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.

What To Expect On History Channel Across Africa In December 2023?

Brand New & Exclusive FOOTPRINTS OF CIVILISATION

2 December 

Saturdays at 19h25 

In our technologically advanced modern age, it’s easy to forget the enormous debt we owe the ancient world. The concept of democracy was developed by the Ancient Greeks, everything we know about space began with the Babylonians, and the roots of the binary system that drives today’s computers can be found in Ancient Egypt. The legacies left behind by the civilizations which developed around the Mediterranean, as long as 5000 years ago, have become the foundations of much of what we take for granted today. 

Repeat: Sunday 18h35

Brand New & Exclusive BEYOND SKINWALKER RANCH S1

22 December 

Weekdays at 21h05 

Skinwalker Ranch is now widely considered to be ground zero for UAP (or UFO) activity and high strangeness. Since 2020, Dr. Travis Taylor along with Erik Bard, and their investigative team, have been working around the clock to collect, analyse and decode as much data as possible associated with the phenomenon occurring at the site. Their experiments have yielded amazing results, but not enough to fully unlock the secret of the ranch. So, for the first time ever they’ve decided to expand their search for answers. In an effort to gain a broader perspective and build larger data sets, the Skinwalker team is adding two team members and taking the offensive by pursuing evidence of similar phenomena found at analogous sites around the US. No longer content to sit, waiting to be targeted...it’s time to go Beyond Skinwalker Ranch. 

Repeat: Next day 10h15

Brand New & Exclusive EMPIRE BUILDERS S2

24 December 

Sundays at 20h15 

Empire Builders is an epic series that brings to life some of the ‘Great Empires’. Each episode visits the most significant sites that have defined their achievements and legacy; 100 historic sites in all, discovering how they were built, for what purpose, and what they reveal about each empire’s rise and fall. Combining CGI and dramatic reconstructions with insights from history experts, Empire Builders reveals the story of extraordinary empires that are still shaping the way we live our lives today. Stories include the Ancient Greeks, the Inca, the Pacific, China, Netherlands and Mexico. 

Repeats: Saturday 21h05

Brand New & Exclusive ANCIENT EMPIRES

26 December 

Tuesdays at 19h25 

Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra were three of the most iconic, powerful and brilliant leaders in ancient history. Their lives and legacies still shape our world today. Their names are well known, but their stories have never been told like this before. To survive and succeed they had to be unique, strategic, ruthless and charming. The story of their epic lives reveals just what it takes to rule over an Ancient Empire. 

Repeat: Next Day 11h45

BIBLE SECRETS REVEALED

3 December 

Sundays at 12h55 

Bible Secrets Revealed explores the mysteries and reveals the hidden facts about the most read book in human history. This six-episode series features stunning on-location photography, compelling re-enactments and insightful interviews with scholars, archaeologists and religious leaders - offering an eye-opening journey into the pages of the word of God.

PART 1: THE LAWS OF GOD

Sunday at 12h55

PART 2: THE LAWS OF MAN

Sunday at 13h45

24 December Sunday at 12h55 

This two-part special examines the three different – and sometimes contradictory – biblical accounts of Moses on the Mount, and then looks at each of the 10 Commandments in historical context.

“Part 1: The Laws of God” looks at adultery, perjury, murder, theft , graven images, Sabbath laws and coveting. What did they men then? Do they mean anything today? Also examined are the other 603 commandments prescribed by Moses that took a backseat to the more famous first 10. What was in these commandments and why have they been largely forgotten?

“Part 2: The Laws of Man” investigates that both Exodus and Deuteronomy tell us that Moses brought down these commandments in the form of two tablets. The first commandments deal with God and the second set of commandments, sometimes called the ‘Laws of Man’, provided society with the means of living with one another. We take a close look at these last commandments and see how they’ve translated into our modern legal system.

Brand New CRUCIFIXION

31 December 

Sunday at 12h55 

Since the Romans chose this as their method to execute Jesus Christ, most people wrongly associate crucifixion as a strictly sacred or religious symbol. In fact, crucifixions didn’t start with the Romans. About 500 years earlier, the first documented account of crucifixion occurred when the Persian King Darius crucified 3,000 political opponents in Babylon. This two-hour special examines how crucifixion has travelled across history, empires, cultures...and is even still in use today.

