May 2024 On Travel Channel And Real Time Across Africa | New Series Alert: Alaskan Killer: Big Foot | Returning Shows Including The Aquarium And The Kitchen | More

Travel Channel 

Alaskan Killer: Big Foot S1

Brand New

Seventy years ago, a murderous Bigfoot like creature sent residents fleeing from Portlock, Alaska. Now, an expedition returns to the abandoned fishing village to reclaim the land and its resources from the terrifying beast locals call Nantinaq. The team's 40-day sojourn in the icy 

Alaskan wilderness tests their mettle, their 

faith and their ability to survive.

First TX: 2 May

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 22:10

Last TX: 6 June

Eli Roth presents: The Legion of Exorcists

Brand New

Evil is on the rise, inching us ever closer to

the end of days. Standing on the frontlines

of this spiritual war is the Legion of Exorcists, who use their faith to keep the devil's minions at bay. These are the true stories of their battle to save humanity's soul, one exorcism at a time.

First TX: 12 May

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: 30 June

Real Time 

The Aquarium S2

New To Channel 

Viewers are taken behind the scenes of Atlanta's

Georgia Aquarium. The show follows the stories of an escape-artist moray eel, a giant sea turtle named Tank who needs to learn healthier eating habits, and the adventures of baby fantail rays Bacon and Tomato, as they adjust to life in the massive Ocean Voyager exhibit. Viewers also catch up with baby sea otter Gibson, as he learns to become a more independent pup.

First TX: 21 May

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 10:30

Last TX: 31 May

The Kitchen S6

New To Channel 

Spend a fun and food-filled morning in The Kitchen with hosts Sunny Anderson, Katie Lee, Jeff Mauro, Marcela Valladolid and Geoffrey Zakarian. These five talented food experts will bring fun conversation and delicious recipes into your kitchen every week. From simple supper ideas to the latest food trends, to the "Cookbook Club," we'll cover all things fun in food. Pull up a stool at the counter and join us in The Kitchen. Everybody knows every great party ends up in The Kitchen!

First TX: 2 May

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 13:45

Last TX: 20 May

Chopped S21

New To Channel 

Competitors race to turn mystery ingredients into

extraordinary three-course meals. This competition is all about skill, speed and ingenuity and only one chef will impress the judges enough to survive the chopping block.

First TX: 14 May

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 11:15

Last TX: 30 May

Could Toonami Relaunch On MultiChoice's DStv And GOtv As Canal+ Seeks Full Ownership Of The Pay-TV Company?

Toonami is an action and adventure driven young oriented channel operated by Warner Bros. Discovery. It is home to DC legends such as Batman, Superman, Justice League and Teen Titans alongside anime such as Dragon Ball and Inazuma Eleven. 

The channel currently resides within StarTimes through a separate agreement alongside Investigation Discovery, TLC and Discovery. Prior to this, MultiChoice added Toonami as a month long pop-up channel.

Although MultiChoice opted out of making it a permanent, Canal+ also offers Toonami alongside Cartoon Network and Cartoonito. Should the acquisition move forward Canal+ will be merging their platforms with that of MultiChoice's DStv and GOtv. 

Toonami could form part of an expansive deal as MultiChoice already offers these brands alongside factual entertainment from Discovery Inc. This merger would be more of DStv folding under Canal+ as opposed to Canal+ folding under DStv. 

This implies that Canal+ will put more focus on their brands and find ways to keep MultiChoice's offering intact. This could see them closing more channels while others like Mzansi Magic and M-Net would be handled by StudioCanal or Canal+ Premium.

Disney Might Be Looking To Bundle Disney+ With Other Streaming Services, Could This Be The Possible Outcome For European And African Markets?

After Netflix debuted, numerous companies wanted the piece of the pie with Disney+ despite being a late entrant managed to be one of the leading streaming services globally in its short span. It prompted the launch of Max, Paramount+ and Peacock. 

With the high levels of streamers, the whole thing just crashed as consumers weren't willingly to pay for these many streaming services. All of which were eyeing worldwide domination, come in short as streaming had proved to be most challenging in these markets.

It had led NBCUniversal and Paramount Global to rollout a joint streaming service through the Sky Group division in parts of Europe. As existing rivals such as Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video had been gaining the upper hand.

Although, Disney+ is the most successful late entry to the streaming market. Unlike the latter to have further consolidated their offering the streamer is not accessible in parts of Europe and Africa leading consumers to miss out on various content. 

Disney Channel to date has been treated as a promotional channel to the streamer. After launching at least one film from the streaming service on a monthly basis alongside animated series such as Monsters At Work and Chip'n'Dale: Park Life.

This has been the one of the few options consumers had in browsing some of the content not available in the region. 

