Canal+ Axes MultiChoice Streamer Showmax

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Canal+ Looking To Sell Showmax?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canal+ could redirect this efforts back to DStv Stream.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MultiChoice was created by Cape Town-based Naspers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Showmax 2.0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DStv And Showmax Subscribers Bid Farewell To Euphoria And Peacemaker As Canal+'s Doesn't Renew Content Deal For HBO And Warner Bros.

Last year, Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery created a media debacle when it was announced that Cartoon Network and 11 other channels would be removed from DStv. Paramount was already closing 4 other channels on the platform.

It was not until a last minute deal was reached where Canal+ thought of merging MultiChoice's contract with that of its operations in Europe. This deal included a possible rollout of HBO Max as Canal+ will be rolling it out in various markets.

Initially, it was reported by some outlets that this new agreement saved the licensing deals for M-Net and Showmax. But others were quick to spot it's sudden exclusion from this new agreement.

According to News24, this new agreement excluded premium TV series from HBO and Warner Bros. film and TV studios. This means DStv and Showmax consumers will be missing out on Game Of Thrones spinoff, A Knight Of Seven Kingdoms.

This is because Canal+ is busy slashing tires at MultiChoice with TLNovelas that is scheduled to close by 31 January 2026. 

MultiChoice had been losing subscribers with those numbers dropping from 17.3 million in 2023 to 14.5 million in 2025. This whole ordeal took a bigger plunge in some African markets particularly Kenya where cuts reached between 80% to 90%.

Canal+ is trying to put out a fire even if that means DStv and Showmax subscribers miss out on The White Lotus and House Of Dragons. As the French company deemed M-Net's agreement with Warner Bros. non viable.

As mentioned, MultiChoice has been losing DStv consumers and their premium market has been under siege post the pandemic.

M-Net has been the glue to the DStv Premium structure but with massive cord cutting seen in the United States and elsewhere. One channel alone isn't enough to entice viewers to subscribe especially if they're more affordable options.

That doesn't mean the loss of The White Lotus and The Glided Age won't impact M-Net's remaining viewers immensely as this will just lead to even more cord cutting for DStv.

Canal+ has been boasting about being a super aggregator and the plan is to have HBO Max funnel all this content. The problem is that for linear viewers that aren't streaming it only leads to even lesser content.

HBO Max's parent company is currently undergoing a takeover process by Netflix and should the deal succeed all this content will likely be made exclusive to the streamer.

Catch Me A Killer, Showmax Original Series, Launches On Canal+'s Polar+ In France Starting January 5th

“Catch Me A Killer is the true story of the first serial killer profiler in South Africa,” says lead actress Charlotte Hope, who played Myranda in Game of Thrones and headlined Starz’s The Spanish Princess as Catherine of Aragon. “She is called Micki Pistorius and, frankly, she’s amazing.” 

South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) winner Rene van Rooyen (Oscar entry Toorbos, Alles Malan, Summertide) agrees. “Living in South Africa amid a wave of violence, we have all been asking for a superhero, and here we have the true story of a superhero in the 1990s,” says Rene, who alternates directing duties with SAFTA winner Brett Michael-Innes (Fiela Se Kind) and Tracey Larcombe (Silent Witness). 

Adapted from Pistorius’ memoir of the same name, the 10-part series follows Pistorius, a newly qualified forensic psychologist, as she tracks down South Africa’s most feared killers. Each episode looks at another of her cases, from the Cleveland Killer to Stewart ‘Boetie Boer’ Wilken, taking viewers across the country. 

“Catch Me A Killer is about Micki’s experience of trying to understand the psychology of serial killers, but it’s also more than that,” says Charlotte. “On one hand it’s a true crime: every week we have a different episode, a different serial killer and a different case to solve. But it’s also a character study. This is a woman who goes through a huge emotional journey; in understanding the psychology of the killers, she's also aware of what’s happening psychologically to herself.”

As her character says in the series, “Whoever fights monsters should see that in the process he does not become a monster too.”  

A co-production between Showmax and Germany’s Night Train Media, Catch Me A Killer is also a classic underdog story: Micki is the only female profiler in a predominantly male police force, many of whom are deeply suspicious of the whole concept of psychology and think trying to understand the killers is a waste of time and resources. 

