Welcome to Insidus, your source for the latest DStv and Openview channel news in South Africa
May 2026 On Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Discovery Family And Real Time Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Motor Mythbusters | Returning Shows: Hollywood Dreams | More
May 2026 On Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV And Food Network Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Flavortown Food Fight | Returning Shows: Baylen Out Loud | More
May 2026 On TNT Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Ambulance | Returning Movies: Mercury Rising And San Andreas | More
May 2026 On Cartoon Network And Cartoonito Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Baby Lemmings | Returning Shows: Pokémon - Ultimate Journeys | More
Cartoon Network
• Regular Show: The Lost Tapes: The countdown is on for the return of Regular Show on Cartoon Network, as fans prepare to dive back into the chaotic, laugh-out-loud world of Mordecai and Rigby. The Emmy® Award-winning fan favourite is back with even more wild adventures, unforgettable characters and park-side mayhem, kicking off with Regular Show: The Lost Tapes on Monday, 11 May at 17:20 CAT.
• Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys: The season culminates the research fellowship adventures of Ash Ketchum and Goh, as they travel across all eight regions, including the new Galar region and the Galar region's Crown Tundra. NEW EPISODES
Cartoonito
• Baby Lemmings: Cartoonito welcomes Baby Lemmings, a fun new series set in the Canadian forest, where every day is a playground and every challenge is an adventure. The Baby Lemmings share their joyful outlook with their animal friends, proving that with teamwork and creativity, anything is possible. The series premieres on Monday, 25 May and airs Monday to Friday at 17:00 CAT with two new episodes daily.
• Batwheels: Superpowered vehicles Bam, Bibi, Red, Jett and Buff join forces to fight crimes and protect citizens trapped in dangerous situations in Gotham City. They are thrust into hilarious hijinks as they learn important lessons. NEW EPISODES
Other developments
This Mother’s Day, Cartoon Network and Cartoonito are celebrating moms with special episode stunts launching on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 10 May. Cartoon Network’s The Superest Mom – Gumball Special Stunt spotlights Nicole Watterson, while Cartoonito’s Happy Mother’s Day! Stunt brings together a fan-favourite mix of heartwarming episodes from beloved shows.
Switching Times AGAIN!!! eExtra Kills Primetime At 18:30 With Daily Repeats Of Yosef As Sout Van Die Aarde Moves To 17:30
May 2026 On Nick Jr. Across Europe And Africa | Channel Premiere: Rubble & Crew S4 | Returning Shows: Ben And Holly's Little Kingdom | More
Canal+ To Shutter Showmax Streaming Service By The End Of April As Content Moves To DStv Stream
Showmax has today confirmed key dates marking the end of the streaming service that has operated across 44 markets in Sub-Saharan Africa for the past 11 years.
In an email sent to subscribers on Wednesday evening, the platform outlined a phased wind-down of its current service, with 31 March 2026 set as the final day for subscription renewals and voucher redemptions. From 1 April 2026, new subscriptions and renewals will no longer be available.
Existing subscribers will continue watching content until their subscription expires, or until the end of April 2026, whichever comes first.
This new update provides the clearest consumer-facing timeline yet, following the announcement roughly two weeks ago that Canal+ would shut down Showmax, citing “unacceptable” losses at the African streamer as it sought cost-saving measures.
That announcement sent shockwaves across the industry, from Nairobi to Lagos to Johannesburg, with filmmakers and actors raising concerns over the loss of a key African platform that had, for over a decade, commissioned and amplified local storytelling at scale.
At the same time, the announcement was also met with uncertainty, particularly due to the absence of a clear shutdown timeline or transition plan for subscribers.
Even now, some subscribers have already begun expressing frustration over the short transition window. “It’s really annoying how little time is left,” one subscriber and regular Showmax viewer said in a WhatsApp message.
Showmax Originals will now move to DStv Stream, positioning it as MultiChoice’s central hub for streaming offering, at least for now.
