The Possible Reason Behind eToonz, eMovies, eMovies Extra And eExtra's Demise On DStv

MultiChoice has decided to part ways with the channels after almost 5 years following their failure to renew the contract with eMedia Investments for the channels.

As some are aware, eMedia Investments hasn't been profiting from these brands ever since their induction on DStv. They went from earning earning over R200 million with eNCA to less than R150 when eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz were added.

During the years, the red brand has experienced their frustration with the pay-tv company. Take for instance the oral hearing set by ICASA, eMedia Investments boasted about how popular their channels were and MultiChoice not taking that into consideration left them with peanuts.

Also read: 
- EU turns off transmission for RT across Africa
- SABC Encore being used for sports
- Could G4 launch on DStv perhaps to replace a channel like Ginx Esports TV?
- News And Sport set to go off air on Openview by the end of March
- Why VH1 Classic was terminated on DStv?
- SABC will launch more channels alongside streaming service
- Could Moonbug Kids replace Disney Junior on DStv and Baby TV on StarSat?
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- Could Nicktoons be discontinued in Africa and likely the rest of the world?
- Multichoice won't be adding anymore community channels

At the time Afro Worldview was on air, the company found out that the controversial news channel was making more money than eNCA despite them operating the most watched news station on their platform.

Negotiations are held behind closed doors so no one really knows what happens during those meetings.

eMedia Investments confirmed that MultiChoice opted not to carry those channels but what led to the decision in the first place. Is it possible eMedia Investments was demanding for more money and MultiChoice packed their bags or was the issue just with the content?

I mean the way MultiChoice was pick to just replace them actually implies that the issue may or may not have been money but content.

Also read:
- KIX launching on DStv Access
- YouTube bans Russia Today from generating revenue
- After a year, DreamWorks Channel replaces Disney XD and now eToonz on DStv
- Could ESPN close alongside National Geographic and Disney Channel?
- New movie channel launching later in the year on DStv
- SABC wants to launch a second sports channel
- Lifetime could be on the chopping block on DStv
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- SABC Encore and SABC Children channel might be in development
- Could eNCA launch on Openview?

MultiChoice focuses more on content than performance when deciding how much money a company generate from their stock and these 4 channels despite being very reliable lacked one thing and that was originality.

Despite their dominance, eMovies had a stack of content from M-Net Movies and Studio Universal, e.tv played second fiddle to eExtra which played second to Zee TV and eToonz doppelganger was just metres apart but that all changes from March 18th.

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MultiChoice Will No Longer Carry On DStv: eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra And eToonz

After 5 years, MultiChoice has decided to scrap majority of the channels provided by eMedia Investments including eExtra, eToonz, eMovies and eMovies Extra which can also be seen on the Openview platform with eExtra on StarSat.

MultiChoice hasn't stated why exactly they're parting ways with the channels and leaving viewers to just e.tv and eNCA as the company is set to rollout a new kids channel DreamWorks Channel which is set to carry majority of the content already available on eToonz.

eMedia Investments has experienced their frustration with the pay-tv platform on multiple occasions. Around the time, MultiChoice included their channels they apparently reduced their carriage fees and pay SABC and Newzrooom Afrika more money even though eNCA was the most watched news channel.

Also read: 
- Could G4 launch on DStv perhaps to replace a channel like Ginx Esports TV?
- SABC will launch more HD channels and streaming service
- Tellytrack will stop airing on DStv
- Could Moonbug Kids replace Disney Junior on DStv and Baby TV on StarSat?
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- Could Nicktoons be discontinued in Africa and likely the rest of the world?
- Multichoice won't be adding anymore community channels
- Kwara TV might launch on DStv

The closures of these channels will be a major loss to DStv customers particularly those on the Access especially Easyview platform which has nothing left aside from TNT and Real Time.

According to sources, MultiChoice was looking into adding more channels but no one is sure if these possible new channels have anything to do with the closures of these 4 brands. Customers will probably have to rely up to see if there's any chance that the company will change their minds.

