News Shorts: WildEarth Launches On Samsung TV Plus In The United States, Play Room To Broadcast DC Superhero Girls Following The Inclusion Of Batwheels And Telemundo Hits A New Low With Nurses S1

WildEarth launch on Samsung TV Plus

WildEarth.tv, home of the largest safari vehicle in the world, announced that the channel will officially launch on Samsung TV Plus in the USA on 12 December 2024, just in time for the holiday season.

Samsung TV Plus is the go-to service for free, premium entertainment that allows content owners and advertisers to engage consumers at scale. As a leader in free ad-supported TV (FAST) and video-on-demand (AVOD), Samsung TV Plus is the #1 free ad-supported app on Samsung Smart TVs, with over 3,000 ad-supported linear channels available across 30 territories and over 630M active devices, Samsung TV Plus is exclusively available across Samsung TV, Galaxy, Smart Monitor, and Family Hub

 lineups.

Earlier in the month, WildEarth was reinstated on MultiChoice's DStv this comes after the two had a carriage dispute with WildEarth going on a rant. Since then, the CEO of the channel had issued an apology to MultiChoice regarding their past remarks with both evading questions as to how they've come to an agreement.

The DC Universe enters Play Room

After Play Room acquired rights to the Netflix hit series Batwheels now the channel is set to expand this offering with DC Superhero Girls: Superhero Of The Year. The short series was initially broadcast on e.tv with the more longer format series and films on Cartoon Network.

DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year is an American animated superhero film based on the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It follows seven female students of Super Hero High as they discover their superpowers and fight the evil Dark Opal, who intends to develop a lethal weapon.

It will broadcast at 4PM from 13 December.

A rebroadcast of Nurses S1 replaces Hidden Passions 

Nurses was acquired on Telemundo back in 2022 and serves as one of the longest time productions viewed on the channel by Colombia's RCN who also produced shows like The Chosen Granddaughter and slated to also a return in the coming weeks, The Scent Of Passion.

It was quietly scrubbed from the line-up last year forcing Telemundo to temporarily halt primetime due to a change in legislation imposed in Cameroon and Uganda which prohibited broadcasters from promoting gay content. A censored version of the show was rebroadcast on the channel later in the year.

Now Telemundo is set to rebroadcast the first season of the medical drama from 19 December despite already doing so within the year of course the third and fourth season were left out at the time for unknown reasons.

Telemundo To Premiere Lord Of The Skies Season 9 In November Across Africa

Telemundo is a Spanish language entertainment channel operated by NBCUniversal that distribute various content in English and Portuguese. It is home to shows such as My Heart Beats For Lola, Behind Closed Doors and Woman Of Steel with the channel set to rollout the ninth and final season to Lord Of The Skies.

It follows a humble man who wanted to become the richest and most powerful man in the world of drug trafficking in Mexico. To do so, he was capable of anything, and to maintain his power, he was even capable of changing his face. This season followed Casillas as his son’s arrest triggers a wave of violence across the country while he seeks revenge. 

“Since its original premiere ten years ago, ‘El Señor de los cielos’ [Lord Of The Skies] has consistently been a trailblazer thanks to its high-octane production value and a talented cast led by Amaya,” said Day, adding that there are touches of humor that add to its appeal.

It starred Rafael Amaya as Aurelio Casillas, Itatí Cantoral as Belén San Román, Robinson Díaz as Miltón Jiménez "El Cabo", Carmen Aub as Rutila Casillas, Iván Arana as Ismael Casillas, África Zavala as Mecha de la Cruz and Jason Romo as Diego Bustamante.

The ninth and final season of the American television series premiered on Telemundo in America from 13 February to 26 June 2024. This season was directed by Danny Gavidia, Mauricio Corredor, Mauricio Meneses and Bernardo Mota, with Karen Barroeta, Ximena Cantuarias, and Monica Vizzi serving as executive producers.

Lord Of The Skies season 9 replaces Queen Of The South season 3 once it comes to an end from Monday 11 November at 22:00. In other developments, TLNovelas which serves a rival offering to the channel is also looking to add new content in the month with The Path Of Love.

Reminder: Telemundo To Debut New Series "Ana's New Life" In Africa

Ana Ocampo is a 50-year-old woman who will have to face a divorce, after she discovers that her husband, Horacio, is unfaithful with a much younger woman, Adelaida Gómez. In the midst of her loneliness, Ana discovers that the end of her marriage will become a second chance for her as she enjoys her new life and becomes a stronger woman. She ends up meeting Joaquín Cortés, who, after meeting Ana, assures her that she is the woman of his life. Meanwhile, Horacio realizes that ending his relationship with Ana was a mistake.

It starred Paola Turbay as Ana Ocampo, Sebastián Carvajal as Joaquín Cortés, Jorge Enrique Abello as Horacio Valenzuela, Laura Archbold as Adelaida Gómez, Judy Henríquez as Dolores Viuda de Ocampo, Ramistelly Herrera as Emma Valenzuela, Carlos Báez as Pedro Valenzuela, Ilenia Antonini as Florencia Valenzuela and Adriana Romero as Genoveva Serrano.

