Insidus

Monday, February 6, 2023

New Series Alert: The Much Anticipated Radha Mohan Finally Makes Its African Debut On Zee World

Zee World, a Bollywood based entertainment channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises which is home to a variety of original productions based in India will be rolling out the highly anticipated romantic drama, Radha Mohan (Pyar Ka Pehla Naam: Radha Mohan).

Based on Zee Tamil series Yaaradi Nee Mohini, the series follows Mohan, a charming flute player, turns bitter after the death of his wife Tulsi. Radha, who has loved him since their childhood, decides to bring back hope and happiness in his life.

The series stars Neeharika Roy, Shabir Ahluwalia, Sambhabana Mohanty, Keerti Nagpure, Pooja Kawa, Reeza Choudhary and Swati Shah.

Everyday Novelas:
- Queen Of The Night and How Do I Say This? coming respectively to Timeless Dizi Channel and Zee World
- Nurses returns for a season 3
- New Series Alert: eMedia Investments Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Turkish Romcom, Aşk Mantık İntikam
- Close To My Heart coming soon to Star Life

Just like most Zee TV's soaps like The Fate trilogies, Radha Mohan is still an ongoing production on Zee TV having accumulated over 280+ episodes within a runtime of 20-24 minutes with the channel likely to air about almost of what's already produced.

There's no telling how the channel would choose to air such a short program unless they air it for 24 minutes to keep the magic alive. As of right now, 82% of Google users recommend or were researching the web for more of the 6/10 rating TV show.

In other developments, Zee World will be airing a weird show called How Can I Say This with its duplicate/spinoff Zee One airing Trinayani and Second Chance not be confused with the Portuguese drama series.

New Series Alert: Second Chance And Hart Van Goud Coming Soon To Zee One And eExtra Respectively

Zee One, a Bollywood entertainment channel home to various productions from Zee TV and eExtra, a telenovela centered channel owned by eMedia Investments will launch respective programs, Second Chance (Mazhi Tuzhi Reshimgath) and Hart Van Goud (Baraj).

Second Chance follows Yash, a rich businessman in search of true love. When he meets Neha, a beautiful woman, he faces several obstacles in winning her over.

It stars Prarthana Behere, Shreyas Talpade, Myra Vaikul, Kajal Kate, Sankarshan Karhade, Sheetal Kshirsagar and Aanand Kale.

Hart Van Goud follows Nazim and Nehir who meet on an online dating site. Hesitant to meet Nazim, Nehir sends him a picture of herself while Nehir sends a different picture thinking she's too young. Fate leads Nehir to meet her potential suitor in person.

Openview Plus:
- Ratings for SABC 1-3 and e.tv for December 2022
- e.tv to rollout a rebroadcast of Die Put
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
- Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra

It stars Biran Damla Yilmaz, Feyyaz Duman, Burak Yörük, Sumru Yavrucuk, Iman Casablanca, Batuhan Bozkurt Yüzgüleç, Gizem Karaca, Taygun Sungar, Toprak Kivilcim, Samil Kafkas and several others.

Second Chance debuted back in 2021 on the Marathi based brand Zee Marathi a sister to the current Zee TV, Zee World and Zee One. It accumulated at least 459 episodes each consisting of 22 to 25 minutes.

Hart Van Goud debuted back in 2020 with 22 episodes each consisting of 2 hours. FOX which is the producer of the show has also brought several other series such as Dokter Ali, Doodsondes, Om Elke Draai, Daai Crazy Somer and #DisComplicated.

The first series being Second Chance is expected to air daily at 6PM from 9 February replacing It's Complicated on Zee One while as Hart Van Goud will only be available on eExtra by 3 April replacing Verdeelde Liefde in its 8:30PM timeslot.

Filling In The Blanks, What To Expect On TNT And Possibly Cartoon Network Africa In March 2023? (Drafted Version)

TNT:

Last year, the channel hosted a segment known as TNT Original Movies offering fresh and well crafted masterpieces like Hero Mode, Escape From Pretoria and Gun Akimbo. Fast forward to 2023, it never existed instead we have cinema based films like Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, Suicide Squad and in March, Venom.

The following stunts are also anticipated to rollout within the month:

- And The Winner Is - it looks like competition to see which film is better modern Mad Max or the original film Suicide Squad.
- TNT Hit - likely a replacement to TNT Original Movies with the film Venom.
- Never Give Up - Blood Diamond and a yet to be confirmed film joins the lineup.