Viewers will need get Openview if they wish to continue viewing all the telenovelas, movies and cartoons available on those channels or rely on e.tv for the most part and upgrade to a higher platform to view the animation on eToonz.

Also read:
- After a year, DreamWorks Channel replaces Disney on DStv
- Could ESPN close alongside National Geographic and Disney Channel?
- Tellytrack will stop airing on DStv
- Could Moonbug Kids replace Disney Junior on DStv and Baby TV on StarSat?
- tvN pushing to become a permanent linear channel in Africa
- SABC Encore and SABC Children channel might be in development for Openview
- Could eNCA launch on Openview?
- Should eReality merge with News And Sport?
- Why Openview has more Indian content?
- Saloni and East Meets West coming soon to SABC 2

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OpenView Gains More Subscribers During Lockdown And Scraps Streaming Service In Favor Of Another One

Openview, the free-to-air satellite platform in the eMedia Holdings stable and a sister company to e.tv, has increased the number of activations of its set-top boxes by more than 18% in the past year, to almost 2.4 million units.

That’s an improvement from the just less than two million activations recorded a year ago.

The figures were disclosed in JSE-listed eMedia’s results for the year ended 31 March 2021, which were published on Thursday.

The media group is now promising to launch new channels in the current financial year to improve the breadth of the Openview content offering. it also said it will launch a streaming video offering called eVOD in July, but didn’t provide any further details about the product or what programming it will offer.

In the last financial period, they promised to launch a new streaming service known as OpenView+ last year in October that never materialized only for them to go mute.

My presumed guess would be that the platform would be a lighter version of Showmax filled with a ton of series and movies (few exclusives) that is FREE and carries the eFamily channels.

Openview, inclusive of the e.tv multi-channel business, earned advertising revenue of R269.6-million in the year to March, up from R194.1-million previously. However, it incurred content costs of R366.9-million, up from R308.7-million in 2020.

Market share
“The increase is attributable to the additional sports on the news and sports channel as well as the addition of the Afrikaans block on eExtra,” eMedia said. These content investments have increased the television viewing market share of the group, it added.

Operating expenses at Openview fell by 7% due to the group ending a consumer subsidy of set-top boxes that was designed to drive sales. “Despite this reduction in subsidy, Openview set-top box activations continue to grow at an average of 35 000/month.”

eMedia Holdings reported full-year headline earnings per share of 16.42c, or about half the 33.34c reported in 2020. Revenue from continuing operations was R2.4-billion, compared to R2.5-billion last year. 

Read Also:
- e.tv to become another SABC
- Nickelodeon returns to e.tv (updated)
- Till The End Of Time coming soon to eExtra
- Analogue TV is going off air soon, be sure to get a decoder when purchasing a TV set
- Linear channels switch to 7 day viewing, Will SABC and e.tv viewers be able to cope
- SABC and e.tv ratings for April
- Judge Judy seen on e.tv ending after 25 seasons
- Is an SABC 4 and SABC 5 channel on the way?
- Details on SABC's kids brand (not SABC Education)
- Other shows coming soon to eToonz?
- e.tv acquired rights to Erkenci Kus
- SABC to launch a streaming service
- Current status of TV licence

Unexpected Developments Coming Soon For Viewers On e.tv Rewind, What Does That Spell Out?

During the festive season, e.tv and Rewind temporarily changed their lineup. On e.tv side, they did the usual for 20:30 take the 5 for 1 while Rewind scrapped almost everything for marathons of sitcoms and dramas with films.

Now the festive season has wrapped up and e.tv will be resuming with their prime time viewing but on Rewind's area it becomes even more complicated to handle.

For starters, the outdated episodes of Scandal, soon-to-be-cancelled Rhythm City and cancelled soapie Backstage aren't part of the lineup. Instead, the channel will air reruns of Una Maid En Manhattan, Naagin, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, Die Vreemdeling and Imbewu's YESTERYEAR STOCK. Perhaps it's just a drafted schedule.

