Recap To Last Year: SABC 2 Has Lost 300,000 Viewers Following The Relaunch Of Snoozefest Vetkoek Paleis And Cancellation Of 7de Laan

Last year, the public broadcaster decided to end 7de Laan after its 23 year run with the last episode accumulating 800,000. It was since then replaced by a rebroadcast of 90s sitcom Vetkoekpaleis as the public broadcaster struggles to source income for more new content.

Following the series inception, Vetkoekpaleis was only able to pull 600,000 viewers in December making it 200,000 viewers short from 7de Laan. News of its re-entry was met with backlash from devoted SABC fans with most opting to rival stations like eExtra and kykNET.

This was proven as Vetkoekpaleis which was ranked in the top 5 viewed content on SABC 2 in December is now under the the top 10 from last month. Even more embarassing is how Nuus managed to accumulate more viewers than the actual repeat.

During the month, it was reported that the public broadcaster had cancelled FOKUS and will move remaining Afrikaans programs such as 50/50 and Nuus to SABC 3. While as other shows such as  Vetkoekpaleis will continue to air on SABC 2 most probably until it's ends.

This news similar to the induction of Vetkoekpaleis wasn't sitting well with some viewers. If anything, the move to SABC 3 will likely lead to a drop in consumption for shows to have stayed back on SABC 2 such as Vetkoekpaleis and probably lead more viewers to opt for rivals.

SABC hasn't been producing much content for this audience that some had only tuned into SABC 2 for 7de Laan. With less content hoping aboard SABC 3, this won't look good for their viewership and if anything probably endangers the possibility of a follow-up to 7de Laan.

Recap To Last Month: uMbali Makes History And Becomes The First Late Night Series Debuts In The Top 10 On e.tv, Vetkoekpaleis Continues To Be A Rating Disappointment On SABC 2

uMbali is garnering attention

After debuting on e.tv by October 2023, uMbali has proved to be a ratings success the first in the 22:00 timeslot as the series enters at the #11 spot from last month accumulating 1.8 million viewers. Other shows like Is'pindiselo crossed the 2 million when it aired on Sunday.

After eMedia Investments had opted to allocated these shows on weekdays neither Is'pindiselo or Housewives got the time of day after undergoing several timeslot changes as eMedia Investments continues to position e.tv in the leagues of SABC 1 and Mzansi Magic.

Viewers continue to boycott Vetkoekpaleis

After 7de Laan ended its run on SABC 2, the series was reported to have accumulated 800,000 viewers on its last episode. With the public broadcaster low on income substituted the drama with a 90s sitcom, Vetkoekpaleis.

Since it's inception, Vetkoekpaleis pulled 600,000 viewers following its reentry to primetime in December and after a month it currently sits with 500,000 viewers making it 100,000 viewers short as consumers migrate to eExtra's Kuiertyd and kykNET on DStv.

March 2024 On Cartoonito Across Africa | New Series Alert: Silly Sundays | Returning Shows Including Mush Mush And The Mushables | More

SILLY SUNDAYS

Silly Sonia

In this feel-good comedy series, Sonia, Hugo, and Mel create full-of-heart memories with Mom, Dad, and Granny on those playful days spent with family and friends. 

This month, Sonia's ducky toy is not working as she expected. Together with Hugo, she learns there are different ways to play with it. Then, Sonia wants to dance on stage by herself until she learns the importance of sharing the spotlight with her new friend, little Birdy. Later, Sonia tries her best to stay still during play time, and, along with all the family, she learns the benefits of taking a break.

Keep an eye out for a special marathon on Sunday, 31 March, to mark the Easter weekend!

📺 Premiere: Saturday, 9 March @ 07:30 CAT 

⏰ Tune in:  Saturdays & Sundays @ 07:30 CAT

Also available on DStv Catch Up

MUSH, MUSH AND THE MUSHABLES

‘M’ is for ‘Mushable’!

Growing up in a tiny village in the middle of a peaceful forest, Mush-Mush, Lilit and Chep explore and discover just how fun - and wild - life can be. Surrounded by a caring community of Mushables of all sizes, colours and ages, they get to know themselves better, learn to master their gifts and understand how to overcome their fears. Mush-Mush and the Mushables is a fun journey of self-discovery, exciting outdoor adventure and mush, mush more!

