eMedia Investments Outlines Plans For eVOD, Unveils Viewing Figures For The Platform

eMedia outlines plans for streamer eVODeMedia Holdings, the parent of e.tv and Openview, has disclosed viewer adoption figures for its eVOD streaming service, which it launched three years ago.

In eMedia’s annual report for the 2024 financial year, published on Monday, the group said some 1.13 million users have registered to watch the service since its introduction in August 2021.

Although the group hasn’t disclosed how many active users eVOD has, it claimed a 19% increase in watch time over the 2023 financial year, reaching 1.3 billion minutes.

Plans for the current financial year include expanding the available applications for smart TVs

The service, which has both free and subscription components, was launched in response to other streaming services available in South Africa, including Showmax and Netflix. It includes a range of local programming, including original eMedia series and movies.

eMedia disclosed the most popular content available on eVOD. These programmes are:

• Local series: House of Z Wide; Smoke & Mirrors; and Isitha: The Enemy – Blood and Betrayal

• International series: Elif, Annekan die Swa Kry and Doodsondes

• eVOD originals: The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island; Yolanda is Swanger and Piet’s Sake

Growth plans

The broadcasting group said its plans for the current financial year – to March 2025 – include expanding the available eVOD applications for smart TVs, offering new content via Openview’s new set-top box (which can connect to the internet), and offering new advertising “innovations” that include the introduction of live-stream advertising and display banner ads in programming.

In the annual report, eMedia described eVOD as the “Netflix of South Africa” – MultiChoice-owned Showmax and Netflix itself might beg to differ – and offers a platform “primarily filled with e.tv’s local content in a video-on-demand format”.

DELAYED. Op Dun Ys Will Now Stream On eVOD In October With Een Wit Leuen Added To The Platform

Op Dun Ys was originally slated to stream on eVOD later in the week but due to unforseen circumstances it was delayed to October. Instead eVOD will be rolling out another family drama titled Een Wit Leuen (known in Turkey as Benim Tatli Yalanim).

Abandoned by his wife, Nejat is lying to his daughter not to be upset. But as Kayra grows, these lies become unbearable and as he is trapped in the corner meets Suna. With Suna's entry into their lives, both Nejat and Kayra's world is completely changed.

Produced by O3 Medya for Star TV, debuted in 2019 and was Turkey’s top-performing drama series in the summer of that year, according to Eccho Rights. Several adaptations had been filmed by Markiza (Mom For Rent, Slovenia) and Open TV (Like A Lie, Greek).

It starred Furkan Palali as Nejat Yilmaz, Asli Bekiroglu as Suna Dogan, Lavinya Ünlüer as Kayra Yilmaz, Gonca Sariyildiz as Hande Eymen, Asli Inandik as Saniye Dogan and Cem Zeynel Kiliç as Hayri Hicdurmaz.

In other developments, Scandal! will also be airing on Saturdays and Sundays at 19:30 extending new episodes to 7 days a week. Making them the first broadcaster in South Africa to do so with Zee World, Star Life and Telemundo hailing from a third world country.

New Series Alert: Op Dun Ys Coming Soon To eVOD With Between You And Me On Zee World ROA

During the year, it was reported that several shows from the land of Istanbul would heading to African shores and this included Sadakatsiz. Now the series will be streaming in Afrikaans on eVOD under the title Op Dun Ys from July 12th.

Based on the series Doctor Foster, Asya lives a peaceful and happy life in Tekirdağ with her husband Volkan and their son Ali. This situation changes when she learns that her husband has been having an affair with a young woman named Derin for two years.

It starred Cansu Dere as Asya Yılmaz, Caner Cindoruk as Volkan Arslan, Melis Sezen as Derin Güçlü, Özge Özder as Derya Samanlı, Gözde Seda Altuner as Gönül Güçlü, Nazlı Bulum as Nil Tetik, Taro Emir Tekin as Selçuk Dağci and Yeliz Kuvancı as Bahar Gelik.

After airing on Zee One in 2023, Between You And Me is anticipated to land on Zee World across Africa (excluding South Africa) from July 11th.

This show revolves around Akilesh Pandey and Iravati. Aksilesh is a village simpleton and an ardent follower of Bajrang Bali. He is illiterate, but a great wrestler, while Ira is an aspiring medical student. Destiny had meant these two individuals to meet and unite.

