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

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

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

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

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

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

Woman In Charge Coming Soon To Telemundo Across Africa

Telemundo, an American based entertainment channel offering telenovelas in English and Portuguese is set to rollout a new series titled Woman In Charge. Overseas this series is known as La Jefa which means The Boss in English.

Because Telemundo already has a series called The Boss (La Patrona), the channel will be distributing La Jefa as Woman In Charge.

Synopsis for Woman In Charge

Gloria Guzmán appears to have the perfect life: a successful career, a beloved son, and a wedding day with her fiancé, the high-ranking police commander Juan José Cruz. This dream life shatters when hitmen crash the wedding ceremony and murder her groom. 

Penniless and on the run from Tijuana with her young son, Daniel, Gloria begins an endless race for survival. She initially finds work in a beauty salon run by Maribel Ortiz, a con artist who performs illegal cosmetic surgeries, and forms alliances with other women there, Yadira and Laura. 

Her situation becomes more desperate when Daniel is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, and she realizes she cannot afford his expensive treatment on a hairdresser's salary. This forces her to break into the criminal underworld of money laundering and drug trafficking. 

Using her intelligence, resilience, and beauty, she gains the mentorship and alliance of powerful cartel bosses, eventually earning the feared title of "La Jefa" (The Boss). As a powerful drug lord, she navigates a world of betrayal and violence, all while trying to defeat the enemies who made her life impossible and discovering a hidden, shadowy figure behind all her misfortunes. 

Based on the 2014 series Señora Acero (Woman Of Steel), it starred Fabiola Guajardo as Gloria Guzmán, Iván Arana as Eduardo Torres, Mauricio Henao as Mateo Restrepo, Azela Robinson as Maribel Ortiz and Andrés Almeida as Jacinto Ortega.

The revenge saga is not over once a Thirst For Revenge comes to a close as the story lives on with  Woman In Charge airing everyday at 10PM CAT from 26 January.

January 2026 On History Channel Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Hazardous History With Henry Winkler | Returning Shows Including Life After People | More

Brand New & Exclusive

LIFE AFTER PEOPLE S3 

5 January

Mondays 19:25

What would happen if every human being on earth disappeared? This is the story of what happens to the world we leave behind. The series builds on the HISTORY Channel’s documentary special ‘Life After People’. This latest season of the series continues to explore what a world wiped clean of humanity would look like. The series uses the most cutting edge visual effects to provide a detailed picture of a post-human future, revealing the fate of famous structures and investigates the creatures that might inherit the places we once lived. Repeat: Next day 11:45

Brand New & Exclusive

BEYOND SKINWALKER RANCH S3

2 January

Fridays 20:15

To fully unlock the secrets of Skinwalker Ranch - widely considered to be ground zero for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena - Dr. Travis Taylor and Erik Bard expand the investigative team and broaden their reach to explore evidence of similar phenomena at sites around the country. Repeat: Monday 12:35

Brand New & Exclusive 

HAZARDOUS HISTORY WITH HENRY WINKLER

22 January

Thursdays 19:25

There was a time, not long ago, when we drank Coca-Cola that was laced with actual cocaine. We smoked everywhere, from airplanes to the doctor’s office. We stored our food in toxic refrigerators and flew down slides that ripped our skin off. We played (unknowingly) with radioactive toys and decorated our Christmas tree with ornaments made from asbestos. And ignorance was bliss. Hosted by the iconic Henry Winkler, each 60-minute episode of this nostalgia-drenched series tells the entertaining stories of the unchecked and unregulated places, people, products, practices, and pastimes from a forgotten era. Fast-paced, informative, and a little bit scary, the series is a running cavalcade of the most careless, reckless and unsupervised tales of irresponsibility in our history. Repeat: Next Day 11:45

Brand New

HITLER’S HOLOCAUST RAILWAYS WITH CHRIS TARRANT 

27 January

Tuesday 21:05

British television personality Chris Tarrant goes on a personal journey to explore the darkest chapter in the history of the railways, their role in the Nazi Holocaust of WWII. Traveling through three countries from Nuremberg to Auschwitz, he explores the history from the first anti -Jewish laws and the Nazi’s quest to build the world’s most powerful railway of war - to the eventual use of that railway network to transport millions to their deaths. Repeat: Next Day 13:25

Amigas Y Rivales (Friends And Rivals) Coming Soon To TLNovelas Across Africa

TLNovelas, a Mexican based entertainment channel by TelevisaUnivision that offers telenovelas in English and Portuguese has announced the addition of Amigas Y Rivales. This translates to Friends And Rivals, the series is slated to rollout in 2026.

Synopsis for Amigas Y Rivales

Amigas Y Rivales tells the story of four women from different social backgrounds. The first is Laura, a studious, sensitive, serious girl from a middle-class family; she studies data processing in a private university because she received a scholarship.

Jimena is the typical rich girl, dissipated and irresponsible, for whom sex is just another amusement. At one point she is kidnapped although she doesn't realize it. She lives with Sebastián, a drug dealer who gives her drugs in exchange for her having sex with men in his home. Ofelia is Jimena's best friend. Like Jimena, she is rich and lives for pleasure and fun, until she gets infected with HIV.

The fourth protagonist is Nayeli, who has a humble background and works as a maid in Jimena's home. Nayeli dreams of being a Hollywood actress, like her idol, Salma Hayek. This dream takes her to the United States illegally, where she meets boxer Johnny Trinidad, who falls in love with her. She is reported to the immigration service and deported back to Mexico.

