Recap To The Decade: eToonz Remains As The Only Source To Kids Entertainment On Openview

eToonz is currently South Africa's only children entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments which feature a mixture of animation like Peppa Pig, SpongeBob SquarePants and Voltron alongside live-action like Victorious and Power Rangers.

Since it's inception, the channel has remained the only source to kids entertainment on Openview and also the least mentioned brand amongst eMedia Investments' stable with a lineup bombarded with repeats as other brands continue to boost their offering.

While others such as eExtra and eMovies got additional channels based on their content. eToonz on the other hand was left as a singular brand with content sharing happening across eMedia's linear platforms.

As mentioned in a previous article, adults dominate cable TV and unlike DStv there's not a lot of households on Openview with children or in particular ones that would view the content especially if a selected portion can be viewed on the main channel.

So the idea of an eToonz Extra wouldn't really have been the best implementation strategy for eMedia Investments. As seen already, eToonz doesn't have enough content to carry onto a second channel and should eMedia opt for one it would probably need to be a random channel.

In this case, something like Da Vinci or SABC Education would help fill that gap at this point. As it doesn't clash with the existing offering seen on eToonz but gives consumers more content to browse that is if eMedia Investments chooses to revisit this section.

Could NBCU's Universal Kids Or Sky UK's Sky Kids Expand To Africa??? Perhaps As A Future Replacement To Disney Channel On DStv

Sky Kids is a children's channel operated by Sky Group a subsidiary of Comcast which features live-action shows like My Friend Misty, The Brilliant World Of Tom Gates and Dino Club alongside animation like Where's Wally?, Clifford and Trollstopia.

Internationally, it is known as DreamWorks Channel and a local variation known as Universal Kids residing in the United States both of which are operated by NBCUniversal also a subsidiary of Comcast.

Disney is looking to consolidate their content to streaming as linear TV is no longer viewed as the core of their business as mentioned earlier. This has led to the cancellation of several Disney Channels in the United Kingdom, Asia, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

In Africa, these channels had extended through 2024 on DStv and are expected to go dark at some point. Thereafter, MultiChoice would need to sought replacement channels in order to keep viewers onboard their platforms and fill the void left by Disney.

With the lack of children channels across the world, MultiChoice would most likely need to curate a customary channel similar to AMC International and Paramount Global's CBS Justice and JimJam or Ngwato Nkosi Group Movie Room and Play Room channels.

Sky Kids wouldn't seem like a far fetched brand to incorporate within the DStv platform despite the pay-tv platform already packaging DreamWorks. Some content is very much viewed on Showmax prior to the announcement that NBCUniversal had acquired a 30% stake to streamer.

NBCUniversal also supply Universal, E! Entertainment, Studio Universal and Telemundo to DStv.

This kids channel likely titled Universal Kids would see MultiChoice and NBCUniversal join forces supplying content that is not only viewable on Sky Kids in the UK but also shows streaming on Showmax or in other words a follow-up to the defunct K-TV kids brand.

What To Expect On The Nickelodeon Channels Across Africa In October 2023?

* This is applicable to selected African countries

Nickelodeon

Transformers: Earthspark

Episodes: 116-126

Timeline: 19/09/2023-14/10/2023

Slot: Weekends

Time: 11:00

Squeeze That Sponge! Stunt

New Episodes: SpongeBob 280-287 Patrick Star 121-126

Timeline: 16/10/2023-01/12/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 14:30

Monster High

New Episodes: 114-118

Timeline: 25/10/2023-01/11/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 16:30

Halloween Stunt

Timeline: 29/10/2023

Slot: Sunday

Time: 11:00

Nicktoons

Transformers: Earthspark

Episodes: 111-115

Timeline: 10/09/2023-09/10/2023

Slot: Sunday

Time: 14:00

The Casagrandes

Episodes: 316-320

Timeline: 09/10/2023-19/10/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 14:25

Sunday Scary Halloween Stunt

Timeline: 29/10/2023

Slot: Sunday

Time: 11:30

Monster High

Episodes: 114-118

Timeline: 23/10/2023-01/11/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 15:00

Nick Jr.