With Queen Of The South set to return on the channel for a third and final season on Telemundo. The channel had opted to sought out the assistance of Colombia's RCN Television for Ana's New Life (also known as Ana De Nadie) in an attempt to retain daytime audiences as Teresa Mendoza's entry will be restricted to late nights at 22:00 with Ana's New Life airing an hour earlier at 21:00.

RCN Television is no stranger to the Hispanic based channel as they've worked together on shows like Until Money Do Us Part and The Scent Of Passion. The channel had even sought to license other content like The Chosen Granddaughter, Nurses and Law Of The Heart with some of this currently seen on their lineup.

What's mind boggling about these premieres is that The People's Doctor instead of falling off the lineup follows Decisions and a select number of shows and serves as a filler to the daytime as Queen Of The South commences 9th September. Ana's New Life will only air 21 days after Queen Of The South on September 30th giving consumers free time to check the load of repeats on E! Entertainment.

News Shorts: e.tv Adds New Variety Show Friends Of Amstel: The Challenge, Xolani Khumalo Debuts New TV Show On StarSat And Queen Of The South Season 3 Makes Its Highly Anticipated Debut On Telemundo Africa

Black Tax changes timeslots ahead of new show

Friends of Amstel The Challenge is a fun and thrilling competition that brings together friends and celebrities for a series of exciting challenges. Whether it’s testing your physical abilities, mental acuity, or teamwork skills, this challenge has something for everyone. With Abuti Fill Up, President Ya Straata, and iNkabi uSjava leading their respective crews, you can bet that the competition will be fierce and exciting. Do you have what it takes to come out on top?

The ultimate prize for Friends of Amstel The Challenge is a 5-star, all-inclusive experience to Friends of Amstel. This exclusive event is a must-attend for any music and entertainment lover, so winning this prize is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From enjoying top-notch performances to rubbing elbows with celebrities, this experience is sure to be unforgettable. So, gather your friends, sign up for the challenge, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

The game show airs every Saturday at 18:00 on e.tv starting August 17th. To coincide with the launch season 2 of Black Tax will be moving to a much earlier timeslot 17:30.

St Rise adds new series Slyza Tsotsi

Xolani Khumalo, the former host of the controversial drug-busting show Sizokuthola, is making a return to television with his new show, Slyza Tsotsi. The show, which promises to be another hard-hitting expose on the illicit drug trade, will air on the Rise StarSat DStv channel 120 starting September 7th.

Khumalo also faces charges of malicious damage to property and robbery with aggravating circumstances, raising serious questions about his methods and the legitimacy of his crusade against drug dealers. Despite these controversies, Khumalo’s new show, Slyza Tsotsi, is set to continue his mission to expose and take down drug dealers.

Teresa is back for her final mission to take down the cartel 

The third season of Queen Of The South 3 (La Reina Del Sur 3) will premiere on September 9th on Telemundo Africa replacing The People's Doctor at 22:00 CAT. The final season has premiered in the United States a year ago so its kind of depressing that the channel took this long to acquire it.

After four years in prison in the United States for the deaths of three DEA agents, Teresa Mendoza escapes but will have to face a world full of conspiracy, risking her life in order to clear her name and reunite with her daughter Sofía. The cast includes Kate Del Castllo, Pêpê Rapazote, Antonio Gil, Isabella Sierra.

News Shorts: A Rebroadcast Of A Passion For Revenge Debuts On Telemundo And Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? Returns For Season 4 On Mzansi Magic

Telemundo hits the snooze button with A Passion For Revenge 

Set in Houston, Texas, the story of the well-raised, humble and hardworking Gallardo brother's quest for vengeance against the wealthy and powerful Del Junco family. When the body of young, beautiful, and pregnant Alma Gallardo is found in the Houston River, her brother's Arturo, Samuel, and Flavio believe the family of her lover Ignacio Del Junco is to blame.

Taking the last name "Rey" to disguise their identity, the brothers begin to work as construction workers at the sprawling Del Junco horse ranch to get closer to their enemy. With Ignacio already dead and learning how their beloved sister was mistreated by Ignacio's family, the brothers set out for revenge against Ignacio's widow, Cayetana, and her daughters Sofía, Irina, and Andrea. 

It airs daily at 19:00 from 13 August.

Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? is back

Mzansi Magic's Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? returns to Mzansi Magic for a brand-new season, promising more drama than ever before. This season, polygamists Dulas and Qondanisa, who were introduced in Season 1, are joined by Ntshangase, bringing his own family challenges to the forefront.

The reality show is a spin-off of the popular series Mnakwethu, where Musa Mseleku (known from Uthando neS’thembu) helps husbands seek permission from their wives to take additional wives. Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? explores life after these decisions and examines how the introduction of new wives impacts existing relationships.

