The Librarians: The Next Chapter Marks A Thrilling Return To Magic And Adventure, Premiering 4 January 2026 On Universal TV Across Africa

Universal TV (DStv 117) today announced that The Librarians: The Next Chapter will premiere on 4 January 2026 at 18:20 (CAT), with new episodes airing every Sunday in a double bill each week.

A spinoff of the hit series The Librarians, the new action-adventure drama delivers a fresh twist on the world of magical artifacts, daring missions, and secret knowledge. The story centres on a Librarian from the past who time-travels to the present - only to find himself stuck in a world he no longer recognises. When he visits his ancient castle, now transformed into a public museum, he inadvertently unleashes powerful magic across the continent. To make things right, he’s assigned a new team, setting the stage for a thrilling journey to recover rogue artifacts and restore balance to a world suddenly steeped in sorcery.

Starring Callum McGowan (Jamestown, Raven’s Hollow), Olivia Morris (Hotel Portofino, Rise Roar Revolt), Bluey Robinson (Cats, Britannia), Jessica Green (Roman Empire, The Outpost), and Caroline Loncq (No Offence, Nightflyers), The Librarians: The Next Chapter combines humour, heart, and high-stakes fantasy in a gripping 12-episode arc.

The series is executive produced by Dean Devlin, Marc Roskin, and Rachel Olschan-Wilson, the creative forces behind the original The Librarians and numerous fan-favourite genre hits.

Don't miss the magic when The Librarians: The Next Chapter premieres on 4 January at 18:20 on Universal TV, with back-to-back episodes every Sunday until 8 February 2026.

November 2025 On Universal TV And Bravo Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Bravocon Live With Andy Cohen | Returning Shows Include FBI | More

Universal TV 

FBI

Season 5 – Channel Premiere

Premieres double-billed Tuesday 4th

November at 6:20 pm

Season Five puts the New York team under pressure from the outset, as the bomb sting takes a turn for the worse, and a deadly virus strain is stolen from a genetics labtional fugitives.

Continuing shows include CHICAGO P.D. Season 11 on Wednesdays at 8pm and S.W.A.T. Season 7 on Thursdays at 8pm.

Bravo

Bravocon Live With Andy Cohen 

Premieres Wednesday 19th November at 22:00

With exclusive interviews, fan-favorite moments, and behind-the-scenes gossip, the show captures the essence of Bravo fandom in real time. Its unique format blends talk show, reunion-style drama, and award show flair, making it a must-watch!

The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

Season 3 Premieres Friday 21st November at 17:15

Single Bills Monday-Friday

This season intensifies the drama with fractured friendships, shifting alliances, and the looming legal fallout surrounding Jen Shah’s final season before her sentencing.

Married To Medicine: Atlanta

Season 6 Premieres Wednesday 26th November at 18:10

Single Bills Monday-Friday

The women of Atlanta’s elite medical circle return with new ambitions and old tensions, delivering a dose of high-stakes relationships, career

clashes, and unforgettable confrontations.

Continuing shows include The Real Housewives

Of London Season 1 on Sundays at 19:00 and Dating: No Filter South Africa Season 2 on Saturdays at 18:00.

ICYMI: Universal TV And Bravo Replaced M-Net's Me And 1Magic On Canal+'s DStv English Plus Package

Last year, MultiChoice and M-Net made the decision to yank both Me and 1Magic from DStv with the offering that formed part of a revamped Showmax streaming service in line with NBCUniversal. For a limited time, 1Max served as a trial run to Showmax that was available to premium consumers.

It shuttered on the DStv platform during the year with shows like Tracking Thabo Bester and Adulting folded under Mzansi Magic. Since then various DStv consumers have been under the perception that Canal+ following its buyout of MultiChoice has plans to replace these channels.

And there's several reason why MultiChoice and M-Net decided to do away with both Me and 1Magic. Firstly as mentioned was with the rollout of Showmax, M-Net and MultiChoice are doing what Disney did with FOX and Disney XD - prioritizing on core brands.

Aside from Me and 1Magic, they had closed several brands in the last year mainly secondary networks like Africa Magic Urban, Maisha Magic POA and Akwaaba Magic.

Since Me and 1Magic's departure, Universal TV has continued bolstering it's international portfolio with FBI, The Equalizer and Chicago Med with Married To Medicine and The Real Housewives on Bravo. Aside from DStv, Canal+ Afrique had been distributing these brands in place of Me and 1Magic.

Killing off any possibility of a follow-up I mean M-Net has reshuffled these channels multiple times in the last decade while NBCUniversal was able to sustain their brands. Canal+ had emphasized continuing it's partnership with global media companies.

September 2025 On Universal TV And E! Entertainment Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Murder In A Small Town | Returning Shows Including Married To Medicine: Atlanta | More

Universal TV 

MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN

Season 1 – Territory Premiere

Premieres Tuesday 2nd September at 8pm

A sleepy village on a misty coast of British Columbia is brutally shaken when a local murder uncovers decades of deeply buried secrets.

