New Series Alert: The Day Henry Met And Earth To Luna Coming Soon To Play Room

Play Room, a South African based children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group that offers fun and learning with a mixture of locally produced content part alongside international shows is set to debut two new series, The Day Henry Met and Earth To Luna.

The Day Henry Met follows a charming, inquisitive Irish lad, meets something new like the knight or a whale, it becomes the focus of his journey of discovery and adventure, ultimately teaching viewers about real-life objects and occupations.

The series was allocated on Nick Jr. by September 2017 and since then has won numerous awards the first for Best European Work at Cartoons at The Pulcinella Award. This was followed by Best Animation award at the Irish TV Gala Awards. 

Earth To Luna follows the adventures of Luna, a young girl who is in love with science, her little brother Jupiter and their pet ferret Clyde. Unlike The Day Henry Met the series targets a wider spectrum between the ages of 4-9 year olds.

The series debuted in the United States by 2014 on Universal Kids and Discovery Kids. Since then over 200 episodes had been filmed across eight seasons each with a duration of 15 episodes.

The Day Henry Met airs daily at 11:00 on Play from 14 May and Earth To Luna airs daily at 17:15 from 20 May.

News Shorts: Explore The Wilderness With Peak Zoo On Play Room And eExtra's Primetime Slot Plummets With A Repeat Of Forbidden Passion

Play Room is going Scottish 

Peek Zoo is an Irish animated children's television series based on a book series by Kevin Waldron. The show follows the life of zookeeper Mr Peek and his children Jimmy and Violet, who solve problems and mysteries with the help of the animals in the zoo.

The series airs daily at 08:30 replacing one timeslot of Magic Cellar or at least in the daytime. We presume the show will be in English which is why they're evading from airing it in the night as the channel has a one hour block for languages. 

eExtra loads up on the reruns 

As if it isn't enough that Annekan Die Swa Kry and Kelders Van Geheime is telecast on both e.tv and eExtra. The channel has even reduced the Asian offering to merely one timeslot which too is repeats now the Indian offering is set to undergo further downsizing. 

Beyhadh is currently airing on the channel at 13:45 and from 8 May this offering will be axed in favor of Forbidden Passion which ended earlier in the year.

Similar to Telemundo and TLNovelas who both saw a drop in primetime during the course of 2024. It appears that eExtra is undergoing a similar procedure but with the guilty pleasure timeslot home to English dubbed dramas from Asia and India. 

New Series Alert: The Thread Of Love Coming In July On TLNovelas Across Africa

TLNovelas, a Mexican entertainment channel operated by TelevisaUnivision that is home to various Portuguese dramas will be rolling out a new series in the coming months titled The Thread Of Love, known in Portuguese as Diseñando Tu Amor.

Based on the Portuguese telenovela Meu Amor, it followed Valentina and her sister Nora with a desire to become successful in the fashion world. As they try to reach their dreams, obstacles like family and romance complicate their journeys.

It starred Gala Montes as Valentina Fuentes Barrios, Juan Diego Covarrubias as Claudio Barrios, Sergio Goyri as Guillermo Vargas Mota, Ana Belena as Helena Vargas Reyna and Osvaldo de León as Héctor Casanova Morales.

The Thread Of Love debuted on Las Estrellas 26 April to 7 October 2021 with 120 half hour episodes having been filmed. Before it's rollout on TLNovelas, TelevisaUnivision had licensed the content to various broadcasters in the African market.

The series will air on 22 July replacing The One Who Couldn't Love and prior to this another series My Secret rolls out in June replacing Thinking Of You.

Development Alert: AYV's Entertainment Channel To Rollout On DStv Platforms In Nigeria, Might Launch In More African Countries

Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, under the leadership of CEO Anthony Jr. Navo, has announced the launch of its DSTv Channel 399 in Nigeria. Scheduled for May 6th, 2024, the live opening on DSTv Channel 399 marks a pivotal moment for both AYV and the broadcasting landscape in Nigeria.