In the first episode, the Mushlers lead Sushi-Mushi to believe that Pickled Swampost is Mushpot’s favourite dish - when he actually can't stand it – and they must try to stop Sushi-Mushi from serving it to him! 

📺 Premiere: Monday, 11 March @ 16:20 CAT

⏰ Tune in: Mondays – Fridays @ 16:20 CAT

Also available on DStv Catch Up

MOVIE STAR HOLIDAYS

Holiday Movie Magic

School’s out, and we’re celebrating with a great new movie every day from 21 March to 2 April!

In Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land, Jerry and his nephew make a snow mouse that miraculously comes to life! On Friday, 22 March, hang out with Akissi: A Funny Little Brother and Scooby-Doo! Where Are You Now?

On 23 March, Tom and Jerry are on a Spy Quest and Scooby and the gang hang out with WWE stars in Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery on the 24th.

From Monday 25th, experience Tweety's High-Flying Adventure; Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins; Tom and Jerry: Blast Off to Mars; Scooby-Doo! Curse of The Lake Monster; Tom and Jerry and The Wizard of Oz; Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land; Rabbids Invasion: Mission to Mars; Looney Tunes: Rabbits Run and Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse.

📺 Launch date: Thursday, 21 March @ 09:40 CAT

⏰ Tune in: Every day until 2 April @ 09:40 CAT

Also available on DStv Catch Up

March 2024 On Cartoon Network Across Africa | New Series Alert: Pokémon Horizons | Returning Shows Including We Baby Bears | More

POKÉMON HORIZONS

Secrets and Sprigatito

A new adventure is beginning within the wide world of Pokémon! Arriving at Indigo Academy, a girl named Liko receives her first partner Pokémon, Sprigatito. But she soon finds herself pursued by the Explorers, a mysterious group that’s determined to take the pendant necklace she wears. Liko isn’t on her own, though, as Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the other Rising Volt Tacklers offer her protection aboard their airship.

Meanwhile, a boy named Roy dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, unaware of the secret hiding within the Ancient Poké Ball he carries. As Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers set sail for new horizons, what kind of discoveries await?

📺 Premiere: Monday,  25 March @ 17:30 CAT

⏰ Tune in: Mondays to Fridays @ 17:30 CAT

Also available on DStv Catch Up

MR MAGOO

Fizz Foiled Again

Meet the ever-cheerful Mr. Magoo, always ready to lend a hand, but with one small problem – he's blissfully unaware that he desperately needs glasses. His unintentional misadventures make him the lovable troublemaker in town. 

Mr. Magoo's life without glasses results in a series of hilarious disasters, much to the dismay of megalomaniac hamster Fizz. Fizz's ambitious plans, from building a giant fan to beat a heatwave to attempting to steal the President's joke machine, are consistently thwarted by the unwitting Magoo. This month, the chaos continues as Fizz deals with a city struck by gold fever and finds himself exploring the whimsical world of Magoo's dreams.

📺 Premiere: Monday, 4 March @ 16:35 CAT

⏰ Tune in: Mondays - Fridays @ 16:35 CAT

Also available on DStv Catch Up

WE BABY BEARS

Sibling Search

Bear siblings Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear travel to different locations around the world in the hunt for the perfect place to call home. 

On 9 March, the bears set off on new adventures with Box being able to transport them anywhere they wish. But what if Box could make their own choices? Later, the bears are accused of crimes they didn’t commit while on a visit to Bug City, and Ice Bear must team up with old friend Sam Spider Spade to help prove the bears’ innocence.

On Saturday 13 March’s ‘Veggie War’, the bears return to the Veggie Kingdom to visit their old friend Lima, only to find the kingdom at war with a familiar yet unexpected foe. Can the bears help save the veggie kingdom from total annihilation?

📺 Premiere: Saturday, 9 March @ 08:05 CAT

⏰ Tune in: Every Saturdays @ 08:05 CAT

Also available on DStv Catch Up

CN MOVIES

Each Day, A New Adventure

Experience some school holiday movie magic this month as we kick off with a series of films every weekday from 21 March! From Teen Titans Go! VS. Teen Titans to We Bare Bears: The Movie - where Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear catch the attention of the Department of Wildlife Control and have their world turned upside down, things are off to a rocky start.

The second week of movie madness features Regular Show: The Movie and a Ben 10 quadruple-header: Ben 10 VS The Universe: The Movie, Ben 10 010, Ben 10: Ben Gen 10 and Ben 10 Alien X-tinction.