SKYMED

Season 3 – Territory Premiere

Premieres Monday 29th September at 8pm

Young flight nurses and doctors operating from the remote north of Canada are back handling daily life-ordeath calls in the midst of harsh weather conditions.

CHICAGO P.D.

Season 11 – Channel Premiere

Premieres Wednesday 17th September at 8pm

Chicago P.D. Intelligence Unit is back fighting new waves of crimes and corruption, with Sergeant Hank Voight and his elite team pushing themselves to the limit.

FBI

Season 1-2 – Channel Premiere

Premieres double-billed Thursday 11th September at 6:20pm

An electrifying new drama that shows us the inner workings of FBI’s New York office, where a powerhouse team of agents tackles high-profile cases.

Continuing shows include LETHAL WEAPON

Season 3 double-billed at 6:20pm, NCIS: SYDNEY

Season 2 on Mondays at 8pm, CHICAGO MED

Season 8 on Wednesday at 8pm and THE EQUALIZER Season 4 on Fridays at 8pm.

E! Entertainment

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta

Season 15 Premieres Tuesday 2nd September at 17:15

Single Bills Monday-Friday

Several women residing in the Atlanta metropolitan area must juggle between their households, social and high-profile business lives.

Married To Medicine: Atlanta

Season 3 Premieres Monday 15th September at 18:10

Single Bills Monday-Friday

A group of successful and educated women, including doctors and wives of doctors, who are connected to the world of medicine in Atlanta. Complete all their duties with drama, style and of course their southern flair.

The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City

Season 1 Premieres Friday 26th September at 17:15

Single Bills Monday-Friday

Six glamorous and successful women residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, try to balance their busy schedules with their high-profile social lives.

E! Live from the Red Carpet: The 2025 Emmy Awards

Premieres Monday 15th September at 19:05

Grab yourself a place on the front row as E! takes you to the beating heart of primetime television - the Emmy Awards! Get ready for an unforgettable evening with E!.

Continuing shows include Botched: Plastic Surgery Rewind on Sundays at 19:05, Below Deck

Mediterranean Season 9 on Sundays at 18:10, E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on Monday - Friday at 22:30.

August 2025 On Universal TV And E! Entertainment Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Lethal Weapon | Returning Shows Including The Real Housewives Of Potomac | More

Universal TV 

THE EQUALIZER

Season 4 – Channel Premiere

Premieres Friday 1st August at 8pm

Get ready for more action as Robyn’s fight for what is right returns with stakes higher than ever, battles even more personal, and enemies stronger and more powerful.

LEATHER WEAPON

Season 1-2 – Channel Premiere

Premieres Monday 4th August at 6.20

pm, double-billed Monday - Friday

Jump right into this high-octane action series combining humour and heart, as two unlikely cop partners fight some of Los Angeles’ most dangerous criminals.

Continuing shows include HARRY WILD Season 4 on Tuesdays at 8pm, NCIS: SYDNEY Season 2 on Mondays at 8pm and CHICAGO MED Season 8 on Wednesdays double-billed at 8pm.

E!

The Real Housewives Of Potomac

Season 8 Premieres Monday 4th August at 17:15 – Single

Bills Monday-Friday

the ladies are back — sharper, sassier, and more unpredictable than ever. Follow the lives of 8 women residents of Potomac, Maryland, each in various stages of life and affluence, shaping their community and their lives.

Married To Medicine: Atlanta

Season 1-2 Premieres Monday 4th August at 18:10 – Single

Bills Monday-Friday

A group of successful and educated women, including doctors and wives of doctors, who are connected to the world of medicine in Atlanta. Complete all their duties with drama, style and of course their southern flair.

Botched: Plastic Surgery Rewind

Premieres Sunday 17th August at 19:05 – Single Bills

Sundays

A transformative new reality show that delves into the world of cosmetic procedures and personal reinvention. The show follows nine celebrities and social influencers as they confront their past decisions and contemplate returning to a more natural look.

Continuing shows include Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 on Sundays at 18:10, Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour on Sundays at 19:05 and E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on Monday to Friday at 22:30.

July 2025 On Universal TV And E! Entertainment Across Africa | Channel Premiere: The Making Of Jurassic World Rebirth | Returning Shows Including Chicago Med | More

Universal TV

NCIS: SYDNEY Season 2 – Territory Premiere

Premieres Monday 21st July at 8pm

Get ready for more action as NCIS: Sydney returns with high-stakes investigations set amid stunning scenery. Season 2 begins with a rogue assassin on the run.

HARRY WILD Season 4 – Territory Premiere

Premieres Tuesday 8th July at 8pm

The Irish mystery series returns for more intrigue with the sharp-witted professor turned private investigator, as Harry and Fergus try to solve a serial-killer case.