“Showmax is starting a new chapter, and your favourite shows are getting a shiny new home on DStv Stream,” the company said in the email.
But the language used in the communication also suggests that there is more to come. In stating that the content will join “a bigger world of entertainment, all in one place,” MultiChoice hints at a broader consolidation strategy — one that could see Canal+ and MultiChoice’s currently fragmented digital products folded into a more unified streaming ecosystem. There have been reports that Canal+ is exploring a single “super app”, one to rule them all, though this remains unconfirmed at this stage.
In the meantime, it remains unclear whether Showmax users will be migrated to DStv Stream, and what that process would look like in terms of pricing, packaging and access, especially given the current price disparity between the two services.
May 2026 On History Channel Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Britain's Murder Map | Returning Shows Including The Unbelievable With Dan Aykroyd | More
Development Alert: The Loud House Will Be Returning To Nicktoons For Viewers Across Africa
During the year, Paramount shuttered it's door for consumers in Africa affecting the distribution of BET and MTV Base. MultiChoice had since then sought out Base Pulse to fill up the gap left by MTV Base while certain BET shows found its way to MTV.
Paramount had also restructured it's feed for Nickelodeon with consumers outside of Africa now able to watch The Loud House. As some viewers can recall, the show was banned in Kenya by 2015/6 even though Nickelodeon offered censorship.
The KFCB was also responsible for the ban of Gravity Falls and Steven Universe but in recent years these shows had resurfaced so it's likely the ban was removed. Of course, these shows continue to be censored for viewers outside of South Africa.
Nicktoons, an animation channel that features shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will also be airing The Loud House. This wouldn't be the first time it appeared on the channel as it aired back in 2021/2 but never got to complete season 1.
We can only assume that Paramount is now making The Loud House available on Nicktoons as a means to align the channel with it's European counterpart.
Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. formed part of these endeavours for sometime which is why their ads remain text less as they're shared across regions. With Nickelodeon operating under two feeds known as Global Unlimited (SA) and Global Limited (ROA).
Nick In Your Language and NickMusic served as the variations from other global feeds for Nicktoons. But with Paramount Africa that shuttered its doors it appears these endeavours had been wind down I mean MTV doesn't air any local programming.
NickMusic had not been seen on the channel it's likely the decision to close MTV's music channels affected the show indirectly. While Nick In Your Language remains on the air there's been zero advertising about it by the company.
The Loud House is eyeing a debut on the channel in June following it's return to Nickelodeon in other parts of Africa earlier in the year.
SuperSport Announced That It Will Broadcast All 104 matches Of The FIFA World Cup 2026
The announcement was made during a sudden mid-game interruption while Kaizer Chiefs was playing Magesi FC, in a short ad starring Idris Elba.
DStv will broadcast the matches live across SuperSport on DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv, and GOtv Stream. Viewers can watch on mobile phones, laptops, and smart TVs.
Coverage will be available in English and Portuguese, as well as local African languages including isiZulu, Sesotho, Kiswahili, and Pidgin.
The tournament kicks off on 11 June 2026 on DStv, with the opening ceremony in Mexico City broadcast live on SuperSport.
The first match will see Bafana Bafana take on Mexico.
Coverage will run from pre-match build-up to the final whistle, bringing Africa together to watch.
May 2026 On Nickelodeon and NickToons Across Europe And Africa | Returning Shows Including Pinky Malinky And The Loud House | More
Sporty TV Secures Rights To The Upcoming FIFA World Cup Games
Sports broadcasting service SportyTV has announced it has secured the rights to show all 104 matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in South Africa on a pay-TV basis.
SportyTV inked the deal one year after launching in the South African market, and it said all World Cup matches will be streamed on its streaming platform.
It has apps for Android and iOS, as well as support for major TV brands. Currently, accessing SportyTV requires creating a SportyBet account.
SportyTV also has a channel on Openview, which it launched in 2025. However, Openview is a free-to-view satellite TV platform, and SportyTV has secured the pay-TV rights to the FIFA World Cup.
