Insidus

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Conspiracy Theory: The Introduction To Nick Jr. Global

Nick Jr. is an international preschool brand basically a division set by Paramount for audiences below Nickelodeon's demographic which serves to inspire, educate and offer safe content for kids and families alike.

I don't watch Nick Jr. probably because I'm no longer their target audience or my brain capacity has evolved to such a point where you can spot the PBS and FOX.

Anyways the shows I'm sure viewers would be familiar with include Dora The Explorer, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Corn & Peg, Santiago Of The Seas, Shimmer And Shine, Nella The Princess Knight and Blaze And The Monster Machines.

As seen in the past years, cable has seen a decline internationally with MultiChoice bleeding in not only Premium but Compact consumers as well following the continuous hikes in their subscription and cutback in premium channels.

Insidus Games:
- Johnny Bravo: Big Babe Adventure
- Lego Star Wars
- Trace On
- The Lion King
- Garfield 2: Royal Adventure
- Legend Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

As seen with The Walt Disney Company, they have been shuttering several National Geographic, FOX and Disney Channels globally with plans to close 100 of them underway questions amount to when or if other players like Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount will follow.

Although there hasn't been much cord cutting on Paramount's side or at least like The House Of Mouse - a plaque. There has been a couple of hints which point to the demise of their offering and in this case, Nick Jr.

Despite the bloodbath of cable consumers, preschool content seems to be managing alright in this era where consumers instead of opting to Twitter or Instagram are more comfortable writing messages and watching news on the telly

Paramount is currently expanding their streaming service to more markets and fact is they're investing in more content from this platform most of these funds which went to the likes of Comedy Central and Nickelodeon are now joint with Paramount+.

As far as linear goes, Paramount has made several adjustments kind of like how MTV and several Nicktoons have been globalised even Nick Jr. seems to have adapted to the two brands. This may seem normal to some audiences but here are the setbacks.

Nick Jr. having to share a feed with several regions especially those with censorship means viewers will miss out on a content and continuing on there less money will be thrown into the fire. In this case, Nick Jr. as not much new content will be added as seen in previous years.

Regular Nick:
- CBeebies picks up second season to Tish And Tash
- Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
- We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
- January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
- January on Disney Channel
- January on Da Vinci Kids

At the moment, Nick Jr. still remains as a go-to-destination for preschoolers but the moment it's started learning from its sister channel Nicktoons that's when you can actually countdown the days of its demise.

I mean hardly anyone views Nicktoons in the same manner as Nickelodeon if anything the brand is more relevant for nostalgia which might as well be the future for Nick Jr. as more consumers abandon their TV sets.

Roundups #123: DreamWorks To Rollout New Local Production Inspiration Station, The Kelly Clarkson Show To Make It's Free-To-Air Debut On SABC 3 And Till Jail Do Us Apart Still Not Accessible In The African Market

DreamWorks investing in its first local production for the market

INSPIRATION STATION
Bringing local youth talent to the screen.
Opportunity for children to connect more deeply with DreamWorks on DSTV.

Aimed at kids ages six to 12, the series (six x 22 minutes) is hosted by two boys, Tanaka and Aaron, who discuss topical issues with other children from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The hosts will also explore the stories behind award-winning DreamWorks Animation series and films. Inspiration Station Africa will premiere from 13 January 2023, with a new episode airing weekly on the Universal+ SVOD in Latin America and on the DreamWorks channel available via African broadcaster DStv.

Broadcast: Friday 13th of January 2023 to Sunday 19th of February
Times: Fridays at 5.05pm, Saturdays at 8.35am, 4.35pm, Sunday at 9.05am, 7.35pm

Kelly Clarkson is coming to S3

A few years ago, the public broadcaster cancelled The Real Talk With Anele since then S3 has been funneling the schedule with rebroadcasts. As seen in their showcase, the SABC transitioned to video entertainment and is looking to reinventing their offering.

As such the team acquired the talk show The Kelly Clarkson Show where the singer brings her gift of connection to a fun and funny hour each weekday, offering heartwarming stories, live musical performances, games and surprises.

M-Net acquired the show when it broadcast in 2018 and offered an open window to other consumers but didn't bother to give consumers a chance to view the Emmy Award winner now leaving consumers to flee to SABC 3 by January 2023.

DStv Flex:
- What to expect this January on Curiosity Channel?
- What to expect this January on The Home Channel?
- Reyka renewed for season 2 on M-Net
- What to expect this January on Qwest TV?
- Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
- What to expect this January on TNT?