DStv Flex:
- Virtual Reality offers a new opportunity for African filmmakers
- Ratings for DStv from December 2022
- Big Cat Sunday this February on National Geographic Wild
- CBS Reality acquired rights to Killer's Caught On Camera

Cartoon Network:

Taking to account this is a school holiday and most channels don't tend to be productive. Unlike most channels Cartoon Network struggled to be the least bit unproductive over the years but fast forward to 2023 things have changed. Could it have something to do with the much anticipated rollout of Cartoonito Channel well the blanks on the channel imply that.

We Baby Bears - New Episodes

We Bare Bears: The Movie

Brick Flicks Week
A LEGO based stunt offering films from various D.C. Superheroes including Batman, The Flash, Justice League and D.C. Superhero Girls.

Teen Titans GO! Vs Teen Titans

Regular Nick:
- Cartoonito to get a dedicated channel in France
- Da Vinci Kids plans co-viewing future
- PBS Kids has yet to rollout the new logo in other countries
- Disney renews 3 adult animated series through 2025

Boomerang (possibly Cartoonito):

As advised, no plans have been shared for the channel ahead of time as seen with TNT and Cartoon Network. Considering there was not much fresh content left outside of Cartoonito my guess is shows like Looney Tunes Cartoons and Zig & Sharko will transmit on Cartoon Network should the theory of the brand be proven to be true.

Could Boomerang Be On The Chopping Block Likely For Cartoonito??? As Warner Bros. Discovery Africa Remains Silent About Upcoming Attractions

Boomerang is a 24 hour family based children's channel operated by Warner Bros. Discovery that is home to shows like Zig & Sharko, Mr. Bean and Grizzy And The Lemmings and it's even a branded mascot for franchises such as Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo and Tom And Jerry.

In 2021, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled plans to produce content for girls, preschoolers and families so there came Cartoonito. A new preschool destination consisting of original content like Batwheels alongside other shows like CoComelon and Lucas The Spider.

Since then, several markets already supply a daily programming block on various Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels while others went as far as operating a standalone channel to assist with some of the content while as build the offering.

For a while, it had been long speculated that Warner Bros. Discovery was planning to give Boomerang the axe after plans were underway to build Cartoon Network's family offering with whatever remains of Boomerang aligning itself closer with Cartoonito.

As we fast forward to 2023, Boomerang has no original programming left as it's current program Looney Tunes Cartoons has wrapped production leaving them with mostly reruns alongside Cartoonito favoured shows Legend Of Spark and The Adventures Of Little Penguin.

Now in February branded the month of love, Warner Bros. Discovery thought of sending a little gift to media outlets, Looney Tunes Cartoons a show not suitable for Cartoonito being branded a Cartoonito. Implying that a rebrand could be in development.

Taking to account the timeframe, it's possible the switch will happen in March as seen with other European countries as Warner Bros. Discovery continues to promote upcoming attractions for TNT and Cartoon Network but remain silent with Boomerang.

Boomerang has always been the Comedy Central of children's TV sure it may not have quality content or a decent schedule but it was good to the pass the time and all the memories shared with the brand will always have a space in viewer's hearts.

DStv:
- Boomerang might be first channel to exit the DStv platform in 2023
- MultiChoice shares crytpic message about eMedia's 4 channels
- MultiChoice and eMedia Investments gets roasted over load shedding plans
- BBC to close linear channels and move to an internet only digital future

Boomerang To Remain In France For The Time Being As Boing Exits The Market, Could More Regions Follow?

During the week, Warner Bros. Discovery in France announced the launch of a new preschool brand, Cartoonito. A brand which operates as a linear channel and a programming block on various Cartoon Network and Boomerang channels.

Some of the shows expected for the preschool counterpart come from supposed brands above including Lucas The Spider, Thomas And Friends, Mush Mush And The Mushables, Interstellar Ella, Batwheels and Bugs Bunny Builders.

Cartoonito will be standing beside Boomerang as seen in the UK and Italy as opposed to a replacement as seen in Latin America and soon parts of Europe. In a recent, development it was confirmed the channel would replace Boing instead.

Insidus Games:
- Buzz Lightyear Star Command
- Pink Panther: Pinkadelic Pursuit
- Spider-Man Toxic City
- Baby Felix Halloween

Take to account, several Boomerang feeds are already being phased out for Cartoonito. Is it possible that Boing too is being phased out completely or is it possible for Boomerang to take it's place?

Boing served as a mashup of Cartoon Network and Boomerang offering shows currently and formerly viewed on the channels including Adventure Time, Teen Titans GO!, Secret Saturday, Angelo Rules, The Jungle Bunch and Total Drama.

Its success had led to a number of regions such as France, Italy, Spain and Africa to sought out the modern/retro infused channel for their own means.

