NBCUniversal International Networks Acquires Gripping Legal Drama Proven Innocent For UNIVERSAL TV In The UK And Africa

NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) announced the acquisition of Proven Innocent, licensed from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, to premiere on UNIVERSAL TV (DStv channel 117) – NBCUIN’s general entertainment channel – in the UK and Africa. This new legal series tells the emotional story of one woman’s fight for the innocence of others, as well as her own. Produced by 20th Century Fox Television, in association with Danny Strong Productions, the 13 one-hour episodes will premiere in the UK and Africa, on UNIVERSAL TV (DStv channel 117) from Monday, 11 March 2019 at 20:00 CAT.

Proven Innocent follows an underdog criminal defence firm led by Madeline Scott, played by Rachelle Lefevre (Under the Dome, A Gifted Man), a fierce and uncompromising lawyer with a hunger for justice. There is no one who understands the power of setting an innocent person free more than Madeline. At age 18, she was wrongfully convicted, along with her brother, Levi Scott, played by Riley Smith (Frequency), in a sensational murder case that made her an infamous media obsession, a household name and a national cause célèbre.

Madeline runs the firm with her partner, Easy Boudreau, played by Russell Hornsby, (Seven Seconds, Grimm), the very lawyer who helped set her free after 10 years in prison. Proven Innocent also stars Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men) as investigator Bodie Quick; and Tony Award-winner Nikki M. James (BrainDead, The Good Wife, The Book of Mormon), as communications director Violet Bell who runs a true-crime podcast that follows each investigation.

While a hero and a victim to some, Madeline’s bold and bullish tactics earn her a number of enemies – especially Gore Bellows, played by Emmy Award and Golden Globe-winner Kelsey Grammer (Frasier, Cheers, Boss), the prosecutor who initially put her away and still believes in her guilt. Despite Bellows’ ceaseless quest to see her behind bars again, Madeline will continue to defend others, even as she fights to maintain her innocence and searches for the real killer in her own case.

“Proven Innocent is an emotional legal drama with justice at the heart,” commented Lee Raftery, Managing Director UK & Emerging Markets and Chief Marketing & Content Officer, NBCUniversal International. “UNIVERSAL TV viewers will be instantly gripped by the strong characters played by Rachelle Lefevre, cast in the role of hero and victim, standing boldly up against hard-as-nails attorney played by award-winning Kelsey Grammer.  The subject matter is intriguing and will make exciting TV to watch.”

“We’re delighted that Proven Innocent will be on UNIVERSAL TV in the UK and Africa,”David Smyth, Senior Vice President of Sales and UK Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. “Viewers are certain to be captivated by this unique new courtroom drama with a standout cast, led by Rachel Lefevre and Kelsey Grammer.”

Proven Innocent is produced by 20th Century Fox Television, in association with Danny Strong Productions. The pilot is written by David Elliot. Strong, Elliot and Stacy Greenberg are executive producers. Adam Armus is an executive producer and showrunner.

NBCUniversal International Networks Refreshes Flagship Brand To Universal TV In South Africa

NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) announced that the refreshed brand for its flagship, general entertainment channel has been unveiled today in South Africa. In evolving from Universal Channel to UNIVERSAL TV, the refresh delivers a bold, new, contemporary brand identity across all linear, digital and social platforms – including a new logo, typeface and fresh colour palette.

Continuing to draw on the strength, recognition and heritage of the “Universal” name – that’s long been synonymous with quality entertainment – the evolved proposition for the new-look brand continues to highlight that characters are at the heart of great storytelling.   In South Africa, character-driven programming has generated outstanding results for the brand and in 2017 the channel had its strongest year in viewers (A16+) since 2010(1)

“UNIVERSAL TV’s reinvigorated identity best positions our flagship brand into the future as a relevant, compelling destination for fans of character-driven programming,” commented Lee Raftery, Chief Marketing & Content Officer and Managing Director UK & Emerging Markets, NBCUniversal International. “In making this latest investment in UNIVERSAL – combined with the raft of top-quality shows we have recently acquired – we’re reinforcing our commitment to delivering a must-watch destination for affiliate partners and viewers, alike.”

Key upcoming launches on UNIVERSAL TV include:

Colony Season 2 – premieres 14 May at 20:00
Will (Josh Holloway – Lost) and Katie (Sarah Wayne Callies – The Walking Dead) struggle to keep their family together as they encounter unexpected challenges, coming face-to-face with the new Resistance and searching for a way out of the Colony.  In an effort to get their son back, Will has been co-operating with the Collaborators and knows about Katie’s alliance with the Resistance. With her secret out, now finding themselves on opposite sides of the battle, have they jeopardised any hope of reuniting their family?