PBS KIDS Greenlights Its First Series Built Around Autistic Characters

PBS KIDS has commissioned Fuzzytown Productions and Spiffy Pictures to produce Carl the Collector, its first series featuring a cast of characters who are on the autism spectrum.

Set for a fall 2024 premiere, this 2D-animated concept for four- to eight-year-olds was created by New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Zachariah OHora (My Cousin Momo).

Carl the Collector centers around an autistic raccoon who is smart and energetic, but who struggles with anxiety in new situations and when things don’t go according to plan. He has a huge collection of things (from the perfect fake mustache for a disguise, to a soft plushie when a friend is in need) to help him solve whatever problems his friends, who are both on and off the spectrum, are facing.

The PBS greenlight is for 40 x 22-minute episodes (each one tells two 11-minute stories). Canadian studio Yowza! Animation (Green Eggs and Ham) will handle the animation, Spiffy Pictures co-founder Adam Rudman (Donkey Hodie ) is working on scripts as head writer, and OHora will executive produce.

Advisors on board include Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese, a licensed child psychologist and kids book author; and Stephen Shore, an autistic professor of special education at New York’s Adelphi University. “Carl the Collector will become a great tool for both autistic and non-autistic people to gain insight on autism,” says Shore.

New Channel Alert (Rumour): Soweto TV's Ladies In Heels And Faith Cooking To Resurface On Upcoming DStv Channel

During the day, MultiChoice had begun work on another TV channel using the test cards of a untitled movie channel likely from M-Net Movies. Currently there's only four shows that had been registered: Faith Cooking, Dingo Untamed, Ladies In Heels and Kasie Vibes.

From what we can make here this is not the full 24 hour lineup as the schedule runs through Sunday and thereafter not much is seen by then. Similar to Zambezi Reloaded, it's currently unknown whether this would will eventually surface on their platform by the looks of the EPG.

But from what two of the shows on the list Ladies In Heels and Faith Cooking entails, this could be an additional channel for Soweto TV. I mean why not Tshwane TV and GauTV are both managed by Zallywood Inc. so why not give Soweto TV a sibling of its own.

Although this section of DStv is very much discarded, Soweto TV was ranked as the leading community stations when it started out in 2008. It was also an eye grabber to various international shows like Maury, Curb Your Enthusiasm and even Steve Harvey.

In other developments, MultiChoice will be rolling 1FSTV to the DStv platform in the coming weeks. It doesn't seem like very much of a coincidence that they'd roll yet another community channel in the decade to sort of compliment the existing offering.

Development Alert: Jessica's Big Little World Cancelled After 20 Episodes On Cartoonito, Could Batwheels And Bugs Bunny Builders Follow?

During the week, it was reported that Warner Bros. Discovery had halted further production of original preschool programming. This comes after the company had opted not to move forward with Max originals Scooby-Doo And The Mystery Pups and Tom And Jerry Time.

According to a staff member of Craig Of The Creek, Jessica's Big Little World will conclude after 20 Episodes ahead of its international debut on Cartoon Network and Cartoonito as Warner Bros. Discovery no longer wants to produce content for preschoolers.

The series follows the titular character as she navigates her way through a world where everything seems much bigger than she is; inspired by the grown-ups around her, she persists in conquering monumental children's tasks.

It had also been implied/speculated that Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders would also conclude in the same manner. This comes after Batwheels one of Max's leading preschool shows on the streamer was renewed for second season which could potentially be scrapped.

Batwheels not moving forward with a second season wouldn't seem far fetched. This wouldn't be the first show from Warner Bros. Discovery to gotten front row seats only to get culled off as another show Mao Mao: Heroes Of Pure Heart went on hiatus for 2 years before cancellation.

Theoretically, it is believed that Cartoonito's remaining shows will be folded under Cartoon Network ahead of their demise. Internationally, the brand has garnered traction with several shows currently in the works including Silly Sundays and Spookies.

Rumour: Warner Bros. Discovery Will No Longer Be Producing Original Programming For Preschoolers, International Cartoonito Remains Safe

Last year, WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. formalised their merger which lead to the creation of Warner Bros. Discovery which saw properties such as HBO, TNT, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Cartoonito, TLC, Discovery Channel, Investigation Discovery and HGTV fold under one hub.

Of course, this merger had also stirred up controversy as the current CEO of the brand David Zaslav had axed various productions from the Warner part of the brand including Mao Mao: Heroes Of Pure Heart and Batman: Caped Crusader on Cartoon Network and Cartoonito's entire catalogue of original shows.