It starred Michelle Vieth as Laura González Uribe, Arath de la Torre as Roberto "Robertito" de la O Terán, Ludwika Paleta as Jimena de la O Terán, Rodrigo Vidal as Armando del Valle and Adamari López as Ofelia Villada Ruvalcaba.

Amigas Y Rivales premiered on Las Estrellas from February 26, 2001 and concluded on November 9, 2001 after 165 episodes each with a duration of 42 to 45 minutes. It was produced by Emilio Larrosa who is known for shows like Fooled Into Love.

Channel Closure: CBS Reality And CBS Justice Will Also Be Going Dark On StarTimes And StarSat Platforms Across Africa By The End Of 2025

As some consumers already know, CBS Reality and CBS Justice would be exiting DStv platforms across Africa by the end of December. This decision wasn't made by MultiChoice but rather CBS AMC Networks International who provide these channels within the market.

They made the call to have the channels removed affecting not only DStv and GOtv customers but even the likes of StarSat and StarTimes.

StarTimes sent a notice to subscribers that both channels also be looking to exit their platforms by the end of December. Consumers on both MultiChoice and StarTimes end will be starting the new year with even lesser content.

CBS Justice brings you authentic criminal cases and investigations expertly dissected using cutting edge forensic technologies, always factual, always true. Some of the shows include Cold Blood, Coastal Killers, Forensics, Evidence Of Evil and Homicide's Elite. 

CBS Reality offers captivating television guaranteed to shock and entertain. It features one of the most beloved TV personalities, the queen of the courtroom herself: Judge Judy. Other great shows include the ever-popular Cheaters.

MultiChoice is currently embroiled in a carriage dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery regarding its 12 channels on their platforms. StarTimes went through a similar route years prior and the CBS channels served as their replacements.

Now that these two channels are going off the air soon consumers can tune into TLC, Discovery and Investigation Discovery. Consumers here are in a better position as opposed to that of MultiChoice.

CBS Reality and CBS Justice's terminations were confirmed last month and Warner Bros. Discovery was the only alternative for consumers. Now that could as well be wiped out unlike South Africa where MultiChoice is the only player in the field consumers can run to StarTimes, Azam TV or even Zuku TV.

Baby Shark's Big Show Launches Soon On Play Room

Play Room, a South African based children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group offering a mixture animated and live action will be rolling out a new preschool series, Baby Shark's Big Show!. This comes after the channel acquired rights to Tyler Perry's Young Dylan from Nickelodeon.

Synopsis for Baby Shark's Big Show 

Co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand Pinkfong, the series (26 half-hour episodes) follows Baby Shark and his best friend William as they journey on fun-filled comedic adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove, make new friends and sing original catchy tunes along the way.

In the series premiere, “Baby Tooth/Slobber Slug,” Baby Shark gets his first loose tooth and enlists William’s help to lose it so he can trade it in for a sand dollar. When their antics get the tooth lost for real, they must team up with the Toothfish Fairy to track it down. Then, while Baby Shark and his friends are playing Barnacle Ball, Hank’s pet rock, Rocky, is accidentally sent soaring into the lair of the vicious Slobber Slug and they must stage an elaborate rescue mission.

Baby Shark’s Big Show! is executive produced by Gary “Doodles” DiRaffaele (Breadwinners) and Tommy Sica (Breadwinners), with Whitney Ralls (My Little Pony: Equestria Girls) serving as co-executive producer. 

Baby Shark's Big Show will air daily on the channel at 07:37 from Monday 8 December with repeats at 11:15.

Development Alert: Trace Africa's Pan African Offering Is Being Axed On DStv For More Mzansi Vibes With Trace Ngoma

Trace, in partnership with Canal+ and MultiChoice, will rebrand Trace Africa as Trace Ngoma, with the channel scheduled to launch on 18 December 2025 at 3pm CAT on DStv Channel 326. This follows news that Paramount will be axing MTV Base by the end of December which curated local hits.

The rebrand of Trace Africa to Trace Ngoma positions the channel as a platform focused on South African music and culture, with programming centred on locally rooted genres such as amapiano, Afro-pop, maskandi, hip hop, gqom, lekompo and urban gospel. The change is intended to align the channel more closely with South African audiences and the country’s evolving music landscape.

The name ‘Ngoma’, which is associated with the concepts of drumbeat, celebration, unity and heritage, is used to reflect a renewed focus on local languages, traditions and artistic expression.

“Our customers want to see themselves reflected on screen – their music, their languages, their culture,” MultiChoice CEO Willington Ngwepe said. “Trace Ngoma brings that to life in a powerful way. This rebrand aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver meaningful local entertainment that celebrates who we are as South Africans.”

Trace co-founder and chief executive Olivier Laouchez said the channel will serve as a space for cultural expression and representation.

“Trace Ngoma is where music meets identity. It amplifies the rhythms and stories that define South African culture and gives young people a space to connect and feel seen,” he said.

The channel will feature a range of locally curated programmes, including Amapiano Plz, Maskandi Vibes, Ke Hip Hop Dawg!, Lekompo Fela and Top 10 Afro-pop.

In addition, the line-up will include live performances, DJ sets, documentary-style storytelling and faith-based formats such as Gospel Kickstarter. The programming is expected to highlight both established artists and emerging talent, alongside grassroots cultural movements.