In Season 4, the show delves into whether these families can find harmony amidst the complexities of polygamy. For instance, Qondanisa’s wife Mamchunu is currently separated from him but not divorced and the family wants her back because she was financially providing for the family. And for Ntshangase, Phindile wants to leave him if he continues with the polygamy idea and her family is angry about Ntshangase betraying their daughter and want her to leave the marriage.  Kuningi!

Don't miss the captivating Season 4 premiere of Mnakwethu Happily Ever After? airing on Mzansi Magic, Channel 161, on Wednesday 16 October 20:00.

News Shorts: StarTimes Debuts New Channel Rembo Plus, Vuyo Ngcukana And Zola Mhlongo Join Mzansi Magic’s My Brother's Keeper And An Iron Rose Rebroadcast Launches On Telemundo Across Africa

St Rembo to get a second TV channel 

Rembo was launched back in 2019 as a rival offering to M-Net's Maisha Magic offering content catered to East Africa. Most of the content would be broadcast in Swahili with other portions of the lineup made available in English and other indigenous languages. 

Now StarTimes looks to duplicate this offering on a separate TV channel known as Rembo Plus. The channel is set to go live from 1st July with content already viewed on other StarTimes channels such as Brothers, Viral Scandal and The Iron Heart.

New faces enter My Brother's Keeper

Vuyo Ngcukana, will join the telenovela as Menzi, a newly widowed attorney who meets Fakazile when she hires him as her attorney. Menzi is a bulldog in court but a loveable teddy in his personal life. Vuyo, is fresh off another production 1802: Love Defies Time (1Magic) and is also famously also known for his role as Schumacher on The Queen.

Also joining the MBK world is Zola Mhlongo who will play the role of Nkosazana, a former associate of Donga’s who he met through his tendering business. Nkosazana is a working girl, in waiting to be a kept girl! She smells like money, attracts money, money loves her and she looks set to turn someone’s world upside down. Zola has appeared on various productions such as How To Manifest A Man and Showmax’s Adulting.

To see what twists these two bring to the production, tune in to My Brother’s Keeper on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161, weekdays at 19:30.  

Telemundo continues its eternal slumber

During the week, it was reported that a rebroadcast of Until Money Do Us Part and Case Closed will be added on Telemundo in the coming weeks. These comes ahead of the new series The People's Doctor set to take up Come Back To Me once it ends in July.

Now Iron Rose is also set to join the lineup but in place of El Baron weekdays at 23:00 from Saturday 6 July. 

Worlds collide and lives shatter when Altagracia, a powerful and elegant businesswoman, plots a twisted revenge while falling in love. With the help of her aunt who trains her in the art of manipulation and seduction, while pursuing the men who murdered her parents.

Development Alert: A Rebroadcast Of Case Closed And Until Money Do Us Apart Launches On Telemundo Across Africa Ahead Of The People's Doctor

During the month, it was reported that Telemundo would be airing a new anthology series in July, The People's Doctor. The first Christmas Miracles dealt with festivities, Decisions dealt with daily dilemmas with The People's Doctor entering the medical issues.

Zombie TV as some would already know is what you'd call the current status of Telemundo and most other TV channels. As more households continue to switch to dump their TV sets the likes of NBCUniversal will reduce the amount of content for their channels.

My Heart Beats For Lola and Ana's Revenge which serve as the many rebroadcasts will be ending in the coming days. Cased Closed will replace My Heart Beats For Lola from 29th June with Until Money Do Us Part from 2nd July replacing Ana's Revenge. 

Until Money Do Us Part follows poor salesman Rafael and wealthy business executive Alejandra are two strangers who suffer a car accident that changes their lives and intertwines their futures. It starred Carmen Villalobos and Sebastián Martinez.

Case Closed dealt with family laws as specialist Ana Maria Polo acts as a judge to mediate conflicts and disputes between two parties.

New Series Alert: The People's Doctor Coming Soon To Telemundo Across Africa

Telemundo is a Spanish language entertainment channel operated by NBCUniversal. Following its launch in Africa, it had garnered traction for shows like My Heart Beats For Lola (Mí Corazon Insiste En Lola Volcan) and Lord Of The Skies (El Senor De Los Cielos).

Now it is being reported that Telemundo will be airing a new anthology series from July 15th titled The People's Doctor (also known as El Doctor Del Pueblo). It will replace Come Back To Me (Vuelve A Mí) once it concludes from July 11th in the same timeslot. 

Based on the life of José Gregorio Hernández better known as The Doctor Of The People intervenes in the most dire situations where the love of families are put to the test. The series had an unexpected miracle and teaches a life lesson and brings hope.

The series ensemble a cast of Gabriela Rivero, Úrsula Pruneda, Gabriel Porras, Luz Ramos, Erick Chapa and Cecilia Toussaint. 

In other developments, Telemundo will be airing a rebroadcast of The Impostor (La Impostora) once Ana's Revenge (La Venganza De Analía) ends. We are still awaiting further updates on the third and final season of Queen Of The South which we hope to share soon.