The series is also a time-capsule for 1990s South Africa: when the optimism of the country’s new democracy was undermined by a string of serial killers. 

SAFTA winner Amy Jephta (Oscar entry Barakat, Devil’s Peak, Showmax Original Skemerdans) is the lead writer, alongside the likes of Sarah Hooper (Shameless), Jessica Ruston (Harlots) and Oliver Frampton (Sister Boniface Mysteries). Among other episodes, Amy scripts the two-part pilot, which tells the story of the Station Strangler. 

“The series opens in the place that I come from, Mitchell’s Plain,” says Amy. “I was in grade 1 at the time of the Station Stranger killer and my mother was a police officer at the same station that Micki was assigned to in 1994. I was in and out of that police station. So I remember the fear in that community and what it felt like to be a kid at a time where there were these boys being abducted. So I could draw a lot on my first-hand feeling.” 

“It’s not a whodunnit; it’s a whydunnit,” adds Amy. “You’re inside the perspective of these killers and the victim’s families as much as you are inside Micki’s perspective. Can she get to the heart of understanding the mind of the killer she’s tracking? Why did these people commit these acts? It’s a fascinating cat and mouse story.”

Apart from Steven Ward (One Piece) and newcomer Donna Cormack-Thomson as series regulars, the supporting cast changes each episode. Look out for the likes of Lemogang Tsipa (Shaka iLembe), Waldemar Schultz (Die Byl), Ivan Zimmermann (Alles Malan), Frank Rautenbach (Lioness, Summertide), Silwerskerm winner Carel Nel (Gaia), and SAFTA winner Louw Venter (Swartwater), not to mention SAFTA nominees Albert Pretorius (Spinners) and Sean Cameron Michael (Fried Barry) as Stewart ‘Boetie Boer’ Wilken and FBI profiler Robert Ressler respectively. 

More Bad News Might Be Awaiting DStv Consumers As MultiChoice And Warner Bros. Discovery Square Off

According to some new reports, DStv subscribers may have to brace for more bad news aside from Paramount closing MTV Base and 3 other channels. The fight is on in trying to retain Cartoon Network and TNT as well as The White Lotus on M-Net.

Warner Bros. Discovery and MultiChoice had this carriage dispute for sometime regarding the future of these networks and it's content on M-Net. As reported, Netflix had won the bid to acquire the portion that licenses to M-Net.

MultiChoice under its new owners Canal+ seemingly implied that rates to renew such agreement is higher. And as I've mentioned for a while now things about to get messy from insider's reports that things aren't looking good.

It could imply two scenarios

The first DStv consumers will lose all 12 channels meaning no more reruns of Regular Show on Cartoon Network and Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network. Superman, Green Lantern and Harry Potter on M-Net Movies those are gone as well.

From 2026, MultiChoice will lose DStv consumers at an alarmingly rate as seen in Kenya where it lost 85% of its audience. While they promise to replace the affected channels, none of the content from these brands would form part of the lineup anyways.

MultiChoice will find it hard trying to convince consumers across the DStv bouquet to retain their subscription. Even with replacements, there would be no Sister Wives or AEW Dynamite which is what the paying consumer subscribed for.

Various outlets are putting most of their bet on the first scenario and if you've seen what happened in the week was Netflix's possible acquisition of Warner Bros. Lots of websites placed their bid on Paramount winning as the deal would have included the cable networks.

But I'm putting my cards out for the second scenario where MultiChoice and Warner Bros. Discovery are able to finalise an agreement - eventually.

"Things Aren't Looking Good" could imply instead of 12 additional channels joining the 4 existing channels from Paramount to exit DStv. It could as well be between 4-7 channels and I've stated this before MultiChoice doesn't need all these channels.

Travel Channel had been in decline that even MultiChoice Africa no longer offer it to DStv consumers. HGTV similar to BBC Earth wasn't even licensed to consumers in some African markets making it a strong contender to get the axe.

Under previous management, MultiChoice was prioritising on content which led to the exit of a couple of popular brands like Animal Planet and BBC First. Maybe under French hands, they could look to keep channels with massive appeal and remove ones deemed expensive or redundant.

Popular brands within their stable include Discovery, TLC, Cartoon Network and TNT, with expensive or low rated brands like HGTV, Food Network and Discovery Family.