'Max & The Midknights' Renewed For Season Three; To Premiere On Nickelodeon Global On December 3

Based on the best-selling children's books by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), the medieval action-adventure comedy series follows Max, a determined 10-year-old girl with big dreams of becoming a knight, as she leads her friends on epic adventures filled with excitement, bravery, and lots of fun. In season three, Max and the Midknights embark on a quest to help a neighboring kingdom of gnomes and discover that their own kingdom could be in danger.

Max & the Midknights will premiere on the Nickelodeon Global pan-regional feed on Wednesday 3rd December 2025.

A Restless Knight, Part One: After a raucous season one, Max & the Midknights are back and ready for action! There's just one problem-Byjovia is quiet! Too quiet... (#301; season three premiere)*

*Season one of Max & the Midknights was split into two seasons, so "season one" in the episode's synopsis means both seasons one and two.

After defeating Fendra and Gastley, Max & The Midknights are living their best lives in Byjovia. Max is in training in knight school, Kevyn runs the royal library, Simon helps animals in need, Millie is in training with Mumblin, and Uncle Budrick is the royal troubadour. Although things seem perfect, Max is itching to go on another quest. When a wild beast known as a Clatterback shows up in Byjovia and threatens to do major damage, Max saves the day, making it even more apparent that she really wants to be out on the road helping people. Her desire for a new adventure is answered when Queen Nerelia of Tresk shows up begging for help.

A Restless Knight, Part Two: When the Gnomes of Tresk are kidnapped by a mysterious evil, Max & the Midknights volunteer to save them, but Max's plans for her second quest go awry when she learns not all the Midknights are as eager as she is to go on the mission. (#302)

When the Gnomes of Tresk are kidnapped by a mysterious evil, Max & the Midknights volunteer to save them. Max is thrilled to go on a new quest, but her plans go awry when she learns that Simon doesn't want to go. Having just settled into Byjovia with his new family, Simon would rather stay home. Despite feeling sad, the Midknights tell him that they understand how he feels. Sadly, Mumblin must also sit out the journey after an accidental tumble down the library steps leaves him in a full body cast. The Midknights set sail down two members. The morning they leave though, Simon has a change of heart. With the help of his animal patients, Simon rushes to the docks to try and catch the Midknights before they sail away from Byjovia. As Simon nears the ship, he and the Midknights are confronted by the angry Clatterback. In the nick of time, Simon convinces the animal to let them go. Simon tells the Midknights that he has changed his mind. They are his family and he's going on this quest with them. 

The Spirit of the Sea: As Max and the Midknights sail across the sea on their quest, they get spooked when Uncle Budrick claims there's a ghost on board their ship! Meanwhile, Mumblin fears someone is out to get him. (#303)

As the Midknights sail across the sea on their latest quest, Max realizes the gang might be a little rusty. Kevyn and Millie aren't seeing eye to eye, Simon is preoccupied helping his animal clients from long distance, and Uncle Budrick is terribly seasick! However, Max is certain she can get them working as a team. But when Uncle Budrick is spooked by something sinister in the shadows below deck, he is convinced he saw a ghost! Determined to get back on mission, Max leads the charge to search the ship and find whatever mysterious presence might be haunting them. They soon find there's no ghost at all-they've been spooked by a stowaway, the former King of Byjovia, Gastley! But as the Midknights are distracted, the ship veers off course and into a powerful storm! They quickly realize they must act as a team in order to steady the ship before it capsizes! Meanwhile, back in Byjovia, Mumblin fears someone might be behind his recent spate of accidents, and takes matters into his own hands...

The Trial of Mumblin the Magician: After being blown off course, the Midknights navigate a set of treacherous waterfalls as they try to reach the Gnomes of Tresk. Meanwhile, Mumblin pleads for his freedom in Wizard Court where the odds are stacked against him. (#304)

When the Midknights' ship is set off course, the team must survive treacherous new waters. Before Max can enact her plan, she is summoned to Wizard Court where Mumblin is on trial for his life. Max must help Mumblin prove that he is a good wizard and that he escaped the afterlife to help the Midknights defeat Fendra. If Max can't, Mumblin will be sent away for good. Max calls on the Midknights to testify on Mumblin's behalf. When those attempts fail, Max takes the stand. At first, Max's emotional testimony seems to win over the court, but her pleas for Mumblin's freedom backfire and Mumblin is ultimately found guilty. Luckily, Kevyn discovers a way to save Mumblin. Max must battle the Worms of Justice and if she wins, then Mumblin will be set free. Transported to a desert, Max battles giant worms. In the end, Max defeats the worms and Mumblin wins his trial. Unfortunately, the Midknights are sent back to their boat, which is headed straight for a massive waterfall!

The voice cast behind the Midknights, a group of misfits each with their own unique talent, include: Blu del Barrio (Star Trek: Discovery) as Max, a brave and determined girl ready to take on any challenge headed her way; Melissa Villaseñor (Saturday Night Live) as Millie, a wacky yet super positive girl who brings the power of magic to the Midknights; Zeno Robinson (Transformers: EarthSpark) as Simon, Millie’s street-savvy and sometimes sarcastic companion; and Caleb Yen (Beyblade X) as Kevyn, the bookish genius with a photographic memory. Together, the group accomplishes nearly everything that they set their mind to achieve.