Everything else somewhat remains even the sitcoms and drama series but this is where things get interesting.

Telemundo's Corazon Valiente (Fearless Heart) and Los Miserables (For Love And Justice) are added to the channel's lineup. These two telenovelas aren't new to the market but they are definitely are to the eBrand so Rewind is no longer recycling meals from their restaurants.

Corazon Valiente follows childhood friends Ángela (Andrea Fonseca) and Samantha (Ximena Duque) who were separated by fate for years reunite and become bodyguards for those who need protection. Los Miserables follows a woman named Lucia "Lucha" Duran (Aracley Arambula) is accused of a crime she hasn't committed and has to find a way of not going back to prison a second time.

With this in mind, is it possible that there's a rebrand coming soon to e.tv set of channels now that Rewind has exclusive programming and eExtra is more reliant on telenovelas particularly Indian and Turkish content.

Perhaps, the reason for eExtra favouritism is over the fact these two type of shows pull has a major following and huge fanbase. Other than that the offering is very unique from what you can find on DStv.

The reason Indian soaps get early timeslots is possibly due to the fact there's many of them available in the market and that eExtra put it in a timeslot where it doesn't clash with the shows on Glow TV, Star Life and Zee World while the Turkish content "was" barely available within the market until TDC arrived for which both channels still offer a unique lineup and TDC might take longer to bring the Turkish content seen on e.tv and eExtra.

With that in mind, maybe Rewind will invest more into American and Mexican telenovelas from Telemundo and Azteca since these shows are accessible not only in South Africa but across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Maybe the object now for eMedia Investments is to deduct the amount of DStv already seen on their channels. 

The Indian offering can be found on DStv Indian package so why put that on eExtra it's easy to give those who don't have that package an opportunity to watch them. The reason for it's early timeslots is to ensure that it doesn't clash with the Indian offering on Glow TV, Zee World and Star Life. They give this content attention because of its popularity and the fact that there's less English stations repeating them.

The Turkish lineup has been doing well for a long time. There was no home for the content by then some stations even abandoned them. eExtra was one of the few stations for that in Africa alongside some telenovela channels on StarTimes. MultiChoice recently launched a Turkish channel and it will be while before anyone there can see repeats from eExtra.

Perhaps these changes has something to do with the upcoming streaming service OpenView+, for those who are unaware a lot of companies like Disney, ViacomCBS and WarnerMedia have launched their own streaming services and due to that some countries had to witness the demise of certain channels.

eMedia Investments might follow these companies and streamline their offering. I don't see them shutting down anything likely replacing, adding and improving their current channels.

Rewind's days are numbered at this point or at least the name perhaps they'll call it eBinge or eSeries.

With eExtra I don't see them throwing away the name as yet even with the overflow of telenovelas. They have an Afrikaans block (Kuiertyd) which is used for other content but then again they might duplicate the block on the other channels and reduce it on eExtra leaving the door open for a name change.

News&Sports might become seperate channels perhaps it doesn't look like eMedia Investments is interested in getting another sports channel and France24 will likely go off air on the platform.

eToonz might replace Craze or vice versa I mean eMedia Investments might want to put their focus on one kids brand so they could even find another name and use it for both brands.

eNolly could be revived under another name but this time it also airs Rhythm City, Scandal and Backstage to easen the blow of Rewind and eExtra.

2021 is shaping up to be an interesting year for TV

Read Also:

- OpenView's upcoming streaming service

- New Turkish telenovela coming in January on eExtra
- New Telemundo telenovela coming in January on eExtra
- Review on e.tv channels
- eToonz better e.tv kiddies lineup needs more variety if it wants to succeed
- Upcoming shows on eToonz
- SABC wants platforms like OpenView to pay TV licence

Review On eMedia Investments Set Of Channels

The group’s main asset is a controlling stake in South African based media group eMedia Investments Proprietary Limited (eMedia Investments). eMedia Investments has a number of core assets in the television and radio broadcasting sector, with additional assets in the content, properties and facilities sectors.