AYV Media Empire first made waves in Sierra Leone with its official partnership with DSTv Africa, debuting on Channel 399 on September 17th, 2021. Since then, the institution has been a beacon of innovation and quality programming, captivating audiences across Sierra Leone and beyond.

With its expansion into Nigeria, AYV continues to solidify its position as a leading media entity in Africa. The move not only underscores the empire’s commitment to reaching wider audiences but also reflects its ambition to foster meaningful connections with viewers in diverse cultural contexts.

CEO Anthony Jr. Navo, alongside the management team, views this expansion as more than just a business endeavor. It’s a testament to AYV’s dedication to empowering young people and nurturing talent across the continent. Navo passionately advocates for investment in youth empowerment, emphasizing the transformative impact it can have on societies.

AYV Media Empire’s presence now extends to thirty countries across Africa, with plans to reach twenty-four more in the near future. This rapid expansion demonstrates the empire’s ambition to become a household name, delivering quality content that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

As Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr. articulates, the journey doesn’t end with broadcasting; it’s about making a tangible difference in communities and inspiring positive change. By investing in young people and promoting talent, AYV aims to not only create job opportunities but also foster a culture of innovation and creativity that propels Africa forward.

With the launch of DSTv Channel 399 in Nigeria, AYV Media Empire embarks on a new chapter of growth and influence, poised to leave an indelible mark on the media landscape across the continent

New Series Alert: Uthandolwani Coming Soon To Zee Zonke

After launching Umakoti Oyintandokazi last month which proved to be a popular addition with our readers. The Zulu dubbed broadcaster Zee Zonke is set to rollout another TV series onto viewer's screens in the coming weeks titled Uthandolwani (Dildariyan).

Uthandolwani followed a story of rich man who generally hates women bumped into a girl who is extremely different in nature and instantly expresses his discomfort towards her. Navdeesh Arora and Priya Arora starred in leading roles.

It debuted on Zee Punjabi from 14 November 2022 to 6 October 2023 with 235 half hour episodes produced. Based on the Telegu drama series Varudhini Parinayam, it served as one of the eight remakes to have been filmed from Zee Telegu series.

Zee Punjabi is well-known for the series Geet Dholi (also known as Dholi Beats) on Zee World. Similar to Uthandolwani, even Dholi Beats is a remake of another program from one of the Zee branded channels.

Uthandolwani will air daily at 18:00 replacing We Mamezala on Zee Zonke from 16 May. Prior to this Zee World, a sister station will rollout Force Of Attraction to consumers in Southern Africa and ROA.

June 2024 On Nickelodeon And Nick Jr. Global | New Movie Alert: No Time To Spy: A Loud House Movie | Returning Shows Including Paw Patrol | More

Nickelodeon 

THE LOUD HOUSE

• New episodes: 714-716, 718-720

• 03/06 – 14/06

• Monday-Friday

• Time: 16:30

Lincoln Loud is an eleven-year-old boy who lives with ten sisters. With the help of his right-hand man Clyde, Lincoln finds new ways to survive in such a large family everyday. 

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS 

• New eps: 111-120

• 17/06 - 28/06

• Monday-Friday

• Time: 16:00

Rock, Paper and Scissors are three best friends who share an apartment together and compete over everything. Week to week, they have tiny problems that always get out of hand.

NO TIME TO SPY: A LOUD HOUSE MOVIE

• Sunday June 23rd

• Time: 12:00/16:15

Lincoln and the Louds are ecstatic to welcome their new Gran-Gran, Myrtle, into the family with a tropical wedding celebration; but the festivities are cut short when an old nemesis from Myrtle's secret agent past appears on the island.

Nick Jr.

BARBAPAPA

NEW SEASON

• Episodes: #201-213

• 27/05/2024 - 14/06/2024

• Monday-Friday

• 11:20am/pm, 02:00am/pm, 06:30pm

The dazzling return to the world's screens of the most pop family of them all! BARBAPAPA - One big happy family! Routine does not exist for the Barbapapas: each day is a merry adventure full of surprises!