Kate Del Castillo stars in this female led drama

Ángela, Viri, Esme and Sofía hate each other. When their husbands wind up in jail for stealing millions from the biggest drug lord in Miami, the foursome ends up on the street at his mercy. As they adapt to their new lives, the wives must work together to survive.

The show is currently streaming on NBCUniversal's Peacock which still hasn't been made available in South Africa and the rest of Africa but the DStv friendly version of the service Universal+ launched a while back.

As seen with Paramount+ and HBO Max, several content have been made for available for linear viewing and questions amount to how Till Jail Do Us Apart would rollout on a brand like Telemundo or pass down to Universal since it's more short form.

Everyday Novelas:
- Televisa's Fall Into Temptation rolls out in Nigeria
- Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
- Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
- Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
- Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
- Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Conspiracy Theory: kykNET Lekker Has Been Made Available To More DStv Customers

Launched earlier in 2020, kykNET Lekker is a general entertainment channel operated by M-Net catered to DStv Access complied the best of kykNET programmes, including soaps, lifestyle shows, children’s entertainment and music shows.

Some notable shows include the soap operas Binnelanders and Suidooster alongside other shows like Jou Show Met Emo, Kry Daai Luf and Kom Ons Karaoke. Just like Mzansi Wethu, a children's block but more updated was added to the lineup of content.

As advised before around the time:

"kykNET Lekker joins other kykNET channels to showcase Afrikaans content on an affordable and accessible package for DStv subscribers. It will become the home of a variety of the best Afrikaans programs from the kykNET vault and will only be available on the DStv Access package," says Karen Meiring, director of kykNET channels.

DStv:
- Could Russia Today be removed from the DStv platform?
- Qwest TV coming soon to Showmax
- fliekNET to make a comeback this festive season
- Why DStv Premium customers might lose out on a certain new channel?
- eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on the DStv platform
- VH1 making a comeback on DStv

Two years later, even more DStv customers can have access to the bulk of repeats I'm aware of Compact, I'm certain Family customers have it not sure about Premium, Compact+ and Easyview. But from what was understood the only reason it wasn't found on these platforms had to do with repeats.

As the festive season kicks in, MultiChoice decides that now would be the perfect occasion to open up kykNET Lekker on top of returning fliekNET to its original state - pop up which kind of begs the question.

Why is kykNET Lekker even available on the necessary packages? Could it have something to do with viewership I mean only a certain hand of consumers would even watch anything similar to 7de Laan I mean ratings was never much of a hassle after all we have Magic Showcase on Easyview but one has to wonder why is it visible.

Is it possible that it could be permanent addition or an experimental open window seeing as brands like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon have open windows on certain packages with the DStv website updated to include these channels but not kykNET Lekker.

Expanding onto the experimental, is it possible that MultiChoice is looking at how consumers would view these low mass channel and if successful might keep it onboard full-time and possibly look into expanding the reach of other low mass channels e.g. BBC UKTV.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Roundups #122: CBeebies Picks Up Second Season To Tish And Tash, Soete Wraak Eyeing An Early 2023 Debut On eExtra And AIT Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Televisa's Falling Into Temptations

CBeebies renews this preschool series for another season

London-based distributor CAKE brokered the presale deal for co-producers Studio Gale (South Korea), August Media Holdings (Singapore) and Karrot Entertainment (UK). CBeebies is in for an additional 52 x five minutes of the series, bringing its total episode count up to 104.

Aimed at three-to five-year-olds, Tish Tash revolves around the adventures of a young bear, her imaginary friend and her family as they turn everyday experiences—like boring car rides and cheering up a baby—into fun problem-solving moments.

Tish Tash premiered on South Korean pubcaster EBS in 2020. CAKE picked up worldwide distribution rights in fall 2020 and sold season one to both CBeebies and ABC Australia.

Regular Nick:
- Best & Bester coming soon to Nicktoons
- We Baby Bears currently the only original program on Cartoon Network
- January on Cartoon Network and Boomerang
- January on Disney Channel
- January on Disney Junior
- January on Da Vinci Kids

A brand new romcom is making its way to eExtra's Kuiertyd

eVOD is streaming services operated by eMedia Investments which is home to various current and upcoming local alongside international productions. As seen through various, Soete Wraak (Tatlı İntikam) will be making to eExtra by early 2023 possibly to replace Verdeelde Liefde.