The Detail – premieres 5 June at 20:00
Angela Griffin (Coronation Street, Holby City, Waterloo Road), Shenae Grimes-Beech (90210, Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Wendy Crewson (Revenge, 24, Room), star in The Detail, following three fiercely talented, female homicide investigators who work tirelessly to solve crimes while navigating the complicated demands of their personal lives. Detective Stevie Hall (Griffin) is a sharp, quick-witted interrogator – even while balancing the demands of work and her complicated family life – who mentors street smart Detective Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Cooper (Grimes-Beech). Jack is a street smart Detective, with keen investigative skills, but a messy personal life. Joining them is Staff Inspector Fiona Currie (Crewson), the homicide unit’s formidable boss, who works overtime to secure justice, no matter what the cost.

The Outpost – coming soon
The Outpost follows Talon, played by Jessica Green (Roman Empire, Ash vs Evil Dead) a strong female hero and the lone survivor of a race called “Blackbloods.”  Years after her entire village is destroyed by a gang of brutal mercenaries, Talon travels to a lawless fortress on the edge of the civilised world, as she tracks the killers of her family.  On her journey to this outpost, Talon discovers she possesses a mysterious power that she must learn to control in order to save herself, and defend the world against a fanatical religious dictator.  The Outpost also stars Jake Stormoen (Extinct, Mythica), Andrew Howard (Hatfields and McCoys, Hell on Wheels), Anand Desai-Barochia (Emmerdale, Lake Mead), Robyn Malcolm (Top of the Lake, Hostiles) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones, Mythica). 

The UNIVERSAL TV brand refresh was developed via a collaboration between NBCUniversal International Networks’ Central Marketing team, the award-winning creative agency Red Bee – who established the brand positioning, brand logo and creative concept – and world-renowned brand consultant Lee Hunt. Specialist contributions were provided by Dalton Maag (typeface design studio), Future Deluxe (directed and produced brand idents motion) and Zelig Sound (music and sound design).

About NBCUniversal International Networks
NBCUniversal International Networks is one of the world’s premier entertainment portfolios, delivering quality content and compelling brands to over 165 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific.  The channel brands in the portfolio include UNIVERSAL TV, SYFY, E! Entertainment Television, 13TH STREET, DIVA, Studio Universal, Telemundo, Bravo, DreamWorks and Golf Channel. These unique brands deliver a full range of entertainment experiences to local audiences across the globe; the portfolio also includes Movies 24 in the UK and The Style Network in Australia. Further, NBCUniversal News Group, one of the most influential and respected portfolios of on-air and digital news properties in the world, operate CNBC and NBC News internationally.
 
NBCUniversal International Networksis a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Red Bee
Red Bee is an award-winning world leader in creating and promoting media brands, with a global reputation for creating multiscreen brand identities and multi-platform promotional campaigns for brands and broadcasters.
 
Red Bee has created identities for a number of leading media brands around the world including NBCUniversal, the BBC, DreamWorks, Discovery Networks, France Télévisions, RTÉ, and many more.

For more information about Red Bee, go to www.redbeecreative.com.

Bosch Returns For A Third Season Along With Cold Case On Its Seventh Season On Universal Channel Africa In May 2017 Plus Law And Order: Criminal Intent And Rosewood

TERRITORY PREMIERE
BOSCH SEASON 3
Sundays at 20:00 from May 21st
Titus Welliver returns as tough Los Angeles detective Harry Bosch as season three of the hit drama series explodes onto Universal Channel. Adapted from Michael Connelly’s acclaimed novels ‘The Black Echo’ and ‘A Darkness More Than Night’, the intense new series sees the jazz-loving cop struggling to find integrity within a justice system seemingly riddled with loopholes and corruption ashe investigates the murder of a homeless war veteran and the suicide of a suspected serial killer, as well as being caught up in the high-profile murder trial of a Hollywood director. Lance Reddick, Jamie Hector and Amy Aquino also star.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 2
Mondays at 20:50. Season finale on May 15th
Miami’s top private pathologist Dr Beaumont ‘Rosie’ Rosewood returns as season two of the American crime drama concludes this month on Universal Channel. Morris Chestnut stars as the daring and dynamic doctor, who utilises his high-tech lab and his awesome powers of deduction to help out those who are not satisfied with standard criminal investigations, with a little help from his allies in the Miami police department, including Detective Annalise Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) and Captain Ryan Slade (Eddie Cibrian).

CHANNEL PREMIERE
LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT SEASON 7
Sundays at 20:50 from May 21st
In New York City’s war on crime, the worst criminal offenders are pursued by the detectives of the Major Case Squad – these are their stories. The show takes the viewers into the minds of criminals while following the psychological approaches the squad uses to solve the crimes. In true Sherlock Holmes fashion, Detective Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio) is an exceptionally bright homicide investigator with well-honed instincts. Likewise, his partner Detective Eames (Kathryn Erbe) brings her intuition into play when solving a case. In the opening episode, an old partner of Eames’ husband is killed and the investigation sheds new light onher husband’s murder. Then, an obstetrician is found dead in a seemingly ritualistic pose.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
COLD CASE SEASON 7
Monday to Friday at 17:30, starting from Tuesday May 30th
The final season of the American crime drama premieres this month on Universal Channel. Following the dramatic end to the sixth season, Lilly returns to work and is soon back in the thick of the action, helping to solve the disappearance of a young woman on an ocean liner in 1966. The team then reopens the investigation into the murder of a jazz musician who kept his hard-partying lifestyle a secret from his religious father. Later, they blow dust off the case of an ice hockey player murdered on the team’s Philly icerink the same night as their defeat to the Soviet Union. Plus, when a Green Beret provides an alibi for a man who was killed for stolen jewellery, the team decides to revisit the murder case concerning his recruiter.