It starred Karan Suchak as Akhilesh Pandey and Jiya Shankar as Dr. Iravati "Ira" Desai Pandey.

New Series Alert: Jeyran Currently Streaming On eVOD, Might Launch On eExtra Or eSeries

With little to no publicity from eMedia Investments on the endeavors on their platforms. The streamer eVOD added the Iranian historical drama 'Jeyran' making this the first outside of Istanbul to be allocated on the platform following Dayan, Destructive Beauty. 

It captures the 6 years of the life of Naser al-Din Shah and his favorite mistress, Jeyran and takes place in Iran, 19th century, after the death of Amirkabir. The king of Persia, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, falls in love with Jeyran, who loves Siavash.

It starred Parinaz Izadyar as Jeyran, Bahram Radan as Naser al-Din Shah, Amirhossein Fathi as Siavash Panjsangi, Mahdi Pakdel as Salman, Setareh Pesyani as Noghreh, Ghazal Shakeri as Malekzadeh and Samira Hassanpour as Galin Khanum.

Jeyran made its debut on the Iranian network Home Video on February 13, 2022 with 52 episodes having being filmed. The forbidden love story is currently streaming on eVOD with more details regarding its availability on Openview to be announced soon.

In other developments, eMedia Investments will be adding more content from BET with a second season of Black Tax. No word as to why eMedia Investments would allocate season 2 on e.tv instead of season 1 airs Saturdays at 19:30 from June 15.

Why eMedia Investments Hasn't Made Any Of Its Content On eVOD Accessible On Openview In Recent Months?

eVOD is a South African based streaming service operated by eMedia Investments that offers a mixture of locally produced and international content. It also serves as a competitor to existing streamers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Showmax.

As some readers are aware, eMedia Investments was planning to invest at least 100 million yearly on local productions for eVOD. Not only that, content viewed on the streamer was said to also be accessible to Openview consumers overtime.

This was usually between a period of 6 months to a year but as some viewers had noticed this had gone on for a much longer duration.

eVOD has been introducing productions like Mother Of All, Splintered Pieces and Net 20 Minute (dubbed program). Instead of these shows being allocated on e.tv or any of eMedia's other channels, they have an alternative lineup put in place.

If we had to guess, eMedia Investments is probably trying to lure consumers to eVOD and rushing their releases on Openview reduces that possibility. Openview is a freemium service and some content in question on eVOD form part of the pay tier.

Another reason could be that eMedia Investments is trying to give eVOD some value and don't want consumers to view it as repeats platform for select content on Openview. But an additional broadcaster as seen with MultiChoice's M-Net and Showmax. 

Development Alert: Annekan Die Swa Kry (Kardeşlerim) Currently Seen On e.tv And ATV Cancelled After 4 Seasons

Annekan Die Swa Kry (Kardeşlerim) is a Turkish television series in the genre of drama, youth and romance was broadcast on February 20, 2021. Directed and written by Serkan Birinci and Gül Abus Semerci, it starred are Celil Nalçakan, Cüneyt Mete, Simge Selçuk and Yiğit Koçak. 

The story revolves around Kadir, Ömer, Asiye and Emel, four siblings who lose their parents due to unfortunate circumstances and try to build their lives going forward with each other's support. Despite their ups and downs, they are always there for each other.

The series which consists of 4 seasons will end with its 133rd episode which will be broadcast on June 15, 2024 in Turkey. It is currently on its third season on e.tv with the latter often allocated on eVOD months prior so it's likely viewers will get the final installment by the fall.

This news was revealed across social platforms as Turkish broadcaster ATV has another program slated in place of Annekan Die Swa Kry. Prior to the news, sources outlined that writers had expressed interest in doing a potential fifth and sixth season. 

ATV is a Turkish free-to-air television network owned by Turkuvaz Media Group and is also one of the most popular channels within the market. Aside from Annekan Die Swa Kry, it is known for shows like Karadayi, Kara Para Ask (Black Money Love) and Hercai.

