1 062 406 & 1 330 342
MZAN Our Perfect Wedding - 925 150 & 1 198 165
MZAN Gomora Repeat - 919 687 & 1 113 505
MZAN Date My Family - 861 816 & 1 072 233
MZAN Diep City - 829 222 & 994 215
MZAN The River Movie - 804 304 & 960 674
MZAN Big Brother Mzansi - 752 573 & 996 411
MZAN Mnakwethu Happily Ever After - 722 726 & 928 011
MZAN Diep City Repeat - 643 116 & 787 480
MZAN The River - 640 290 & 788 829
MZAN Twice as Bold - 633 101 & 752 848
MOJA Umndeni Documentary - 613 948 & 729 059
MZAN The River Repeat - 606 932 & 753 566
MWET I Blew it - 564 037 & 675 174
MZAN Sengkhathele - 553 234 & 658 198
MWET Abazali - 545 473 & 652 163
MZAN Housekeepers - 497 548 & 584 440
MWET Ses'fikile - 475 762 & 553 186
MWET Not the One for You - 474 894 & 546 013
MZAN Abandoned Movie - 471 287 & 559 320
MOJA Ukungenwa - 470 761 & 586 354
MWET Ubizo - 467 143 & 557 705
MOJA Ukungena - 442 785 & 564 080
MBIO Zimele - 427 220 & 550 768
MBIO Hunt for Amamillions - 424 261 & 552 989
MOJA Mamazala - 405 400 & 508 145
MZAN The Queen Repeat - 390 996 & 511 019
MOJA Amabishop - 390 495 & 468 960