PAW PATROL

NEW EPISODES

• Episodes: #1018-1022

• 17/06/2024 – 28/06/2024

• Monday-Friday

• 06:50am, 12:45am/pm, 05:00am/pm, 07:05pm

PAW PATROL follows the adventures of 10-year old Ryder and his pack of 6 uniquely talented, well-equipped and very lovable rescue puppies. In the Lookout on a hill above Adventure Bay, Ryder and the Paw Patrol live, play and frequently save the day!

"The Mighty Have Fallen": Beyond Love Will Also Lose Daytime Repeats With Evil Affairs As Game Of Love And The Evil Eye Take Center Stage From May 6th On Star Life

Last month, it was reported that Evil Affairs will no longer get daytime repeats and zero mentions by the channel. This comes due to onslaught of complaints from several consumers about the show's dark nature and depiction of religious norms and values.

At the time of publishing, not much was known about how Star Life will fill up the timeslot for Evil Affairs or the rippling effect it would have to its other shows. But through an updated programme guide we've got to see the harsh realities of these changes.

From May 6th, Evil Affairs will only air daily at 22:00 with repeats of Game Of Love at 09:00 followed by The Evil Eye at 13:00. The channel had failed to mention Beyond Love had been caught in the crossfire as it too will be losing daytime repeats.

From our understanding, Star Life's schedule follows a particular format ABC-123 and breaking that would cause disruption. Seeing as Game Of Love And The Evil Eye didn't get that much airtime in its current state slotting them in minimized the problem.

Instead of Beyond Love getting double bill repeats the channel probably wants to give all their other shows a fair amount of airtime. Of course, the decision to remove Beyond Love and Evil Affairs from the daytime had only stirred up criticism amongst consumers.

Some are led to wonder if more censorship could be instilled from this point on. If StarPlus had a another program like Evil Affairs it could be excluded another instance is that Star Life follows Telemundo and makes 22:00 their "Super Series" slot.

But then there comes issues with Star Life in this matter, Telemundo is willing to repeat these shows throughout the night until no later than 5am. Star Life to make 15 shows look bloated at this point offers zero repeats for the affected shows in the night. 

It's more of a you snooze you lose type of scenario here as some consumers would probably have to wait a couple of months or years for a rebroadcast of Beyond Love. Unlike Evil Affairs, it is more of a victim and that is due to its current timeslot. 

Notes

• Evil Affairs airs daily at 22:00 followed by Beyond Love at 22:30 from May 6th.

• Repeats of Game Of Love airs daily at 09:00 and The Evil Eye at 13:00 also from May 6th.

• The schedule remains the same for other shows.

News Shorts: CBeebies Picks Up Rights To New Series Piggy Builders, Bob Bakish Exits Paramount Global’s CEO Position Amidst Acquisition Talks With Skydance And Every Girl's Dream Makes Its Freemium Debut On Zee One

BBC Children’s, France Télévisions and Germany’s ZDF have ordered Piggy Builders

Created by Marie Manand, Julien Hazebroucq and Emmanuelle Leleu, this 52 x 11-minute series stars three pig siblings who are very different individually, but who all share a passion for building projects in their forest home and fending off a meddlesome wolf named Vern.

Romain Villemaine (Ricky Zoom, Maya the Bee) is on board to direct, and Piggy Builders‘ first episodes will be unveiled at MIPCOM in October, followed by premieres on CBeebies, France Télévisions and ZDF in Q3 2025.

Piggy Builders was originally pitched at Cartoon Forum 2021, where it was well-received, according to Xilam founder and CEO Marc du Pontavice. It’s the studio’s second CG-animated series after Oggy Oggy, which has been acquired by the likes of France Télévisions, Discovery (Italy) and Super RTL (Germany) following its global premiere on Netflix in 2021.   

Paramount CEO Bob Bakish is stepping down, will be replaced by a trio of executives

Bakish climbed the corporate ladder after joining Viacom in 1997, until he became CEO of the company in 2016. Following the merger of Viacom and CBS, he became CEO of the combined company in 2019, which was later renamed Paramount Global. He is also leaving the company's board of directors, Paramount said Monday.