MOVIES
MOVIE PREMIERES
Saturdays at 20:00
This month Universal Channel brings you three hilarious comedy premieres, starting with Who Gets The Dog? on May 6th, starring Alicia Silverstone and Ryan Kwanten as a couple on the brink of divorce who can’t decide who gets custody of their beloved canine, so they both resort to underhand tactics to keep it. In 27 Dresses(May 13th) Katherine Heigl plays a woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times struggling to cope when her sister falls for the man she is secretly in love with. Young journalism graduate Anne Hathaway lands a plum job as assistant to the ruthless and powerful editor of a renowned New York fashion magazine in The Devil Wears Prada(May 27th). Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt co-star.

Midsomer Murders Reaches Its Mid-Season Finale On Universal Channel Africa In April 2017 And All Your Favourite Shows Continues

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 2
Mondays at 20:50
Morris Chestnut returns as Dr Beaumont ‘Rosie’ Rosewood, Miami’s top private pathologist, as season two of the crime drama continues. The daring and dynamic doctor utilises his high-tech lab to help out those who are not satisfied with standard criminal investigations, with a little help from his friends in the Miami police department, including Detective Annalise Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz).This month, the search for the head of a counterfeit money ring raises questions about Villa’s past, while Rosie receives shocking news about his health.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
MIDSOMER MURDERS SEASON 19
Sundays at 20:00
Mid-season finale on April 23rd
DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) probes the hidden secrets of village life as season 19 of the crime drama arrives on Universal Channel. In the opening episode, Barnaby is called in when a man dies during the reopening of a village that had been abandoned during World War II, while the death of a member of a local neighbourhood watch group shows just how far some people will go for power. The death of a star cricketer draws Barnaby into a reckoning with his past, before rivalry and revenge at a local pet show is probed when a body is found covered in live rabbits.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
NCIS SEASON 13
Mondays at 20:00
Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly return as season 13 of the long-running crime drama continues on Universal Channel. The death of a Navy diver leads to a tense four-day investigation as they wait for the tank in question to decompress, before the NCIS join forces with the FBI to hunt for the kidnapped daughter of Sarah Porter. Dr Taft is brought in to assist when crates full of assault rifles are stolen from a Navy base, then a seemingly straight forward case grows complicated when each member of the team uncovers separate discrepancies in the investigation.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS: LOS ANGELES SEASON 7
Double bills on Wednesdays at 20:00
Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J return as season seven continues with more hard-hitting action. A Peruvian massacre from two decades ago is probed when the team learn that one of the survivors is now under threat. A day off work for Callen and Sam is rudely interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious phone and a threatening call, before Washington NCIS agent Tony DiNozzo(guest star Michael Weatherly) asks for the team’s help to trackdown an escaped money launderer. The investigation into a cult that has got hold of government secrets leads to Kensi and Deeks going undercover as cult members.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
RIZZOLI & ISLES SEASON 5
Tuesdays at 20:00
Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander are back as crime-solving duo Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles as season five of the hit drama continues. The murder of a used-book dealer is investigated, while Angela (Lorraine Bracco) decides to make a fresh start. When a young woman is murdered in a suspected contract killing, Jane risks everything to protect the teenage witness. The death of a woman found mummified in a wine cellar is investigated, while are cuperating Jane receives devastating news. Korsak (Bruce McGill) tries to help an old friend fulfil his dying wish - to finally solve the deaths of his wife and daughter in a house fire some 15 years earlier.

Rizzoli And Isles Are Back For A Fifth Season On Universal Channel Africa And Its A Mid-Season Finale In Rosewood In February 2017

CHANNEL PREMIERE
RIZZOLI & ISLES SEASON 5
Tuesdays at 20:00 from February 21st
Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander are back as Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles as the crime-solving duo return for season five of the hit drama series. The shocking opening episode sees a female jogger stabbed to death in a park, but as the case unfolds it looks as though the attacker may have been targeting the woman’s baby. However, an unexpected turn of events leads to far-reaching consequences for everyone. As the team try to deal with their grief, they look into another unusual murder case involving a woman suffering from amnesia.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 2
Mondays at 20:50
Mid-season finale on February 6th Miami’s top private pathologist Dr Beaumont ‘Rosie’ Rosewood is back as season two of the drama reaches its mid-season finale. Morris Chestnut stars as the daring and dynamic doctor, who utilises his high-tech lab and his awesome powers of deduction to help out those who are not satisfied with standard criminal investigations, with a little help from his allies in the Miami police department, including Detective Annalise Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) and the enigmatic Captain Ryan Slade (Eddie Cibrian).