Alongside the Midknights, Jeremy Rowley (iCarly) lends his voice as Uncle Budrick, Max’s lovably silly parental figure and professional troubadour, Gary Anthony Williams (Central Park) voices Mumblin, a famous retired magician who helps guide the Midknights on their quests, Brian Stepanek (The Loud House) voices King Gastley, the nefarious ruler of Byjovia, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his throne, and India de Beaufort (It’s Pony) voices Fendra, a dark sorceress working for King Gastley.

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank, Max & the Midknights is executive produced by Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate) and Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted). Sharon Flynn (All Hail King Julien) and David Skelly (Toy Story 2) serve as co-executive producers and showrunners. Development and production is overseen by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, TV Series Animation, Nickelodeon, Nathan Schram, Vice President, Development, Nickelodeon Animation, and Stephanie Alpert, Vice President, Production, Nickelodeon Animation. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

The article was originally published by NickAlive!

December 2025 On Nicktoons Across Europe And Africa | Channel Premiere: A Fairly Odd Christmas Movie | Returning Shows Including The Super Duber Bunny League | More

Get ready for an action-packed, event-filled month that also brings some unexpected moves from Nicktoons toward the end of 2025. Let’s start with the most obvious premiere: The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, which arrived in November, will finish its run in the first week of December. The remaining five episodes – including the infamous “banned” episode that Nickelodeon later pulled internationally – will air in their usual time slots. After Hazel says goodbye, the heroic (and sometimes villainous) critters of Mr. Fuzzleglove return with the The Flufflekins Bunny League. New episodes have been airing abroad since September, and Nicktoons will blast through most of the remaining episodes in just two weeks. This batch not only kicks off Season 2, but also includes a Christmas special that premieres almost simultaneously with the world premiere – naturally scheduled right around the holidays. From this point on, it’s all holiday-themed episodes and movies, all debuting as part of the big Christmas marathon.

The first festive premiere is the 2016 animated movie Albert (a Christmas-obsessed little fire tree), getting its channel premiere on Christmas morning, with an encore on the morning after Boxing Day. Shortly after Albert comes a historic moment for the channel: its very first live-action content ever – A Fairly Odd Christmas (the 2012 live-action movie). These two premieres are exciting not only because one is live-action, but also because Nicktoons is finally opening the door to movies in general – something that could mean a lot more channel-premiere films in the future. Finally, brand-new holiday episodes of The Loud House and The Patrick Star Show will also arrive in late-afternoon slots during the festive period.

The Loud House - in select markets 

2025-12-25 9×02 Merry Diss-mas / Just Snow With It

Albert – new movie, channel premiere

2025-12-25

2025-12-27 – repeat

The Patrick Star Show

2025-12-23 3×08 Thanks But No Thanksgiving

2025-12-24 3×09 Squidina’s Holidaze Special

A Fairly Odd Christmas – new live-action movie, channel premiere

2025-12-25 13:45

2025-12-27 18:00 – repeat

The Super Bunny League – new episodes / Season 2 start

2025-12-08 1×10a Fuzzbot!

2025-12-09 1×10b Top Secret Notebook!

2025-12-10 1×11a The Great Kleptony!

2025-12-11 1×11b Fuzzleglove’s Lair!

2025-12-12 1×12 Big Bunny! / Pretzel Twist!

2025-12-14 1×13 Queen Bex! / Cutie Patooties! – Season 1 finale

2025-12-15 1×13b Queen Bex!

2025-12-16    1×13a Cutie Patooties!

2025-12-17 2×02a Pirates’ Treasure!

2025-12-18 2×02b The Lava Monster!

2025-12-19 2×01 Ghosts! / The Gobbler! – Season 2 premiere

2025-12-22 2×08 Bunnies Save Christmas! (Christmas special)

The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish – final episodes

2025-12-01 1×16 Potazel Potahzel / The Haunting of Wells House

2025-12-02 1×17 Best of Luck / The Multiverse of Jenkins

2025-12-03 1×18 Growing Pains / Fairy for a Day

2025-12-04 1×19 Stuck in my Head / Mind the Gap

2025-12-05 1×20 Battle of Big Wand (Parts 1 & 2) – series finale

December 2025 On Nickelodeon Across Europe And Africa | Channel Premiere: A Loud House Christmas Movie - Naughty Or Nice | Returning Shows Including Dora | More

Nickelodeon 

The mutant foursome’s adventures continue in New York City, while Lincoln and his family guarantee plenty of Christmas spirit. The Wylde Pak rolls on with new episodes – picking up from late November and finally airing the Halloween episode that was skipped at the end of October. 

After Jack and Lily, the Maltos and Autobots return for one final bow in the Transformers: EarthSpark holiday specials and A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice.

The final big new thing is Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, returning after a year-long hiatus with its brand-new season arriving just a short time after the world premiere. It keeps the familiar 12-episode season format. The season starts mid-December in an evening slot and runs right up to Christmas. 