Cartoonito was introduced in 2021 as rival to Disney Junior and Nick Jr. with Warner Bros. Discovery planning to conceive 50 preschool programs by 2023. So far only Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders were introduced alongside the recently launched Jessica's Big Little World.

According to sources on Reddit, Jessica's Big Little World will end after its current season as Warner Bros. Discovery will no longer be producing original preschool programs and this follows last year's move which saw them scrap further production of live-action kids and family shows.

This news doesn't come as a surprise considering the amount of exposure Cartoonito is given on Cartoon Network. Although Warner Bros. Discovery had never disclosed the ratings for the block, Cartoonito's airtime has declined from last year initially 6 hours dropped to 1.5 hours part of which may to do with the purge.

In Africa, Warner Bros. Discovery content from its kids multiplex dominates the Top 20 shows across all kids’ channels. More than 105 000 children watch CoComelon with almost 90 000 watching Interstellar Ella on average. Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders rank as the #5 and #6th most watched shows in thez a market.

All of which might not have any impact pertaining to the future of these shows. If it's any consolation, Cartoonito will most likely continue to broadcast in most parts of Europe seeing as it was structured as a family channel which is probably the most safest thing for the brand right now.

Prior to this development, Max acquired rights to Hop (from Marc Brown, creator of Arthur) and Barney's World based from the Barney And Friends franchise. It's likely that Cartoonito will continue (without original programming) or get scrapped before any of this is released.

Reminder: Discovery Cameras Venture Into Controversial Off-Grid Community For New Series The Garden: Commune Or Cult Premiering in Africa On Wednesday, 22 November At 20:00 CAT

An infamous off-grid community that went viral on social media for disturbing allegations is now the subject of a six-part limited series, THE GARDEN: COMMUNE OR CULT, arriving on Wednesday, 22 November at 20:00 CAT on Discovery Channel.

 

On 22 acres of backcountry land in the American South lies The Garden – a community that lives by its own laws, free from the pressures of modern society. They maintain an open-door policy to anyone seeking to join their ranks, but new people must submit to an initiation period. Some barely last a week, others are forced to leave, and a chosen few will call The Garden home for good. Questions continue to arise about the cult-like vibes of the controversial community, but this spring is different. Cameras have been granted unprecedented access to The Garden, documenting its spread to new locations deep in the Ozarks.

 

Founded as a cooperative, ‘leaderless’ community, The Garden could be viewed as a post-apocalyptic wonderland free of societal rules. However, when potential members arrive, they quickly realize there’s more than meets the eye. New initiates include Tyler, a veteran and self-described doomsday prepper; Tisheila, a truck driver survivalist; ‘Oak’, who wants to toughen up after years behind a desk; and Jessica, a former cheerleader looking to reconnect with nature. 

These newcomers have ten days to prove to The Garden that they have what it takes to be part of the community. Did they join a commune working towards a sustainable, off-grid way of life? Or have they just surrounded themselves with members of a mind-controlling cult?

 

Produced for Warner Bros. Discovery by Hot Snakes, The Garden: Commune or Cult airs on Discovery Channel from Friday, 22 November up to Monday, 25 December 2023.

Exciting Saturday Nights Ahead Of Love, Laughter And I Dos On Mzansi Magic As Date My Family And Our Perfect Wedding Return

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family because Mzansi Magic is bringing back the warmth, laughter, and love with the return of two fan-favourite shows. Date My Family Season 11 and Our Perfect Wedding Season 14 are back to spice up your Saturday nights, starting 11 November at 18:30 and 19:30.

 

Date My Family (DMF) continues with episode 14 and is here to change the way you spend your Saturday nights. DMF offers an alternative twist to conventional dating shows. Here, singletons aren't just finding a date, they're experiencing the full package, one family at a time. By interacting with potential partners' families, they get an insider's look at what life might be like with their future love interest. This season promises more fun, surprising revelations, and possibly the most memorable dates yet.

 

Season 14 of Our Perfect Wedding (OPW) kicks off with episode 9, making a grand entrance. Re-joining the Saturday line-up, OPW allows you to witness love stories ending in the union of hearts. Each episode, one engaged couple takes us on their journey, ticking off their wish list to achieve their dream wedding. And with the vibrant trio of hosts across episodes – Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco, Khaya Dladla and Swankie Mafoko –  each segment is guaranteed to be filled with charm, style, and heartfelt moments.