CHANNEL PREMIERE
LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT SEASON 4
Weekdays at 18:20 from Thursday February 9th
Vincent D’Onofrio and the team return as season four of the crime drama comes to Universal Channel. Goren and Eames investigate the death of a controversial and self-destructive radio DJ, but their attention is drawn to one of his female fans. When investigating the murder of a famous photographer, a disturbing discovery is made about the models used in his controversial work. Detective Goren is shocked to find himself sympathising with a cannibalistic killer who is targeting young women, before the detectives look close to home when a leading atheist is kidnapped and murdered.

MOVIES
VALENTINE’S DAY
Tuesday February 14th from 18:20
Settle in for a triple bill of romantic movies this Valentine’s Day,starting with The Perfect Man (18:20), starring Hilary Duff as a teenager trying to stop her mother (Heather Locklear) making bad romantic choices by concocting a virtual suitor. William Baldwin and Natalie Brown feature in Be My Valentine (20:00), which sees a widowed firefighter respond to a blaze at a florist’s and fall for the beautiful owner. Finally, No Reservations (21:40) stars Catherine Zeta-Jones as a top New York chef whose carefully controlled life is turned upside down when her young niece moves in with her. Aaron Eckhart and Abigail Breslin also star.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS SEASON 13
Mondays at 20:00
The long-running drama series starring Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly continues as the team investigate the murder of an officer, with the crime scene bearing all the hallmarks of a notorious local serial killer, before the death of a retired Naval officer leads to the reopening of a cold case from 16 years earlier.DiNozzo and McGee travel to Sudan to aid in the investigation after insurgents attack a group of volunteer doctors. A petty officer asks the NCIS team to help prove his innocence after a mistrial sets him free.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS: LOS ANGELES SEASON 6
Double Bills on Wednesdays at 20:00
Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J are back as season six of the high-octane drama continues on Universal Channel. When Granger is involved in a car crash that is discovered to have been no accident, Hetty puts the team on lockdown in order to find the mole. Callen’s personal and professional lives intertwine when his girlfriend gets mixed up in a robbery at a high-tech security company, before a seemingly routine undercover operation goes awry when it becomes a hostage situation. When Callen and Sam follow an anonymous tip but end up being kidnapped, the team investigate whether it has links to terrorism

NCIS: Los Angeles Returns In New Years (2017) On Universal Channel Africa As Universal Channel Has 2 New Movies For The New Year

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS SEASON 13
Mondays at 20:00
The new year kicks off with a bang as season 13 of NCIS comes to Universal Channel. Following on from the shocking conclusion tothe previous series, Gibbs is fighting for his life after being shot so Tony and CIA officer Joanna Teague head overseas to take down‘The Calling’. The team help DEA agent Luis Mitchell tackle a coldcase involving a drug dealer, before McGee and Bishop go undercover as a military couple after a Marine is found dead. Vance teams up with Gibbs and returns to field duty when a murder case has links to an ex-NCIS agent who was jailed for stealing evidence,while Abby is trapped in a pharmaceutical lab when armed men enter the building.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS: LOS ANGELES SEASON 6
Double Bills on Wednesdays at 20:00
Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J return for the sixth season of the hit drama, beginning with the team facing a race against time to stop the planned attack on San Diego and rescue Callen and Hanna. During a murder investigation, the team discovers that one ofthem has been compromised, while Director Leon Vance has disturbing news for Hetty. Callen and Granger work to clear Hanna’s name when he is arrested for the murder of an accountant, before the death of a terrorist uncovers evidence of alarger plot and the investigation into the murder of a homeless former Marine reveals links to a deadly Mexican drug cartel.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
RIZZOLI & ISLES SEASON 4
Fridays at 20:50. Season finale on January27th
There are surprises and twists galore as season four of the hit crime drama reaches an intense climax. Disturbing echoes of a past case are rekindled when a man dressed as a clown kidnaps a little boy, before the dynamic duo investigate the death of an aspiring musician who was stabbed in a bar. Meanwhile, Jane’s father makes an unexpected return and brings with him some shocking news. When a renowned chef dies suddenly, all signs point to him being poisoned but the investigation quickly throws up more questions than answers. In the final episode, America’s national security is at risk when a senator’s daughter is murdered, while Jane reveals some potentially life-changing news.

TWO AND A HALF MEN: THE MOST FAMOUS GUEST STARS
TWO AND A HALF MEN
Double Bills on Tuesdays at 20:00
This month, Universal Channel features a cherry-picked selection of special episodes of the smash-hit comedy featuring some of the most memorable guest stars from down the years, including the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Miley Cyrus and Mila Kunis. From the plethora of surprise appearances in the two-part finale to earlier cameos from some of Hollywood’s most famous faces, settle back and relax with more hilarity from Ashton Kutcher, Jon Cryer and the rest of the gang.