CHICAGO MED Season 8 – Channel Premiere

Premieres Wednesday 2nd July at 8pm

The doctors and nurses of the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center's emergency ward fight to save more lives, as another season of thrills starts with an apartment fire.

Returning shows include 61st Street Season 2 on Thursdays at 8pm.

E!

Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour

Premieres Sunday 27th July at 19:05 – Double Bills Every Sunday

In this roadshow docu-series, Kristin Cavallari is taking her podcast on tour for a week to interview people with whom she’s been linked.

The Making Of Jurassic World Rebirth

Premieres Tuesday 1st July at 20:00

The behind-the-scenes special of Jurassic World Rebirth, revealing thrilling moments, visual effects, and insights from the cast and crew.

Returning shows include Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 on Sunday 27th July at 18:10, E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on Monday to Friday at 22:30.

June 2025 On Universal TV & E! Entertainment Across Africa | Father's Day Stunt With E! Hollywood Story On Brad Pitt | Returning Shows Including 61st Street | More

Universal TV 

61ST STREET

Season 2 – Territory Premiere

Premieres Thursday 19th June at 8pm

Intense drama in Season 2, as the trial of promising athlete Moses Johnson unfolds and some troubling issues come to light

Continuing shows include WILD CARDS Season 2 on Mondays at 8pm and WHITSTABLE PEARL Season 3 on Tuesdays at 8pm.

E!

Celebrating Fathers

& Families on E!

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June – All Day from 09:00

Two day special event across one big weekend celebrating Father’s Day and Youth Day on E! Featuring: Bradshaw Bunch/ Mathis Family Matters / EJNYC / Eric & Jessie / KUWTK / Life Of Kylie / Model Squad / Celebrity Game Face / We Got Love – Teyana & Iman / E! True Hollywood Story – Brad Pitt and more!

How To Train Your Dragon (Movie Special)

Monday 9th June – at 20:00

As How To Train Your Dragon hits cinemas, get the inside scoop from the actors and crew on how they brought this live action remake to life.

Continuing shows include Below Deck Selling Yacht Season 8 on Sundays at 18:10, E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on weekdays at 22:30.

May 2025 On Universal TV And E! Across Africa | Channel Premiere: 61st Street | Live Events: Met Gala 2025 | More

Universal TV 

61ST STREET

Season 1 – Territory Premiere

Thursdays at 8pm from 1st May

Accused of murdering a police officer, secondary school athlete Moses Johnson is defended by veteran lawyer Franklin Roberts. Gripping legal drama exploring the Chicago criminal justice system.

WHITSTABLE PEARL

Season 3 – Territory Premiere

Tuesdays at 8pm from 27th May

Culinary delights and intriguing mysteries intertwine in the beautiful coastal town of Whitstable, where restaurateur Pearl Nolan mixes her passion for cooking with a talent for private detection.

Continuing shows include WILD CARDS on Mondays at 8pm, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT on Wednesdays at 8pm and MAGNUM P.I. on Fridays at 8pm.

E!

E! Live from the Red Carpet: Met Gala 2025

Tuesday 6th May at 19:00

Join E! on the red carpet for ‘fashion’s biggest night out’, the 2025 Met Gala, the annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Continuing shows include Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Sundays at 18:10, E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on Monday - Friday at 22:30.

April 2025 On Universal TV And E! Entertainment Across Africa | Returning Shows: Wild Cards Season 2 | Continuing Shows Including Watch What Happens Live | More

Universal TV 

WILD CARDS

Season 2 – Territory Premiere

Premieres Monday 21st April, 8pm

Ellis must set aside his sense of hurt at Max’s betrayal to work with her on a new case involving the dangerous, adrenaline-fuelled world of high speed street racing.

NCIS

Season 20 – Channel Premiere

Continues Mondays at 8pm, double billed; season finale 14th April

Season 20 comes to its exciting climax, as the team’s cases include the murder of a senator’s daughter, a killing in the National Archive and a domestic terror attack.

Continuing shows include HUDSON & REX Season 7 on Tuesdays at 8pm, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT Season 26 on Wednesdays at 8pm and MAGNUM P.I. on Season 5 on Fridays at 8pm.

E! Entertainment 

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Season 5 Launches Sunday 6th April at 18:10 – Single Bills

Every Sunday

The hit franchise charts a new course with its latest iteration, Below Deck Sailing Yacht. Join the crew as they tackle all that life at sea has to throw at them – on E!

Continuing shows include E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on Mondays to Fridays at 22:30.

Reminder: Season 5 Of Magnum P.I. To Premiere On Universal TV On 21 February

Universal TV (DStv 117) has announced the return of the popular series, Magnum P.I., with Season 5 premiering on 21 February 2025. The twenty-part crime drama is set to captivate audiences with new episodes airing every on Friday at 8 PM, until the series finale on 20 June.