Description of their channels:

e.tv, South Africa’s first and only free-to-air commercial television station. In short it's a free version of M-Net which has shown significant improvement with regards to their soapies storylines, selection of movies and prime time lineup.

eExtra, offers the best telenovelas from India, Latin America and around the world with a mixture of other programming. The channel is inclusive, diverse and brings a spark to their star studded lineup.

eMovies and eMovies Extra are the brands free-to-air movie channels. Both channels stand out on their own making it predictable and easy to navigate.

eReality is South Africa's first free-to-air reality channel and has got something for the whole family. The mom can enjoy the best of cooking with MasterChef, The dad can learn more about science with Mythbusters and the rest of the family can laugh out loud with Steve Harvey.

News&Sports, is the stable destination for sports coverage and news from around the globe. The channel keeps sports fans at the edge of their seat and uses magazine and talk shows to make up for the lack of news but what the heck, entertainment is also a forefront for news.

Rewind, as the name states leverages content already seen from the above stations. If you're nostalgic about chick flicks, sitcoms or local content this is your go to destination for all that.

eToonz describes itself as a fun portal for the little ones with a mixture of animation and live-action. The channel can be tiresome with its weekly lineup and put even the naughtiest adolescent out of their misery.

The eFamily Of Channels Is Now One Colour - Red

e.tv, eExtra, eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz are all now positioned in the world of the familiar red e, with each channel offering something different and unique for you, our audience. These channels are found on OpenView HD and DStv, with e.tv still being free to millions of households in South Africa.

Five Channels. One Colour. Unlimited Entertainment. This strong message is what the e family of channels stands for and we want our viewers to be part of, in creating the biggest entertainment destination in South Africa.

#OurWorldIsRed – Be a part of it.

New On eMovies Extra In July 2017

We know it’s cold outside, but we’re turning up the heat on eMovies Extra with Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway.

Here’s what you can watch on eMovies Extra:

OpenView HD channel 107 and DSTV channel 140.

Parental Guidance
Sunday, 2 July at 8PM
When Artie and Diane’s old-school parenting methods collide with their daughter’s new-school ways, the once-orderly household spins out of control.
Starring Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei

The Mechanic
Tuesday, 4 July at 8PM
A hitman, famed for his efficient and unfeeling contract executions, befriends a young man and trains him as a professional assassin.
Starring Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland

Love and Other Drugs
Friday, 7 July at 8PM
A womanising Viagra salesman with no sense of direction or responsibility falls in love with a free-spirited woman.
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, Judy Greer

Watch these on eMovies Extra OpenView HD channel 107 and DSTV channel 140.

New Movies On eMovies+ In July 2017

Cameron Diaz, Emily Watson, Ben Stiller, Kirsten Wiig and Djimon Hounsou will be the reason you want to snuggle up in front of the TV this month!

Here’s what you can watch on eMovies+ this July:

OpenView HD channel 106 and DStv channel 138.

Animal
Monday, 3 July at 7:30PM
When James "Animal" Allen is locked up in a maximum security prison, he meets a revolutionary who changes his life.

Starring Ving Rhames, Vicellous Shannon, Richard Waugh

In Her Shoes
Tuesday, 4 July at 7:30PM
After Rose breaks off relations with her party girl sister, Maggie, over an indiscretion involving Rose’s boyfriend – the chilly atmosphere is broken with the arrival of their grandmother neither sister knew existed.

Starring Toni Collette, Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine

The Book Thief
Wednesday, 5 July at 7:45PM
Based on the bestselling novel, The Book Thief tells the inspiring story of a young girl who finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others while living with her adoptive parents during World War II in Germany.
Starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson

The Secret Life of Walter's Mitty
Wednesday, 12 July at 7:35PM
When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure.
Starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly

Elephant White
Thursday, 20 July at 9:10PM
An assassin faces a midlife crisis as his contractor puts a hit out at him, leading every wannabe assassin in town to come after him.
Starring Djimon Hounsou, Markus Waldow, Kevin Bacon

Nature Calls
Friday, 28 July at 7:35PM
Depressed by his inability to be an effective Scoutmaster, Randy kidnaps the boys attending a birthday blowout hosted by his brother, Kirk, and takes them on an extreme weekend camping trip - with their irate parents not far behind.
Starring Patton Oswalt, Johnny Knoxville, Rob Riggle

Watch these on eMovies OpenView HD
channel 106 and DSTV channel 138.