Soete Wraak follows the story of two people who were together in college. Sinan has fallen in love with Pelin but he rejected his feelings and insulted her in front of all. They two meet each other again after many years and Pelin asks Sinan for help to change her fate and the situation brings them together. Pelin and Sinan both are in love, but faces many consequences.

Leyla Lydia Tuğutlu and Furkan Andıç take on the leading roles with the assistances of other actors such as İlker Kızmaz, Zeyno Günenç, Kerem Atabeyoğlu, Ayşenil Şamlıoğlu and Ayşenil Şamlıoğlu.

eExtra Updates:
- Die Vertroueling coming soon to eExtra
- Charlize Theron faces backlash over the Afrikaans language
- eExtra alongside the 3 other channels to go dark on the DStv platform
- Vierspel Vuurspel getting a Romanian adaptation
- kykNET Vs. eExtra: MultiChoice purposed attempt at replacing Kuiertyd

TLNovelas is still lagging behind

TLNovelas launched in the African market by mid 2020 and since then the channel has been far behind with Las Estrellas and TLNovelas in Mexico alongside various African broadcasters in uploading fresh content so Nigerian broadcaster scoops up rights to Falling Into Temptation (Caer En Tentación).

Raquel and Damián are happily married with two children. Destiny leads Damián to meet Carolina and feels an undeniable attraction towards her. Until a fatal accident leads one to disappear on the scene. During the investigation by the police, their spouses learn that their spouses are lovers.

Silvia Navarro stars as Raquel, Carlos Ferro stars as Santiago, José Manuel Rincón stars as Nicholas, Gabriel Soto stars as Damián and Adriana Louvier stars as Adriana Louvier.

Everyday Novelas:
- Prediction: What to expect on Telemundo by next year?
- Prediction: eBolly to rollout on the Openview platform
- Prediction: What to expect on TLNovelas by next year?
- Carmen And Razia Sultan coming soon to Zee One and Zee World
- Laxmi and more content awaiting launch on Star Life
- Daai Crazy Somer coming soon to e.tv

Roundups #121: More Amazing World Of Gumball Coming Soon To Cartoon Network, Meet In Love Returning For A Second Season On Zee World And Also Returning For A Second Season Is The eVOD Original Production uMbali

The Amazing World might have been renewed for a season 7???

In September 2021, we learnt that Gumball was getting a movie and a series. Jump to present day and no details about these projects have been revealed. In fact, the movie's fate got worse as it was revealed to not be moving forward on HBO Max unless another streaming service picks it up.

Nothing had been stated about the series but there's now we have confirmation that new content is coming soon and it comes from an employee that works on Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.

Here's what they say in a post on LinkedIn:

I'm excited and very proud to be series producing The Amazing World Of Gumball for a season 7 for Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe. Watch out for job opportunities in 2023.

But it just leads to further questions is this season 7 related to the new series or is it just a continuation of the original series.

Meet In Love 2 coming in 2023 to Zee World

During the month, we've unveiled a demo-sized version of what to expect on Zee World in the coming future and as advised we'd share more content soon with others only when the channel is willing to announce them beforehand. Now we turn to the B-sides of 2023 with Meet In Love 2.

Meet Hooda, a spirited young tomboyish girl from Haryana who is the sole breadwinner of her family but also breaks societal rule books of gender roles by serving as a delivery agent. Her father was a police officer who sacrificed his life while in service, due to which Meet takes up all the responsibilities of her house.

In the upcoming season which hails one year later Meet (now Manjari Desai) hails from Vadodara to find her baby. She is all set to take seek revenge from Manushi, Kunal and Masoom for taking away her family, husband and child.

uMbali is making a comeback on eVOD

Season 1 of the eVOD local production launched later in the year and appears to be well recieved by the fans of eVOD. Although, no air date had been shared for e.tv ahead of its linear debut is the rollout the second season.

Starring Diana Maseko, Phumzile Kubeka and Sthandile Nkosi.

In the season 2 debut, Mbali's sugar daddy Robert in jail and facing financial ruin, is kicked out of the plush mansion and plunged back into desperate poverty, where she must move back home and live with her mother and conceited sister.

Openview Plus:
- Reviewing major changes coming soon to the SABC
- The Game Of My Destiny a brand new Turkish drama unveiled by Global Agency
- The Rebel Princess coming soon to eExtra
- A look at former NBC soap, Passions
- Die Vertroueling coming soon to eExtra
- Barbie: It Takes Two and Thomas And Friends: All Engines Go! coming soon to eToonz

Insidus Games Presents One Of Childhoods Forgotten Classics Where's Waldo Now?