Adventures Of Paddington

Episodes: 301-306

Timeline: 25/09/2023-06/10/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 07:15

Blue's Clues & You

Episodes: 407-410

Timeline: 09/10/2023-13/10/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 05:30

Santiago Of The Seas

Episodes: 221,223-226

Timeline: 16/10/2023-27/10/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 09:35

Deer Squad

Episodes: 301-310

Timeline: 23/10/2023-01/11/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 06:50

Halloween Stunt

Timeline: 28/10/2023-29/10/2023

Slot: Weekends

Time: 07:15

Bossy Bear

Episodes: 111-115

Timeline: 30/10/2023-10/11/2023

Slot: Monday-Friday

Time: 08:30

Drafted: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery's Channels Across Africa In October 2023?

Discovery Channel:

• Wheeler Dealers

• Expedition Bigfoot

• Gold Rush

TLC:

• Match Me Abroad

• Dr. Pimple Popper

• Kim Vs. Kanye: The Divorce

• Dr. Down Below

Discovery Family:

• Expedition Unknown

TNT:

• Margot Robbie Fan Day

• Horror Fest

• Happy 5th Anniversary TNT

Real Time:

• Crikey! It's The Irwins 

Investigation Discovery:

• High Speed Chase

• HELP! My House Is Haunted

• Does Murder Sleep?

Food Network:

• What Am I With

• Recipe: Lost Or Found

• Outrageous Pumpkins

• Beachside Brawl

• Ciao House

• Magnolia Table With Joanna Gaines

• La Pitchhouse: Cooking In France

• Everyday Cooking

• Guy's Ranch Kitchen

HGTV:

• Tough Love With Hilary Farr

• Fix My Frankenhouse

• Bargain Block

• Flip The Strip

Travel Channel:

• The Haunted Museum: 5 King Iferno

• Demon In The White House

• Ghost Of Flight 401

• Alien Encounters: Declassified

• Alien Abduction: Travis Walton

• Beyond The Unknown

Cartoon Network And Cartoonito: click here

Paramount Unveils Upcoming Projects Ahead Of Brand Licensing Europe 2023

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Paramount remains at the forefront with its commitment to innovation, creativity and engaging content that appeals to all ages and demographics. Paramount Consumer Products & Experiences has an abundance of best-in-class IP, both new and existing, as well as strategic opportunities that will excite any partner.

Off the back of a triumphant return to the silver screen, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have reignited the fandom among both nostalgic adults and curious youngsters. The new look Turtles will continue to expand in 2024, as Paramount is set to kick off an electrifying 40th-anniversary celebration of the beloved franchise. This milestone year will witness the launch of a new animated series that promises to reinvigorate the ninja heroes, as well as a whole host of in-person and digital experiences. A slate of gaming releases will keep drawing in both seasoned enthusiasts and a new generation of fans. That's not all; the slate of content planned for this franchise is truly impressive, with another blockbuster movie already announced for 2025. While the heroes in a half shell have a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them, this year will showcase their enduring appeal - and their ability to resonate across age groups - by uniting old and new fans in a 'shell-tastic' celebration.

Building on from the Paw Patrol franchise's 10th anniversary year, Paramount and Spin Master have introduced Rubble & Crew, which invites viewers to dive deeper into Rubble's family. The year ahead will also be filled with heroic excitement, as the Heroes in Training brand campaign takes centre stage in 2024. This initiative is not just about entertainment, it's about instilling values of bravery, teamwork and compassion in young minds. Moreover, Paramount recognises the increasing demand for diverse representation, and in response is actively fostering the growth of girls' licensing across multiple categories.

SpongeBob has already come to life across 13 seasons of the original series, two spinoff series and three major theatricals, not to mention his first musical which is touring the UK this year. In 2024, Paramount is celebrating 25 years of this beloved, optimistic sea sponge with a host of surprising and delightful activity and partnerships that are sure to put a smile on everyone's faces.

The sweeping success of Yellowstone has not only captured audiences' hearts but also opened doors to a vast and immersive universe. Paramount has announced a thrilling spinoff that will delve even deeper into the gripping narrative that fans have come to adore. The momentum in the UK is bolstered by the airing of Series 1 on Channel 5, with new products available at retail as the studio continues to build out this now iconic franchise.