If theres one thing I believe would be a priority is the part that deals with M-Net and Showmax as a loss would lead to viewer erosion. The part in which M-Net contract with has major IPs under their belt and is a contributor to M-Net's success.

The linear part doesn't even appear in South Africa's 20 most watched channels making the content part a liability. 

The second scenario seems probable although they would lose subscribers it wouldn't be severe if this number went up to 16 channels. MultiChoice can do without some of these brands as it would give them time to calm the masses and seek alternatives.

How Netflix's Potential Acquisition Of Warner Bros. Discovery Affects M-Net, DStv And Showmax?

Not long ago, it was reported that Netflix won the bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery valuing the deal at $72 billion. This deal would DC Entertainment/Studios, Cartoon Network Studios, HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures/Television and New Line Cinema.

Below is a how this deal is bad news for MultiChoice

M-Net and Showmax

MultiChoice had been licensing Game Of Thrones and Penguins from HBO to M-Net and Showmax. In the event of an acquisition, Netflix had expressed interest to continue these partnerships with local broadcasters but it may not be easy.

If MultiChoice continues to license content from Warner Bros. they could as well look to increase the rates. This is something MultiChoice's new owners Canal+ may not find amusing as they've begun cost cutting due to DStv's shrinking consumer base.

Besides that, the previous owners at MultiChoice had been anti-Netflix for sometime so the general audience had sort of painted a certain image of the company. While free-to-air broadcasters such as SABC and eMedia Investments had been licensing from the streamer.

MultiChoice put up a wall between them and Netflix again this was the previous owners regime as Canal+ does view them as partners. They do have an agreement to bundle their services in francophone markets alongside a content deal through K+.

The reality is while Warner Bros. continues to license content to M-Net and Showmax, Netflix will likely make further productions exclusive to their services. If they do continue licensing, I doubt MultiChoice would want their scraps.

Netflix is already available in the market which further complicates things as M-Net and Showmax are meant to go hand in hand with their content. But then again, MultiChoice is part of StudioCanal's parent company which gives them leverage.

Netflix may offer Stranger Things, Squid Games and Wednesday but with Canal+'s MultiChoice there's Paris Has Fallen, Spinners and iShaka iLembe.

DStv

For this part, I feel there's a lot of exaggeration as Netflix is not acquiring Discovery, TLC or the linear Cartoon Network as that is being spun off into a separate company. Of course, Netflix's bid to be frank sort of dilutes the value of Cartoon Network.

Cartoon Network under Discovery Global will be leaning more toward third party programming such as Lego Ninjago, Dragonball Super and Totally Spies!. While what made Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney "The Big 3" like Regular Show and Tiny Toons Looniversity goes to Netflix.

It's likely that they will be a licensing agreement for these shows but they'll most definitely be like DreamWorks Channel - reruns. Under a separate company, they're not going to prioritise on these Netflix originals.

If it is deemed expensive these shows could as well get phased out and again that just dilutes Cartoon Network who had been reliant on these IPs.

Turning over the torch to Discovery Global, this is the company that MultiChoice is involved in a carriage dispute with over the future of its 12 channels. These include Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC and as mentioned the linear Cartoon Network.

Of course, the matter of concern here to me is that as mentioned with Cartoon Network while the Netflix deal makes the company more leaner. There's still another 20 billion worth of debt they need to clean out.

Expecting for content to be reduced, potential sales or closures to operations or channels and lastly massive layoffs particularly for international feeds.

All of this might as well unfold while these channels are no longer on DStv but then again it's likely that MultiChoice could opt to keep a few channels. My guess would be Discovery Channel, TLC, Cartoon Network, Real Time, Cartoonito, ID and CNN.

MultiChoice Is In Trouble As M-Net And Showmax Are Also At Risk Of Losing Content From HBO, TLC And Cartoon Network

A few days ago, it was announced that Netflix had won the bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (excluding it's cable networks). This comes after MultiChoice and the company made it transparent to viewers that their 12 TV channels on DStv could be going dark from next year.

These include Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Family, TNT, Real Time, Investigation Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN. A petition had been going around following news of its possible demise.

According to sources, not only does this deal affect these cable networks but also their licensing deal with M-Net and Showmax for shows like House Of Dragons, The White Lotus and The Gilded Age.