DStv Customers Get More Entertainment

On Wednesday, 17 May, DStv customers will get even more entertainment as we add four new e.tv channels to the DStv family. These channels are eMovies+ (Channel 138), eMovies Extra (Channel 140), eExtra (Channel 195) and eToonz+ (Channel 311). Three of thesre channels will be available in crystal clear HD: eMovies+, eMovies Extra and eExtra.

These channels offer a broad range of entertainment, which will give our customers a more expansive viewing experience. The shows will appeal to the entire family: eToonz+ offers a safe and sunny space for the kids; eMovies Extra packs a punch with robust action movies; eExtra gives mom a chance to tune into telenovelas and the rest of the family can enjoy sitcoms; while eMovies+ offers an escape with the stars.

“We’re always on the lookout for ways to add more value to each of our DStv packages – it’s about offering our customers the best entertainment in one place. These e.tv channels, of which three are in HD, will bring hours of viewing delight to the whole family,” commented Mark Rayner, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa.

eMovies+ (Channel 138) and eMovies Extra (Channel 140) will be available to DStv Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers. eExtra (Channel 195) and eToonz+ (Channel 311) will be available to DStv EasyView, Access, Family, Compact, Extra and Premium customers.

The addition of three more HD channels means that customers on the DStv EasyView package will now have access to three HD channels, DStv Access customers will have seven, DStv Family 12, DStv Compact 21, DStv Extra 26 and DStv Premium 41.

The schedule for these channels will be available From Wednesday, 17 May on DStv.com or the TV Guide on your decoder.
.

More about the channels

eExtra (in HD)  will offer viewers an enticing variety of premium entertainment in HD –  including sitcoms, drama series, reality, telenovelas, court shows, lifestyle and movies. While the channel is infused with a good measure of suspense, drama and action, a touch of comedy adds a light-hearted flavour to the line-up. eExtra can best be described as young, urban, modern and cosmopolitan.

eMovies Extra (in HD) is a premium movie channel playing big-name, high profile movies, with a skew towards ACTION in prime time. Loaded with enough shoot outs, shouts, kicks, punches, explosions and chases to delight even the most craven action junky, the channel also offers quieter quality moments along with family friendly fare in daytime. Find extra adventure, suspense, action and revenge on eMovies Extra.

With a movie to suit every taste eMovies+(in HD) is the go-to destination for wall to wall entertainment. Whether it’s romance, drama, action, a good fight, a good laugh or simply some family fun - eMovies+ offers it all in an easy to navigate package. Here the stars shine at all hours of the day and full-on escape is just a remote click away.

eToonz+ offers a safe and sunny space for kids aged 2 – 12 from which to explore the world. Programming is hand-picked to support the developmental needs of three age groups.

HIGHLIGHTS

eMovies+ May 2017 Highlights:

A Few Good Men - 17.05.17 at 19:30

Two Marines stand accused of murdering a member of their platoon during an unsanctioned disciplinary action. Hoping to obtain a quiet plea bargain, the Navy appoints young Lt. Daniel Kaffee to defend the accused Marines Starring Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise.

In Time - 22.05.17 at 19:50

In a future where time is literally money and aging stops at 25, Will Salas teams up with a beautiful young heiress to destroy the corrupt system. Starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - 23.05.17 at 19:30
British pensioners on a tight budget move to a retirement home in India, and their adventures there give them a new lease on life. Starring Dev Patel, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy.