 

Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez) is back on the case in the action-packed fifth season of this modern spin on the classic series. The former Navy Season turned private investigator tackles thrilling cases in beautiful Hawaii as the series revs up for a new era with more romance and emotion than ever before. This season finds Magnum and Higgins (Perdita Weeks) starting a romantic relationship at long last, while diving deeper into the lives of the beloved Magnum P.I. ohana, including Rick (Zachary Knighton), TC (Stephen Hill), Katsumoto (Tim Kang) and Kumu (Amy Hill).

 

The action-packed reimagining of one of TV’s most iconic series, Magnum P.I., sees Jay Hernandez (Suicide Squad, Bad Moms) star as title character Thomas Magnum. Perdita Weeks (Ready Player One) supports as Juliet Higgins. They are supported by Zachary Knighton (Happy Endings) as Orville ‘Rick’ Wright and Stephen Hill (Law & Order: SUV) as Theodore ‘TC’ Calvin. Tim Kang (The Mentalist) as Detective Gordon Katsumoto and Amy Hill (Fifty First Dates) as Teuila ‘Kamu’ Tuileta round out the cast.

 

From CBS Television Studios and Universal Television, Magnum P.I. is executive produced by Eric Guggenheim, Barbie Kligman, John Davis, Justin Lin, John Fox, David Wolkove, and Gene Hong.

 

Season 5 of Magnum P.I. premieres on Universal TV on 21 February at 20.00, with episodes airing every Friday until the series final on 20 June.

March 2024 On Universal TV And E! Entertainment Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Parish | Returning Shows Including NCIS | More

Universal TV 

PRISH

Season 1 – Territory Premiere

Thursdays from March 20th at 8pm

Following the brutal murder of his son, ex-hood Gray

Parish (Giancarlo Esposito) returns to New Orleans’

underworld, hired by the head of a Zimbabwean crime family (South Africa’s Bonnie Mbuli).

HUDSON & REX

Season 7 – Territory Premiere

Tuesdays from March 18th at 8pm

Along with their team in the major crimes unit of St.

John’s, Detective Charlie Hudson (John Reardon) and his canine partner Rex work to bring law and justice to Canada’s easternmost point.

FAMILY LAW

Season 4- Territory Premiere

Continues Tuesdays, season finale

March 11th at 8pm

Abigail Bianchi (Jewel Staite) and her family legal firm tackle more difficult cases as Season 4 of the Canadian courtroom drama series continues.

NCIS LOS ANGELES

Season 14 - Channel Premiere

Continues double billed Thursdays, season finale March 13th at 8pm

Season 14 comes to its explosive climax as the NCIS agents deal with the theft of military-grade weapons and multiple killings in broad daylight, while Callen and Anna plan their wedding.

E! Entertainment

Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood: Cori And Wayne’s Story

Sunday 23rd March at 19:05

“Snoop’s Fatherhood: Cori and Wayne’s Story” follows Cori Broadus, entrepreneur and daughter of globally recognized superstar Snoop Dogg, and her fiancé, Wayne Duece, as they plan the wedding of the century.

E! Live From The Red Carpet: Oscars 2025

Sunday 2nd March at 22:00

Join E! at the annual event celebrating the crème de la crème of movie making and check out who’s wearing what as the stars gather for Hollywood’s most glittering night.

February 2025 On Universal TV, E! And Studio Universal Across Africa | Channel Premieres: E! Live From The Red Carpet (Grammy Awards) | Returning Shows Including Harry Wild | More

Universal TV

NCIS

Season 20 – Channel Premiere

Premieres Monday 3rd February at 8pm

Special Agent Alden Parker is still on the run while the NCIS teams up with the Hawaiian agents to try to clear his name. Main suspect: the Raven.

MAGNUM P.I. 

Season 5 – Channel Premiere

Premiere Friday 21st February at 8pm

It’s the fifth and final season, with Magnum, Rick and Higgins taking down Hawaii’s most dangerous criminals and solving seemingly impossible cases.

HARRY WILD

Season 3- Territory Premiere

Continues Fridays at 8pm, season finale 14th February

Retired English professor Harry and Fergus take on more cases, including the apparent suicide of a singer, the replacement of a chef’s entrée at a restaurant and more.

E!

Valentine Special

Weekdays in February from 3rd – 14th at 21:00

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s than to romance-up the schedule this February? Featuring: Dating No Filter.

E! Live From The Red Carpet: The 2025 Grammy Awards

Monday 3rd February at 19:00

Join E! for a night of glitter and glamour at this annual event celebrating the best in today’s music. See who’s wearing what as the stars strut their stuff in LA.

Studio Universal 

Comedy After Dark

10th – 14th February

Mon – Fri @ 9:45pm

It’s the month of love, but here on Studio we do Valentine’s a little differently! Expect the unexpected: time travel, magical masks, and Eddie Murphy snogging Eddie

10th February: Knight and Day 

11th February: Norbit

12th February: The Mask

13th February: Palm Springs

ACTION WEEKEND–JET LI

15th – 23rd February

Sat & Sun Double-bills from 8pm

Master of kung fu, Jet Li got his nickname “Jet” because of his speed and grace. In February we put our Action Weekends into his very capable and extremely fast hands!