MultiChoice had stated at the time that they were open to replacing these channels and if that's so none of the content from HBO or Warner's cable networks would form part of the lineup. Warner Bros. is one of MultiChoice's biggest clients.

Compared to Disney and Paramount that offer only 6 channels each, they offer a combined figure. Since Disney+ inception, content from the brand had been further reduced on M-Net, DStv and Showmax but that wasn't the case for Warner Bros. Discovery.

For MultiChoice and it's owner Canal+, there is a lot in stake for them should they opt to have these channels removed. In two years, they've lost over 2 million subscribers particularly in Kenya where it lost 85% of its subscribers and this will just accelerate.

Paramount already plans to close CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base, and although the consumer numbers are expected to decline. It will be more severe as seen in Kenya should consumers miss out on 90 Day Fiance and Craig Of The Creek. 

Afrikaans Adaptation Of The Office To Premiere In January On Showmax

African streamer Showmax is in production on a South African adaptation of global hit format The Office, licensed by BBC Studios.

kykNET will preview the first episode at 8PM on Sunday, 18 January, ahead of the Showmax double bill premiere on Tuesday, 20 January. 

It was more than 20 years ago that the world was introduced to the wonderfully bleak mockumentary world of The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. MetaCritic lists the original British version as the best-reviewed comedy series of all time, while the American version won five Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and was the most streamed show in the world in 2020. 

This universal appeal has seen the BAFTA- and Golden Globe-winning cult comedy remade for audiences around the world, including Australia, France, Canada, Chile, Israel, India, the Middle East, and Poland. 

The South African edition of The Office, to be called Die Kantoor, will be its 14th adaptation and will be filmed primarily in Afrikaans. 

Rapid Blue, part of BBC Studios, is producing the Showmax Original, with BBC Studios handling global sales.

SAFTA and Silwerskerm winner Bennie Fourie is the head writer and director. He is the co-creator of SAFTA Best TV Comedy winner Hotel and plays Baltus in the award-winning mockumentary Magda Louw. 

“It's a massive honour to be able to make the show,” says Bennie. “When we started way back with Hotel, this was the type of show that we were trying to emulate. I don’t think we were ready to make it then but after 10 years of playing with the mockumentary genre, now is the perfect time for us to do this. Everything has really fallen into place and we’re extremely excited.”  

Bennie is clear he’s not just translating The Office into Afrikaans to remake it shot-by-shot with local actors. Instead, he’s reimagined it from the ground up. “South Africa is not the UK and it’s not the US, and we really wanted to reflect that,” says Bennie.

This started by changing the office setting from a paper company to Deluxe Processed Meats, which specialises in polony. 

“South Africa is a proud meat-consuming nation,” says Bennie. “From biltong to droëwors to steak, many South Africans find some of our identity in the meat we eat. But polony is not on that list. It’s just so flippen pink. When you’re standing around a braai, the last thing you want to say is that you are passionate about polony. Especially after that Listeriosis outbreak.”

The staff are looked down upon by their head office, Deluxe Meats, who specialise in prime cuts, and no one feels safe in their positions, as a BBBEE business consortium recently bought a large part of the company.

Rapid Blue produced Is’thunzi, which earned Thuso Mbedu two International Emmy nominations. They’ve assembled a mix of familiar and fresh faces for Die Kantoor, led by 2025 Fleur du Cap winner Albert Pretorius (Niggies; Nêrens, Noord-Kaap) as Flip, the office manager. 

“Flip’s only been the manager for the last year but he’s excited to welcome the documentary crew,” says Bennie. “He feels like this is his Chasing the Sun; like his rise to greatness needs to be recorded.” 

The ensemble cast also includes SAFTA winner Schalk Bezuidenhout (Kanarie, Hotel), screen legend Lida Botha (Die Kwiksilvers), Carl Beukes (Jozi, The Shakedown), Silwerskerm winner Ilse Oppelt (Oh Schuks I’m Gatvol, Fishy Fêshuns), Daniah de Villiers (Mia in Mia and the White Lion), Mehboob Bawa (Bhai in Bhai’s Cafe), former KFM presenter Sipumziwe Lucwaba, and newcomer Gert du Plessis. 

“Our very first Showmax Original was a mockumentary, Tali’s Wedding Diary, so reimagining the most iconic mockumentary of them all has been a full circle moment for us,” says Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, executive head of content at Showmax, part of MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company.