Bakish will be replaced by what the company called an "Office of the CEO." Paramount will now be led by CBS president and CEO George Cheeks; Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks; and Brian Robbins, the head of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. The company said the three executives will work closely with Paramount CFO Naveen Chopra and the board.

In the release Monday, Paramount said the new leadership is "working with the board to develop a comprehensive, long-range plan to accelerate growth and develop popular content, materially streamline operations, strengthen the balance sheet, and continue to optimize the streaming strategy."

Zee World repeat launching on Zee One

After debuting on the pay-tv channel in 2022, Zee One is set to give other consumers within Africa an open window to access to Every Girl's Dream from the 5th May replacing King Of Hearts.

Every Girl's Dream (Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na) which was launched in November 2021 on Zee TV revolves around Krisha a hospitality graduate, trying best to prove herself and help her family financially by working at her father's friends' royal hotel in Udaipur. It was there where she meets her Prince Charming, Devraj.

 

Anjali Tatrari and Avinesh Rekhi played the lead with other stars like Leenesh Mattoo, Romil Chaudhary, Simran Sharma, Rakshanda Khan, Farah Lakhani, Utkarsha Naik, Leena Balodi, Karuna Verma, Aashish Bhardwaj serve as supporting characters.

Jeepers: ‘Scooby-Doo’ Live-Action Series From Berlanti Productions Lands At Netflix With Major Commitment

The one-hour drama project is said to be nearing a deal at the streamer with a script-to-series commitment. Exact plot details are being kept under wraps aside from the fact it will be based on the Hanna-Barbera cartoon. Warner Bros. Television will produce, with the studio having recently launched the “Dead Boys Detectives” series at Netflix.

Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg serve as writers and will also executive produce along with André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner under their Midnight Radio banner. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Leigh London Redman will executive produce via Berlanti productions (the company is currently under an overall deal at WBTV). Jonathan Gabay of Berlanti Productions and Adrienne Erickson will co-executive produce.

Reps for both Netflix and WBTV declined to comment.

Should the project go forward, it would not be the first live-action Scooby-Doo project to make it to the screen. Most famously, “Scooby-Doo” was released in 2002 and starred Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini, with Neil Fanning voicing Scooby. The film was a box office success, generating over $250 million worldwide. A sequel with the same cast, “Scooby-Doo: Monsters Unleashed,” came out in 2004 and grossed over $180 million. There was also the live-action TV film “Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins” and its sequel that were released in 2009 and 2010.

There have also been a wide range of Scooby-Doo animated projects over the years, beginning with the original cartoon series in the late 1960s. Various incarnations have followed over the years, spanning multiple animated series and films. Most recently, the animated film ““Scoob! Holiday Haunt” was meant to be released on Max but was scrapped in a cost-cutting move. Currently, Max airs the animated series “Velma,” with Mindy Kaling voicing the bespectacled member of the Mystery Inc. gang.

New Series Alert: Force Of Attraction, Spinoff To Radha Mohan Debuts In May On Zee World

During the week, it was reported Star Life would be rolling out a new Hindi drama Jhanak in May after Faltu. Now Zee World is also looking to debuting a program from Zee TV titled Force Of Attraction (Pyar Ka Pehla Adhyaya: Shiv Shakti) a spinoff to Radha Mohan.

Force Of Attraction follows Shakti Sharma a kind woman who aspires to be a doctor. After losing her parents, she lives with her uncle and aunt in Varanasi. She crosses path with Shiv Kashyap a doctor, who has a hurting past and is unable to heal. 

It starred Arjun Bijlani as Dr. Shiv Kashyap, Chinmay Patwardhan as Ravi Singh, Megha Singh as Janvi Sharma, Parineeta Borthakur as Gargi Rameshwar Sa, Seema Pandey as Gayatri Kashyap and Ashman Kumar as Ayush Singh.

Force Of Attraction debuted on Zee TV from 3rd July 2023 and since then 289 episodes has been filmed so far each with a 22 minute duration. It will commence on Zee World in Southern Africa from 22 May and a week later for consumers in ROA from 29 May.