Boing to sum it up was what Boomerang in these regions used to be and had since then abandoned - TCM. Over the years, that format despite being met with praise by audiences was eventually phased out for the Comedy Central inspired brand we came to love.

I mean the reasons it had to be altered seemed very much logical. Firstly, repeat channels don't get that much attention one of the reasons TCM, AMC and even Sundance TV were phased out in a lot of regions and Boomerang fitting in the trio was the most successful.

Boing in general isn't that knowledgeable by a lot of people as seen with Boomerang. The main feed is kind of like what Boing is today with a lot of history involved so phasing out European based channel wouldn't be a bad idea as it makes business sense.

Important Notice: Several YouTube Channels For Boomerang Rebrand To Cartoonito

Boomerang is expected to be obsolete by March 2023 in Central Eastern Europe which consists of regions like Poland, Hungary, Denmark, Romania, Russia, Belgium and likely Austria, Germany, Switzerland basically most of the regions which got a Cartoonito domain.

As reported during the week, it appears Africa which is still awaiting confirmation from Warner Bros. Discovery alongside France which has very much been confirmed are expected to rollout the Cartoonito Channel within the period of the above-mentioned regions.

Since then, Boomerang Africa has boosting it's preschool offering accompanied by Cartoonito with France expected to use Boing to supplement the Cartoonito offering while Boomerang in that region remains intact.

Insidus Games:
- Buzz Lightyear Star Command
- Pink Panther: Pinkadelic Pursuit
- Spider-Man Toxic City
- Baby Felix Halloween

Although we have yet to see a rebranded YouTube channel for Boomerang Africa or even a dedicated YouTube channel for Cartoonito in France, here are some for the supposed regions in question:

Cartoonito Denmark: click here
Cartoonito Poland: click here
Cartoonito Hungary: click here
Cartoonito Romania: click here
Cartoonito Benelux: click here
Cartoonito Russia: click here

Roundups #139: Hello Sunshine Another Division From Moonbug Kids' Candle Media Closes Down, Idols SA Cancelled After 19 Seasons On M-Net And Mzansi Magic, And Paramount+ Set To Merge With Showtime Network

Another division ceases to exist

Hello Sunshine is shuttering its kids and animation business as part of a strategic decision to focus Candle Media’s kids and animation efforts under Moonbug, the family production studio the corp snapped up for a near $3 billion in November 2021.

Hello Sunshine will collaborate with Moonbug on future kids and animation projects.

As a result, a few individuals will be departing Hello Sunshine over the coming weeks.

The Blackstone-backed Candle Media, which is also co-run and co-founded by Tom Staggs, acquired Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine in August 2021 for $900M.

Another show bites the dust

M-Net has cancelled the long-running Idols with the upcoming 19th season on its Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel which will be the last for the [SIC] Entertainment-produced reality singing competition show following viewership fatigue and a massive plunge in ratings.

The cancellation of the South African version of the Fremantle format follows after a dramatic ratings plunge for Idols in season 17 that coincided with a relationship scandal involving Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo after his ex Mohale Motaung made serious allegations of emotional and physical abuse.

While Idols started off its 17th season in South Africa in July 2021 with 1 018 607 viewers as the 4th most-watched show on all of DStv for the month, it suddenly plunged to 10th place on DStv's most-watched list with 693 760 viewers at most in August 2021, shedding 32% of its viewers.

After the very large drop in viewers and in an effort to revitalise Idols, M-Net's general entertainment channels division and [SIC] Entertainment decided to retain Somizi Mhlongo for 2022's18th season and axed judges Randall Abrahams and Unathi Nkayi whose contracts were not renewed and were replaced with artists Thembi Seete and rapper-producer JR Bogopa.

DStv Flex:
- The River cancelled after 6 seasons on 1Magic
- Virtual Reality offers a new opportunity for African filmmakers
- Ratings for DStv from December 2022
- Big Cat Sunday this February on National Geographic Wild

Another merger is on the horizon

Paramount’s merging its Paramount Plus streaming service and premium Showtime channel, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. In an internal memo, CEO Bob Bakish announced the company’s rebranding its Showtime channel as Paramount Plus with Showtime.

Paramount confirmed the change in a post on Twitter, noting that the merger is “the natural next step in our evolution.” The company’s also planning to carry over “select” original content from Paramount Plus to the TV network, which could include shows like Halo and Yellowstone spinoff 1923.

Bakish says the move “brings uncertainty for the teams working on these brands and businesses” and that he’ll share more details in “the coming weeks.”