Life Of PI - 30.05.17 at 19:40

After a shipwreck, a young man embarks on an epic journey of discovery as he shares his lifeboat with the ship's only other survivor - a fearsome Bengal tiger, with whom he shares an unexpected connection. Starring Irfan Khan, Suraj Sharma.

eMovies+ June 2017 Highlights:

Digging For Fire - Tuesday 06.06.17 at 20:00

The discovery of a bone and a gun send a husband and wife on separate adventures over the course of a weekend. Starring Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sam Rockwell, Orlando Bloom.

The Kids Are All Right - Sunday 11:06.17 at 20:00

Two children conceived by artificial insemination bring their biological father into their non-traditional family life. Starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo.

Garden State - Tuesday 13.06.17 20:00

A quietly troubled young man returns home for his mother's funeral after being estranged from his family for a decade. Starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard.

Curse Of The Golden Flower - Wednesday 14:06.17 at 20:00

A dying love between two powerful people leads to deceit, infidelity, and conspiracy in this epic-scale historical drama. Starring Chow Yun Fat, Li Gong, Jay Chou.

Cleaner - Monday 19.06.17 at 20:00

A former cop who now earns a wage as a crime scene cleaner unknowingly participates in a cover-up at his latest job. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris, Eva Mendez.

Knight And Day - Wednesday 28:06.17 at 20:00

A single girl en route to a family wedding gets swept up in a fight between a rogue government agent and the FBI in this globe-trotting action comedy. Starring Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard.

eMovies Extra May 2017 Highlights:

The Big Year - Friday 19.05.17 at 20:00
An elite fervent breed of birdwatchers face off in a secret competition that will become the biggest year of their lives. Starring Jack Black, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson.

Braveheart - Saturday 20.05.17 at 20:00
In the late 13th century, William Wallace returns to a Scotland ruled by the ruthless Edward the Longshanks and leads a ramshackle yet courageous army determined to vanquish the greater English forces. Starring Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau.

Enough Said - Sunday 21.05.17 at 20:00

To help distract her while her beloved daughter prepares to leave the nest for college, a divorced masseuse starts dating a sweet but somewhat clueless man with whom she shares a fun rapport, only to discover that he's her new friend's ex-husband. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener

Spider-Man 3 - Tuesday 23.05.17 at 20:00

A strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge. Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace

Independence Day - Tuesday 30.05.17 at 20:00

When extraterrestrials arrive on Earth and threaten to wipe out the human race, a handful of survivors armed only with inferior technology, wits and courage must stop them. Starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum.
               
eMovies Extra June 2017 Highlights:

Fantastic Four - Saturday 03.06.17 at 20:00
Based on Marvel's longest running comic book series, the film chronicles the superhero world’s most famous dysfunctional family. Starring Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd.

Gamer - Sunday 04.06.17 at 21:30

Set in a near future, as humans control each other in mass-scale, billionaire Ken Caste develops the shooter game, 'Slayers' which activates the humans' savage fantasies. Starring Gerard Butler, Ludacris, Michael C. Hall.

Poseidon - Monday 05.06.17 at 18:20

After luxury cruise ship is suddenly capsized by a huge wave, Dylan Johns and a small group are determined to fight their way to the surface as the Poseidon begins to sink. Starring Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum.

Walking Tall - Thursday 08.06.17 at 20:00

A retired soldier returns to his hometown and is elected as Sheriff, to fight against crime, drugs and violence. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Johnny Knoxville, Neal McDonough.

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer - Saturday 10.06.17 at 20:00

The Fantastic Four meet their greatest challenge yet as the enigmatic, intergalactic herald, The Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Jessica Alba

Prometheus - Saturday 24.06.17 at 20:00

A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, in the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. Starring Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce

eExtra June 2017 Highlights:

Cape Town – Local crime drama on Thursdays at 20h30 starting 22 June

Synopsis: Cape Town. Police captain Mat Joubert used to be the best, revered by the force for solving every case. But that before his wife Lara was murdered while working undercover, and Mat’s been on a downward spiral ever since, haunted by a blurred past, uncertain of how he did not keep her alive. Mat is assigned a new partner, Sanctus Snook, a former member of the elite HAWKS unit. When a successful businessman is found killed wearing an Albert Einstein mask, the two unlikely partners have a high profile murder investigation on their hands. When a second body is found wearing yet another mask, they realize they are tracking a serial killer. Gradually, Mat Joubert begins to overcome the ghosts of his past, but as he uncovers each layer of the investigation he must re-live his wife’s murder in order to stop the violence.