This will be the first Zee TV series within the decade to get its very first spinoff with the other Twist Of Fate that rolled out 2 other shows This Is Fate and Unfortunate Love within the previous decade.

May 2024 On TLC Across Africa | New Series Alert: Take My Tumor | Returning Shows Including 7 Little Johnstons | More

South Africa

7 Little Johnstons S9A

NEW SEASON

In this installment, Jonah becomes the first Johnston kid to turn 21, with Christmas just around the corner. Trent’s and Amber’s efforts to elevate the holiday season are interrupted due to the antics of the adult kids in the house. Things take a turn for the worse when Amber confronts Anna about her plans to move out.

First TX: 20 May

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 5 Aug

90 Day Fiance: Love in Paradise S4

NEW SEASON

The show focuses on four lovestruck Americans travelling to Brazil, Colombia, Italy and Malta to share lives with their significant others. Each couple will struggle with getting to know each other while also dealing with the highs and lows inherent in any relationship.

First TX: 15 May

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 17 July

The Curious Case Of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks

NEW TO CHANNEL

A follow-up to the 2023 docuseries that focused on Natalia’s adoptive parents, Kristine and Michael Barnett, and their claim that the child, who’d been diagnosed with the rare dwarfism condition spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, was actually an adult woman who terrorized their family from 2010 to 2013.

First TX: 7 May

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 11 June

Africa

Curvy Brides' Boutique S2

NEW SEASON

Straight-talking Jo Cooke and Alison Law are transforming wedding dress shopping for plus- size brides. Jo and Alison are making sure brides from sizes 16 to 40 feel amazing on the inside and look incredible on the outside.

First TX: 29 May

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 22:40

Last TX: 26 June

I Want THAT Wedding S1

BRAND NEW

Newly engaged couples struggling to agree on their wedding budget go to three different weddings but don't know their costs until the end of the experiment. Then they decide on the ideal budget for their own special day.

First TX: 8 May

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 21:50

Last TX: TBC

Take My Tumor

BRAND NEW

People living with extremely large, rare, or sometimes life-threatening tumors seek help from world-renowned surgeons that only tackle the most difficult cases.

First TX: 3 May

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 28 June

Development Alert: KykNet&kie Gets A New Schedule In May With Binnelanders Moving To 17:30 And Moederhart At 20:00 Replacing Skerpioen

Since the first broadcast on 9 April 2013, kykNET&kie has not only shown the cream of kykNET's programs, but also provided new content produced exclusively for kykNET&kie. The award-winning Suidooster, winner of the Safta in 2022 for the best soap opera, and the telenovela Arendsvlei brought real South African stories to viewers, put a host of new talented actors in the spotlight and made for a huge injection into local TV - operation taken care of. Then there are programs like Say your say, KLOP! and the dubbed Turkish telenovelas that keep viewers buzzing.

kykNET&kie's schedule change in May will give viewers the luxury of sitting back and relaxing with excellent entertainment in the evening.

So, put down that remote control and enjoy prime viewing in premium time.

• Binnelanders' twelfth season starts on Tuesday 7 May at 17:30. The series is broadcast from Mondays to Fridays.

• Deep Waters' first season can be seen from Tuesday 7 May at 18:00. In the first week, an episode is also broadcast on Friday 10 May, but after that it is on air from Mondays to Thursdays.

Suidooster is still on the box from Mondays to Fridays at 18:30.

• Arendsvlei remains in the 19:30 time slot from Mondays to Thursdays. The last episode of this boundary-pushing telenovela, which ran for six seasons and 160 episodes, will be broadcast at the end of June. It is directly followed by a new telenovela, Skemergrond, which starts on Monday 1 July at 19:30. Skemergrond takes place in Gemoedsdrif, a small town in the Western Cape, and revolves around the Louw family and their beautiful flower farm.

The Turkish telenovela Skerpioen's last episode will be broadcast on Monday 6 May at 20:00. Moederhart, which currently airs Mondays to Thursdays at 17:30, moves to the 20:00 time slot from 7 May, but is still on air from Mondays to Thursdays. Keep an eye on the news for an announcement about a new Turkish telenovela that starts when Moederhart comes to an end.