News Shorts: The Caring Friend Circle Coming Soon To Play Room, A Rebroadcast Of The Impostor Launches On Telemundo Across Africa And WildEarth Extends Its Reach To Freeview In The UK

More Sesame Street on Play Room

Not long ago, Play Room had scooped up rights to more educational content from Sesame Workshop with Math Adventures. Now the channel will continue its investment toward the franchise with the rollout of The Caring Friends Circle.

Elmo learns something super important about himself. The Caring Friends Circle plays a game where they say something they like about themselves while passing a ball. But when it is Elmo's turn, he is not sure what to say. 

It will air daily at 06:15 from 14 June.

Telemundo hits the snooze button

Based on the Chilean telenovela Cerro Alegre, The Impostor follows a young waitress with a great ability for imitation and acting, has to pose as a millionaire investor to infiltrate a very powerful New York family in order to uncover a hidden truth.

It starred Christian Bach as Raquel Altamira, Sebastián Zurita as Eduardo Leon Altamira, Lisette Morelos as Blanca Guerrero, Manuel Landeta as Adriano Ferrer and Armando Silvestre as Don Leónidas Altamira.

The series will replace Betty In New York daily at 19:00 from 14th June.

WildEarth goes abroad 

WildEarth's live and interactive shows aim to recreate the thrilling experience of being on a safari vehicle in remote African locations. The focus is on capturing serendipitous moments of unscripted magic, rather than relying on dramatic animal behaviour, to create an emotional connection between viewers and the natural world.

Online, the platform attracts seven million global monthly unique viewers and now those daily live broadcasts are available on TV in the UK.

Emily Wallington, Co-Founder of WildEarth, expressed her excitement about the partnership with Freeview, saying: "'WildEarth' is all about connecting people to nature in a real and unscripted way – in effect we are the largest safari vehicle in the word. This helps viewers to understand nature for what it really is and to see why we need to conserve our beautiful habitats. This partnership with Freeview in the UK is a major step in achieving this as we reach British viewers who love nature and care about the planet.”

Development Alert: The Casillas Dynasty, Lord Of The Skies Spinoff Announced For Telemundo Alongside Woman Of Steel Reboot Titled Persecuted

Rafael Amaya announced a few weeks ago that his cycle in The Lord of the Skies reached its end with its ninth season, which broadcasts currently Telemundo in prime time. "Rafael Amaya has been an integral part of the Telemundo family and the success of the franchise for more than a decade. His continued dedication and professionalism, combined with their great talent, they gave life to one of the most beloved characters and legendary of these times.

Together, We provide our audience with the series of most successful and longest-running fiction of the Hispanic television. We wish Rafael the better in your future projects and we hope have opportunities to collaborate with him again," the network then commented. But Amaya's departure from The Lord of the heavens does not imply the end of the successful superseries who for more than 10 years starred in the renowned Mexican actor. 

Telemundo announced this Thursday that the legendary saga continues with a new generation, La Dinastía Casillas (The Casillas Dynasty, provisional title).

In the continuation of this successful franchise "Rutila (Carmen Aub), Ismael (Iván Arana) and The Casillas heirs are ready to demonstrate that the family legacy runs through their veins. But what is a dynasty without challenges? His father's enemies lurk, seeking revenge and power, but the Casillas do not they retreat from any threat," the chain. "In The Casillas dynasty, the adrenaline reaches new heights as the action, intrigue and passion intertwine."

Persecuted (Persecuda, provisional title) is another of the fictions prepared by the chain. "In persecuted, the seemingly perfect life of Gloria Guzmán becomes a nightmare when hitmen invade their wedding and kill to her fiancé and father of her little son, the PGR commander Juan José Fierro. Abandoned by her family as a result of scandal, Gloria becomes the target of the media and the government for their activities dirty and covert. Gloria loses everything loves and ventures into the dark underworld of money laundering to save his son. Determined to conquer the crime bosses in charge, must use his most dangerous weapons (his cunning and intelligence) to recover his life", progress was made on its plot. 

Development Alert: Danilo Carrera And Isabella Castillo Will Be Protagonists Of Telemundo's Upcoming Telenovela Thirst For Vengeance (Sed De Venganza)

Telemundo Studios announced its next original production, Sed de Venganza, which will begin filming at the state-of-the-art Telemundo Center studios in Miami this summer. This new drama follows the life of Fernanda Ríos, a beautiful and resourceful woman determined to escape the terrible abuse she experienced in her childhood. 

Thirst for Vengeance is a series written by Eric Vonn, directed by Camilo Vega and Miguel Varoni, under the executive production of Ximena Cantuarias and Rafael Uriostegui. Danilo Carrera (Dangerous Liaisons) and Isabella Castillo (The Lord of the Skies, Malverde: The Patron Saint) will lead an all-star cast for this fascinating story of revenge, love and deception. 

Sed de Venganza marks the first leading role for both actors in a Telemundo series. 