MOVIES
CHANNEL PREMIERES
Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th at 20:50
This month’s Universal Channel movie premieres are all about dance and drama, beginning with How She Move on January 7th. Rutina Wesley plays a student who is forced to leave her privileged life at a private school behind and return to her crime-ridden old neighbourhood, where her passion for dancing is rekindled. Tre Armstrong and Brennan Gademans also feature. Channing Tatum stars in the uproarious Magic Mike (January 14th). A handyman by day and a stripper by night, Mike takes a young dancer under his wing and teaches him how to party, pick up women and make easy money. Alex Pettyfer, Olivia Munn and Matthew McConaughey also star.

The Librarians Is Back For A Third Season On Universal Channel Africa While We Countdown You Can Catch Movie Premieres, This December Last Man Standing And Law And Order: SVU Concludes On Universal Channel Africa

TERRITORY PREMIERE
THE LIBRARIANS SEASON 3
Thursdays at 20:00
The Librarians are back for a third season on Universal Channel. It looks like there are tough times ahead for Eve, Flynn and the gang,as just some of the baddies they face this season include both anIce Giant and the ancient Egyptian God of Chaos, and that’s on topof the threat they face from new antagonist General Cynthia Rockwell of shadowy government agency D.O.S.A, who are determined to take possession of all the Librarians’ precious artefacts. Finally, our heroes will have some tough choices to make this month, as they are forced to weight the positive power of magic against the harm it can cause to the world.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 2
Mondays at 20:50
Morris Chestnut returns as Dr Beaumont ‘Rosie’ Rosewood, Miami’s top private pathologist, as season two of the crime drama continues on Universal Channel. The daring doctor utilises his high-tech lab and his powers of deduction to help out those who are not satisfied with standard criminal investigations, with a little help from his allies in the Miami police department, including Detective Annalise Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) and the enigmatic Captain Ryan Slade (Eddie Cibrian).

TERRITORY PREMIERE
LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT SEASON 16
Wednesdays at 20:00
Season finale on December 14th
Mariska Hargitay, Danny Pino and Ice-T return as the 16th season of the crime drama comes to an emotional conclusion. The team look into an old case when the daughter of a man convicted of incest and rape wishes to recant her testimony to set him free, before tensions between an estranged couple threaten to hinder Amaro’s investigation into the kidnapping and ransom of an eight-year-old boy. In the final episode, Amaro faces a tough career choice when he finds his path to the top blocked and Benson reveals the terrible truth about baby Noah, risking his adoption.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
LAST MAN STANDING SEASON 4
Double bills on Tuesdays at 20:00
Season finale on December 20th
Tim Allen stars as Mike Baxter as the fourth season of the hit US comedy comes to a hilarious climax. When Kyle’s new homeless friend disappears, Mike uses his vlog to help find him. Mandy plansto throw a secret party while Mike and Vanessa are away, but theyreturn home from their trip early. Mike and Vanessa are then baffled when Mandy turns down an internship in New York. Eve falls out with Cammy, while Vanessa decides to set Eve up with one of her students. In the final episode, Victor admits to Mike and Ed that he hasn’t been honest about his real reasons for wanting to finally see Ryan.

MOVIES CHRISTMAS
Monday to Friday at 15:30 until December 23rd
The countdown to Christmas continues as Universal Channel brings you a daily selection of festive films, including Holiday Road Trip (December 1st), in which two employees at a high-profile pet store find themselves on the road together at Christmas time with the company mascot, a dog named Scoots. In Christmas Parade (December 5th), a TV host is humiliated on air by her fiancé andre treats to a small town where she helps the town’s kids with their float for the Christmas parade. Operation Christmas (December16th) sees a soldier being deployed before Christmas, so his girlfriend and her children decide to help the struggling military families on his base.

MOVIES CHANNEL PREMIERES
Saturday 10th and Saturday 17th at 20:00
Two hilarious romantic comedies premiere on Universal Channel this month. First up is Along Came Polly (December 10th), starring Ben Stiller as risk-averse Reuben, who has made a career out of playing it safe. But all that changes after he goes on a date with his old classmate Polly. Jennifer Aniston and Debra Messing also star.Monster-in-Law (December 17th) sees unlucky-in-love Charlotte finally find her perfect man in new fiancee Kevin, but his disapproving mother embarks on a devious campaign to break them up. Jennifer Lopez, Michael Vartan and Jane Fonda star.

Rosewood Is Back For A Second Season On Universal Channel Africa In November 2016 Along With A Brand New Series Following Law & Order Plus Universal Is Counting Down To Christmas

Territory Premiere
Rosewood Season 2
Mondays at 20:50 from November 14th
Morris Chestnut returns as Miami’s top private pathologist Dr Beaumont Rosewood as season two of the crime drama arrives on Universal Channel. Given the affectionate nickname ‘Rosie’, the daring doctor utilises his high-tech lab and his powers of deduction to help out those who are not satisfied with standard criminal investigations. This time out, the relationship between Rosie and Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) is complicated by a new member of the Miami police team, the enigmatic Aaron Slade (Eddie Cibrian), a loner who doesn’t trust anyone - but can Slade himself be trusted?