Other programs on kykNET&kie that belong on every good watch list include:

• Medical (Tuesdays at 9.30pm)

• KNOCK! (Sundays at 18:00)

• Have Your Say (Sundays at 7pm)

• Super Rugby (Mondays at 9pm)

• Toks & Tjops (Fridays at 20:00)

• eNews (daily at 19:00)

 

Superrugby, Toks & Tjops and eNuus are also broadcast simultaneously on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

New Series Alert: Ajooni, eExtra's First Series From Star Bharat Debuts In May

eExtra, a general entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments that is home to international dramas from Turkey, Asia and India is set to rollout a new series titled Ajooni. eMedia has yet to release further details about the show.

But from what we presume here this could be a reference to the drama from Star Bharat. Of course, the reason we've been doubtful pertains to the misinformation regarding Broken Bonds and This Is Love.

The story Ajooni is set in Haryalipur, where the titular character and Avinash are to be engaged but then she accidentally meets Rajveer in the market and he falls for Ajooni - love at first sight. He starts stalking her and breaks her engagement with Avinash.

It starred Ayushi Khurana as Ajooni Bagga, Shoaib Ibrahim as Rajveer Singh Bagga, Drisha Kalyani as Meher Vohra, Pankaj Dheer as Ravindra Singh Bagga and Shraddha Singh as Harman Ravindra Singh Bagga.

Ajooni aired from 26 July 2022 to 23 August 2023 on Star Bharat with 316 episodes filmed each with a 22 minute duration. Now the series is slated to rollout on eExtra daily at 13:45 from 8 May with an 18+ age restriction, could censorship be included?

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.

Ultraview's Future In Doubt As OUTtv Proud Launches On eVOD With The OUTtv Channel Coming Off Openview By The End Of April

OUTtv will be coming off the subscription Ultraview platform on Openview at the end of April. eMedia Investments has yet to mention a replacement for EDGE consumers unless that's being discontinued as FUSE would be the only TV channel currently priced at R75 per month.

Ultraview launched as a pay tier to the current free-to-view Openview platform comprises of two packages each with their own set of entertainment. Spice TV is a Bollywood package offering Zee Family and Star Select from India's largest broadcasters while EDGE is youth oriented for OUTtv and FUSE.

eMedia Investments has yet to disclose any further details on subscriber numbers for Ultraview but it is believed to be small bunch. Majority coming from Spice TV due to the existing involvement from Zee One and Star Life which serve as sister channels to the channels in question. 

EDGE would air in the later nights between 9pm and 11pm where consumers are either watching Uzalo on SABC 1 or Isitha: The Enemy on e.tv. Besides that viewership within these hours particularly for such channels are usually low.

Although OUTtv would be signing off from Openview this isn't necessarily a goodbye as the latter would be allocated on eMedia Investments other platform, eVOD. Similar to MultiChoice and NBCUniversal's endeavors with Showmax its likely that further content will surface on eMedia's other channels.

Prior to the introduction of OUTtv Proud, there were rumours flying around that OUTtv would be debuting a streaming service in the market. As companies are looking to consolidate and further reduce spending costs this was the probably the best chance OUTtv had in terms of survival. 

Press statement about OUTtv Proud

OUTtv Proud is proud to announce its exciting new home on the popular eVOD streaming platform. eVOD users can now see the popular and colourful OUT tv content at no extra cost.

After captivating audiences on Ultraview, OUTtv Proud is taking its critically acclaimed slate of content to the ever-growing world of streaming. eVOD viewers can now enjoy a wide range of colourful programming, from captivating dramas and comedies to thought-provoking documentaries and reality shows on South Africa’s first FAST channel.

“OUTtv Proud is already highly popular in the United, States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom and we look forward to building on that success in South Africa,” said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv. “South Africa has a rich, dynamic and vibrant LGBTQ+ community and we are excited to partner with eMedia to bring the world’s best LGBTQ+ TV series, movies and documentaries to them.”