Ronald Day, President of Entertainment and Chief Content Officer of Telemundo, said they are focused on creating high-quality Spanish-language content made by Hispanics, for Hispanics. "The stellar cast, led by talented actors Danilo and Isabella, along with our exceptional teams behind the cameras, will undoubtedly bring this series to life in true Telemundo style." 

Thirst for Vengeance, an unforgettable new drama, follows the life of Fernanda Ríos (played by Castillo), a beautiful and resourceful woman determined to escape the terrible abuse she experienced in her childhood. However, her plans go awry when deception and blackmail lead her into the dark world of Eugenio Beltrán. A spiteful and cruel businessman who has sworn revenge on the Del Pino family, it is Fernanda who must execute Eugenio's nefarious plans. To complicate things even more, Fernanda finds love with Francisco (played by Carrera), a young man whose life she destroyed in the past and who, when she confirms that she is the culprit of everything, will dedicate herself to satisfying her infinite " Thirst for revenge. 

Bomber Shorts: NickMusic Being Burned Off On Weekday Mornings On Nicktoons, Guddan Unexpectedly Resurfaces On Zee World And A Rebroadcast Of Ana's Revenge And El Baron Launch On Telemundo Across Africa m

NickMusic's demise on weekday mornings 

NickMusic is a basically a youth oriented version to the current MTV that features a mixture of local and international hits catered toward a younger demographic. Internationally, it operates as a programming block (if not TV show) and 24 hour channel.

Since its inception on Nicktoons, the show has been going through numerous timeslot changes and in recent months getting phased out from the lineup. Usually Nicktoons would restart NickMusic from the beginning but now it can go unnoticed for several months. 

As some readers are aware, NickMusic airs daily at 16:10 and from May 6th these episodes will air in its repeat slot at 09:00. I don't get why they'd want to air new episodes that early when a majority of the channel's viewers aren't tuning in.

Another why let The Casagrandes get another timeslot as the channel had become bloated with its repeat alongside SpongeBob SquarePants. Is this the channel's way of axing shows perhaps or another way to view it as a liability?

Zee World to hit a new low with a rebroadcast 

A rebroadcast of the first season of This Is Fate was currently airing on the channel weekday afternoons at 3pm. Zee World suddenly decides to yank the show of the schedule for a rebroadcast of Guddan from the third season. 

Now why let Guddan back on the channel particularly from season 3 considering this is the first time reruns come on it would have made a lot more sense to restart from season 1 unless the channel has something else on the cards.

Telemundo is offering double the Zee-nanza

Unlike Zee World, Telemundo is no stranger to rebroadcasts as primetime had continued to plummet on the channel with 22:00 remaining the sole survivor with Come Back To Me. As two reenter the channel for a share of repeats, Ana's Revenge and El Baron.

Ana's Revenge followed a young woman who decides to avenge the death of her mother.

El Baron followed a young Mexican dreamer and rebel helps Pablo Escobar change the world of drug trafficking forever.

Ana's Revenge will air daily at 21:00 replacing The Chosen Granddaughter while El Baron replaces Queen Of Miami at 23:00 from 7 May.

News Shorts: Alice's Wonderland Bakery Cancelled On Disney Junior After Two Seasons And The Iron Heart To Rollout On Novela E Plus Alongside A Rebroadcast Of Betty In New York On Telemundo

Disney axes another program 

Back in 2022, Disney announced a brand new animated series for preschoolers and their families called “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” that was inspired by the beloved world of “Alice in Wonderland.” The series debuted in 2022, with a second season renewal coming shortly after its premiere.

Centred on Alice, the great-granddaughter of the original heroine and a budding young baker at the enchanted Wonderland Bakery, each episode features two 11-minute stories about Alice’s recipe adventures with her best pals—Fergie, a white rabbit; Hattie, her madcap friend; and Rosa, the Princess of Hearts.

Disney has announced via the Disney Junior Instagram account, that the series finale of “Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” is going to air on the Disney Junior channel in the United States on April 15th 2024, indicating that the show is now coming to an end.

The Iron Heart debuts on Novela E Plus

Apollo Adelantar is an undercover agent who goes on a dangerous mission to bring down a crime ring name Altare unaware of his trusted friend when his two of his trusted allies becomes a enemy. Fueled by a bitter and painful past, Apollo and his allies face grueling tasks that will challenge his resolve and strength.

It starred Richard Gutierrez as Apollo "Pol" Adelantar, Kyle Echarri as young Apollo, Albert Martinez as Engr. Priam dela Torre, Dimples Romana as Selene Larisa and Sue Ramirez as Venus Z. Magbanua.

The series will air daily on Novela E Plus at 18:50 from 6 April.

Telemundo loads up on repeats

Based on the 1999 Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea, the romantic comedy Betty In New York followed Beatriz Aurora Rincon Lozano as she embarks on a new journey in New York when she takes on a job as a secretary at V&M Fashion.

The series will air daily on Telemundo at 18:00 from 13 April.