News Shorts: Superbuns To Make Its Linear Debut On Universal Kids, Mpumalanga TV Goes Live On 1KZN TV With Sannah Mchunu And Umbrella Men: Escape From Robben Island To Stream On eVOD From April 25

Peacock original debuts on Universal Kids

Universal Kids which serves as the American counterpart of DreamWorks Channel and Sky is operated by NBCUniversal. Since it's launch, the channel has seen a decline in consumption and several content changes with its current lineup preschool tailored.

As seen in an programme guide, the Canadian based animated series Superbuns is slated to rollout on the channel from 28 April.

Based on the children's book of the same name, it follows a little bunny whose superpower is kindness does what she can to brighten everyone’s day. The series was made available to stream on Peacock sometime in 2023.

Mpumalanga gets a 1 hour block on 1KZN

Based in KwaZulu Natal, 1KZN TV is a proudly Zulu community television channel that produces its local content. Its aim is greater social inclusion of genders, castes, and ethnicities while encouraging greater education and improved health.

During the week, the channel debuted a 2 hour block with actress Sannah Mchunu gracing the red carpet. Although not much details had been shared about the content to be allocated on Mpumalanga TV beforehand to garner some exposure. 

It will air daily on 1KZN from 5pm to 6pm with repeats on weekends.

Umbrella Men is back for new adventures on eVOD 

After pulling off the ultimate heist in the original "The Umbrella Men," Jerome, Morty, Mila, Keisha, and Auntie Val thought they could finally enjoy the good life. But their celebrations are cut short when the villainous Tariek enters the scene with sinister plans.

Before they know it, Jerome and Morty find themselves locked up in the infamous Robben Island Prison, while Keisha, Mila, and Auntie Val are left to hatch an audacious plan to bust them out. However, their troubles are just beginning as Tariek's ambitions grow more diabolical by the minute, threatening world domination!

In this action-packed, music-filled sequel, our favorite crew of accidental criminals must band together once more, using all their wits and talents to take down Tariek, clear their names, and finally make it back home to the Bo Kaap as free men.

'The Umbrella Men: Escape from Robben Island' is officially hitting eVOD on April 25th.

News Shorts: Prime Video Exclusive Tickets Streams On eVOD This Month, A Rebroadcast Of Nurses Makes Launches On Telemundo International In April And Disney+ Original Iwaju To Rollout On Disney Channel Also In April

Tickets on eVOD

Since eVOD inception in the market eMedia has been looking to build up the local portfolio of the streamer with Housewives and uMbali. They've even collaborated with Prime Video on Atlantis and Umbrella Men with their next project being Tickets.

Young lovers Crystal and Grant dream of getting out of the Cape Flats. When they find Crystal's Mom's winning Lotto ticket, they see it as their ticket out of the Flats. Do they run away or do they stay?

Since last year, the film was exclusive to Prime Video now it will be making their freemium debut on eVOD from March 8. It starred Danny Ross, Robyn Rossouw, Monique Rockman, Waldemar Schultz, Hein de Vries and Boudine Ballem. 

A rebroadcast of Nurses launches on Telemundo international 

During the month, Telemundo further reduced prime time with My Heart Beats For Lola and The Chosen Granddaughter following the end of Cennet: The Power Of Destiny. Now there's reports going around that international feeds will be reairing Nurses.

After being purged from Africa by the final season, Telemundo brought back a censored version of the medical drama with past seasons currently seen in Africa also being censored. It was produced by Columbia's RCN who was responsible for Law Of The Heart.

In other developments, Telemundo will be introducing another original series after Game Of Lies titled Come Back To Me in April. Other attractions awaiting release on the channel include Queen Of The South and rebroadcast to The Search For Frida. 

More Disney+ on DStv 

The highly anticipated futuristic original animated series, Iwájú, is now set to launch globally on Disney+ on February 28, 2024, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the series’ captivating narrative and vibrant visuals.

Audiences in Africa who don’t have access to Disney+ can catch the series on Disney Channel through DStv (Channel 303) starting in April 2024. This is to ensure that viewers across the continent can enjoy the series and immerse themselves in its rich storytelling.

Special broadcast schedules for “Iwájú” on Disney Channel include weekday premieres from April 22 to 26, followed by a special marathon on April 27. Additional repeat broadcasts will run from April 29 to May 4, with another marathon scheduled for May 5. As a special treat on Africa Day, May 25, you can also enjoy a marathon of six episodes, starting at 10:00 AM (WAT)/11:00 AM (CAT).