In addition to the possibility of layoffs, Deadline reports that some shows like Three Women (which was never aired), Let the Right One In, and American Gigolo could get axed as part of the consolidation. The specifics of what will happen to existing episodes of each series are unclear, but the report says that titles pulled from Showtime will be made available to take elsewhere.

New Series Alert: Ana's Revenge Coming Soon To Telemundo Africa

Last month, Telemundo unveiled a batch of upcoming attractions for the African market. Unfortunately, they have to be yet to be released or produced quite the contrary they don't have any original programming to rollout on the channel leading to acquisitions.

For several years, they have been working with Colombian broadcaster on shows like Nurses, Law Of The Heart, The Scent Of Passion, The Chosen Granddaughter and soon to be launched Don't Let Money Seperate Us.

As seen through several outlets this past week, Telemundo International acquired Ana's Revenge (also known as Her Mother's Killer or La Venganza de Analía) by Caracol Television. Take to account, Telemundo has worked with them on Hidden Passions.

Analía is a beautiful young woman who decides to take revenge against her mother's murderer, the candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, Guillermo León Mejía. She will become the candidate's most important political advisor and right hand; and then tear him down by bringing to light his corrupt past. She will make him lose the presidency and even freedom. However, she does not know that the man she hates so much is her own father.

It stars Carolina Gómez, Marlon Moreno, George Slebi, Geraldine Zivic, María Cecilia Botero, Andrea Gómez, Juliana Galvis, Kristina Lilley, Edwin Maya, Viviana Santos, Alejandro Gutiérrez, Michelle Manterola, Juan Alfonso Baptista and Carolina Cuervo.

Ana's Revenge is set to replace The Chosen Granddaughter daily at 22:00 CAT from 12 March. Prior to that, Nurses returns to the network for a third season.

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Ahead Of Ultraview's Launch, eMedia Investments Discontinues Distribution Of Two Products On The Openview Platform

Few hours ago, eMedia Investments unveiled the social platforms for their long anticipated pay-tv platform, Openview Ultra. A competitor to the current DStv and StarSat platforms operated individually by MultiChoice and StarTimes (with On Digital Media).

Openview Ultra as expected is coming on with two add-on packages similar to AddMovies on DStv. Instead of movies, viewers will be treated to two optional entertainment packages Pride (also known as Ultraview Pride) and Spice (also known as Ultraview Indian).

The Pride Bouquet is set to cater to the LGBTQ community with brands like FUSE and OUTtv offering reality, lifestyle, drama series and movies. Something which MultiChoice has been depriving DStv consumers with on a 24 hour basis and likely will look into overtime.

The Spice Bouquet is a Bollywood based package basically a rival to the DStv and StarSat Indian bouquets with channels such as Zee Family and Star Select. Although not much has been specified about the brands my guess it's probably a duplicate StarPlus and Zee TV.

Taking that to account, the rumoured R75/R120 monthly price range for both platforms seem accurate as they do hold a fresh content as seen with AddMovies where you don't have to wait a year and so forth to watch the latest films.

As eMedia Investments is prepping for the launch of Ultraview. A couple of developments have occurred behind the scenes with the current Openview platform.

eMedia Investments:
- Ultraview Pride and Ultraview Indian coming soon to Openview
- More Bollywood coming soon to Openview Ultra
- More e.tv coming soon to DStv customers
- Could SABC be unveiling another two channels for Openview Ultra?
- Glow TV to stop airing on the Openview platform from next month
- Could Openview+ lead to 24 hour capability of these channels?

First, Glow TV will cease to exist on the Openview platform later in the month after eMedia Investments failed attempt at ousting the channel back in 2021. Both parties refused to comment at the time of publishing if any update comes up we'll hopefully update.

As of right now, it's days are numbered and Spice from the looks it serves as a replacement or pay-tv alternative alongside Zee One, Star Life and if it's still considered an option in the coming future eExtra.

Last is in regards to the dongle, one of the first products eMedia Investments introduced when the main Openview platform got a facelift after eliminating HD from the name and adapted to the e.tv logo theme got scrapped as consumers attempted to use them.

Openview's dongles proved to be somewhat useful especially to households who miss out on daytime programming. It had proven to be controversial after eMedia Investments opted not to associate the likes of SABC 1-3 with this feature on top of the affected brands not being in HD.

My guess on the discontinuation probably had to do with Openview Ultra, eMedia Investments had mentioned working on newer versions of the Openview decoder maybe a dongle will be built-in making it the 2nd or 3rd time in 10 years eMedia rolls out another model.

Besides that, consumers were charged extra for the Openview decoder solely due to a dongle some people probably never use and this newer version of their decoder is one way to avoid such incidence from ever occuring again or at least what we hope to see.