The announcement comes as South Africa celebrates being in third place overall at tonight’s International Emmy Awards in New York, with a record five nominations: Showmax’s Koek (Drama) and Catch Me A Killer (Actress: Charlotte Hope), M-Net’s School Ties (Documentary), SuperSport’s Chasing The Sun 2 (Sports Documentary), and Play Room Live (Kids: Factual and Entertainment). 

While you wait for the South African version in January, re-watch the US version of The Office S1-9 on Showmax.

Cartoon Network Will Not Be Airing Iyanu Following It's African Release On Showmax

Adapted from Roye Okupe’s graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics (the powerhouse behind “The Umbrella Academy” and “Hellboy”), the series is helmed by Roye Okupe himself, who was born and raised in Nigeria and now serves as Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, a leading Black-owned animation studio in North America.

Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.

The entire first season of IYANU was made available across 44 African countries on streaming partner Showmax beginning June 13. Other broadcasters like ITVX will also stream the series across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The talented all-African IYANU voice cast includes: Serah Johnson as Iyanu; Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion; Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori; Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye's father; Stella Damasus as Sewa; Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother; and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani.

The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.

Fans of Iyanu are likely waiting for its official rollout on Cartoon Network in Africa and other parts of the world but that won't be the case unfortunately. According to a rep at WBD, the series is not expected to air on Cartoon Network should there be any updates it will be published. 

It should be noted that although Warner Bros. Discovery publicised it as an original series it's being helmed at Lion Forge Entertainment. They are currently it's distribution for Cartoon Network and HBO Max but this is only applicable to the US leaving the window open for broadcasters like Showmax.

Showmax being owned by Canal+'s MultiChoice also manage the Africa Magic channels and distribute Play Room in the market making them possible broadcasters for Iyanu. As seen with other African animated series like Twende and Jay Jay The Chosen One.

Why Canal+ Wants To Acquire Comcast's Stake In Showmax?

Canal+ plans to roll out a “super app” as MultiChoice becomes wholly owned by the company which would combine DStv and Showmax's operations. Even offer content from third party platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

Although, Canal+ had stated they had no intention of closing Showmax this super app might be their way of gradually phasing out the brand. They aren't pleased with the notion that MultiChoice would launch a platform that would rival with DStv.

Aside from Showmax, the combined company would also be operating DStv Stream, Canal+ app and VIU. They are assessing whether to keep these services separated or merge them hence the super app.

The biggest roadblock to its integration plans would be Comcast's 30% stake in the streamer. Disney had to go back and forth with the company in order to merge with Hulu and Disney+ this is what could await Canal+ in its pursuit for Showmax.

Some outlets had even talked about how Canal+ could potentially sell their stake and I can only assume similar to DStv, the company is optimising for growth. Showmax is the third most used streaming service behind Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, Fabric reports.

As for content, there's a very high possibility that Canal+ will axe and merge Showmax's content slate with that of DStv. They had produced about 4000 hours of African content while MultiChoice had 6000 hours combined they'd have 10,000 hours in a year.

Would Canal+ really need Showmax if they can curate 10,000 hours of content in 20 to 35 languages for DStv alone?

Spinners,’ The South African Sports Drama From Canal+ And Showmax, Returns For Season 2

“Spinners,” the South African extreme sports action drama, is returning for a second season that brings back the creators, writers and cast of the hit drama set in Cape Town.

Co-produced by African streaming service Showmax and Canal+, season 2 of “Spinners” shot on location in South Africa with showrunner and co-creator Benjamin Hoffman. Back in the director’s chair is Jaco Bouwer, whose credits include the SXSW prizewinning eco-horror movie “Gaia.” Also back are Matthew Jankes and Sean Steinberg who penned season 2.

Joachim Landau is once again producing the gritty crime drama for Federation Middle East Africa & Caribbean, alongside Ramadan Suleman (“Zulu Love Letter”) who is co-producing through his South African full-service company Natives at Large.

Studiocanal, whose sister company Canal+ commissioned the series, is unveiling a first look of season 2 in the run up to Mipcom. The show illustrates creative synergies between the French TV group and Showmax, the streaming service of MultiChoice, the pan-African pay-TV operator that’s now fully owned by Canal+ and operates across 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It will roll out on both Canal+ and MultiChoice platforms, Showmax and DStv.