Channel X: Could eMedia Investments Also Ramp Up A Streaming Based Channel(s) Through Ultraview?

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice would be looking to rebrand one of their current TV channels (1Magic) with Showmax filtered content. This comes with an additional R40-R50 for the affected consumers with others below paying an extra R20.

As some readers are already aware, eMedia Investments launched a rival offering to DStv, Ultraview. It consists of two packages one catered to youth audiences while the other is Bollywood both of which are filtered to the likes of M-Net's AddMovies offering.

Early reception wasn't pleased with this offering with some feeling DStv is superior as there's no sports or wide variety of channels. Then there's others that felt blackballed after being devoted Ovee fans had to miss out on shows like May I Come In Madam or Finding Prince Charming.

Despite some minor setbacks, Ultraview serves as a popular addition to fans of Bollywood drama on Spice TV alongside the music offering on EDGE. As mentioned, Ultraview doesn't have much to offer aside from 4 channels which are halved between two packages.

eMedia Investments had promised to add more channels to the mix and with the impact of load shedding. It's likely that the consumption for this offering is weak and will not meet up to their expectations.

Something that came to mind would the addition of streaming based channels. As mentioned, MultiChoice is looking to launch a linear version of Showmax under one of their existing channels and questions amount to whether eMedia will do the same on Ultraview.

These channels unlike Spice TV and Edge could fold under both packages and serve as an add-on if may be. For those serving as active subscribers on eVOD could get these channels at no additional cost similar to what MultiChoice offers with Showmax and DStv Premium.

The first channel being ePremium would be home to various local content like uMbali and Splitting Pieces. It would offer new episodes to shows like House Of Zwide, Isitha: The Enemy and Scandal before they are allocated on e.tv with an overflow of other content.

The second channel probably Kuiertyd Premium would be spun off from eExtra's Kuiertyd and offer new episodes of Elif, Roekeloos Dade and Wie Laaste Lag before eExtra. It would also include exclusives like Pad Na Die Hart, Net 20 Minute and Blink Kant Bo.

New Series Alert: Pad Na Die Hart Currently Streaming On eVOD With Gelukbringers Coming In March

eVOD, a South African based streaming service operated by eMedia Investments that distributes a variety of international and local productions had acquired rights to Turkish dramas Pad Na Die Hart (currently streaming on eVOD) with Gelukbringers airing in March.

Firat works as a Kebab Master with his aunt and friends in their shop in a modest neighborhood of Istanbul. Blind, his fiancee left on their wedding day and filled with anger wants to know why until a name comes up Taylan Günebakan aka Doctor Love, the famous life coach.

Produced by NTC Medya in 2021, Pad Na Die Hart (Aşkın Tarifi) starred Kadir Dogulu as Fırat Karasu, Serra Arıtürk as Naz Soyluer, Cem Davran as Hazım Soyluer, Alper Saldıran as Taylan Günebakan and Yasemin Baştan as Sultan Yılmaz.

It has been available to stream from February 5th.

Gelukbringers (Elimi Birakma) revolves around a girl named Azra whose dies in a fire accident, leaving his greedy wife in charge and her autistic brother. Determined to follow in her father's steps, Azra goes abroad to become a skilled chef and meets a rich boy named Cenk.

Based on the 2009 Korean drama Shining Inheritance, it starred Alp Navruz as Cenk Çelen, Yiğit Kağan Yazıcı as Mert Güneş, Alina Boz as Azra Güneş, Seray Gözler as Feride Çelen, Gökçe Yanardağ as Hülya Akgün and Ebru Aykaç as Serap Çelen.

It serves as an upcoming show to the streamer sign the program slated for March 4th.

eMedia Investments Unveils The New And Improved eVOD Stream App

Streaming has never been more enjoyable and convenient with the new and improved eVOD Stream. From an enhanced user interface to an array of features that enrich your entertainment experience, eVOD Stream has it all.

Improved User Experience: Indulge in a smoother and more intuitive browsing experience with eVOD Stream. With its revamped interface, you'll find it easier than ever to discover your favourite movies, and TV shows.