New Series Alert: Jhanak Coming This May To Star Life

Star Life, a general entertainment channel operated by Disney Star that is home to various Bollywood drama series and movies all of which are dubbed in English is set to rollout another series in the coming months titled Jhanak.

Jhanak follows the titular character as she faces many challenges and obstacles in her life due to her poor background, but she never gives up on her passion. She meets Anirudh, who offers her support and encouragement, but fate separates them. 

It stars Hiba Nawab as Jhanak Raina, Krushal Ahuja as Aniruddha Bose, Chandni Sharma as Arshi Mukherjee, Dolly Sohi as Srishti Mukherjee, Sachin Verma as Shubh Basu and Kajal Pisal as Tanuja Basu.

The Hindi drama debuted on November 20, 2023 on StarPlus and 80 episodes have reportedly been filmed. It was met with a lot of praise by viewers and even surpassed the rankings of Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin better known as Lost In Life.

Jhanak will air daily at 18:00 CAT from 24 May replacing Faltu which comes to a close days prior. Zee One is also slated to air a new show titled Never Late For Love in the month.

New Series Alert: Justice League Action And Jessica's Big Little World To Rollout In May On Cartoon Network And Cartoonito Across Africa

After debuting on Cartoon Network in most parts of the world by 2016, Warner Bros. Discovery suddenly decides to license the show for the network in Africa 8 years later. It was made available on Toonami 4 years after it debuted in other countries. 

It follows Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and other superheroes join forces to form the Justice League that aims to fight villains. The series will air daily at 17:50 CAT from 6 May on Cartoon Network and similar to other countries no daily reruns. 

Unlike Teen Titans and Beware The Batman that were heavily ignored by Cartoon Network. Justice League Action is getting some exposure now the issue here most of the channel's audience at the time had grown up and probably aren't tuning into the network.

Not that Justice League Action is doomed to fail or anything as Cartoon Network has a huge fanbase in the market but some consistency would have helped now those who use it to view the network by 2016 are probably missing out.

Warner Bros. Discovery in some markets opted to further distance themselves from the preschool content. This was revealed by the one of the crew members of Craig Of The Creek, as Jessica's Big Little World will not be moving forward with a second season. 

The series follows the titular character as she navigates her way through a world where everything seems much bigger than she is; inspired by the grown-ups around her, she persists in conquering monumental children's tasks.

Jessica's Big Little World will air daily at 17:00 CAT on Cartoonito from 6 May will daily reruns at 07:35 CAT and 13:55 CAT.

Development Alert: A Rebroadcast Of Eternal Love Launches On eExtra, Annekan Die Swa Kry Returns For Season 3 On e.tv

eExtra hits the snoozefest button with Eternal Love 

After debuting on the channel earlier in the year, a rebroadcast of Eternal Love is scheduled to air daily at 16:15 from 3 May. This is by far the quickest comeback ever for a rebroadcast as it ending sometime in February taking a 3 month gap.

Based on the novel of the same name, Eternal Love followed a free-spirited woman's soul inhabits the body of a timid woman from a different time. She must find a way to balance her double life when she falls in love with two different men.

The Erens are back for more drama

As seen on the programme guide, Annekan Die Swa Kry is not going anywhere after the second season finale debuts on e.tv from 19 May. As season 3 is scheduled to air immediately after the second season finale in the same timeslot on e.tv at 17:00.

Synopsis on the first episode of season 3

While the Eren brothers are enjoying the rich life they have, Akif, who is left without a penny, is looking for ways to regain his former power with all kinds of cunning. While the excitement of the new term at Ataman College increases with the new students coming to the school; Ömer's ignorant cooperation with his brothers and his arrogant attitude cause them to come face to face with Asiye. The showdown at the party organized by the Eren brothers at the mansion ends unexpectedly.

Prior to its debut, e.tv will be airing its first Afrikaans soap Kelders Van Geheime from 4 May. Filmed in Simondium, it stars Veronique Jephtas, Vashti Prins, Charl Marais Senior, Zak Hendrikz and Geon Nel.