Channel Premiere
NCIS: Los Angeles Season 5
Mondays at 20:00. Season finale on November 28th
Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J star as season five of the crime drama comes to an explosive conclusion. An undercover NCIS agent is suspected of switching sides and working for the smuggler he is meant to be investigating. Then, a child goes missing and Sam is convinced the disappearance is linked to the theft of a flash drive containing top secret Navy software. A blast at a charity event has deadly consequences, but the team face conflicting reports as to who was responsible. In the season finale, the death of a submarine engineer appears to be a suicide, but the investigation soon uncovers some disturbing evidence.

Channel Premiere
Law & Order: Criminal Intent Season 1
Monday to Friday at 18:20, starting from Wednesday November 9th
The first series of the powerful crime drama series detailing the investigations of the New York Police Department’s Major Case Squad comes to Universal Channel. Headed by Detective Robert Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio), the squad is determined to track and trap the most persistent and fiendish criminals in the city. Meanwhile, those same criminals are doing their level best to escape detection. Who will triumph in this battle of good and evil?

Christmas Movies
Monday to Friday at 15:30 from November 21st until December 23rd
The countdown to Christmas begins as Universal Channel brings you a special selection of festive-themed films. In The Battle of the Bulbs (November 21st), neighbouring families compete to have the best decorated house. Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas (November 23rd) sees a jaded rock star won over by small town life after agreeing to play a festive concert. In A Christmas Wedding Date (November 25th), a woman returns to the small town she grew up in for a friend’s Christmas Eve wedding, while All I Want for Christmas (November 29th) sees a self-centred young woman meet Santa’s helper, who grants her an extraordinary wish.

Comedy Movies
Saturdays at 20:00
Saturday nights in November are all about laughter with a selection of hilarious film comedies, starting with Wedding Crasherson November 5th, starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn as two friends who gate-crash weddings in order to pick up women. In Gray Matters (November 12th), siblings Gray (Heather Graham) and Sam (Tom Cavanagh) search for each other’s perfect partners after being mistaken for a couple. Hope Springs (November 19th) stars Colin Firth as an English artist who moves to a small town in America after a break-up, where he meets a woman who renews his faith in love. Young Adult (November 26th) features Charlize Theron as a divorced writer who returns to her old home town to try to rekindle a romance with an ex-boyfriend.

Season 12 Of NCIS Comes To An Conclusion And Second Chance...Continues In June 2016

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS: LOS ANGELES SEASON 5
Double bills on Wednesdays at 20:00 from June 15th
Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J and Daniela Ruah return for season five of the hit drama, kicking with the team hunting for missing nuclear weapons as Deeks and Sam try to recover from their treatment at the hands of Sidorov. Deeks is struggling to control his emotions when he eventually returns to work, and the death of the head of a biotech company is investigated. The team find themselves in a potentially deadly situation as they probe a kidnapping case, while classified secrets are on the line when the girlfriend of a former Naval intelligence officer is abducted in broad daylight. Plus, when a joint FBI/CIA/NCIS raid goes badly wrong, a mole is suspected of operating within the NCIS ranks.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 1
Mondays at 20:50
Morris Chestnut returns as Miami’s top private pathologist Dr Beaumont ‘Rose’ Rosewood, utilising his high-tech laboratory, his uncanny powers of deduction and the help of his expert team of crime-solvers to come to the aid of people who have been left unsatisfied with standard criminal investigations. This month, Rosewood is forced to confront his own mortality as he investigates the suspicious death of a man with similar medical issues to his own, while Hornstock tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter. Plus, the investigation into the murder of a soap opera star leads Rosewood and Villa into a world of off-screen drama and intrigue.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
SECOND CHANCE SEASON 1
Thursdays at 20:00
The action drama inspired by the classic story of Frankenstein continues this month, as Jimmy Pritchard (Robert Kazinsky) and his son Duval (Tim DeKay) battle both a psychopath and another trouble-causing father-son duo. When a string of teenage geniuses turn up dead from apparent overdoses, Jimmy and Duval investigate. Mary’s (Dilshad Vadsaria) life is in danger, but just when Jimmy is needed the most he ends up in hospital after a brawl. Meanwhile, with a terrifying killer is on the loose, Otto (Adhir Kalyan) is growing jealous of the bond between Jimmy and his sister. Jimmy is unhappy with who Duval’s sister has chosen to date, particularly when hidden secrets come to light.

NCIS SEASON 12
Mondays at 20:00 until June 13th
Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette and the rest of the elite NCIS team return as the 12th series comes to a tense, explosive and ultimately tragic conclusion. The investigation into the child-targeting terrorist group known as ‘The Calling’ continues, with the search quickly going global once it’s discovered that the organisation has been buying explosives on the black market. When a deadly terrorist attack hits Cairo, the hunt for the culprits grows ever more desperate as the team race against time to prevent more deaths.