Charly’s Cake Angels – Local lifestyle show on Saturdays at 17h00 starting 03 June

Synopsis: Charly’s Cake Angels is a reality series which will take viewers down the rabbit hole, deep into a world jammed with screaming “Eat me!” cakes.  Every week viewers will be treated to the Charly’s team tackling yet another impossible cake for a fabulous function.  Our fearsome cakery will literally rise to the challenge, and lead the viewers on a journey in to the heart of the bakery – the promise, the frustration, the passionate arguments, the tears and the laughter… These are all the same ingredients which go into making a good life, and they’re the same things that go into making magical cakes and an unforgettable series!

Room 9 – Local Sci-fi investigative drama on Sundays 20h00 starting 18 June

Synopsis: In an alternate, parallel world eerily familiar to our own, and in a city that could be Johannesburg or Kampala, Nairobi or Lagos, a war is being waged; a war between light and dark, between good and evil. This is the New Azania. The provinces as we once knew them in South Africa are no more. Instead this new world is divided into Sectors. Standing in the way of perpetual darkness is a ragtag team, a special, under-the-radar division of the NAPD the New Azanian Police Department who deal exclusively with the paranormal, the supernatural, the sacrilegious, the twisted, and the unexplainable.

LOCAL COMEDY MOVIES:
Mama Jack - Saturday 03 June 20h00

Synopsis: Complications arise when a fugitive (Leon Schuster), who's masquerading as a woman, falls in love with his pretty boss (Mary-Anne Barlow).

Mr Bones - Saturday 10 June 20h00

Synopsis: A medicine man is sent looking for the son of his tribal king, and brings back an American golfer and a host of goons intent on keeping him in the golf tournament.

Mr Bones 2: Back from the Past - Saturday 17 June 20h00

Synopsis: Follow the story of Hekule, the King of Kuvukiland who is given a cursed gemstone. It is up to Mr. Bones to get rid of this cursed stone by travelling 130 years into the future, to the city of Durban where the duo encounter a beautiful woman and an unexpected adventure.

The Millenium Menace - Saturday 24 June 20h00

Synopsis: Leon Schuster’s Millennium Menace caught even himself by surprise.  A series filmed as candid camera television inserts became an instant hit with viewers and created such an hysterically funny reaction at a viewing that it was the natural decision to release the film theatrically.  South African’s have been waiting for another Schuster movie for almost three years (since Panic Mechanic) and have been begging for some comic relief from the “King of Candid Camera.”

eExtra May 2017 Highlights:

Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce – International drama series on Tuesdays at 20:30 starting 16 May

Synopsis: "Bravo’s first original scripted series, ""Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,"" follows Abby McCarthy (Lisa Edelstein, ""House""), a self-help book author and guru of all things family, who shocks the world when she reveals that her seemingly perfect life has all been a lie. After publicly admitting that she has separated from her husband, Jake (Paul Adelstein, ""Private Practice""), America’s once-favorite girlfriend finds her career and marriage in a free fall.  As she starts to navigate life as a single woman in her 40s, Abby turns to her new divorced friends, rather than her married ones, for advice. Embarking on startling adventures with friends Lyla (Janeane Garofalo, “"Reality Bites"") and Phoebe (Beau Garrett, ""Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior""), Abby finds herself on a journey of self-discovery as she attempts to salvage her career, get back in the dating game and figure out her new identity as a single woman.

COMEDY MOVIES:
Jack And Jill - Saturday 06 May at 20h00

Synopsis: Jack and Jill is a comedy focusing on Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler), a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Jill's neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down. Katie Holmes plays Erin, Jack's wife.