A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice – new movie

2025-12-13 (channel premiere)

The Wylde Pak – new episodes

2025-12-01 1×04b Camp Chuck

2025-12-02 2×07 Mrs. Withers Parables

2025-12-03 2×08a Dubu

2025-12-04 2×08b Jack’s Day OffTales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Season 2

2025-12-15 2×01 Mutant Battle Arena – season premiere

2025-12-16 2×02 Mutantweight Title Bout

2025-12-17 2×03 Raph Fights Everyone

2025-12-18 2×04 The Island

2025-12-19 2×05 The Other Mutanimals

2025-12-19 2×06 The Rejects

2025-12-22 2×07 Rise of the Night Ninja

2025-12-23 2×08 The Night Ninja Returns

2025-12-24 2×09 The Itching Scratch

2025-12-25 2×10 Get Rod

2025-12-26 2×11 The Unusual Suspects

2025-12-26 2×12 The Big Muck – season/series finale

Transformers: EarthSpark – surprise holiday specials

2025-12-06 Hometown Heroes

2025-12-0 Legacy of Hope

Movies in December (selected airings)

2025-12-13 A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice

2025-12-14 A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice

2025-12-20 & 24 The Santa Clause (A Télapó-akció)

2025-12-21 & 25 Tiny Christmas (Kicsiny karácsonyi kaland)

2025-12-21 A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice

2025-12-22 & 25 Albert

2025-12-24 A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice

2025-12-25 & 26 A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice

(and many more repeats of the Loud House movie)

Nick Jr.

The channel is treating viewers to lots of new content this month, including the brand-new PAW Patrol special. 

The month kicks off with Rubble & Crew – the channel will air the entire second half of Season 3, meaning that the next time we get new episodes, it will already be Season 4. By the way, the Christmas-themed episode from Season 2 that was skipped last year will finally air this December. 

There will also be Christmas specials premiering from Blaze and the Monster Machines (two festive episodes from Season 8) and a previously unaired episode from PAW Patrol Season 11. The holiday season will also be brightened by the channel premiere of the movie Albert, but the real highlight is the PAW Patrol TV movie Christmas special. The second half of the month belongs to the brand-new Season 4 of Dora – and strangely enough, the channel is showing the entire season. 

Albert – new movie, channel premiere

2025-12-25 

PAW Patrol

2025-12-16 11×14 A Jr. Patroller's ChristmasDora – new season

2025-12-22 4×01 Backpack's Charm / Lost Banana Blankie – season premiere

2025-12-23 4×02 Mito Dreams of La Playa / Snake Bike

2025-12-24 4×03 Captain Dora / Bruno And The Bunny Boyz

2025-12-25 4×04 The Missing Magical Instruments / Mr. Banana's Big Puppet Show

2025-12-26 4×05 Dora & Diego Rescue Baby Jaguar / Diego's Awesome Owl Adventure

2025-12-27 4×06 Dora And Diego and the Big Boy Bears! / Journey to Lizard Island

2025-12-28 4×07 The Secret Pyramid / Abuela Adventure Day

2025-12-29 4×08 Mascota Mobile / Kite Festival

2025-12-30 4×09 Dora's Mermaid Adventure / Mermazing Surprise

2025-12-31 4×10 Octo-Swiper / Tudos Juntos

PAW Patrol: A PAW Patrol Christmas – new TV movie special

2025-12-15 Blaze and the Monster Machines

2025-12-15 8×11 The Super Snowman Contest

2025-12-15 8×09 Get the Letters to Santa!Rubble & Crew

2025-12-01 3×10 The Crew Builds A Giant Turtle House / The Crew Builds A Giant Volcano

2025-12-02 3×11 The Crew Builds A Firefighter Training Center / The Crew Builds A Sierra Sparkle Space Show

2025-12-03 3×12 The Crew Builds A Giant Duck Plane / The Crew Builds A Vet Room For Motor

2025-12-04 3×13 The Crew Builds An Art Museum / The Crew Builds A Giant Alphorn – season finale (second half)

2025-12-05 3×06 The Crew Builds A Skyscraper

2025-12-08 3×07 The Crew Lifts Up City Hall

2025-12-09 3×07b The Crew Builds A Rotating Restaurant

2025-12-10 3×08 The Crew Builds A Giant Tunnel

2025-12-11 3×09a The Crew Builds A Mega Stunt Ramp

2025-12-12 3×09b The Crew Builds A Giant Solar Farm

2025-12-15 2×19 The Crew Makes Christmas Magical

Marathons

Every day from December 15 to December 28: Christmas-themed programming

Scheduling Update: BET And MTV Base Will Stop Airing On DStv From January 1st At 9AM CAT

As reported moments ago, CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET and MTV Base will be exiting DStv soon due to a corporate restructure at Paramount. This had led to several linear channels to shut down from across the globe and this included various MTV branded channels.

MultiChoice sent a notice to various DStv consumers informing them that these 4 channels would be exiting DStv by 31 December 2025. Yet on the programme guide, BET and MTV Base are only scheduled to close by 1 January 2025 at 9AM CAT.

This could mean several things the first Paramount could be curating special programming for the channels. As I understand it, MTV Base had been curating content to celebrate 20 years perhaps BET with its 10 year presence is being stringed along.

Their closures seemed abrupt when it was first announced and this could be their way of trying of settling the score or rather make amends. 

On the MultiChoice side of things, the company will now to have work around the clock to allocate more content or risk losing subscribers. Since their buyout by Canal+, DStv consumers have seen some enhancement with the addition of Ligue 1 and NBA on SuperSport.

Canal+ is expected to provide a detailed report about its plans for MultiChoice by next year. Some of which include merging their operations with that of MultiChoice a process in which the company is expected to conclude within 12 to 18 months.