In an interview with CNBC, Disney's CEO Bob Iger was asked whether they do see bundling as a option for the streamer. He assured consumers of that possibility although no definitive timeframe was given or how it would impact the existing Disney+ standalone service.

In 2021, WWE signed a content deal with NBCUniversal's Peacock which would see the WWE Network fold under the streamer. Now the question here is if Disney were looking to follow in a similar pursuit could it lead to the closure of the streamer. 

Disney had been reviewing their international business and limiting Disney+ local presence. Considering some countries have strict bylaws on local content a lucrative deal matching that of WWE Network would be one way to get away from those regulations. 

StarSat SA Channel Changes From 01 January 2023 To 31 March 2024

Unlike most parties on the list, 2023 had to have been the most productive year for South Africa's underachiever StarSat. Managed by On Digital Media and StarTimes, SA's only affordable pay-tv service had welcomed more entertainment to the telly.

After being exclusive to only DStv, CBS Reality and CBS Justice extended their reach to StarSat which was accompanied by general entertainment brand FilmBox Action and children's channel, Kartoon Channel. 

At the time, it was stated the pay-tv company intended to add more channels after the 31 March 2023 which is where the last financial cycle ended. Most of which never came to pass as the latter to have launched were mostly former channels on the platform. 

This included ST Movies, Trace Africa, TLC and Investigation Discovery with the only new addition being Discovery Channel, Boing and ST Toons.

The only terminations came from Russia Today as its frequency had been phased out in most parts of the world. Other brands to have fallen on the platform were TNT due to contractual issues alongside Glow TV whose agreement had expired with the platform.

New channel/relaunches 

Discovery Channel 

BOING 

ST Toons 

Kartoon Channel 

FilmBox Action 

CBS Reality

CBS Justice 

Trace Africa 

Investigation Discovery 

TLC 

Termination 

Glow TV 

Russia Today 

TNT

Snoozefest Updates: Arise News Rolls Out On DStv In More Countries, A Rebroadcast Of Deur Dik En Dun Take Up Weekday Afternoons On eExtra With Isipho: The Gift On e.tv Every Weeknights

Arise News launches on DStv

Arise News is a London based television network that offers news and current affairs to audiences across the United States, Europe and Africa. It is operated by Arise Broadcasting Ltd., which is owned by Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena.

As some readers are aware, MultiChoice began tests on the channel a month ago leading to speculation over its possible expansion in more territories. Now it's listed on channel 416 so it's likely to go live by tomorrow from the DStv Access and up.

Deur Dik En Dun on eExtra 

As primetime continues to rise on eExtra following the launches of Die Fakulteit and Sommerdahl Moorde. eExtra continues to hike the flow of repeats on the channel with the addition of Deur Dik En Dun on weekdays at 12:55 from 26 April.

Growing up without her mother and father, Süreyya must fnd her way in life alone. Proud and beautful, she lives modestly with her only relatve, Aunt Senem. Working her way to graduaton at a music conservatory, she becomes a talented musician. But this independent, simple life is set to be turned upside down. The handsome and wealthy Faruk Boran transforms the young singer’s life. Mesmerized by his charm, she fnds herself swept up in a passionate romance and falls desperately in love.

Isipho: The Gift on e.tv

Isipho: The Gift was a 2019 supernatural drama series produced by HerbVision Multimedia and The Ntintili Factory for broadcasters e.tv and VIU. The series was quietly wiped of the rug with a short-lived 206 episodes with e.tv looking to air after Redemption ends.

A young Moses Shezi grew up with the gift of seeing into the future. When his gift leads to the death of his mother, he keeps silent about his gift. Now in his old age, Moses foresees his daughter Ntombi in danger. A series of visions show him four other strangers which he sets out to find in order to change the course of destiny.

It airs weeknights on e.tv from 20 May at 20:30.

Reminder: BET Unveils New Daily Drama Queendom, Might Rollout On e.tv

BET Africa imagines a more inclusive future with a riveting new daily drama, Queendom. Coming to DStv channel 129 on 22 April, the new scripted daily drama celebrates the strength, resilience, and power of women who shape their own destinies.

 

Following the success of Isono and Redemption, BET Africa’s latest original daily drama is inspired by authentic African royal legacy. Rooted in destiny and centred around the life of Nthandokayise Mthombeni, played by Linda Mtoba, the story presents a world in which women rise, flip patriarchy on its head and reign.

 

Queendom explores themes of cultural heritage, tradition, fate, ancestry, power struggles, identity and survival. It tells the story of Nthandokayise (Linda Mtoba), a maverick community leader in Tsakane, who discovers that she is the rightful heir to the throne of Khahlamba Kingdom. Her mother, Tholakele Mthombeni, played by Sindi Dlathu, has been keeping this secret from her for 30 years.