15th February at 21:55: The Legend of Fong Sai-Yuk 2

22nd February at 21:35: Cradle 2 the Grave

23rd February at 20:00: Tai Chi Master

23rd February at 21:35: Romeo Must Die

Reminder: Season 3 Of Harry Wild To Premiere On Universal TV On 10 January 2025

Universal TV (DStv 117) has today announced the return of the popular Irish comedy crime-drama, Harry Wild, with Season 3 airing on 10 January 2025. The six-part series will air every Friday at 20:00 (CAT) until the season finale on 14 February. 

 

With the agency as busy as ever, Harry (Jane Seymour) and Fergus (Rohan Nedd) must find a way to balance work and life as they make plans to contest the custody claim of his long-absent mother for his little sister.

 

Season 3 of Harry Wild features the following episodes:

• 10 January, 20:00 – Killing Me Softly With His Bad Pop Song. Shortly after greeting his fans, a popular singer falls off a roof in an apparent suicide.

• 17 January, 20:00 – Too Many Harrys Spoil The Murder. A business meeting in a restaurant takes a bad turn when the chef's entrée has been replaced and the guests make a gruesome discovery.

• 24 January, 20:00 – Lights, Camera, Murder. On an Irish soap opera set, the tyrannical director is murdered mid-scene. The frantic producer seeks help from detectives Harry and Fergus to swiftly nab the culprit and resume filming.

• 31 January, 20:00 – The Man Who Murdered Himself. Mystery novelist found dead in locked panic room with no gun. Private eyes Fergus and Harry investigate the peculiar case while fending off the meddlesome Harry Benedict.

• 7 February, 20:00 – Cleanliness Is Next To Deadliness. The Vibrant Villages competition is fierce, with dirty tricks and sabotage galore. So when Harry's friend Evelyn Summers finds dead fish in her pond, she assumes it's more of the same-until she finds the corpse of her estranged husband.

• 14 February, 20:00 – Dead Man's Trigger. On Glenn and Petra's wedding day, Harry and Fergus head to the Garda station to collect Charlie, Orla, and Lola; an ex-soldier with a bomb walks in and demands that they solve the murder of his daughter, on the anniversary of her death.

 

Jane Seymour stars as title character Harry Wild, with Kevin Ryan as Charlie Wild and Rohan Nedd as Fergus Reid. Other cast members include Ciara O’Callaghan, Stuart Graham, Anthony Delaney, Morgan C. Jones, Paul Tylak, and Amy Huberman.

Harry Wild is a Dynamic Television production, in co-production with AMC Networks Productions and ZDF. The show is directed by Emery Conroy, and created and written by David Logan, with Jo Spain as a co-writer. Harry Wild is produced by Michael Queen, with Dan March, Klaus Zimmermann, James Gibb, James Flynn, Morgan O’Sullivan, David McLoughlin, Jane Seymour, David Logan, Jo Spain, Bea Tammer, Catherine Mackin, Claus Wunn, and Frank Seyberth serving as executive producers.

 

Season 3 of Harry Wild premieres on Universal TV on January 10 at 20.00 CAT, with new episodes airing every Friday until February 14.

Reminder: New Series Blue Ridge To Premiere On Universal TV On 4 November 2024

Universal TV has today announced the territory premiere of the highly anticipated procedural crime drama, Blue Ridge. The 6-part series premieres on Monday, 4 November at 20:00 (CAT), exclusively on Universal TV. New episodes will be airing weekly until 9 December.

 

Based on the popular film, Blue Ridge is a multi-season crime drama set in the lush and forbidding mountains of North Carolina. Ex-Green Beret Justin Wise is a modern Western hero living in an Appalachian town that time - and justice - have forgotten. Eager to reunite with his ex-wife Elle and daughter Maddie, Justin followed them back to Elle's hometown, where his previous law enforcement experience got him elected Sheriff. But his hopes for a quiet life are dashed as he finds himself constantly forced into keeping this picturesque community from exploding into violence.

 

Blue Ridge seems like a small, sleepy town, but is actually a place where long-simmering feuds can suddenly boil over into mayhem, and where criminals believe they can hide their misdeeds from the eyes of the law. With everything to lose, Justin teams up with a duo of loyal but untested deputies in the persistent struggle to keep Blue Ridge - and the people Justin loves most - safe from harm.

 

This series marks the first time Hollywood star Johnathon Schaech (That Thing You Do! Texas Rising, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) has taken on a leading role in a television series. He reprises his character from the original film Blue Ridge.