Channel Closure: CBS Reality And CBS Justice Will Stop Airing On DStv From 31 December 2025

Due to a corporate restructure at Paramount, DStv consumers will be bidding farewell to both BET and MTV Base as the channels are set to close by 31 December 2025. Joining the duo will be CBS Reality and CBS Justice in which the company operate alongside AMC Networks International.

This will follow a slate of channels by both companies which are set to shutter by the end of 2025. This includes CBS Reality in Poland, BET in France, Nickelodeon's channels in New Zealand and MTV's music channels across the whole of Europe.

CBS Reality was added onto MultiChoice's DStv by November 2001 as Zone Reality offering reality based content and documentaries. It was known for shows like Cheaters, Judge Judy, Dogs Behaving Very Badly, Border Patrol: Beyond Borders and Hardcore Pawn.

It's closure means DStv consumers won't be seeing the final season of Judge Judy as CBS Reality was currently broadcasting it's 21st season. 

MultiChoice added CBS Justice as a replacement to Hearst's Crime + Investigation by November 2019. Serving as a spin-off to CBS Reality, it offered shows like Murder Made Me Famous, World's Most Evil Killers and Donal MacIntyre's Murder Files.

As reported, MultiChoice will be adding four pop-up channels for the festive holidays: DStv 30, AFCON, fliekNET and The Holiday Channel. They are also running an Upsize promotion on various DStv packages which will just serve as distractions.

Canal+ is currently integrating it's African operations with that of MultiChoice following its acquisition of the company. This has led to the further additions of Sunu Yeuf (Senegalese), Pulaagu (Pulaar/Fulfulde), Mandeka (Mandinka and related Manding languages) and Maboke (Lingala).

New Channel Alert: Sunu Yeuf, Pulaagu, Mandeka And Maboke Coming Soon To DStv

During the month, it was reported that MultiChoice would be adding Rwandan based channel Zacu TV to the DStv platform. This forms part of Canal+'s integration plans with MultiChoice following its acquisition of the company a few months ago.

DStv consumers will soon have access to more African based programming with the additions of Sunu Yeuf, Pulaagu, Mandeka And Maboke. Currently seen on Canal+ Afrique, the channels will be made available to DStv consumers in select markets by 9 December.

Sunu Yeuf is operated by Senegalese production company Marodi TV, one of the major players in the creation of series in Africa. These include Pod & Marichou, Maitresse D'un Homme Marié (Mistress Of A Married Man) and Karma.

Pulaagu is a general entertainment channel offering series in Pulaar/Fulfulde, highlighting the customs and traditions of the Fulbe with cult, recent, and unpublished series like Hakkee Rewbe, Thierno Abou and Jamano (Cultural Epic).

Mandeka is a general entertainment channel that focuses on 100% African content, specifically films and series in the Bambara and Malinke languages. It offers a variety of programs, including dramas like Polygamie and N' Khele. 

Maboke is a general entertainment channel which broadcasts solely in Lingala which is widely spoken in Congo. The programming focuses on local productions such as Chez Coco, Bilombe Ya Basi, and Tribunal Ya Bolingo.

DStv Getting Four New Pop-Up Channels For The Festive Season

• DStv has confirmed the four pop-up channels that will be available from now, throughout the festive season.

• Each of the channels will be available until specific dates in January next year.

• DStv is also adding a dedicated channel for AFCON 2025.

With schools set to close soon, and children spending more time at home for the festive season, DStv has confirmed that four pop-up channels will be made available to subscribers to enjoy more content over the coming weeks and into the New Year.

The channels are also part of the company’s 30th birthday celebrations.

“DStv subscribers have welcomed us into their homes for 30 years, and 2025 has been our year of giving back,” noted Willington Ngwepe, CEO of MultiChoice, in a release with Hypertext. 

“From 10 November, the DStv Upsize campaign has given DStv Family and Access subscribers automatic access to all DStv Compact channels, and all DStv Compact and Compact Plus subscribers access to every DStv Premium channel. Now, as families reunite over the festive season, DStv is coming to the party – and since we never arrive empty-handed, we’re bringing a feast of four pop-up channels that celebrate thewatch-together spirit,” he added.

As for the new pop-up channels, they are as follows:

• The Holiday Channel (Channel 198) – until 3rd January 2026,

• DStv 30 (Channel 197) – from 1st December 2025 to 21st January 2026),

• FliekNET (Channel 149) – from 12th December 2025 to 11th January 2026,

• SuperSport AFCON 2025 (Channels 202 and 222) – from 18th December 2025 to 19th January 2026.

As far as content is concerned, the Holiday Channel is fairly self explanatory, but DStv 30 is focused on nostalgia. In particular, it will showcase some of the best original television that DStv created over the past three decades.

“DStv 30 is nostalgia in overload mode as Scot Scott jumps back in his helicopter for Fortuinsoekers Season 2 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 6PM. Catch the early-early days of Our Perfect Wedding on Saturdays at 6PM, oil empire drama series Jacob’s Cross on Wednesdays at 8PM, M-Net’s filmed-on-location game lodge telenovela The Wild on Thursday nights at 8PM, Carte Blanche’s most impactful episodes on Sunday nights at 7PM, and much more,” the broadcaster highlighted.

As for fliekNET, it will be serving up the best Silwerskerm shorts from the last two editions, DStv pointed out. “This includes Noise & Neighbours (on Tuesday, 16 December at 8:05PM), which recently won Best International Short Film at the Chelsea Film Festival in New York,” it continued.