  

Queendom brings South African acting royalty to TV screens with a distinguished cast including Hamilton Dlamini as King Banzi Khahlamba, Mduduzi Mabaso as Prince Andile Khahlamba, Pallance Dladla as Prince Mcebo Khahlamba and Dawn Thandeka King as Queen MaNdlovu. Other prestigious cast include Slindile Nodangala, Themba Ndaba, Mike Mvelase, Lehasa Moloi, Nhlanhla Kunene and Patrick Mofokeng.

 

Reflecting on her role, Linda Mtoba says, "I am thrilled to be part of 'Queendom,' a story that goes beyond the ordinary and delves into the complexities of love, destiny, and the power within. Ntando is not just a character; she's a symbol of the strength all African women possess. In her story, we witness the collision of two worlds, the power of destiny and the rise of a queen. I can't wait for viewers to embark on this journey with us." 

 

Sindi Dlathu who plays Tholakele Mthombeni, a resilient and protective mother to Nthando says, "Taking on the role of Tholakele in 'Queendom' has been a profound experience. Tholakele beautifully captures the essence of familial bonds, empowerment, and the strength of a mother's love. Mzansi is in for a treat, and I am excited to be part of this extraordinary project. It’s an important story to tell."

 

The multitalented musician and actor Jabulani "Sjava" Hadebe is another notable member of the Queendom cast, playing Prince Mkhuseli Khahlamba, the first born son of King Banzi. The award-winning artist, known for hits like 'Ekseni' and 'uThando,' has crafted the title track of Queendom. The song is titled Wena Wamanzi promises to resonate with the emotional depth of this powerful story. The acclaimed artist notes that, “Being a part of Queendom has been a beautiful experience. I’m honoured to be part of something that pays homage to African culture and I’m honoured to have been able to contribute a piece of my music to the narrative.”

CAST & CREW

 

Production Company: Clive Morris Productions

 

Directors: Andries van der Merwe (Head Director), Athi Patela  and Menga Nhlabathi (Series Directors)

 

Head Writer: Lunga Radebe

 

Director of Photography: Chuck Manganyi

Creative Producer: Kayla Ahmed Jardine

Show Runner: Sayitsheni Mdakhi

 

Wardrobe: Phindile Mlambo

 

Make Up: Mmabatho Malinda

Key Cast: Linda Mtoba, Sindi Dlathu, Hamilton Dlamini, Mduduzi Mabaso, Pallance Dladla, Dawn Thandeka King, Jabulani "Sjava" Hadebe, Slindile Nodangala, Nhlanhla Kunene and Patrick Mofokeng, Themba Ndaba, Mike Mvelase, Sibulele Gcilitshana and Samkelo Ndlovu.

 

Synopsis: Ntandokayise Mthombeni, a maverick community leader in Tsakane, discovers that she is the rightful heir to the throne of the Khahlamba Kingdom. She must overcome the ruthless and immoral Prince Mcebo in a life-threatening battle to fulfil her destiny as Queen.

 

Premise: Ntando, a resilient and street-smart law student, battles financial hardships while juggling multiple jobs to support her mother, step-father and loving boyfriend in Tsakane. Unbeknownst to her, she is the long-lost heir to the throne of the Khahlamba Kingdom. Her mother, Tholakele, had kept this a secret, having fled for her life from the Khahlamba Kingdom over 30 years ago. Hurt that he is not next in line, Prince Mcebo, is set to destroy the kingdom through his greed and corruption. Will Ntando awaken to the significance of saving her people and the sacred life-sustaining spring water at the heart of the Khahlamba Kingdom?

The Canal+ Effect: How The French Company Might Arrange MultiChoice Going Forward?

As some readers are aware, Canal+ is looking to finalize a takeover deal with MultiChoice. This sees Mzansi Magic, KykNET and Africa Magic under the management of a French based company Vivendi whose been looking to build their global portfolio. 

There's been many questions as to how Canal+ will align MultiChoice's assets and below is what we believe could be the final outcome:

StudioCanal

As the name implies, StudioCanal is a French based film production and distribution company that currently owns the third largest film library in the world. This is where ROK Studios resided after it was acquired in 2019 with MultiChoice Studios to follow. 

Interesting enough, StudioCanal also offers subsidiaries of the same name within Austria, Germany and the UK. If I had to guess StudioCanal Africa could be on the final piece of this puzzle.

MultiChoice Studios resides within 22 million households while StudioCanal resides within 8 million. Combining this would make it an African powerhouse and probably leading Africa to have its own subsidiary within the French company. 

StudioCanal is also home to the linear ROK channel and will likely be where Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and KykNET reside.