The first season of “Spinners” make history as the first African show to take part in Canneseries’ main competition in 2023 and went on to win awards at Dakar Series, and the Shanghai TV festival, as well as garnered three nominations at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA).

The first season followed 17-year-old Ethan (Cantona James) seeking a way out of the Southside’s bloody cycle of gang violence through spinning, a South African extreme motorsport that features drivers performing daredevil stunts. Season 2 sees is set two years after Ethan and his friends escaped the violent grip of gang life and have become spinning stars in the big city. “Fame, love, and happiness finally seem within reach—until a brutal ambush, orchestrated by Ethan’s old gang, shatters their peace. Desperate, Ethan turns to the Maseko clan for help but their protection comes at a heavy cost,” the synopsis reads.

Cantona James and Chelsea Thomas reprise their leading roles, along with Brendon Daniels – who starred in “White Lies” opposite Natalie Dormer, and local star Dillon Windvogel (“Blood & Water”). Cameos include Kayla Olifant, a top female spinner who was recently featured in the National Geographic series “David Blaine: Do Not Attempt.”

New cast members are also joining season 2 of “Spinners,” including Clementine Mosimane (“How to Ruin Christmas”), Mondli Makhoba (“Shaka iLembe”) and rising star Luyanda Zwane (“Sibongile and the Dlaminis”) and Aphiwe Mkefe (“Nkuleko”).

The production of “Spinners” season 2 reflects the ambition of Canal+ which aims at ramping up its pipeline of Canal+ original series in Africa to eight shows per year hailing from all over Africa.

Since 2018, Canal+ has produced 35 Canal+ series with African talent in 11 different African countries. These include “Invisibles,” “Agent,” “Cacao,” “Mami Wata,” “Eki,” “Or Blanc,” “Niabla,” “Ewusu” and “Lakantane.”

VIU And HBO Max Bundle Is Launching In Southeast Asia, Showmax Likely To Follow Soon For Consumers In Africa

HBO Max and Viu are bundling their services in Southeast Asia into a single subscription, which will bring HBO shows such as The Last of Us and The White Lotus together with Viu’s original Korean and Chinese dramas.

The bundle will launch in Q4 across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, and is almost certainly the first of its kind spanning multiple markets in Asia Pacific.

HBO Max is bundled with other services elsewhere in the world, including in the States, where several variations exist. The service launched in seven key Asian territories in November last year – then known as Max, prior to the re-rebrand back to its original name over the summer.

“Following the proven consumer and business benefits of HBO Max bundles in other parts of the world, this new streaming offering will provide strong entertainment value for consumers across Southeast Asia, and help drive subscriber growth and stronger retention,” said James Gibbons, President of Asia Pacific at Warner Bros. Discovery.

“With access to two complementary and world class collections in a single subscription, local fans can enjoy even more choice – from premium Hollywood movies and series to standout local Asian content.”

The HBO Max/Viu bundle will include the likes of the Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and DC Universe franchises, feature such as Spinners and The Minecraft Movie, legacy series such as Friends and HBO originals, including The Last of Us and The White Lotus. From the Viu side comes reality series such as Running Man and 2 Days 1 Night, Chinese dramas including The Immortal Ascension and Love Has Fireworks and upcoming Viu original Korean dramas Taxi Driver 3 and My Youth. Yesterday, we revealed My Youth had been snapped up for Rakuten Viki for the U.S., Europe and Latin America.

Janice Lee, CEO of Viu and Managing Director of PCCW Media Group, said: “Our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is an exciting step forward in our promise to continually enhance Viu’s entertainment options and meet our viewers’ evolving tastes.

“By combining HBO Max’s Hollywood content with Viu’s Asian favorites in a single bundle subscription, we’re offering more choice in shows, easier access to diverse content and greater value across a wider range of programming.”

Recap: MultiChoice Showed Signs Vulnerability At First Hearing When Talking About Showmax

MultiChoice and Canal+ began talks with the Competition Tribunal on its first day of the hearing in which various topics were uncovered. But here's where things got more interesting:

Showmax, Africa's leading streaming service that was recently revamped in partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal. From what we know, NBCUniversal owns a 30% stake which has helped Showmax bolster it's international portfolio and user interface.