Lastly, for the 35th Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking place in Morocco, two dedicated channels – SS AFCON 2025 Channel 202 and SS AFCON 2025 Channel 222.

Sweet Love Coming Soon To Star Life

Star Life, an English dubbed Bollywood channel operated by JioStar that offers a variety of series and movies has announced the addition of a new series Sweet Love. Known in India as Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad, the series airs from 3 December at 22:30 CAT.

Synopsis for Sweet Love 

Katha and UV's paths cross in college, leading to an initial heated argument where Katha makes a remark about UV's mother, wounding his pride. In a fit of rage, UV decides to teach Katha a lesson by charming her into falling in love with him as part of a plot with his friends. Katha, initially impressed by his perceived kindness, starts developing feelings for him, unaware of his true intentions. The deception is exposed when Katha overhears UV discussing his successful plan, leaving her heartbroken and reinforcing her belief that men are untrustworthy. 

Katha Kumari Jindal: A compassionate botanist who is reserved and has a strong moral compass. She has a deep-seated distrust of men and marriage due to her mother's past experiences.

Udayveer "UV" Jindal: A handsome, charismatic chef who runs a café and appears carefree on the surface but deeply misses his mother, who was forced to leave the family home years ago due to manipulation by his aunt. 

Based on the series Kothha, Sweet Love premiered on StarPlus on 6 June and concluded on 22 September 2025 with 106 half hour episodes. It starred Afia Tayebali as Katha Kumari Jindal and Abrar Qazi as Udayveer "UV" Jindal.

Sweet Love airs daily at 21:30 CAT replacing Sacred Love from 3 December alongside Bound By Love at 22:30 and Noyontara: The Hidden Truth at 22:00. Later in the month, Star Life will also be rolling out a female centered series titled Ishani.

Bound By Love Coming Soon To Star Life

Star Life, an English dubbed Bollywood channel operated by JioStar that offers a variety of series and movies has announced the addition of a new series Bound By Love. Known in India as Bohot Pyaar Karte Hai, the series airs from 3 December at 22:30 CAT.

Synopsis for Bound By Love 

The story begins with Indu, an optimistic and kind-hearted woman, who is deeply in love with a man named Mahesh. However, when she goes to propose to him, she discovers he is already married. Mahesh insults Indu and beats her father, leading to their breakup. 

Emotionally shattered, Indu boards a bus back home. On the journey, she helps a pregnant woman deliver a baby. The woman, named Kadambari, later abandons the newborn baby and leaves a note asking Indu to raise the child. Indu, seeing a new hope in her life, decides to adopt the girl, names her Zoon, and raises her as her own, despite initial opposition from her family. 

Bound By Love premiered on Star Bharat on 5 July and concluded on 10 December 2022 with 133 half hour episodes. It starred Karan V Grover as Ritesh Malhotra, Sayali Salunkhe as Indu Raina and Kiara Sadh as Zoon Raina basically lead roles.

Prior to its rollout, The Evil Eye Returns will conclude on 2 December with Noyontara: The Hidden Truth replacing the show at 22:00 with Bound By Love at 22:30 on 3 December. Other shows expected to rollout on the channel within the month is Ishani.

Disney's Linear TV Channels Return To Sky Italia

Disney's linear TV channels are coming back to Sky. In a few days, as ItaliaOggi can exclusively reveal, the partnership agreement between the Burbank giant and Comcast’s broadcaster will be officially announced. The deal will bring some of Disney’s rich content catalogue — including Disney, FX, Hulu, etc. — back to good old traditional linear television channels, which, contrary to what many analysts have claimed for years, never actually go out of fashion.

Soon, therefore, Sky Italia subscribers will enjoy a new Disney-branded channel, with potential future developments in the areas of animation, TV series, movies, and documentaries.

Sky’s strategy

All of this fits into a broader strategic redesign in which Sky is reshaping its partnership perimeter based on the value perceived by its subscribers. This same logic explains the recent acquisitions of TV rights for basketball and rugby, the renewal of the UEFA agreement for Champions League rights from 2027–2031, and the ongoing negotiations with Liberty Media-Dorna for the renewal of MotoGP rights (whose current deal expires at the end of 2025). MotoGP currently finds itself with TV ratings halved, a championship of little interest, and no standout personalities apart from Marc Márquez — yet it is unlikely to give up its relationship with Sky (the platform that still guarantees the greatest visibility for the two-wheeled circus) and may simply accept a lower fee for the rights.

The end of the partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery

The agreement with Disney comes just as Sky Italia’s long relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery is officially coming to an end. As is already known, from 1 July 2025 all Eurosport, Discovery, and even the free-to-air channels of the WBD group disappeared from Sky. On 31 December 2025, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, all Warner films, and new HBO series will definitively leave the platform. HBO, controlled by WBD, was the home of flagship titles such as House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Succession, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and The Pitt.

The future of HBO and Warner content on Sky

From 2026 onwards, Sky will still be able to broadcast new seasons of most of those existing franchises (with the exception of The Pitt), but no longer on an exclusive basis. However, it will no longer have direct access to new Warner or HBO films and brand-new series.

At least not directly. Because, thanks to the many new partnerships Sky is signing, Warner content that has “left through the door” may very well come back in “through the window” — possibly via Peacock, Netflix, or other platforms.