M7 Group/Canal+ Luxembourg S.à.r.l.

M7 Group is a Luxembourg based and also one of Europe's leading pay-tv operators offering culture and language specific packages in eight countries including Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. 

As we've seen in recent years, Canal+ has been buying out companies as a means to expand. MultiChoice's DStv and GOtv packages would serve as distant relatives and also another means to get the M7 Group services into Africa.

Metropolitan France/Canal+ Premium

This section is dedicated to their linear offering which consist of self titled brands part of which reside in Africa like Canal+ Discover and Canal+ Sport. Even SPI International brands like FilmBox Africa and even FightBox have a dedicated section in this category. 

In terms of content, M-Net and SuperSport will be handled under this section. They are expected to be remain in operation but as far as branding is concerned that is yet to be determined. 

M-Net had been pivoting toward streaming in recent years by reducing their movie offering even shutting down their secondary network Me. If you look at it, M-Net could get a proper send-off or at least by name ideally it could rebrand to Canal+ Premium/Canal+ First.

Thereafter, M-Net could remain as a trademark for a collection of local channels like Pearl Magic, Africa Magic and Maisha Magic. Never got the sense in having M-Net as a singular brand and also for a collection of locally curated channels.

If the plan was to incorporate the Canal+ trademark on sports ideally Canal+ SuperSport would make a lot of sense. This is something that they could apply temporarily and overtime simplify the name to Canal+ Sport to get viewers accustomed. 

Staylive To Distribute WBD Cycling And Motorcycling Content

Spring Media company, Staylive, was first founded in 2013, now delivering over 1,000 live sports events per week to audiences globally.

A selection of WBD Sports cycling and motorcycle sport events will be available on Staylive through pay-per-view and subscription packages in markets independent of exclusive WBD platforms and broadcast partnerships.

The cross-country cycling tournament UCI Mountain Bike World Series which kicked off the 2024 season last week in Brazil is the first sport event to stream on Staylive. The competition will also be available on WBD platforms on Max, Eurosport and discovery, as well as across several local and national broadcasters.

WBD programming also includes the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC), FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) and UCI Track Champions League.

Matt Parker, CCO of Staylive, said: “Partnering with WBD Sports for this historic season of cycling and motorcycling events is a testament to Staylive’s technical capabilities and commercial expertise. We are immensely proud to work with and alongside industry powerhouse, WBD Sports, as they secure new and innovative ways to maximise content distribution and reach. This collaboration highlights our ability to meet the high technical demands of streaming world-class sports events, while enhancing the fan experience across the globe.”

Trojan Paillot, SVP Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndications at WBD Sports Europe, added: “Our partnership with Staylive demonstrates the commitment of WBD Sports in serving sports fans around the world with premium and diverse content from leading sports formats and properties. Through this partnership, we are not just distributing sports content, we are creating a more accessible and immersive experience for fans, no matter where they are. This is a prime example of how we’re increasing our ability to meet the evolving needs of our audience and to bring them closer to the sports they love.”

PlayKids TV FAST Channel Launches In U.K. & Ireland

PlayKids TV is distributed in the U.K. and Ireland through Netgem’s ISP partners such as TalkTalk TV, Community Fibre TV and BetterTV. The FAST channel offers families educational entertainment with curated videos organized around key moments of the day, including morning routines, afternoon play and bedtime.

The scheduling of the channel allows kids to ease into the day with cozy stories and original songs such as “Let’s Get Ready,” which helps youngsters get ready in the morning. In the afternoon, children will find content on PlayKids TV based on themes such as arts and crafts, playing together nicely and songs about animals. In the evening, little ones can enjoy winding down stories and bedtime songs.

Talking Tom & Friends, Earth to Luna and The Hive are among the offerings.

Ben Pugh, head of partnerships at Sandbox Group, said: “With over ten years in the children’s media business, we know how to engage kids best throughout the day and that entertainment alone isn’t enough. So, our focus is on providing fun educational videos for families that children love and parents can feel good about. We’re excited to be able to offer quality, curated learning content for free for families via Netgem TV’s FAST service.”

Mathieu Ghariani, director of commercial operations at Netgem, said: “We are thrilled to include PlayKids TV among our 130 FAST channels, which are distributed as part of our service in the U.K. through TalkTalk TV and numerous other operators. Netgem’s recent announcement regarding the expansion of our FAST service into new territories, dubbed FAST Lane, underscores our commitment to providing Telecom Operators with an exceptional experience while maximizing revenue for both operators and content owners. The addition of exclusive and reputable children’s content such as Playkids TV to our service exemplifies our dedication to a robust content strategy aimed at delivering a ‘Telco grade’ experience to our valued clients.”