Press Release: Come Back To Me Premieres This April On Telemundo Across Africa

NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-To-Consumer today announced the South African premiere of the new series, Come Back to Me, premiering on Monday 8 April at 22:00 (CAT), exclusively on Telemundo. Starring William Levy (Resident Evil, Addicted), Samadhi Zendejas (Falsa Identidad, Rosario Tijeras), Kimberly Dos Ramos (El Rostro de la Venganza, La Desalmada), Ximena Herrera (El Señor de los Cielos, Buscando a Frida) and Ferdinando Valencia (El Nombre del Amor, La Verdadera Bonita) Come Back to Me is a drama full of romantic entanglements in which a mother's unconditional love for her son becomes the common thread that drives the story.

Set in Ciudad de Juárez and Ciudad de México, this romantic drama follows Nuria, a woman of humble means, who begins a relationship with Braulio without knowing that he is one of the owners of the company where she works to support her son and sister. The lives of the main characters begin to intertwine after the tragic kidnapping of Andrés, Nuria's son. Her strength is only proportional to the love she feels for her son. At the least expected moment, Santiago enters her life to become not only the pillar that keeps her hope alive in a journey full of obstacles, but also the great love of her life.

The original series, produced at Telemundo Center’s state-of-the-art soundstages in Miami, also stars Laura Flores, Christian de la Campa, Rodolfo Salas, Geraldine Galván, Amaranta Ruíz, Christian Ramos, Anthony Álvarez, Anna Sobero, Ariana Saavedra, with special participations by Fernando Ciangherotti and Diego Klein, and André Sebastián.

Produced by Telemundo Global Studios, this original story is written by Sergio Mendoza and Amaris Páez, and directed by Danny Gavidia, Felipe Aguilar and Uandari Gómez. The direction of photography is by Damián Aguilar and José Velarde, with Pedro De Larrechea as production designer. Telemundo’s Karen Barroeta, Ximena Cantuarias and Elizabeth Suárez serve as the production's executive producers.

The brand new series, Come Back to Me, premieres exclusively on Telemundo on April 8 at 22:00 CAT, with new episodes every Monday.

News Shorts: Warner TV To Rollout As A Free-To-Air Channel In The Czech Republic, Come Back To Me To Rollout On Telemundo Across Africa And Historical Drama We Were The Lucky Ones To Stream On Disney+ In April

Warner TV expands to other parts of Europe

The Czech Republic will have a brand new free-to-air TV channel next month as Warner TV launches on 2 April. It will be managed as part of the local Czech linear Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.

Vaclav Palecek, Distribution and Business Development at Warner Bros. Discovery in the Czech Republic & Slovakia, said: “Starting April, Czech viewers will be able to enjoy the wide range of content, including movies and series, on Warner TV. We are close to launching our first free-to-air channel in the market and we will bring a great content library on-air for all the viewers, from classical films to popular series.”

In the Czech Republic, Warner Bros. Discovery operates 18 pay TV linear channels (Discovery, Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2, Eurosport 4K, HGTV, TLC, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, CNN, Food Network, Animal Planet, HBO & HBO 2 & HBO 3, Cinemax & Cinemax 2) and the HBO Max streaming platform.

William Levy returns to Telemundo 

For its 2023 upfronts earlier last year, Telemundo announced William Levy was joining its star roster line-up in the new original romantic series Come Back To Me (Vuelve a Mi). It is set to launch April 8 at 22:00 replacing Game Of Lies.

In Vuelve a Mí, Levy is Santiago, whose love interest is actress Samadhi Zendejas, in her first leading role as Nuria.

The drama, set in Ciudad de Juárez and Ciudad de México, follows Nuria, a woman of humble means, who begins a relationship with Braulio (Ferdinando Valencia) without knowing he is one of the owners of the company where she works to support her son and sister. The lives of the main characters begin to intertwine after the tragic kidnapping of Nuria's son Andrés. And when she least expects it, Santiago (Levy) enters her life to become the great love of her life and the pillar that keeps her hope alive.

New Hulu original launching soon

Disney has announced that the upcoming original series, “We Were The Lucky Ones”, will be coming to Disney+ globally on April 17th 2024.

Based on Georgia Hunter’s New York Times bestselling novel, the television adaptation of “We Were the Lucky Ones” is a limited series inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive and reunite. “We Were the Lucky Ones” demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive. The series is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.

The series stars Joey King, Logan Lerman, Hadas Yaron, Henry-Lloyd Hughes, Amit Rahav, Sam Woolf, Michael Aloni, Moran Rosenblatt, Eva Feiler, Lior Ashkenazi, and Robin Weigert.

News Shorts: Prime Video Exclusive Tickets Streams On eVOD This Month, A Rebroadcast Of Nurses Makes Launches On Telemundo International In April And Disney+ Original Iwaju To Rollout On Disney Channel Also In April

Tickets on eVOD

Since eVOD inception in the market eMedia has been looking to build up the local portfolio of the streamer with Housewives and uMbali. They've even collaborated with Prime Video on Atlantis and Umbrella Men with their next project being Tickets.