The company has made no explicit announcement about whether it will or will not show the matches on eMedia’s Openview platform.
“Having entered South Africa with a bold statement through the broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the platform now acquires the biggest sporting event on the planet,” SportyTV announced.
“This move firmly establishes its dominance in one of Africa’s most competitive media landscapes.”
SportyTV said the production will match the scale of the rights and that it will deliver comprehensive pre- and post-match coverage from its studios in Cape Town and Madrid.
A lineup of commentators and football pundits will be revealed soon, with the company adding that it will deploy crews in the United States, Canada and Mexico to follow the South African national team.
“Beyond live coverage, the platform will execute a fully integrated 360° content strategy, combining always-on digital output, social-first storytelling, and real-time fan engagement.”
Elias Gallego, SportyGroup’s VP of business development, marketing, and media, said that the 2026 World Cup is the perfect stage to showcase the company’s digital content ecosystem in South Africa.
“With this agreement, SportyTV is revamping the model for sports broadcasting in emerging markets, combining accessibility, premium production, and integrated monetisation at scale.”
Alongside the upcoming FIFA World Cup games, SportyTV also provides live content, original programming and digital-first experiences in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.
According to its website, the company’s programming is available on Openview’s channel 125. Its app has over five million downloads across its markets on Android and iOS.
SportyTV said that it wants to position itself as the “definitive home” of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in South Africa.
Development Alert: Lente Na Die Storm Will Be Making It's Linear Debut On eExtra, Maanligsprokie And Uzozisola - Regrets To Follow On e.tv
April 2026 On Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Real Time And Discovery Family Across Africa | Brand New!!! The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story | Returning Shows Including Texas Metal | More
Maanligsprokie, Brand New Turkish Drama Streaming On eVOD From 13 April
eVOD, a South African based streaming service offering a variety of locally produced and international content has announced the addition of Maanligsprokie. With the Turkish drama set to stream on the platform from Monday 13 April.
Known in Turkey as Bir Gece Masali, it starred Burak Deniz as Mahir Yilmaz, Su Burcu Yazgi Coskun as Canfeza Kilimci, Gurkan Uygun as Kursat Kilimci, Mesut Akusta as Rasit Kara, Ozlem Turkad as Sureyya Yilmaz, Eren Vurdem as Selim Allame and Irem Altug as Sevde Yilmaz.
The series concluded on ATV with 35 episodes each with a 2 hour duration. It received recognition at the Current Knowledge Awards, winning "Best Television Series of the Year," while the leads won "Jury Special Best Series Couple".
Synopsis for Maanligsprokie
Mahir is a successful police commissioner. After his father’s death, he follows his father’s footsteps and succeeds as a successful police commissioner to find the culprits who killed his father.
Twenty years later, Mahir returns to the city where his father was murdered. He is determined to exact revenge on the person who is responsible for his father’s death.
Kursat Kilimci is a wealthy businessman who killed Mahir’s father years ago. Behind the identity of a businessman, he does illegal things. He does anything to protect his status and maintain his power.
The lives of Mahir and Kursat Kilimci intersect twenty years later.
The moment Mahir sets foot in the city, he is enchanted by a beautiful girl, whom he meets mystically. He gives the name of Sehrazade to this girl as he is unable to learn her true name. Mahir falls in love with this girl at first sight even though he does not know anything about her.
The girl with whom Mahir falls in love is Canfeza. She is the daughter of Kursat Kilimci.
Canfeza is a young girl who was born on the same day when Mahir’s father was murdered. On that day, Canfeza’s mother also passed away while giving birth. Since then, Canfeza has been bearing the guilt of her father on her shoulders.
Canfeza has a dream where she sees the star and crescent in her hands with blood. Her grandmother states that the star and crescent represent her destiny and the blood represents his father’s guilt. She believes that she will get married to a man who has a star and crescent. However, she needs to get rid of his father’s guilt which is intertwined with her destiny.