Kids can get ready to join Dora on another series of exciting escapades as Paramount introduces the adventurous character to a new generation of pre-schoolers. Dora is back with her vibrant animation and engaging storytelling, rendered in immersive CG animation. Paramount will debut a specially created Dora theatrical short ahead of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie this October, before the consumer products launch rolls out in 2025.

The Avatar franchise will be serving the fandom with a live action Netflix adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender and new content from Avatar Studios coming in 2025.

While Paramount's small-screen triumphs are remarkable, the big screen still holds its enchantment. Paramount is rich in cinematic content for 2024. If is an imaginative original family title from John Krasinski. The movie tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who moves to New York and discovers that the city is home to an entire world of adorable imaginary friends.

Everyone's favourite lazy and sarcastic cat, Garfield, hits the big screen next year in a brand-new animated movie, with Chris Pratt voicing the lasagne-loving feline. For the first time in the history of the franchise, audiences will also meet Garfield's father, played by Samuel L. Jackson.

The action-packed Mission Impossible saga returns to the big screen with the highly anticipated Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 2, for what is being heralded as the cornerstone of cinematic excellence. The movie will be supported with a consumer products programme.

New Series Alert: Dlozi Love Connections With Thokoza Munt’wam Coming This October To Mzansi Magic

Have you ever wondered how ancestral callings and matters of the heart coexist? Well, Mzansi Magic is about to answer that for you in the most entertaining and dramatic way possible.

Stay glued to your screens, because come Wednesday 11 October at 8pm, we're serving you 13 episodes of Thokoza Munt’wam, a reality dating show that we are certain will be your new obsession.

Thokoza Munt’wam is not your usual reality show. We've got three couples here, each unique in their dynamics, challenges, and love languages. These couples are on the ultimate quest: to balance the spiritual and physical worlds. They are driven by love, but their unique spiritual journeys shape their relationships in ways most of us might never understand. The burning question is: can their love survive their ancestral callings?

Meet Our Couples:

1. Zukiswa Vutela and Macdonald Mailula known as Ndlovulati & Mcool Chuene: Think age is just a number? These two will give you a whole new perspective. From dealing with age differences and societal pressures to confronting personal and collective pasts – their story is nothing short of extraordinary.

2. Khanyisile Mnguni and Zanele Mnguni also known as Slay & Zee: Two women, both from Christian backgrounds, battling issues of identity, spirituality, and legacy. What does it mean to stand by your partner when their beliefs are in complete contrast to yours? Tune in to find out!

3. Kamogelo Sello and Sinoyolo Mbotshwa also known as Mercedes & Yolo: Ever been inboxed by your soulmate? Gogo Mercedes saw Yolo in a dream and reached out via Facebook. Their young love is loaded with unique challenges, but they're determined to navigate it all.

Why should you watch?

Because Thokoza Munt’wam is rewriting the narrative. While many shows might focus on the practice of ancestral calling, this one puts love centre stage. It’s the sweet, sometimes sour, love stories of the couples, with the twist of ancestral influences that make this a must-watch.

Here's what our couples have to say about their journey:

Slay and Zee: "I joined the show to break the binary thinking society has about spirituality. Especially in this generation," says Slay. While Zee cheekily adds, "I joined to support Slay in her rise to fame."

Ndlovulati & Mcool: "We joined to express ourselves as genuine healers. To show the true definition of healing and love."

Masedi & Yolo: "We chose to be a part of the show to grow and learn from challenges we face as a young influential couple. In this season, we show support over any other thing."

Don’t miss, Thokoza Munt’wam starting Wednesday 11 October, 8pm, only on DStv channel 161. And if you’re always on-the-go, catch it on DStv Stream and Catch Up.

Development Alert: A Rebroadcast Of 100 Days To Fall In Love And Prisoners Of Life Rollout On Telemundo Across Africa Ahead Of The Season 8 Premiere To Lord Of The Skies

Last month, it was reported that Lord Of The Skies would return for an eight season on Telemundo and this comes after primetime was temporarily halted due to a change in legislation. With Nurses reinstated on the channel and a brand new series Cennet: The Power Of Destiny slated for October.