Easier Navigation: No more endless scrolling or getting lost in a sea of menus. The updated eVOD Stream app simplifies your journey, making it effortless to find exactly what you're looking for.

Create Your Own Playlist: Show off your creativity and curate your perfect entertainment line-up with eVOD Stream. The app allows you to create personalised playlists, giving you the power to organise your favourite movies, and TV series, exactly how you want.

Recommendations: Let eVOD Stream be your personal entertainment guide, offering tailored recommendations based on your preferences and viewing history. Discover new content that aligns perfectly with your tastes, ensuring you never miss out on exciting new releases or hidden gems.

Live TV: Access live TV channels directly within the eVOD Stream app. Stay updated with the latest news, catch live events, and enjoy your favourite TV shows as they air. 

Auto Trailer: Get a sneak peek into movies or series with the auto trailer feature. Hover over a title, and eVOD Stream automatically plays a preview. Experience the storyline, visuals, and overall feel of the content in just a matter of seconds.

Easy Casting: Take your entertainment to the big screen effortlessly with eVOD Stream's easy casting feature. Cast your favourite movies and shows directly to your smart TV or compatible devices, transforming your living room into a private theatre. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a truly immersive viewing experience.

Judgement, The Game Of My Destiny And 10 Other Turkish Series Rumoured To Debut In South Africa Soon

To expand from the Everyday Novelas column of 2024, we list various content that have been reportedly been picked up by your favourite brands.

1. Kaderimin Oyunu (The Game Of My Destiny)

Tells the gripping story of Asiye, whose world is turned upside down when her daughter is attacked by a neighbor, leaving them to rebuild their shattered lives. When the stranger Mahir finds them refuge in the home of his powerful family, she is shocked to encounter her ex-husband Cemal who abandoned the family years earlier. 

2. Hercai (Inconstant Love)

Miran is a mysterious man who appears in the life of Reyyan, a young woman from a wealthy and very powerful family, and she falls in love. But things don't turn out as she expected, as there is a dark motive behind everything.

3. Yargi (Judgement)

A murder case brings together a defence attorney and a prosecutor, forcing them into an uneasy alliance as they search for the killer.

4. Kizim (My Little Girl)

Oyku, an eight-year-old girl with a rare genetic condition, sets out to find her father after she is abandoned by her aunt. However, when she meets him, he tries to get rid of her.

5. Sadakatsız (A Woman Scorned)

Asya is a successful doctor and she has a perfect life with her husband and her son. But after finding a blonde hair on her husband's scarf, everything changes and she discovers her husband's extramarital affair.

6. Gülcemal

Abandoned by his mother as a boy. A man years later vows to get revenge on the mom and her new family all while unknowingly falling in love with her adopted daughter.

7. Bir Küçük Gün Isigi (A Little Sunshine)

The series tracks the life of Elif, whose world is turned upside down when she realises her husband had a daughter with another wife who she never knew about.

8. Bay Yanlis (Mr. Wrong)

Wealthy restaurant owner Özgür prefers casual dating to serious relationships. Ezgi wants to get married, but she only ends up being used by men. Özgür agrees to give her dating tips so her next relationship with Serdar would work out.

9. Aldatmak (Deception)

Güzide Yenersoy is a distinguished, respected family court judge. She is an honest and principled woman who has saved many marriages from destruction, made sure that many children receive the affection and love they deserve, and has always been on the side of justice. 

10. Aziz

This is about a young man who becomes a powerful man fighting against cruelty and unfairness after losing everything in life.

11. Ada Masalı (Be My Sunshine)

Unassuming physics teacher Akif's homeroom is even more unruly than usual when he suddenly announces, "from now on you are my hostages." With Akif’s touch of a button, a violent explosion separates their classroom from the rest of the school. 

12. Kalp Yarasi (Wounded Heart)

The series story is about Ferit and Ayse who find themselves in a difficult marriage game for 6 months. Will Ferit forgive Hande? Will Ferit and Ayse persuade everybody that they are really in love with each other?