April 2026 On Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV And Food Network Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Neighborhood Watch | Returning Shows Including Bad Skin Clinic | More
Discovery Channel
CHORNOBYL: DAYS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD
BRAND NEW
The Chernobyl meltdown remains the world’s worst nuclear accident. Today, the disaster still haunts survivors, while the clean-up operation will continue for another 40 years. Days that Shocked the World explores the most iconic disasters of the last 50 years, combining eye-witness testimony with powerful archive footage, to learn how each tragedy changed both the lives of individuals and the world.
First TX: 26 April
TX Day: Sunday
TX Time: 21:00
Last TX: 26 April
Returning shows include OUTBACK OPAL HUNTERS S8B from 7 April at 20:05 and SALVAGE HUNTERS S19A from 23 April at 20:05.
TLC
* for the rest of Africa
Homes Gone Wild S1
NEW TO CHANNEL
Jack McBrayer tours some of America's wackiest and wildest homes that have recently been on the real estate market.
TX Day: Sunday
TX Time: 21:00
Last TX: 17 May
* Star vs. Food: Malaysia S1 & S2
NEW TO CHANNEL
Malaysian celebrities learn to cook with some of the
most well-known restaurant chefs for their private
dinner parties with friends or family.
First TX: 7 April
TX Day: Tuesday
TX Time: 21:00
Last TX: 26 May
Returning shows include My Strange Addiction S7 from 4 April at 21:00, Welcome to Plathville S8 from 6 April at 20:00, Seeking Sister Wife S6 from 21 April at 20:00 and *The Bad Skin Clinic S8 from 24 April at 21:00.
HGTV
Neighborhood Watch S1
BRAND NEW
Take a front-row seat to the wild and unexpected events that unfold as home cameras record hilarious, shocking, and downright bizarre moments.
First TX: 20 April
TX Day: Monday
TX Time: 22:00
Last TX: 8 June
Anything But Gray S1
BRAND NEW
Designer Gray Benko, along with her dad Grumpy and design partner Chelcie, creates stunning home makeovers using bold color and Southern charm.
First TX: 28 April
TX Day: Tuesday
TX Time: 22:00
Last TX: 2 June
Returning shows include Home Town S9 from 8 April at 21:00.
Food Network
Food Trail: South Africa S1
Brand New
Warren Mendes sets out on a culinary journey through the regions of South Africa, exploring the flavours and culture on offer from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
First TX: 26 April
TX Day: Sunday
TX Time: 11:30
Last TX: 21 June
Maneet's Eats S1
Brand New
Chef Maneet Chauhan breaks down how to make all the most craveable Indian dishes, from the market to the dinner table.
First TX: 9 April
TX Day: Thursday
TX Time: 16:05
Last TX: 23 April
Returning shows include Chopped S62 from 29 April at 16:05 and Be My Guest with Ina Garten S6 & S7 from 9 April at 17:00.
April 2026 On TNT Across Africa | Fam-Tastic Weekend With Channel Premiere: Paddington | Offbeat Heroes With Channel Premiere: Diablo | More
* Channel premieres in bold
Fam-Tastic Weekend
Stunt
Celebrate the long weekend with TNT Africa’s Fam-Tastic mix of comedy, action, and feel-good fun - four days of family-friendly entertainment perfect for cosy holiday co-viewing.
Friday, 3 April
15:40 The Boss Baby (2017)
17:20 Kung Fu Panda (2008)
18:55 Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
20:30 Paddington (2014)
Saturday, 4 April
15:10 Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
16:45 Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
18:20 Shrek The Third (2007)
20:00 Rat Race (2001)
Sunday, 5 April
14:55 Penguins of Madagascar (2014)
16:30 Happy Feet (2006)
18:20 The Croods (2013)
20:00 Legendary (2010)
Monday, 6 April
15:35 Despicable Me (2010)
17:10 Despicable Me 2 (2013)
18:55 Despicable Me 3 (2017)
20:30 Sky Kids (2008)
Offbeat Heroes
Stunt
Meet the heroes who don’t play by the rules. Every Thursday, TNT Africa brings a double dose of sharp action, bold attitude, and unpredictable energy - perfect for fans of characters who stand out.