May 2024 On Discovery Channel And HGTV Across Africa | New Series Alert: Crime Gone Viral And Wild And Weird America | Returning Shows Including Down Home Fab | More

Discovery Channel 

Crimes Gone Viral S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Gripping clips of kidnappings, break-ins, wild car chases, and other crimes rack up millions of views, but the stories behind these crimes are often never told -- until now. This series takes viewers inside the most shocking crimes that went viral.

First TX: 28 May

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 20:55 & 21:25

Last TX: 6 Aug

Wheeler Dealers World Tour

BRAND NEW

After twenty years of iconic makeovers Mike and Elvis are back to take on their most ambitious projects yet and this time, they're going global. From the US, to Australia, Europe and the UK, Mike will track down a selection of vehicles that are iconic to each country, in need of some serious TLC, set up in a local garage and

leave it to Elvis and local mechanics to restore them to their former glory.

First TX: 31 May

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 2 Aug

Wild & Weird America S1

BRAND NEW

Watch uproarious real-life moments: backyard mishaps, car chaos, avalanche disasters, stunts, spills and thrills. It's an unforgettable rollercoaster of laughter caught on camera.

First TX: 18 May

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 20:55 & 21:25

Last TX: TBC

Border Control Spain S2

NEW SEASON

In Madrid's main airport, Madrid-Barajas, 5,000 security cameras help agents maintain security. Follow state security forces to discover how they monitor Spain's borders.

First TX: 14 May

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 20:00 & 20:30

Last TX: TBC

HGTV

Down Home Fab S2

BRAND NEW

Chelsea and Cole DeBoer navigate the most

challenging chapter of their lives as they create and build a design business and take on client

renovations, all while raising four young children.

First TX: 29 May

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 17 July

Fixer To Fabulous Italiano

BRAND NEW

In this new limited series we will embark on the

adventure of a lifetime as the Marrs and their family head to Italy to help some family friends renovate a historic home and turn it into the farmhouse they've always dreamed of!

First TX: 16 May

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 20 June

Rock the Block S5

NEW SEASON

Four teams of HGTV superstars return to the block to face-off in the ultimate home renovation competition. With identical starting waterfront homes and budgets, the team's house that appraises the highest at the end wins it all!

First TX: 4 May

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 15 June

Why The Heck Did I Buy This House? S2

NEW SEASON

Designer and renovator Kim Wolfe comes to the

rescue of homeowners feeling major buyer's remorse. This former Survivor winner and mom of three uses her expert skills to reinvent lifeless spaces and make homeowners finally fall in love with their home.

First TX: 22 May

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 10 July

Development Alert: New Care Bears Specials To Debut On WBD EMEA & LatAm Platforms

Six new animated specials for Cloudco Entertainment’s Care Bears: Unlock the Magic are set to premiere on Warner Bros. Discovery’s (WBD) Cartoonito and HBO Max/Max across EMEA and on Max in Latin America.

Individual EMEA country launch dates will vary, but both Cartoonito and HBO Max/Max are planning to begin rollouts this summer. In Latin America, Max debuted the first special in mid-March, with plans to release the others in April, July, September, October and November.

The Care Bears: Unlock the Magic specials have already launched on POP in the U.K., Family Channel in Canada, Channel 9 in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand. They have begun their rollout in the U.S. as well, with future releases continuing into November.

The six new specials are titled “The Quest for the Rainbow Stone,” “Grumpy’s Ginormous Adventure,” “The Star of a Thousand Wishes,” “The Mystery of the Snickering Ghost,” “The Bad Crowd Strikes Back!” and “The No Heart Games.”

“We’re excited to see the ongoing storytelling journey of Care Bears: Unlock the Magic unfold in an exciting new format and are thrilled to go global with these specials via our fantastic partners at Cartoonito, HBO Max/Max in EMEA, and Max in Latin America,” said Ian Lambur, senior VP of content at Cloudco Entertainment. “With the help of these broadcasters, these mini-movies will build upon the success of our season one episodes, enhance the overall Care Bears experience and make for multiple must-watch events.”