Young lovers Crystal and Grant dream of getting out of the Cape Flats. When they find Crystal's Mom's winning Lotto ticket, they see it as their ticket out of the Flats. Do they run away or do they stay?

Since last year, the film was exclusive to Prime Video now it will be making their freemium debut on eVOD from March 8. It starred Danny Ross, Robyn Rossouw, Monique Rockman, Waldemar Schultz, Hein de Vries and Boudine Ballem. 

A rebroadcast of Nurses launches on Telemundo international 

During the month, Telemundo further reduced prime time with My Heart Beats For Lola and The Chosen Granddaughter following the end of Cennet: The Power Of Destiny. Now there's reports going around that international feeds will be reairing Nurses.

After being purged from Africa by the final season, Telemundo brought back a censored version of the medical drama with past seasons currently seen in Africa also being censored. It was produced by Columbia's RCN who was responsible for Law Of The Heart.

In other developments, Telemundo will be introducing another original series after Game Of Lies titled Come Back To Me in April. Other attractions awaiting release on the channel include Queen Of The South and rebroadcast to The Search For Frida. 

More Disney+ on DStv 

The highly anticipated futuristic original animated series, Iwájú, is now set to launch globally on Disney+ on February 28, 2024, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the series’ captivating narrative and vibrant visuals.

Audiences in Africa who don’t have access to Disney+ can catch the series on Disney Channel through DStv (Channel 303) starting in April 2024. This is to ensure that viewers across the continent can enjoy the series and immerse themselves in its rich storytelling.

Special broadcast schedules for “Iwájú” on Disney Channel include weekday premieres from April 22 to 26, followed by a special marathon on April 27. Additional repeat broadcasts will run from April 29 to May 4, with another marathon scheduled for May 5. As a special treat on Africa Day, May 25, you can also enjoy a marathon of six episodes, starting at 10:00 AM (WAT)/11:00 AM (CAT).

News Shorts: SABC 2 Acquired Rights To Football Themed Anime Series Inazuma Eleven, A Rebroadcast Of Queen Of Miami Launches On Telemundo Africa And KykNET & Kie Unveils New Afrikaans Drama Skemergrond

SABC 2 enters the football field

Following SABC's financial constraints, the public broadcaster had been struggling to obtain new content. As such anime on SABC 2 had been on limbo often featuring repeat broadcasts of Yu-Gi-Oh and now the channel is offering new content with Inazuma Eleven.

It follows a talented young goalkeeper tries to revive his school's lackluster team in this anime series based on the hit manga and video game. Currently streaming on Netflix and formerly seen on Nicktoons and Toonami, the series airs weekdays at 17:00 replacing Yu-Gi-Oh.

Another rebroadcast enters the month of romance

After launching rebroadcasts of My Heart Beats For Lola, The Chosen Granddaughter and A Woman Of Steel. Telemundo is set to be recruiting yet another series, Queen Of Miami ahead of the final season of Queen Of The South both of which star Kate Del Castillo as lead.

Synopsis for Queen Of Miami

Traumatized by the events of a difficult life and driven to avenge the betrayal of a husband, Anastasia Cardona will find, in the illicit business of her husband, the wealth which she has always desired. Her thirst for power overrides any limits when choosing her victims.

It replaces Prisoner Of Love from 26 February.

KykNET & Kie announces a new drama series

A new telenovela Skemergrond, set in a small Western Cape town will replace the popular Arendsvlei from July on kykNET&kie (DStv 145) with the new Afrikaans show also produced by Penguin Films and filled with characters "all carrying dark secrets".

Once the cancelled Arendsvlei ends, Skemergrond will also broadcast four episodes weekly from Mondays to Thursdays in the 19:30 timeslot on kykNET&kie. Casting that will include veteran actors as well as new faces is still to be announced.

The new telenovela is set in Gemoedsdrif, a small town in the Western Cape where the Louw family has a flower farm. 

Development Alert: The Search For Frida To Stream February 12th On Showmax, A Rebroadcast Of My Heart Beats For Lola, A Woman Of Steel And Loli's Luck Launches On Telemundo

In the coming weeks, MultiChoice and Comcast's NBCUniversal are set to officially unveil the rebranded Showmax service. This would include content viewed from Telemundo Studios so it kind of made sense that some content would resurface on Showmax with The Search For Frida.

Already seen on on Telemundo in 2022, The Search For Frida (Buscando A Frida) follows a teenage girl who loves doing video of her life goes out with her cousins who've gotten some fake id's on the night of her fathers birthday party for a night of clubbing, she is kidnapped.

The series will start streaming on Showmax from February 12nd and is anticipated to launch on Telemundo later in the year - more details on a date will be announced.

Other repeats set to join the channel later in the month includes My Heart Beats For Lola (Mi Corazón Insiste En Lola Volcán), The Chosen Granddaughter (La Nieta Elegida), A Woman Of Steel (Senora Acero) and Loli's Luck (La Suerte De Loli). 