 

Why Saturdays are extra special

Mzansi Magic has always been your home for local entertainment, and with these two shows taking the prime time slots where Idols SA reigned one last time, expect plenty of emotions, drama, and pure bliss.

 

After basking in the love and laughs from DMF and OPW, stay tuned for a local movie at 20:30. We begin with Ubuhle Bendalo by Ingwe Films on 11 November, followed by Ukukhetha from 2 Go 2 Media on 18 November, and uMashaya Othando by Thape Media on 25 November. These films are not just movies, they're journeys into the heart of our culture and storytelling.

 

About Mzansi Magic Saturday movies at 20:30:

Ubuhle Bendalo (11 Nov)

A journalist goes undercover in a beauty pageant to uncover the hidden secrets of the sponsor behind it. The sponsor claims to empower women, but lies and deception lurks beneath the surface.

 

Ukukhetha (18 Nov)

Gog’ Flo, with a chronic disease, relies on her grandson, Jabu, to collect medication for her. However, things change when Jabu starts hanging out with the wrong people.

 

Umashaya Wothando (25 Nov)

A big-money scammer earns a living by influencing women to give him their money and possessions. However, things change when he falls in love, gets caught in his scam, and must own up to the damage caused.

 

With the latest seasons of Date My Family and Our Perfect Wedding, Saturdays are no longer just another day of the week, they're a celebration of love, family, and the joy of togetherness. So, why not spend time with the home of entertainment right in your living room? Let's laugh, cry, and celebrate love with Mzansi Magic.

 

Join us from 11 November, every Saturday night, for a line-up that promises to keep you glued to your screens on DStv channel 161. And if you're on the go, don't forget you can tune in via DStv Stream.

News Shorts: Saturdays Cancelled After One Season On Disney Channel, Telemundo Temporarily Suspends Production Of Original Programming, Redemption Makes It's Freemium Debut On e.tv

Saturdays are about to be retired

 

Earlier this year, Disney launched a brand new single-cam, coming-of-age comedy series called “Saturdays” on the Disney Channel and Disney+. The show takes place on the best day of the week...Saturday! The series revolves around 14-year-old Paris Johnson and her best friends Simone and Ari, who hone their roller-skating skills on the cool parquet floor of Saturdays, a local skating rink in Chicago. Together they form the We-B-Girlz skate crew and are determined to show and prove they have the hottest skate routines on the planet!

Unfortunately, according to TVLine, the show has been cancelled because while, Disney Branded Television was high on the show, it is now focusing on building out its multicam strategy. Disney is also focusing more on shows that are based on Disney-owned IP, and will be focused on creating global tentpole programming.

Telemundo is going on autopilot

Based in the United States, Telemundo is a Spanish language television channel distributed internationally by NBCUniversal. It is home to number of original productions including My Heart Beats For Lola, Betty In New York, Fearless Heart and Aurora.

Due to declining number of TV households, Telemundo joins the lineup of premium TV channels to have lost their viewers on year end for platforms like Netflix and Disney+ and this included NBC, HBO, The CW, TNT, ABC, National Geographic, Freeform and Disney Channel.

This has resulted in the shortage of original productions as Telemundo delays production on an untitled Danilo Carrera series. Prior to that one of their current actors William Levy (Vuelve A Mí) had mentioned having numerous projects from the network taken away from him.

Internationally, the channel had to licence content from numerous studios including Colombian dramas The Chosen Granddaughter and Ana's Revenge from RCN and Caracol Television and Turkish series Cennet: The Power Of Destiny from ATV.

Redemption is coming to e.tv

Prior to the series debut on BET, it was very much announced that Redemption would be made available to e.tv. Following the cancellation of the family drama during the year, we got word that the series will air on weeknights at 20:00 from 19 November.

Set in a mega church, centres on the Zikode family. After the disappearance of Pastor Simon Zikhode (Themba Ndaba), his daughter Faith (Kwanele Mthethwa), who is on the cusp of an international music career, drops everything to come to her family's rescue.

The cast includes Tina Jaxa, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Seputla Sebogodi, Yonda Thomas, Pearl Modiadie, Sparky Xulu, Nkone Mamejta and Toka Mtabane.