The Perfect Catch aka Fever Pitch - Saturday 13 May at 20h00

Synopsis: It's a love triangle - but with a twist. Instead of revolving around three people, this story involves twenty-eight: a man, a woman, and a Major League baseball team. High-school teacher Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon) is a good catch. He's charming, funny and great with kids. When he meets Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore), an ambitious business consultant whose spirit is as luminous as her beauty, their attraction is immediate. Sure, they have their differences. She's a workaholic; he loves his summers off. He lives and breathes the Red Sox; she doesn't know Carl Yastrzemski from Johnny Damon. But true love overcomes all - at least until Red Sox spring training rolls around. As Ben's beloved Bosox launch one of the most incredible seasons in baseball history, Ben and Lindsey must decide if they, as a couple, will strike out or fight to keep love alive through extra innings.

The Ugly Truth - Saturday 20 May at 20h00

Synopsis: A romantically challenged morning show producer (Heigl) is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent (Butler) to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result.

Why Did I Get Married? - Saturday 27 May at 20h00

Synopsis: A group of married college friends go to Colorado for their annual week-long reunion. On the surface, it appears it will be like all the previous reunions they have had over the years, but the mood shifts when one couples infidelity comes to light.

eToonz+ May 2017 Highlights:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Wednesdays at 17h30 starting 31 May

Synopsis: The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series is funnier and "ninja-ier" than ever before, as Nickelodeon reintroduces the wildly popular band of reptile brothers to a whole new generation of fans. The action comedy explores the camaraderie of four teenage brothers learning to rely on one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and train to become the heroes they're destined to be.

Tickety Toc - Thursdays at 14h15 starting 04 May

Synopsis: Inside an old clock shop is wall full of clocks. Big clocks, little clocks, silly clocks and sensible clocks. All of them ticking away to themselves and keeping perfect time. And right in the middle is one very special clock. This is the Tickety Toc Clock. As every hour passes, the Tic Toc Clock springs into life to chime in the time. It all happens as regular as clockwork! But chiming the time isn’t as easy as it seems! For behind the face of the Tickety Toc Clock lies an extraordinary wooden world where things definitely don’t always run so smoothly. This slapstick show centres on our inseparable heroes, Tommy and Tallulah, and their remarkable friends as they race against time to keep the clock ticking. In this beautifully crafted series, the pressure is always on and every madcap minute counts!

Little Spirou - Thursdays at 16h25

Synopsis: After "Spirou and Fantasio" series' amazing success, discover in « Little Spirou » the crafty 8 year-old kid he was.From how to deal with arriving at school in slippers to how to survive a trip to the swimming pool without one's bathing suit, Little Spirou always finds a witty alternative solution to save the day.Clever and full of mischief, he's always ready to get into trouble as long as he can work his way out make someone laugh!With Little Spirou, crafty kids always come out on top.

eToonz+ June 2017 Highlights:

Julius Jr - Mondays at 14h00 starting on 26 June

Synopsis: Julius Jr. is a funky monkey with a penchant for invention. Together with his best pals, Worry Bear, Sheree, Clancy and Ping, they build a playhouse out of a simple cardboard box. But when they walk inside, to their surprise and delight, they discover that ordinary objects magically come to life and amazing adventures are just a door away. 

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom - Mondays at 14h45 starting 12 June

Synopsis: Holly, a young Fairy Princess, is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan. Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic. But elves are very good at making things - especially toys. They live in the Little Kingdom – a tiny land where flowers and grass rise above the tallest towers.

Johnny Test - Fridays at 18h00 starting 23 June

Synopsis: Johnny is the ultimate test pilot where no mission is too insane, no challenge is too great, no villain is too menacing - and no sister-created concoction is too wild. As long as his dog Dukey can come along, Johnny gives it a go!

Power Rangers: Dino Super Charge - Fridays at 16h30 starting 02 June

Synopsis: With new weapons, new allies, new zords, and the new T-Rex Super Charge mode, the Rangers are ready to settle the score against one of their most dangerous enemies.