Loli's Luck will replace The Scent Of Passion once it ends from February 21st at 18:00. Weirdly enough, the latter replaces Cennet: The Power Of Destiny with The Chosen Granddaughter on February 16th at 22:00 CAT followed by A Woman Of Steel at 00:00 and My Heart Beats For Lola at 17:00.

Could Telemundo also be going dark in Africa perhaps? They were reports that the channel had temporarily suspended production of original content. Aside from Queen Of The South and Come Back To Me, there's not much OG coming to Telemundo in 2024.

A Woman Of Steel follows the life of Sara Aguilar Bermúdez, an exceptionally happy woman who has all she could wish for in life, although her life changes forever when her fiancée Vicente Acero is killed on their wedding day. It was the first super series to be rolled out in Africa.

Based on the telenovela Yo Amo A Paquita Gallego, My Heart Beats For Lola follows the love story of Lola and Andrés, two young people who have loved each other since they were children. The series served as one of their initial offerings on Telemundo and proved to be a popular addition.

Loli's Luck follows an independent and successful woman who works as the executive producer of Global Radio Group. While Loli's career is on the rise, her love life goes into the background as she enjoys her freedom and life without compromises. 

News Shorts: Secrets Of Sulphur Springs Cancelled After Three Seasons On Disney Channel, A Rebroadcast Of The Chosen Granddaughter Launches On Telemundo Africa And Beavis And Butthead Returns With A New Season On Comedy Central Africa

Disney axes another show

There will be no fourth season for Disney Channel‘s Secrets of Sulpher Springs. The network has canceled the time-travel mystery-adventure series after three seasons, it had been confirmed.

Created, written and executive produced by Tracey Thomson (The Young and the Restless), Secrets of Sulpher Springs followed 12-year-old Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver), whose world had been upended by his father, Ben (Josh Braaten), after he moved the family from Chicago to take ownership of an abandoned hotel property, The Tremont. The family—which also includes Griffin’s mother, Sarah (Kelly Frye), and his younger twin siblings, Wyatt (Landon Gordon) and Zoey (Madeleine McGraw)—lived in The Tremont in hopes of restoring it to the lively vacation destination it once was. On his first day at his new school, Griffin heard rumors that the hotel was haunted by the ghost of Savannah (Elle Graham), a girl who disappeared decades ago. He soon meets and befriends Harper (Kyliegh Curran), a thrill-seeking classmate, and they discover a secret portal that allows them to travel back in time and uncover clues about the town mystery.

This is the second Disney Channel series to be canceled in less than a month. As we previously reported. Jessie spinoff Bunk’d is ending with the conclusion of its seventh season.

Telemundo hits the snooze button with The Chosen Granddaughter

The Chosen Granddaughter's storyline is about a young woman whose life is controlled by her father. He intends to use her to take revenge on a rival family. However, his plans come to an unexpected halt when her supposed grandmother becomes overly protective and caring towards her. She also meets a young man charmed by her beauty, and they immediately spark a romantic relationship.

The series replaces Cennet: The Power Of Destiny from February 15 making Game Of Lies the only primetime show. Season 3 of Queen Of The South is slated to air sometime in the year after it was delayed for the second time first due to changing legislation and second Game Of Lies.

Beavis And Butthead is coming to Comedy Central

 The triumphant return of Beavis and Butthead (both voiced by creator Mike Judge), two teenage boys who like things that are cool and don't like things that suck. The new season of Beavis And Butthead airs Fridays at 22:35 CAT. Joining the lineup is a Woman's Day stunt for South Park titled The Power Of Her: Celebrating Women In South Park from 4 to 8 March at 22:00 CAT.

New Series Alert: Blue Cage And Hicran Also Rumoured To Be Making It's African Debut Soon Likely On Telemundo, Could eExtra's Kuiertyd Or kykNET Perhaps Get It?

Following the recent report that Telemundo will be further distancing themselves from original programming. The channel had acquired various shows from numerous international studios and broadcasters including Colombia's Caracol Televisión and RCN.

In October 2023, Telemundo debuted their first Turkish production across the African continent, Cennet: The Power Of Destiny. It proved to be a popular addition with consumers following the U.S. counterpart that had been sourcing content within the region years prior.

Inter Medya and Telemundo presented two Turkish dramas at MIPCOM within 2023, Blue Cage (Maviye Sürgün, 03 Medya) and Hicran to potential buyers. The two had been capitalising on Turkish dramas for Spanish language audiences and now the latter has folded in Africa.

Considering these two dramas were also co-produced/distributed by Telemundo, would it seem far fetched if the channel were to acquire them for consumers in Africa perhaps when Cennet ends in the coming months?

Synopsis for The Blue Cage:

Oguz has saved a young amnesiac woman, Defne, who he brings into his home. But when Defne recovers her memory, she realizes that she was a con artist who must remain in hiding.

Synopsis for Hicran:

Hicran, who wakes up to the new day with the nightmare she sees every night in which she tries to catch up with her daughter, who is said to have died at birth, is a young woman who is trying to hold on to life and who believes that her daughter is not dead, unlike everyone else.