MultiChoice was hoping to almost double DStv's subscriber numbers through Showmax in a few years and while they still haven't revealed subscriber numbers. Showmax on top of making a loss isn't living up to their expectation on subscriber count.

If it weren't for Canal+ (at least from what was implied), they wouldn't need outside help (NBCUniversal) to bolster Showmax with MultiChoice open to selling more shares in the streamer.

The interesting part was when they brought up Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. As some know, their consumer base exceeds 200 million subscribers for which MultiChoice brought up its dismal number of 14.5 million DStv subscribers.

MultiChoice had implied that DStv fees could have been a lot lower if they had reached such magnitude with their subscribers. Even going as far comparing figures with the streamer, for every Shaka iLembe that was launched MultiChoice invested R250,000 while Netflix with Blood And Water invested R2 million.

For every Shaka iLembe that was added to Showmax, Netflix could 

Canal+ To Launch Streaming Service MyCanal In Eastern Europe By The End Of 2026 Followed By Asia, Could It Replace DStv Stream And Showmax In Africa?

Canal+ is currently in the process of completing it's acquisition of MultiChoice after recieving a recommendation from the Competition Commission. Now the deal sits with the Competition Tribunal and Independent Communications Authority Of South Africa (ICASA) for further analysis. 

Reports going around is that MyCanal which is basically international version of DStv Stream and rival to Pluto TV from Paramount Global is looking to launch in Eastern Europe by the end of 2026 with Asia likely to follow in the first half of 2027.

The app combines a package of live content, replay and subscription video on demand. In addition to Canal’s own original content, it has also aggregated the platforms of Netflix, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Paramount+, BeIN, Eurosport and Dailymotion.

MyCanal currently operates in Africa namely Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda and Niger basically regions in which it pay-tv service resides. What was interesting about this report is that it mentioned Canal+ plans to rollout MyCanal in regions in which it operates.

With Canal+ currently pursuing MultiChoice who own Showmax and DStv Stream with VIU also operating in South Africa these could as well be potential candidates for its streaming endeavours.

After acquiring Netherland's SPI International, FilmBox+ serves as European equivalent of MyCanal with K+ in Vietnam so the idea of Showmax and DStv Stream fitting under this umbrella wouldn't seem far fetched a stretch.

Following the relaunch of Showmax with NBCUniversal, MultiChoice had mentioned that the number of activations had increased which indicates that the streamer has plenty of scale. This is where DStv Stream lacks as it serves as a companion app to the DStv satellite.

Some consumers have felt that DStv had become expensive even with its OTT counterpart having reduced rates for its dishless consumers. With the price of DStv Premium, consumers can pay for 5 streaming services making DStv Stream a liability.

Merging Showmax and DStv Stream would make it easier to market rather than splitting consumers and alienating them from content. DStv has a batch of channels whose content is not on Showmax and vice versa - merging could reduce those expenses.

Integrating these services could face various delays one being licensing agreements which MultiChoice could have extended for several years. Another has to do with NBCUniversal as they retain 30% in Showmax preventing full integration.

Canal+ could buy back the shares but NBCUniversal could prioritize it's streaming endeavours or want more money as seen with Hulu.

Showmax has been viewed as a direct competitor to DStv so Canal+ could look to reduce its investment perhaps by selling more shares. They do have this whole thing going on with VIU and I'd imagine them keeping a percentage in Showmax in order to tap the rest of Africa which VIU remains nonexistent.

But if I'm being rational, they could as well look to merge the two that's what happened when WarnerMedia and Discovery merged. They removed a ton of content (mainly animation) from Max and focused on adult programming while licensing it's other content to rival platforms.

Iyanu Premieres On Showmax With All-Nigerian Voice Cast

The animated series Iyanu will make its African debut on Showmax starting on June 13, 2025. It will feature an impressive lineup of Nigerian voice actors, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Serah Johnson, Stella Damasus, and Shaffy Bello.

The show follows the story of a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. When danger arises, she unwittingly activates divine powers that have been dormant since the Age of Wonders. With the help of her adventurous friend Biyi, voiced by Okey Jude, and the bookish Toye, played by Samuel Kugbiyi, Iyanu embarks on a journey to confront the evil threatening her community. They are joined by a magical leopard named Ekun, adding to the excitement of their adventure.