Prior to their entry on Telemundo, the channel will be adding a rebroadcast of Prisoners Of Love and 100 Days To Fall In Love.

Prisoners Of Love tells the story of Inmate Yolanda who agrees to become the mistress of a famous drug dealer and lure him out of hiding in exchange for house arrest so she can protect her daughter. It starred Humberto Zurita, Ludwika Paleta and Michel Brown.

100 Days To Fall In Love follows two couples in struggling relationships decide to give each other another chance: 100 days for them to fall back in love. It starred Ilse Salas, Mariana Treviño, Erick Elías, and David Chocarro.

Prisoners Of Love airs daily at 23:00 from 2 October immediately after the premiere to Lord Of The Skies at 22:00 replacing the double bill of False Identity. 100 Days To Fall In Love will follow from 8 October at 20:00 replacing Operation Pacific.

New Series Alert: Nirvana In Fire Coming Soon To eExtra

eExtra, a South African based free-to-air network operated by eMedia Investments that is home to international dramas from Turkey, Asia and India has acquired broadcasting rights to the 2015 Chinese historic drama Nirvana In Fire starring Hu Ge and Liu Tao in lead roles.

In 6th-century China, there was a war between feudal Northern Wei and Southern Liang dynasties. The Liang commander general, Lin Xie, his son, Lin Shu, and the Chiyan Army defeated hostile Wei forces. However, when the Chiyan were weakened from the battle, they were massacred under the Emperor's orders.

The drama was a commercial and critical success, surpassing 100 million streaming views by its second day, and receiving a total number of views on iQiyi of over 3.3 billion by the end of the series. Nirvana in Fire was considered a social media phenomenon, generating 3.55 billion posts on Sina Weibo that praised its characters and story-line.

The drama was also one of the recipients of the Outstanding Television Drama Award at the Flying Apsaras Awards, the highest government honor given for outstanding achievement in the television industry. Kong Sheng also won the Outstanding Director Award for his work in Nirvana in Fire. 

Following its popularity, a sequel titled Nirvana In Fire II: The Wind Blows In Chang Lin was aired in 2017 with a third installment still in development. eExtra set to air the first instalment from Thursday 5 October replacing Goodbye My Princess every weekday at 16:15. 

In other developments, Roekeloos Dade returns to the channel from Wednesday 4 October for new episodes and a brand new series Wie Laaste Lag joins the lineup from Wednesday 18 October in place of Winter Son and Chrysalis respectively.

Recap To Last Year: MultiChoice And Ngwato Nkosi Group Are Slowly Replacing SABC And eMedia Investments On DStv

Since last year, MultiChoice had been having an on/off relationship with eMedia Investments regarding the carriage of their 4 Openview channels. Prior to that, negotiations for carriage fees to SABC 1-3 had reached a dead end with the brands also retained on DStv. 

Honestly speaking, MultiChoice seems to have built a contingency plan which sort of revolves around SABC and eMedia Investments. Take for instance, Zee Zonke which is basically eExtra in Zulu then there's lesser known films on both Movie Room and eMovies.

Hailing from Easyview, Magic Showcase which is somewhat similar to the SABC 1 is flooded with local programming if not old content. Now we have a multilingual eToonz channel from Ngwato Nkosi Group joining the circuit in the coming months, Play Room.

Ngwato Nkosi Group manage Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room and from what's already seen here they are basically building themselves up as the eMedia/SABC of DStv as each of their brands are tailored to their audience.

With the launch of Play Room consumers remain curious on the number of channels Ngwato Nkosi Group plan to rollout on the pay-tv platform. Considering the feedback of Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room, it wouldn't seem far fetched if more channels were underway.

Some concepts I've seen by the media include a telenovela channel dubbing content in local languages (Story Room), an M-Net/eSeries inspired channel (TV Room or Entertainment Room), sports channel (Sports Room) and a music channel (Music Room).

Other names that were also brought up which revolve on the above-mentioned include Action Room, Fight Room, Series Room, Lounge Room and Novela Room.

Although the timing of some channels don't correspond with each other, MultiChoice has been doing a lot of quality control in the past year e.g. Hilaal TV (ITV Networks), Qwest TV (MTV Hits) and Racing240 (Tellytrack).