Johnathon Schaech is joined by a stellar cast in Season 1, including Sarah Lancaster (Chuck, Everwood, Christmas in the Smokies) as Elli Wise, A Martinez (Longmire, The Cowboys, Dark Winds) as Connor McGrath, Taegen Burns (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, The Right Stuff, Imaginary) as Maddie Wise, Tom Proctor (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Justified, Guardians of the Galaxy) as Jeremiah Wade, Avianna Mynhier (The Walking Dead) as Deputy Maxx Covington, and Greg Perrow (The Warrant, Festival of Trees) as Deputy RP.

 

The series will also feature surprise guest stars including Bruce Boxleitner, Max Martini, Ethan Embry, Mike O’Hearn, Erin Cahill, Lev Cameron, and Jessica McKay.

 

Blue Ridge premieres on Universal TV on 4 November at 20:00, with new episodes airing every Monday until 9 December.

Universal TV is available on DStv Channel 117 across Africa.

Universal TV Currently Has No Plans To Acquire Chicago Fire Months After M-Net's Me Had Closed On DStv

Universal TV is a general entertainment channel operated by Showmax owner NBCUniversal on DStv alongside Telemundo, DreamWorks and Studio Universal. It is home to shows such as NCIS: Los Angeles, Chicago Med, Magnum Pi, The Equalizer and Hudson & Rex.

Months after, MultiChoice and M-Net had shuttered Me and 1Magic with the offering retaining its presence to premium households. DStv consumers had to rely on the likes of Universal TV for scripted entertainment with reality shows on MTV and E!.

Unlike MTV, a portion of Universal TV's offering do reside from M-Net and this includes the likes of Chicago PD and as mentioned Chicago Med with the addition of Chicago Fire it would complete the trilogy. 

In an enquiry to NBCUniversal over the inclusion of Chicago Fire to Universal TV:

I checked with the team who fed back that currently, there are no plans to air Chicago Fire on Universal TV, but we’ll let you know if this changes further ahead.

Universal TV was very much behind when acquiring Chicago PD and Med for consumers in Africa that even e.tv was even ahead with them being behind M-Net by like 2 seasons. If Chicago Fire ever becomes a priority for Universal TV in future expect similar treatment.

For those unfamiliar to Universal TV, it is basically a lightweight version of Sky Witness in the UK except in the UK it is more M-Net infused as there's Chicago Fire and even The Cleaning Lady. Universal TV is more skewed toward crime, medical and cop based shows.

Reminder: The Second Season Of High-Stakes Medical Drama, SkyMed, Premieres Exclusively On Universal TV In Africa On 1 April

NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-to-Consumer today announced the territory premiere of the second season of high-stakes medical drama, SkyMed, on Universal TV in Africa. The young medics and pilots flying air ambulances return for more life, death, and drama in the skies of remote Northern Canada. The new season will air every Monday at 20:00 CAT from April 1, exclusively on Universal TV in Africa, with episodes available on Universal+ immediately thereafter.

SkyMed’s second season promises new hookups, heartbreaks, and challenges on the job as the medevac service expands into new territory, throwing the flight crew into intense new emergencies at work and in their personal lives.

The series was inspired by creator Julie Puckrin’s sister and brother-in-law who met flying air ambulances. Returning to SkyMed is Natasha Calis (The Possession, The Firm) as Nurse Hayley Roberts, Morgan Holmstrom (Day of the Dead, I Still See You) as no-nonsense Nurse Crystal Highway, Praneet Akilla (Nancy Drew, October Faction) as First Officer Chopper, “Ace” Aason Nadjiwon (Step Up All In, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce) as golden boy pilot Captain Austen Bodie, Mercedes Morris (Between, Slasher) as First Officer Lexi Martine, Thomas Elms (I Still See You, Timeless) as icy-cool pilot Captain Nowak, and Kheon Clarke (The Magicians, Supermans & Lois) as Nurse Tristan Green. Braeden Clarke (Impulse, Run Woman Run) reprises his recurring role as Crystal’s charming on-again-off-again love interest, Jeremy Wood, Emilia McCarthy (Zombies) returns as Madison and Aaron Ashmore (Ginny & Georgia, Veronica Mars, The Thaw) returns as Wheezer, the wise-cracking big brother that everyone looks up to.

Cast joining the second season includes Sydney Kuhne (Ginny & Georgia) as fiery new flight medic Stef, Ryan Ali (The Hummingbird Project) as handsome young pilot Reese, and Nadine Whiteman-Roden (Faith Heist) as Dr. Yana Noah.

SkyMed is produced by Piazza Entertainment in association with CBC, Canada’s national public broadcaster, and CBS Studios. The series is created by Julie Puckrin, who also serves as executive producer along with Vanessa Piazza and Gillian Hormel. Outside of Canada, SkyMed is distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Season 2 of SkyMed premieres on April 1 at 20:00 CAT, exclusively on Universal TV in Africa, with new episodes every Monday. The episodes will also be available on Universal+.

