NEW SERIES ALERT!!! Iron Man: Armored Adventures (Play Room) + Doodloopstraat (eVOD) + Uthando Lukamama (VIU)

This is incoming if you're viewer in South Africa, as you already heard Play Room, VIU and eVOD has rolled out new content in the new month without any notice to the media and they go as follows:

Iron Man: Armored Adventures S2 (Play Room)

The series follows the adventures of a younger version of Tony Stark and his alter ego of Iron Man. As Iron Man, he uses his technological inventions to fight other similarly technologically advanced threats. His friends James "Rhodey" Rhodes and Pepper Potts help him on his courageous and dangerous adventures.

Broadcast on Disney XD, Iron Man: Armored Adventures consists of 26 episodes and features Black Widow, Hawkeye, Doctor Doom, Magneto, and Justin Hammer appear in this season.

Doodloopstraat (eVOD, Turkey)

Cennet marries Yılmaz, whom she fell in love with, and comes to Istanbul from her village as a bride and as a result of their marriage, they have three children. Division ensues amongst the children as their dad is blamed for her death in a letter she had written prior to her passing which leds to a search for the truth and self discovery.

Broadcast on TRT1 as Yürek Çıkmazı, it starred Ayça Bingöl as Cennet Tekin, Alp Navruz as Halil Tekin, İrem Helvacıoğlu as Av. Zeynep Önder, Mesut Akusta as Yılmaz Tekin, Bihter Dinçel as Birsen Karataş, Dilara Aksüyek as Feride Büyükdere.

Uthando Lukamama (VIU, Brazilian)

Lurdes, Vitória and Thelma are three women from different social classes that live their dilemmas as mothers. Lurdes is a struggling woman who is in search for her child after her ex-husband sold them to a child trafficker. Vitória becomes an unexpected single mother following a one night stand. Thelma is an overprotective mom who discovers that she has an incurable brain aneurysm.

Broadcast on Globo TV as Amor De Mãe, it starred Regina Casé as Lurdes dos Santos Silva, Adriana Esteves as Thelma Nunes Viana, Taís Araújo as Vitória Amorim, Isis Valverde as Betina Torres da Nóbrega, Humberto Carrão as Sandro Amorim Camargo and Chay Suede as Danilo Lopes Viana.

Afrikaans Voice Actors For Gelukbringers

Is eMedia Investments Betting It's Future On eVOD As Cable Starts To Erode?

eVOD is a South African based streaming service operated by eMedia Investments that distributes locally produced and international content. It is currently rivalling with MultiChoice's Showmax, Netflix, VIU and Amazon Prime Video who offer an alternative and expansive lineup.

As seen in 2024, eMedia Investments decided to shutter both OUTtv and FUSE from Openview's pay-tv add-on Ultraview after broadcasting for less than a year. Further content from these brands had been allocated on the eVOD streaming service under a hub known as OUTtv Proud.

eMedia Investments hadn't stated why these channels were offloaded from Openview but if we had to guess the fault may have fallen on current market conditions. As it stands, their competitors DStv has seen a dip in subscriptions and Ultraview is struggling to find it's flock with those consumers.

At this stage, we wouldn't be shocked if the remaining lineup of Ultraview which comprise of Zee Family and Star Select were to join OUTtv on eVOD if not shut down. Bollywood programming has resonated with Openview viewers and eVOD was built on consumer's preferences.

Of course, what's interesting about OUTtv's integration with streaming is that all the content has been locked away from Openview consumers. It comes on eVOD at no additional charge but to date none of the content has yet to make entry on eMedia's linear platforms.

This is what consumers had already seen with local dramas Stout, uMbali and Splintered Pieces so I can only assume similar to Showmax, eMedia Investments is trying to give eVOD some independence. They don't want consumers to regard it as a repeats or catch-up service like SABC+ so they're banking on new content.

eMedia Investments had boasted about turning eVOD into the Netflix of South Africa and that could as well mean curating content specifically for the platform.

This trend had been seen with Disney+ and ABC, Max and HBO even Showmax and M-Net so it would only seem logical for eMedia Investments to follow soon. They do operate 8 channels (4 of which are on DStv) each with their own offering so again it's not shocking that eVOD would gain some independence.

With the government looking to turn off analogue signals in the coming future, eMedia Investments is expected to see a dip in ad revenue. I can only imagine similar to Showmax, they're looking to make eVOD profitable even if that means taking a chunk of content away from Openview.

Bloedspoor, An Emmy Awarded TV Series To Stream On eVOD In January 2025

eVOD, a South African based streaming service operated by eMedia Investments home to brands such as e.tv, eNCA and Openview had unveiled a new Turkish drama Bloedspoor. After being teased by sources earlier in the year, Bloedspoor (Yargi) will be debuting on the streaming service by January 2025.

The series unfolds love stories among lawyers and judges, adding a layer of emotion to the intense courtroom drama. The series starts when Ilgaz (Kaan Urgancıoğlu), a respected public prosecutor, and Ceylin (Pınar Deniz), a young attorney, cross paths due to a murder case, and are forced to work together in order to uncover the real culprit behind the event that caused irreversible changes in both of their lives.

Kaan Urgancıoğlu has made appearances in other shows such as Bittersoet which had been broadcast on eExtra while Pinar Deniz had been seen in The Red Room which was picked up by SABC 3. Other stars to join the new series include Uğur Polat, Uğur Aslan, Hüseyin Avni Danyal and Mehmet Yılmaz Ak.

Named the Best Telenovela at the 51st International Emmy Awards in New York City in 2023 filming for Bloedspoor wrapped up earlier in the year after three seasons. Ay Yapım that served as the production company for Bloedspoor offered Fenix, Voëlvry and Impak the latter which was licensed by eMedia Investments.

In other developments, Elif is set to conclude in February 2025 after its 5 year run on eExtra this would leave Blink Kant Bo as the only ongoing series as Annekan Die Swa Kry is set to conclude on e.tv in the coming months.

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.