Most Popular Posts Of 2023: Everyday Novelas Takes The Most Wins With eExtra's Kuiertyd And Surprising Development Cennet: The Power Of Destiny And HONEY Make It To The Top 10

Presenting the reader's 10 most viewed stories of 2023

1. Development Alert: Wie Laaste Lag Currently Streaming On eVOD + Coming Soon To eExtra

2. Afrikaans Voice Actors For Roekeloos Dade, Annekan Die Swa Kry And Ramo

3. Reminder: Doodsondes Returns For A Fifth Season Likely After Roekeloos Dade On e.tv

4. New Series Alert: Powerbirds And Robin Hood Currently Airing On eToonz

5. Nigeria: Kwara TV Broadcast For The First Time On StarTimes, FreeTV And Soon On DStv + International Expansion Are On The Cards

6. New Series Alert: Telemundo To Debut First Turkish Drama Cennet: The Power Of Destiny Across Africa This October

7. New Series Alert: Soete Wraak Coming Soon To eVOD

8. Its The Moment You've All Been Waiting For NickToons Africa Debuts The New Series From Monday 13 November At 13:30 CAT Along With Breadwinners On Monday 6 November At 15:35 CAT Plus A Nick Jr Block For The Preschoolers So Much Is In Store For The Little Ones In November 2017

9. Channel Termination: HONEY To Go Dark On DStv From 31 October 2023

10. New Series Alert: As Expected, Roekeloos Dade Is Rolling Out On eExtra In The Coming Months

Notes

• Kuiertyd occupies the most spots in the top 10 (5) and Everyday Novelas offers 6 (including Cennet).

• eToonz's Powerbirds was the most popular kids show or better yet Regular Nick attraction.

• Nicktoons has the oldest post on the list which dates back to 2017.

• Roekeloos Dade has been the most mentions (3)

Development Alert: eMedia Investments Might Be Looking To Rebrand eVOD To eVOD Stream

eVOD is a South African based streaming service operated by eMedia Investments that offers Lou

Iocally produced and inyern home to e.tv and eExtra. It competes against existing platforms like Disney's Disney+, MultiChoice's Showmax, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

During the year, MultiChoice opted to rebrand the DStv app to DStv Stream as a means to sort of divide it from the linear counterpart and Showmax. Now it appears as if eMedia Investments is looking to do the same as several posters featuring the eVOD Stream logo has been shared across their platforms.

Similar to how Apple TV+, SABC+ and Paramount+ took the plus from Disney+ playbook. eMedia Investments seems to have taken a similar turn with MultiChoice's DStv Stream not only with the name but colour as well.

eVOD Stream is available with a red logo in some areas but a majority are featured with the blue. I get some would point to eNCA but DStv incorporated this colour since it's inception while eMedia had to browse several designs before finding their place with the red logo.

Although nothing has been said about the possible new name, let's not forget about how Openview got a facelift from the HD. There was no marketing done over the rebrand and removal of HD from the name and I wouldn't be shocked if the same outcome awaited eVOD Stream.

My estimated guess is that the eVOD Stream trademark will rollout sometime in 2024. Various content from the streamer is seen using this logo including Blink Kant Bo, Christmas Without Gogo and the upcoming Die Agentskap.

New Series Alert: Die Agentskap Coming Soon To eVOD

eVOD is South African based streaming service home to a variety of locally produced and international productions will be following fellow competitor kykNET & Kie and launch their first new Turkish drama for 2024 titled Die Agentskap (Menajerimi Ara).

Four managers of talent agency Ego, namely Kıraç, Feris, Çınar and Peride, deal with difficult situations every day and defend their business visions. They skillfully combine art and business, but their private and professional lives sometimes come into conflict. 

Based on the French series Dix Pour Cent, it starred Kıraç Özdal as Barış Falay, Çınar Bilgin as Fatih Artman, Dicle Ertem as Ahsen Eroğlu, Barış Havas as Deniz Can Aktaş, Peride Şener as Ayşenil Şamlıoğlu and Feris Dikmen as Canan Ergüder.

It debuted by August 2020 on Star TV with a total of 45 episodes each with a 150 duration. Star TV is known for shows like Kuzgun (Voëlvry), Erkenci Kuş (Droomvelore), İstanbullu Gelin (Deur Dik En Dun) and Cesur ve Güzel (Die Vreemdeling).