BBC Studios Africa Reveals New Format For BBC Lifestyle, Hidden Gems: South Africa

BBC Lifestyle is set to unveil Hidden Gems: South Africa, a fresh and immersive travel series that takes viewers off the beaten path to discover South Africa’s most luxurious and lesser-known escapes. Launching in 2026, the six-part series blends influencer-led storytelling with audience participation to celebrate the country’s rich natural beauty.

Hidden Gems: South Africa follows five South African travel influencers as they explore and showcase two of South Africa’s greatest hidden gems per episode, each accompanied by a guest. In each episode, the influencer receives an envelope revealing the surprise gems which they must visit, review, and showcase. BBC Lifestyle viewers will vote for their favourite hidden gem from the series and be in with the chance of winning exciting prizes. The most compelling review and favourite gem, voted for by the audience, will be revealed in the final episode (Episode Six) with the winning influencer receiving a special prize.

The series sees the influencers traveling across South Africa, offering a curated look at destinations that combine luxury with authenticity. Each episode is shaped by a distinct theme, celebrating the diverse beauty and character of South Africa’s landscapes.

The new series is produced by PD Production, the producers behind BBC Lifestyle’s popular shows – Listing Jozi, Listing Cape Town, Listing Mauritius and Listing Coastal South Africa which is currently airing on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) every Wednesday at 8pm with repeats Thursdays at 5pm.

Pierre Cloete, Vice President for Africa at BBC Studios, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring Hidden Gems: South Africa to BBC Lifestyle in 2026. This new format celebrates the diversity and richness of South Africa’s hidden destinations and showcases authentic local stories and personalities that will resonate with audiences across the continent. For the first time, BBC Lifestyle viewers will be invited to vote for their favourite gem, adding an exciting interactive element to the series.” 

Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan producers from PD Production said: “With Hidden Gems: South Africa, we wanted to go beyond the usual travel show format. By empowering local influencers to spotlight South Africa’s hidden gems, we’re creating a series for BBC Lifestyle that’s both visually stunning and unique. We have just started filming and can’t wait for viewers to see the magic that’s been captured”

Hidden Gems: South Africa is proudly sponsored by LekkeSlaap, South Africa’s leading accommodation app.

Gerriline Fouché, LekkeSlaap's Chief Marketing Officer said “Hidden Gems: South Africa beautifully captures what we love most about local travel: discovering special places and the passionate people behind them. It’s a privilege for LekkeSlaap to help shine a light on these unique stays across the country.”

Noyontara: The Hidden Truth Coming Soon To Star Life

Star Life, an English dubbed Bollywood channel operated by JioStar that offers a variety of series and movies has announced the addition of a new series Noyontara: The Hidden Truth from 3 December at 22:00 CAT.

Synopsis for Noyontara: The Hidden Truth

The story revolves around Noyontara, a 23-year-old who has been ridiculed her whole life for her ability to see and talk to ghosts. Her life changes when she marries Dr. Surjo Sengupta, a man of science and logic who is grieving a tragic past and does not believe in the supernatural. 

Upon moving into the grand yet eerie ancestral home, "Pari Mahal," Noyontara is pulled into a web of dark family secrets. She finds an unlikely ally in Hasiram, a mischievous child ghost, who helps her uncover the history of greed and forgotten truths within the mansion. 

The central conflict arises when Noyontara encounters two women, both claiming to be her mother-in-law, Lalita. 

Based on the Bengali series Trinayani, Noyontara: The Hidden Truth premiered on Colors TV from 9 June and has since garnered over 160 half episodes. It starred Shruti Bhist as Noyontara "Noyon" Sengupta, Arjun Chakrabarty as Dr. Surjo Sengupta and Narayani Shastri as Lolita Sengupta.

Noyontara: The Hidden Truth replaces The Evil Eye Returns once it concludes in the timeslot of 22:00 CAT from 3 December. Later in the month, Star Life will be adding the female centered drama Ishani in place of Jhanak.

Ishani Coming Soon To Star Life

Star Life, an English dubbed Bollywood channel operated by JioStar that offers a variety of series and movies has announced the addition of a new series Ishani from 28 December at 18:30 CAT.

Synopsis for Ishani

Ishani is now married to a man, named Shashwat, who already has children, named Pihu and Pihu. But even in her new home, happiness remains elusive. Ishani's in-laws and her husband, Shashwat mistreat her for no clear reason at all, and she continues to live under the weight of judgment and isolation. Despite everything, Ishani finds support in an unexpected place, her step-daughter, Pihu.

Encouraged, by Pihu's belief in Ishani, she decides to reclaim her life. She takes a bold step and resumes her education, hoping to finally realize the dreams of becoming an IPS officer that, she had once buried. But life throws another twist her way, when she enrolls in a college and comes face to face, with her past, her ex-boyfriend, Anurag, who is now a college professor at the same institution that, Ishani has enrolled in.

Ishani premiered on StarPlus from 3 July and concluded on 28 October after 114 half hour episodes. It starred Megha Chakraborty as Ishani Sengupta, Karam Rajpal as Anurag Banarjee, Richa Rathore as Pihu Sengupta and Pankaj Bijlani as Advocate Siddharth.

Ishani will be taking Jhanak's 18:30 timeslot with both shows to run for half an hour from 28 December. Prior to its rollout, Noyontara: The Hidden Truth commences on 3 December at 21:00 CAT.