MOVIES
SATURDAY NIGHT ROM COMS
Saturdays at 20:00
Spend your Saturday evenings curled up with a collection of romantic comedies this month, beginning with Honeymoon for One (June 4th). Nicollette Sheridan stars as an ad exec who learns that her fiancé has been cheating so their planned Irish honeymoon becomes a solo trip. In The Sweeter Side of Life (June 11th), Kathryn Morris plays a pampered housewife who discovers there’s more to life than money when her husband dumps her for her acupuncturist. Mel Gibson stars as an unreconstructed executive able to read women’s minds in What Women Want on June 18th, and in Love, Wedding, Marriage (June 25th) a newlywed marriage counsellor (Mandy Moore) has her comfortable world shattered when she discovers that her parents want a divorce.

What's New On Universal Channel In May 2016

TERRITORY PREMIERE
SECOND CHANCE SEASON 1
Thursdays at 20:00 from May 19th
Robert Kazinsky stars in brand new sci-fi drama Second Chance, inspired by the classic story of Frankenstein. After 75-year-old disgraced former sheriff Jimmy Pritchard (guest star Philip Baker Hall) is killed during a robbery, genius billionaire twins Otto and Mary Goodwin (Adhir Kalyan and Dilshad Vadsaria) bring him back to life in the body of a younger man. Can the new and improved Pritchard resist the temptations that come with having the chance to start anew? Plus, after discovering that two murderers used the blackout caused by his resurrection to escape from prison, Jimmy is determined to hunt them down.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 1
Mondays at 20:50
Morris Chestnut returns as Miami’s top private pathologist Dr Beaumont Rosewood as the drama series continues. Given the affectionate nickname ‘Rosie’, the doctor utilises his high-tech lab and his powers of deduction to help out those who are not satisfied with standard criminal investigations. This month the team continue their search for the serial killer, but the investigation soon gets personal as Rosewood follows a trail of clues that have been left specifically for him. Elsewhere, Villa’s relationship with Mike takes some twists that only end up pushing her closer to Rosewood.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
BOSCH SEASON 2
Wednesdays at 20:50
Titus Welliver stars as uncompromising Los Angeles detective Harry Bosch as season two of the tough crime drama comes to an explosive conclusion. A tragedy forces Irving to take action, and when Bosch makes an unexpected ally it leads to a surprising discovery. Things start to come to a head as dangerous factions converge and Bosch tries to bring a criminal mastermind to justice. As a suspect evades Bosch’s grasp, Irving’s world starts to unravel and the pursuit of a dangerous criminal leads to an epic showdown. In the season finale, the team look to close the Tony Allen case as Bosch searches for the truth behind the murder of his mother.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
CSI:NY SEASON 6
Wednesdays at 20:00
Gary Sinise and the team return to investigate more Manhattanbased crimes as season six continues, beginning with an investigation into a double homicide that reveals links to fraud at a company that makes gold bullion. There’s tension in the team after Sid rules a woman’s death a suicide and Stella sets out to prove him wrong. When Hakes is caught in the middle of a prison riot, the only person who can help him escape is the man who murdered his sister. Finally, when the body of a former boxer is unearthed at a construction site, the team find the victim may have been connected to an illegal fighting league.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS SEASON 12
Mondays at 20:00
Season 12 continues as Mark Harmon and the team investigate more cases involving US Navy personnel. When a thief is found dead in the home of a Marine, the investigation uncovers links to a terrorist group. The murder of a petty officer is linked to a cold case being examined by Gibbs and DiNozzo, before the NCIS and ATF teams investigate when a Marine is shot by a weapon that was previously used as part of a controversial ATF sting. Secrets from Bishop’s past are revealed when she and Gibbs travel to Afghanistan as they investigate the torture and murder of a Marine, and the death of a Navy computer technician is linked to a terrorist group that specialises in recruiting young people.

MOVIES
TIMELESS ROMANCE
Saturdays at 20:00
Expect laughter and tears this month with a Saturday night selection of romantic movies, starting with PS I Love You on May 7th, starring Hilary Swank as a young widow who is aided through her grief by her late husband, who has left a series of messages to ease her pain and help her start a new life. Lake Effects (May 14th) follows two sisters (Scottie Thompson and Madeline Zima), one a top attorney and the other a small town girl, as they reunite with their mother (Jane Seymour) following the loss of their father.
Finally, One Day (May 21st) explores the ups and downs of the relationship between students Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) over the 20 years since they first met in 1988.