The first 7 episodes will be available to stream weekly on eVOD from January 10 and weirdly enough not much marketing from the eMedia department. Similar to most productions on the platform, it will be added on other platforms soon.

News Shorts: Moonbug And Toikido Commune For PeaKeeBoo, Cape Town TV To Debut New Edutainment Series Side Hustle Susters And Doodsondes Season 5 (And Likely Season 6) Linear Release Date Reportedly Revealed

A new short form series debuts on YouTube

London’s Moonbug Entertainment and British toyco Toikido are embarking on a franchise-building partnership for a new short series called PeaKeeBoo. 

The preschool project, featuring 2D animation with CG-animated backgrounds, will star three tiny creatures (Pea, Kee and Boo) who are enthralled by all of the sights and sounds of nature. Moonbug is producing a 30 x one-minute first season that’s already slated for a global premiere sometime in 2024 on its Moonbug Kids YouTube channel (10.4 million subscribers).  

The companies are now working out a 360-degree franchise strategy for PeaKeeBoo, with plans to eventually launch toys, books, apparel, playsets and games. 

Cape Town TV announces their first show for the year

'Side Hustle Susters – van passie tot profyt’ is an Afrikaans edutainment female empowerment show by women for women, created by Dee Theart (who is also the presenter of the show), in conjunction with Cape Town TV.

The show confronts the scarcity of female jobs by educating and inspiring women to pursue their own business ventures. Every episode includes a weekly “side hustle suster” (female entrepreneur guest) and a weekly female business coach/expert guest talking about various business topics. The female narrative will be at the centre of the conversation.

Season 1 is set to air in early 2024.

Doodsondes season 5 and 6 (final) to debut on eExtra???

During the year, eMedia Investments mysteriously shelved the final seasons to the FOX original Doodsondes (Yasak Elma) to eVOD. With the first two seasons broadcast on eExtra only for the other two seasons to end up on e.tv with questions surrounding the finals.

According to sources, Doodsondes Season 5 is scheduled to air from the 1st of April. So the only show we know that is ending closer to that period is Roekeloos Dade (30 March) and if accurate we might have uncovered the first replacement to one of their current shows.

Synopsis for Doodsondes Season 5:

Six months have passed since the explosion in Hasan Ali's house. After the explosion, Ender and Yıldız were injured, while Hasan Ali passed away. After the investigation, it is understood that Hasan Ali's enemies carried out the bombing and the case is closed.

Recap To The Month: eMedia Investments Produced A Short Film On Smoke & Mirrors Titled KwaNgonyama: The Movie Slated To Air On eMovies And eMovies Extra

During the week, it was learnt by news outlets that e.tv would be axing Nikiwe after its current season. After debuting earlier in the year in place of Durban Gen, the series was struggling to garner any traction as it lost 500,000 viewers just a month after its debut.

e.tv failed to properly publicise the series which played a part in its downfall and in recent years this has become a norm for most local broadcasters as the channel appears to downsizing it's efforts towards their content.

Smoke & Mirrors was also unveiled earlier in the year as a replacement for Imbewu and unlike Nikiwe had become a ratings success with consumers. As it served as the 4th most watched show on e.tv while Nikiwe struggled to maintain its position within the top 20 viewership.

They produced a short film titled KwaNgonyama: The Movie that is slated to air on eMovies and eMovies Extra and also stream on eVOD. But eMedia Investments doesn't seem to care that much about marketing the content which is watched by millions of households.

Press statement on the film

A close-up look into the life of Caesar Ngonyama

This December Smoke & Mirrors takes us to the Eastern Cape in the region of Kwa Bhaca. Caesar heads back to confront a threatening situation, his home is under attack. There, we get to meet the character of Bhele, the man responsible for his father’s death.

As a personal war erupts in the Eastern Cape, bullets start flying and bodies drop. With the assistance of Ngcuka, Caesar affirms his position as the alpha of his world. But why did he become the man that he is? To give us valuable insight into the complex life of Caesar, a short film was produced to air on

eMovies and eMovies Extra, while Caesar’s storyline unfolds on e.tv.