Development Alert: NBC Renews Law And Order: SVU For Season 26, Law And Order For Season 24, Chicago Fire For Season 13, Chicago PD For Season 12 And Chicago Med For Season 10

Dick Wolf is in for another busy season at NBC. No surprise here, the Peacock network has renewed “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: SVU” for the 2024-25 broadcast TV season. Among Dick Wolf scripted series, that leaves just “Law & Order: Organized Crime” on the bubble; a renewal for that show, which has experienced multiple showrunner changes in its short life, is still in discussion.

Among the shows, this will rep the 26th season of “Law & Order: SVU,” the 24th season of “Law & Order,” Season 13 for “Chicago Fire,” the 12th season for “Chicago PD” and the 10th season for “Chicago Med.” All of the renewed series are produced by Universal Studio Group’s Universal Television division, along with Wolf Entertainment, and all shows stream the following day on Peacock. (Wolf’s deal with Universal is currently through 2027.)

Per NBC, “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med” and “Chicago P.D.” (collectively known as “One Chicago“) are the top three Wednesday shows in total viewers and rank among the top 10 primetime entertainment shows this season. Also, Season 25 of “Law & Order: SVU” is Thursday’s top-rated entertainment show in the 18-49 demo.

Across all platforms, Chicago Fire” is averaging 12.6 million viewers (+86%) and is +236% in the adults 18-49 demo (live+35); “Chicago P.D.” is averaging 12.0 million viewers (+114%) and is +287% in the demo; “Chicago Med” is averaging 10.5 million viewers (+57%) and is +141% in the demo; “Law & Order: SVU” is averaging 11.2 million viewers (+111%) and is +325% in the demo; and “Law & Order” is averaging 7.7 million viewers (+56%) and is +122% in the demo.

Dick Wolf is creator and executive producer on “Law & Order: SVU”; David Graziano, Julie Martin, Mariska Hargitay, Norberto Barba, Kenneth Brown, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski also executive produce. Wolf is also creator and executive producer on “L&O,” with Rick Eid, Pamela Wechsler, Alex Hall, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski are executive producers.

“Chicago Fire” executive producers are Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Andrea Newman, Reza Tabrizi, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski; Dick Wolf, Diane Frolov, Andrew Schneider, Stephen Hootstein, Eli Talbert, Derek Haas, Arthur Forney, Matt Olmstead, Michael Brandt and Peter Jankowski are executive producers on “Chicago Med”; “Chicago P.D.” executive producers are Dick Wolf, Gwen Sigan, Chad Saxton, Rick Eid, Derek Haas, Gavin Harris, Jason Beghe, Arthur Forney, Peter Jankowski and Michael Brandt.

News Shorts: The Equalizer Returns With A Third Season On Universal TV Across Africa, New Original Film The Greatest Hits Unveiled For Disney+ And Zokie Of Planet Ruby To Rollout On International Nickelodeon Channels In May

The Equalizer returns to Universal TV this month 

The Equalizer is set to return for its highly anticipated third season, exclusively on Universal TV. The show stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, Lorraine Toussaint as Viola “Aunt Vi” Marsette, Tory Kittles as Detective Marcus Dante, Adam Goldberg as Harry Keshegian, Liza Lapira as Melody “Mel” Bayani, and Laya DeLeon Hayes as Delilah. The new season consists of 18, one-hour episodes airing every Friday at 20:00 (CAT) from 29 March 2024 on Universal TV (DStv 117). Episodes will be available on demand through Universal+ immediately thereafter.

Season 3 picks up after the tumultuous and nerve-wracking season 2 finale that saw Robyn McCall get abducted in front of her daughter Delilah and Aunt Vi. As someone who has worked hard to keep her family and work life separate, she will have to face a whole new set of challenges when she escapes her captors. Donal Logue (Sons of Anarchy, Vikings) guest stars as Colton Fisk, one of the CIA’s most decorated agents, an ex-CIA union chief in the Middle East during the 1990s. Empowered with a Tier 5 security clearance (the highest possible) he was part of the intelligence team that took out Bin Laden, and for many years he ran “The Farm” (the CIA training base in Virginia). The addition of Logue follows Robyn’s mentor Bishop being killed by her longtime nemesis Mason Quinn (Chris Vance). Similarly to Bishop, Colton is a powerful and connected agent who navigates in the shadows. His connection to Robyn is as yet unknown…

The Greatest Hits to stream on Disney+

Harriet finds art imitating life when she discovers certain songs can transport her back in time – literally. While she relives the past through romantic memories of her former boyfriend, her time travelling collides with a burgeoning new love interest in the present. As she takes her journey through the hypnotic connection between music and memory, she wonders – even if she could change the past, should she?

The film stars Lucy Boynton as Harriet, a woman who discovers that certain songs transports her back in time where she relives a past romance, leaving her wondering if she should try to prevent the accident which resulted in the death of her boyfriend two years ago, or move on with her relationship in present day. 

It arrives on Disney+ from April 12.