The Fun Just Keeps On Going On Universal Channel This April 2016

TERRITORY PREMIERE
ROSEWOOD SEASON 1
Mondays at 20:50
Miami pathologist Dr Beaumont Rosewood (Morris Chestnut) investigates more perplexing cases, beginning with a murder case where he testifies for the prosecution, but faces an unusual expert witness for the defence - his own father (Vondie Curtis-Hall).
Rosewood and Villa head into the Everglades as they join forces with a bounty hunter to catch a murderer, before Rosewood is called in to help when one of the city’s hottest new designers receives death threats during Miami Fashion Week. Finally, Rosewood and Villa are on the trail of a serial killer with links to Miami’s art scene, but the investigation is complicated when an FBI agent gets involved.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
BOSCH SEASON 2
Wednesdays at 20:50
Season two of the tough crime drama continues, starring Titus Welliver as uncompromising Los Angeles detective Harry Bosch.
As the investigation moves forward, Bosch explores the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas and faces an uncomfortable reunion with his daughter. As influential people keep beady eyes on the murder case, Bosch has a close encounter with Sin City mob boss Joey Marks, while George Irving is pulled ever deeper into his undercover mission. An unusual situation leads to a surprising family reunion, but further revelations send a disillusioned Bosch back to square one on his case.

TERRITORY PREMIERE
MIDSOMER MURDERS SEASON 18
Sundays at 20:00
The picturesque English countryside is the setting for more nefarious crimes and deadly schemes as the long-running crime drama returns. When the corpse of a wealthy landowner goes missing, Barnaby and the team are drawn into a sinister world of body-snatching. A forest ranger dies after mysterious lights are seen in the sky, convincing visiting UFO spotters that aliens are responsible. Midsomer is visited by a cycling race, but when the leader is murdered Barnaby enters a ruthlessly competitive environment of bribery and bloodshed. Finally, Barnaby and Nelson investigate when the opening of a new sculpture park is marred by a murder.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
TWO AND A HALF MEN SEASON 11
Double bills Tuesdays at 20:00
The smash-hit comedy continues, and Walden (Ashton Kutcher) and Alan (Jon Cryer) are still struggling to understand the women in their lives. Lyndsey is refusing to choose between Alan and current beau Larry, but that doesn’t stop her trying to ruin Alan’s romantic plans. When a suspicious Larry hires a private investigator to follow Lyndsey, the PI believes that she is actually having an affair with Walden. Elsewhere, a beautiful model catches Walden’s eye, but once they start dating he discovers that she is remarkably clumsy. Walden then agrees to help former colleague Nicole with a new software project, hoping that it will convince her to date him.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
CSI:NY SEASON 6
Wednesdays at 20:00
The expert team led by Gary Sinise investigate another string of Manhattan-based crimes, beginning with the strange case of the star quarterback of the Lingerie Football League being found drugged and dead in a locker room. When the body of a young woman is found drained of blood in Central Park, it leads the team to an underground culture of vampirism. A rally car explodes midrace and leaves the driver in a critical condition, but the investigation reveals it was far from an accident. Finally, five friends go on a night out which ends with four dead and the fifth covered in blood and holding an axe, but with no memory of what happened.

CHANNEL PREMIERE
NCIS SEASON 12
Mondays at 20:00
Mark Harmon heads the elite team investigating cases involving the US Navy. Dark secrets within the military academy once attended by Tony are uncovered after a Marine is found murdered. The team hunt for Russian terrorist Sergei after a deadly bombing, but Fornell, who is struggling to cope with recent events, is seemingly on the verge of a complete breakdown. An unusual case unfolds when the victim of a murder is found to have been living under an alias used by Gibbs for undercover operations some 20 years earlier, and when the death of an aide is linked to a valuable painting, Tony’s father (Robert Wagner) steps in to help the investigation.

MOVIES
WEDDING SEASON
Saturdays at 20:00
Join the congregation for a selection of marriage-themed movies this month, beginning with Love, Wedding, Marriage on April 2nd, with Mandy Moore as a marriage counsellor who discovers that her parents want a divorce. In The Accidental Husband (April 9th), Uma Thurman is startled to learn that she is already married to a complete stranger, then in Ceremony (April 16th), a lovelorn man plots to disrupt a wedding and win back the bride. Nearlyweds (April 23rd) sees a trio of female friends learn their respective
‘dream weddings’ were never made official, before Runaway Bride (April 30th) sees sexist newspaper columnist Richard Gere investigate a woman (Julia Roberts) who has repeatedly left men at the altar.

Universal Channel Africa December 2015 Highlights

LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT season 15 (Territory Premiere)
Continues Wednesday from 20:00 (double episode)   (Priority #1 – Front cover)

 
THE LIBRARIANS season 2 (Territory Premiere) – EXPRESS FROM THE US
Continues Monday at 20:50 (Priority #2)

 
NCIS season 11 (Channel Premiere)
Continues Monday at 20:00 (Priority #3)

 
CHRISTMAS MOVIES
Christmas movies Monday to Friday at 16:15 from 1st to 25th December including the following 5  channel premieres: Santa Switch on 1st December, Gift of Magi on 9th December, Back To Christmas on 16th December, Christmas In Wonderland on 23rd December, Hats Off Christmas on the 25th December. (Priority #4)

 
ROMANTIC COMEDY MOVIES
Every Saturday at 20:00 including the following 4 channel premieres: Having You on 5th December (starring Anna Friel), I Hate Valentine’s Day on the 12th December, Finding Ms Right on 19th December (starring Jennifer Love Hewitt), The Holiday on 26th December (starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Joe Black). (Priority #5)