Smoke & Mirrors airs weeknights at 9PM

Everyday Novelas Shorts: Skeem Saam Undergoing Timeslot Changes On SABC 1, Ratings Flop Nikiwe To End With 1 Season On e.tv, eExtra And Star Life To Hit A New Low With Respective Rebroadcast Of Weaving A Tale Of Love And The Evil Eye

Skeem Saam is being repositioned

Entertainment commentator, Mlu reports that the SABC1 soapie, Skeem Saam will be changed from 18:30 slot to 19:30 from 2024.

The soapie will be competing with e.tv’s most-watched soapie Scandal!, and Mzansi Magic’s latest telenovela, My Brother’s Keeper.

Viewers of the youth soapie are concerned the show will lose viewers as Scandal! owns the timeslot with an average of 5 million viewers per month and continuously changes storylines.

A fan-favourite is coming back to Star Life

The Evil Eye follows Mohana, a 250-year-old Daayan, lives off of humans' life-force to stay young. However, when she sets her evil eye on the Rathod family, trouble and misfortune follow them everywhere. It dwells on family, drama, romance, supernatural and horror.

It will broadcast on 18 December replacing Mismatched.

Nikiwe is getting canned on e.tv

"The show launched in April 2023 and filled the 18:30 slot. Unfortunately, the show has not continued to deliver anticipated ratings. The channel continually reviews programmes and storylines to ensure we give our viewers the best local entertainment. Further information regarding the replacement show will be shared soon."

It lost 500,000 viewers just a month after its debut.

Nikiwe which will end sometime in early 2024 on e.tv and its streaming service eVOD also starred Muzi Mthabela, Clementine Mosimane, Kenneth Nkosi and Israel Matseke Zulu.

eExtra is cutting down on new programs

A few months ago, eExtra in a bizarre twist added a primetime repeat of Annekan Die Swa Kry at 17:05 which comes 5 minute after it airs on e.tv. Now it will be airing a rebroadcast to one of their most recent shows Weaving A Tale Of Love from Wednesday 20 December.

The last time this happened was with the Zee TV line-up viewed on weekday afternoons and this lasted about a year before adding new episodes of Surrender In Love and Twist Of Fate. Now the channel appears to be following a similar route with the Asian line-up.

Afrikaans Voice Actors For Wie Laaste Lag

Nadia Beuke as Esra

Johan Joobert as Ilan

Donovan Pietersen as Cinar

Claudia Jones as Çagla 

Eloise Cupido as Menekse

Rowlen Ethelbert von Gericke as Ekrem

Henrietta Gryffenberg as Zümrut

Mila Guy as Elif

Karin Retief as Reyhan

Kevin Smith as Yalçin

Sue Tyler as Feraye

Bernice Du Toit as Zeynep

Gustav Gerdener as Musa

Bertha La Roux as Neriman

Source: Die Afrikaans Voice Page and Insidus Plus

Recap To Last Year: OUTtv Standalone Streaming Service Is On The Horizon In South Africa

Last year, it was reported that a standalone streamer for the OUTtv brand would be made available in South Africa. This comes after its expansion to the US, UK and Australia of course various details about the yet to be launched streamer has yet to be announced.

During the year, eMedia Investments rolled out OUTtv as one of their first pay-tv channels on Openview Ultra alongside FUSE, Zee Family and Star Select. After MultiChoice opted not to add the gay TV channel as a permanent addition further content was viewable on Showmax.

Similar to Paramount+ and Max, consumers are still awaiting details from OUTtv about the streamer's rollout in the region. With some theories over its delayed launch having to do with existing agreements with eMedia Investments and MultiChoice over their content.

Another theory that also came to mind was sustainability, Paramount+ hasn't been profitable even after rolling out in parts of Europe and Peacock which serves as another streamer opted for partnerships with various local broadcasters in order to stay afloat.

An OUTtv streaming service might not really be sustainable in South Africa considering that a majority of households or in eMedia's case low income struggle to access premium services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, Showmax and Netflix.

If anything, OUTtv might look into getting local partnerships for the yet to be launched streamer. One of the theories that would come to mind would be another collaboration with eMedia Investments which would see several content from the channel stream under eVOD.

OUTtv exists as an add-on through Openview and a similar outcome might await eVOD. There's a portion of consumers that view content from this channel as "offensive" and others that might look to divest from the streamer should content from the brand get added to eVOD.