Iyanu has already made waves in the United States since its launch on Cartoon Network in April 2025. It has received critical acclaim and considerable viewership, ranking number one on the network and within the top 10 for kids and family series on Max. Screen Rant lauded it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed,” emphasising its innovative fusion of African mythology and contemporary superhero themes.

Adapted from the graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe, the animated series has captured audiences worldwide. Okupe expressed his excitement for the African premiere, emphasising the importance of representation in superhero narratives. “To see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment,” he said.

Iyanu showcases the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture, music, and mythology and highlights the universal appeal of superhero stories. It invites viewers of all ages to connect with a hero who looks and feels like them. The series promises a magical journey of self-discovery and adventure for audiences throughout Africa and beyond.

Cartoon Network & Max Greenlight ‘Iyanu’ S2 Plus Two Movies

Following the breakout first season, a second season of Lion Forge Entertainment’s Iyanu, the epic animated fantasy series inspired by Nigerian mythology, along with two feature films expanding its universe, have been greenlit by Cartoon Network and Max.

Based on the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe, and produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.

“We’re incredibly inspired by the response to Iyanu and the connection it has made with audiences,” said David Steward II, CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “The opportunity to expand this world with a second season and two feature films is a testament to the power of meaningful storytelling and innovative creative collaboration. We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners at Cartoon Network and Max, and it’s been a lot of fun working with Roye to bring Iyanu to life and build the franchise.”

Okupe, who also serves as series creator, executive producer and showrunner, commented, “This is a huge win for Iyanu, Lion Forge Entertainment and YouNeek Studios fans around the world. The support for our show has been nothing short of humbling — and because of that incredible response, we now get to bring the next chapter of Iyanu’s story to life. I’m thrilled to continue expanding the world of Iyanu and the YouNeek YouNiverse, and to share this journey with audiences across the globe. This is just the beginning.”

Season 2 will return with 10 new episodes where we’ll see Iyanu continue to master her burgeoning powers as she finds herself in the midst of a fierce conflict between Elu and the People of the Deep, led by a new formidable opponent. With various factions of Yorubaland vying for powerful divine artifacts that have reemerged, Iyanu strives to find a way to end the war and restore peace. As Team Chosen reunites and tensions rise between old allies and foes, Iyanu must confront even more powerful threats from the Age of Wonders — including secrets buried deep within her own past.

The first of the planned animated film extensions, titled The Age of Wonders, is set to be released later this year. It will transport viewers 500 years before Iyanu’s rise, taking them to a thriving Yorubaland at the peak of its magical civilization. When the embodiment of the seven deadly sins threatens the world, Iyanu’s predecessors join forces with the Divine Ones to prevent the Age of Darkness.

The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod. Iyanu was adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Youneek Studios and Dark Horse Comics.

Iyanu Season 2 will return to Cartoon Network and Max in 2026, followed by the second film currently in production.

SABC Looking To Produce And License Content To Netflix And MultiChoice

SABC is technically insolvent meaning they've been unable to pay off most of their expenses after the government opted to no longer loan them the cash. This had led to them cancelling various content seen on SABC 2 and 3 including 7de Laan, The Estate and soon Muvhango.

In a turnaround plan, SABC is planning to curate exclusive content for the streamer SABC+ after garnering over 800,000 registered users. This may lead to some restructuring for SABC 2 and 3 as seen with Cartoon Network whose content slate is being optimised for streaming.

With SABC not having much cash to cover the expenses of its cast and crew there's a moderate to high chance that this content for SABC+ will not be fully funded by them. Similar to eVOD and Amazon Prime Video, SABC will likely give this partner an exclusive open window before making available to SABC+.

SABC had stated they would like to work with Netflix and MultiChoice on new content as they have already preexisting deals in place with the latter. Some years back, they had expressed interest in potentially reviving SABC 3's former shows Isidingo and Top Billing.

SABC 3 has been loss maker for sometime and MultiChoice and Netflix have the reach and cash to help these shows garner more scale. Maybe this partnership could lead SABC to revive more content like Soul City as some of their older library of shows are doing well streaming wise.

Reviving the latter on SABC 3 wouldn't really do much revenue wise as seen with Warner Bros. Discovery's animation slate. Internationally, this content is garnering traction while it's viewers in the main market would rather view this content online.