In Where’s Wally Now?, join the world’s most famous striped traveller as he journeys across time and space. Test your observational skills in a series of classic search-and-find levels that explore the Pyramids up to the Future in a game perfectly adapted to short gaming sessions. In each level, play mini-games with Wally’s friends and foes including Woof and Odlaw, and progress through the game to unlock bonus content and earn achievements. Stripe seekers, now is your chance, travel in time and find Wally!

Download Now

Reminder: Ash's Journey On e.tv To End In 2023 With A 13 Episode Story Arc Ahead Of New Series

After 25 long years, Ash Ketchum’s journey to become the Pokémon world champion is complete, and his story is drawing to a close. Following the conclusion of the show’s 25th season in March 2023, The Pokémon Company will premiere the next chapter in its 2D-animated franchise’s story worldwide without its iconic trainer or his loyal companion, Pikachu.

The upcoming Pokémon saga (which doesn’t have a title yet) will follow the adventures of a new pair of lead characters—named Liko and Roy in the Japanese broadcast—who travel across the region of Paldea to discover new Pokémon and battle skilled trainers. The anime series will feature new creatures from the 2022 Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, including grass cat Sprigatito, fire croc Fuecoco and duckling Quaxly.

Before the new series debuts, the final 11-episode chapter of Ash and Pikachu’s journey will roll out weekly in Japan starting on January 13. These episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series will feature a cast of returning monsters and characters, including Ash’s friends Misty and Brock, and it’s also meant to hint at what’s in store for the long-running show’s protagonist after the curtain falls.

The first season of the Pokémon anime series debuted in the US in 1998, and the brand’s content canon now features more than 1,200 main series episodes and 23 feature films. The show currently airs exclusively in the US on Netflix, which has been hungry for more Pokémon content. In August, the streamer purchased global rights to the 2D-animated special Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles, and it picked up CG-animated movie Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution in 2020.

Beyond animation, The Pokémon Company International is also developing an unscripted live-action series based on the property’s long-running trading card game.

Insidus Games:
- Johnny Bravo: Big Babe Adventure
- Lego Star Wars
- Trace On
- The Lion King
- Garfield 2: Royal Adventure
- Legend Of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse

Monday, December 19, 2022

eAfrica Vs. BBC UKTV: Another Attempt To Auction Off Second Hand Goods

eAfrica was a Pan-African feed of the current e.tv channel seen by South African consumers where they'd serve up current local dramas like Scandal, House Of Zwide, Imbewu and Durban Gen alongside other content to various platforms in neighbouring countries.

Aside from local dramas, eAfrica offered selected movies, series and kids shows from e.tv but it wasn't only a duplicate for the e.tv channel as its lineup featured content Openview consumers would have come across on various e.tv channels particularly eExtra and eReality.

Now BBC UKTV is set to join the list of channels probably by next month latest January 2023 to turn second hand goods into fresh goods as it offers a lineup of content from reality shows such as Live At The Apollo and The Graham Norton Show to drama series like My Family and Casualty.

eMedia Investments:
- Prediction: eToonz to get an additional channel
- Could Openview+ lead to 24 hour capability of these channels?
- eToonz schedule explained
- Housewives has been scrapped from e.tv's lineup
- eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on DStv
- Charlize Theron opinion over the Afrikaans language

It will even feature wildlife, lifestyle and kiddies programming (part of which can't be accessed on DStv as they don't supply BBC Kids).

On the upside, consumers won't spend should they use the Openview platform and with DStv more consumers are likely to downgrade or join the rival platforms if it means they'll be paying less and viewing the same content. At this point, it's not about getting the latest content but finding something edible.

Openview:
- Alternatives to News And Sport Channel
- BYUTV - another alternative to eToonz
- Why Openview competitor is a free-to-view Netflix?
- Openview to come with monthly fees
- Glow TV to be replaced by eBolly (prediction)
- DMAX rolls out in the African market (prediction)

While South Africa was able to get eAfrica in seperate components. eMedia was able to take advantage of those restrictions by using the channel to promote several content seen on eExtra (with Qubool Hai and The Heir) and eReality (with Botched and Forensic Files).

Channels like these are starting to become a necessity I mean folks overseas have gotten used to format and such has responded well with their audiences as it cutbacks on repeats and boosts the amount of fresh content.