Zokie and Ruby are coming to Nickelodeon 

In Zokie of Planet Ruby, quirky 10-year-old vlogger Ruby discovers her only video channel follower is a tail-zapping space alien from the planet Pudge named Zokie Sparkleby, and they quickly become best friends. Along with their friend Earl, a talking con-man squirrel, Ruby teaches Zokie about her version of Earth, while Zokie learns to control his unpredictable powers.

The buddy comedy series was produced and owned by Nelvana Enterprises in Canada was greenlit back in 2019 under the working title, Zokie Sparkleton and Zokie Sparkleby. Oddly enough, the first season was made available to stream on Amazon Prime Video by the end of December with no prior announcement. 

Now the series is gearing up for linear debut on Nickelodeon channels globally (excluding the US) from May 6.t

News Shorts: Sky News Named News Channel Of The Year At RTS, BET Announces New Series In Bloom + Release Date And NCIS Spinoff Greenlight By Paramount Plus

Sky scores big in the UK

Sky News has been named News Channel of the Year for the seventh consecutive year at the Royal Television Society Journalism Awards. 

Responding to Sky News winning the award, David Rhodes, Executive Chairman for Sky News Group said:

“It’s been a momentous year for news and I couldn’t be more proud that Sky News has been recognised by winning News Channel of the Year for a phenomenal seventh year in a row. To provide audiences with the full story first, our 800 journalists around the world have told

compelling human-interest stories, held those in power to account, have gone deep into the data and delivered powerful eyewitness reports from around the globe”.

The BBC, which similar to Sky News is based from the UK and made substantial changes to its news output in the last year walked away almost empty-handed. The broadcaster did secure a win for its coverage of the Ukraine conflict and for a BBC Wales investigation into Welsh Rugby.

BET launches new local drama

In Bloom has been produced by MTV Staying Alive Foundation with continued support of Paramount and grant support by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The thought-provoking collection tells unheard stories addressing a range of crucial issues including period poverty, child marriage, gender-based violence, HIV self-stigma, family planning and women’s economic empowerment. 

The anthology comes from five female filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, India, the US and Brazil, creatively championing new voices and enabling insightful conversations to dismantle systemic injustices.

In Bloom will also premiere on BET, DStv Channel 129 on March 8 at 20:00 CAT

NCIS spinoff in development 

CBS Studios is expanding its ever growing NCIS franchise by bringing back two fan favorite characters from the mothership series, Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, and Ziva David, portrayed by Cote de Pablo, who will reunite on screen for the first time in 10 years. Paramount+ has given a 10-episode series order to the untitled spinoff headlined by Weatherly and de Pablo and written by John McNamara (Trumbo, The Magicians). All three executive produce.

Nicknamed NCIS: Europe, the new action-packed spinoff, set to start production later this year, will follow Tony (Weatherly) and Ziva (de Pablo) as they find themselves on the run across the continent.

NCIS is one of CBS Studios’ most valuable franchises and its expansion has been a goal for the studio. This is one of two new NCIS offshoots greenlighted this year, along with the Young Gibbs prequel series for CBS, NCIS: Origins. It is also the second extension of the NCIS franchise beyond the U.S., following NCIS: Sydney, which has been airing on CBS in the U.S.

Recap To Last Month: Could MultiChoice Be Looking To Replace M-Net's Me With Universal TV?

Last month, it was reported that M-Net's Me and 1Magic would exit MultiChoice's DStv by early February. This was after several consumers had recieved a notification from MultiChoice about the closures with the pay-tv company that had since then gone rogue.

The termination would have come a few weeks before MultiChoice officially launched the rebranded Showmax service. It would form as part of a joint venture with Comcast's NBCUniversal which would bring Peacock's best in class technology and content to the streamer.

NBCUniversal also supplies linear channels such as Universal TV, Studio Universal, E! Entertainment, DreamWorks and Telemundo on DStv. As seen last month, MultiChoice wasn't looking to replace Me leaving viewers to wonder what fate awaited shows like Survivor and The Good Doctor.

M-Net is currently exclusive to premium subscribers and Me was the only means of accessing the content. This lead to further speculation that MultiChoice was looking to prioritise on Universal TV basically another streamlined attempt with select content from Me on there.

The idea didn't seem far fetched as NBCUniversal has minority stake in Showmax and another having to do with the rollout of DStv Glass in partnership with MultiChoice.

Unlike 1Magic, MultiChoice in an ongoing conversation was only able to confirm the closure of Me through their SA department. MultiChoice Africa was able to confirm both closures and highlighting that a replacement "specifically for 1Magic" was in development.

There was no guarantee at this point if content from 1Magic or Me would surface on this channel. But considering that the closures affected consumers of Me it was expected that MultiChoice will make this brand accessible to consumers on the Compact and Family bouquet.

As of right now, both channels continue to operate on the DStv platform with Showmax repeats like Adulting and Outlaws dominating 1Magic and Me airing remaining shows in the form of weekday marathons with other primetime shows airing as double bills.