Thursday, 2 April
18:50 Emily The Criminal (2022)
20:30 Non-Stop (2013)
Thursday 9, April
18:50 Guns Akimbo (2019)
20:30 Beast of Burden (2018)
Thursday, 16 April
18:25 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
20:30 Diablo (2025)
Thursday, 23 April
18:45 Kick-Ass 2 (2000)
20:30 Total Recall (1990)
Thursday, 30 April
18:30 American Made (2017)
20:30 Bull (2021)
Chasing Freedom
Stunt
Celebrate Freedom Day with gripping tales of survival, courage, and the fight to break free. Chasing Freedom brings intense, inspiring movies that honour the strength it takes to rise above.
Monday, 27 April
14:50 I am Legend (2007)
16:35 First Blood (1982)
18:10 Apocalypto (2006)
20:30 The Revenant (2015)
TNT Hit
Stunt
Synopsis: On the hunt for a fabled treasure of gold, a band of warriors, assassins, and a
rogue British soldier descend upon a village in feudal China, where a humble blacksmith looks
to defend himself and his fellow villagers.
Saturday, 11 April
20:00 The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)
Dr. Aarambhi, Brand New Medical Drama Launches On Star Khanya
Star Khanya, a Zulu dubbed Bollywood channel offering a variety of series and movies will be adding a new medical drama, Dr. Aarambhi. It will air daily at 17:30 from 22 April replacing Elinye Ithuba.
Synopsis for Dr. Aarambhi
Aarambhi lives within a powerful medical family where her husband, Dr. Vishwas, is the public face of their legacy. While he appears to be an ideal, progressive husband to the world, he is secretly controlling and manipulative, eroding Aarambhi's confidence until she doubts her own intelligence.
Aarambhi discovers that Vishwas has been unfaithful and is involved with Dr. Avantika. The plot thickens when she overhears Vishwas plotting to eliminate her to end a potential custody battle so he can marry Avantika.
Instead of seeking revenge, Aarambhi focuses on a "restart." She defies her husband’s control to pursue her long-lost dream of practicing medicine, aiming to prove her worth both professionally and as a mother.
Dr. Aarambhi premiered on Colors TV (from 27 January 2026) a few months ago and joins a slate of Colors TV shows to have launched during the year including Mannat and You Are My Love.
The series starred Aishwarya Khare as Dr. Aarambhi, Aditya Redij as Dr. Vishwas, Anjuum Faakih as Dr. Avantika, Abhishek Verma as Dr. Raj, Sumit Singh as Dr. Manmeet and Lubna Salim Dr. Dimple.
Ungapheli Amandla, A Brand New Series Launches On Star Khanya
Development Alert: Kelders Van Geheime Will Broadcast An Hour Early On e.tv As It Moves From 7PM To 6PM
With e.tv looking to allocate the eVOD limited series Phoenix to e.tv there was questions on what is become of the remainder of Kelders Van Geheime. As it was confirmed by the broadcaster that it would be cancelled after two seasons.
To no one's surprise, e.tv will be adjusting their schedule yet again by removing Judge Judy from its 4PM timeslot again and having Sout Van Die Aarde start 30 minutes early. With Yosef that will come after Sout Van Die Aarde now at 5PM.
Kelders Van Geheime will move to 6PM after going through multiple timeslot changes last year. It was stated by e.tv that by moving Kelders Van Geheime to a later timeslot would give more viewers a chance to watch the show.
Now they're going back on that promise and making it difficult for some viewers to watch during primetime.
In other developments, Chrysalis will be concluding on eExtra later in the month with Bloedspoor set to return for a second season. Dokter Ali is also said to be concluding during the month with a rebroadcast of Bittersoet set to replace the show.