The following Monday 1 April, it’s Pokémon time with Pokémon The Movie: I Choose You, before we wrap up with Adventure Time Distant Lands: Together Again and Adventure Time Distant Lands: Wizard City on 2 April.

📺 Launch date: Thursday, 21 March @ 11:00 CAT

⏰ Tune in: Mondays - Fridays until 2 April @ 11:00 CAT 

Development Alert: Nickelodeon To Launch ‘The Fairly OddParents’ Spinoff ‘A New Wish’, To Stream On Netflix Internationally

Nickelodeon is reimagining its Emmy-winning series The Fairly OddParents by launching the animated series Fairly Oddparents: A New Wish this spring.

The network promises that the new iteration will extend the fairy universe for a new generation while honoring the original series. The Fairly OddParents was created by Butch Hartman and ran from 2001-17.

The 20-episode new series follows Hazel Wells (Ashleigh Crystal Hairston,) a 10-year-old who has just moved to the big city of Dimmadelphia because of her dad’s new job. On top of being in an unfamiliar environment, it’s the first time she’s been without her brother, Antony, who’s just left for college, leaving her lonely and unsure of herself. All that changes when the pink-and-green-haired neighbors next door reveal that they are no ordinary neighbors — they’re fairy godparents Cosmo (Daran Norris) and Wanda (Susanne Blakeslee).

Fairly OddParents: A New Wish is produced by Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank. The series is co-executive produced by David Stone (Teen Titans Go!), Lindsay Katai (Infinity Train), Ashleigh Crystal Hairston (Tiny Toons Looniversity) and Daniel Abramovici (The Peanuts Movie). Fred Seibert (Adventure Time) and Butch Hartman (Fairly OddParents) also serve as executive producers. Production is overseen by Claudia Spinelli, SVP Animation for Big Kids at Nickelodeon, and Kelley Gardner, VP Current Series, Animation.

The series is overseen by Executive in Charge, Neil Wade.  

Fairly OddParents: A New Wish will also be available internationally on Netflix later this year.

March 2024 On Discovery Channel, HGTV And Travel Channel Across Africa | New Series Alert: Exposed: Naked Crimes | Returning Shows Including Rico The Rescue And Gold Rush: White Water | More

Discovery Channel

Exposed: Naked Crimes S1

BRAND NEW

Get up close and personal with the most exposed offenders ever caught on camera. Witnesses and police share the inside stories of dangerous crimes committed totally naked. From burglaries in the buff to nude DUIs, these lawbreakers let it all hang out.

First TX: 5 March 

TX Day: Tuesday 

TX Time: 20:55 & 21:25

Last TX: 26 March

Roadworthy Rescues S2

NEW SEASON

Derek Bieri takes old cars from non- running derelicts to renovated transformations. He seeks out abandoned cars where they lie dormant and gets them running again. Along the way, Derek shares the cars' history, who they were originally intended for and why they're still relevant, all told with his clever wit and timely humor.

First TX: 8 March 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 24 May

Gold Rush: White Water S7

NEW SEASON

Gold miners Dakota Fred and his son Dustin are determined to make a fortune no matter the risk. But to find the big gold payout, they'll put their lives on the line by diving deep beneath the raging waters of one of Alaska's wildest creeks.

First TX: 25 March 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 3 June

HGTV

Rico to the Rescue S2

NEW SEASON

Follow contractor Rico Leon as he resolves conflicts

between emotionally and financially stressed

homeowners and their builders to turn renovation

and construction nightmares into dream homes.

First TX: 2 March 

TX Day: Saturday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 27 April

Home Town S7B

NEW SEASON

Husband-and-wife team Erin and Ben Napier bring

their small Mississippi hometown back to life with

modern and affordable updates to its historic homes.

First TX: 12 March 

TX Day: Tuesday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 16 April

Celebrity IOU S3

NEW SEASON

Hollywood A-listers express their deep gratitude to

people who have impacted their lives by surprising

them with home renovations. The celebrities get

hands-on with Drew and Jonathan Scott to imagine a

design plan and create beautifully customized

spaces.

First TX: 25 March 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 22 April

Travel Channel

Expedition Bigfoot S4

New Season

For the first time in history, an elite team of investigators use an advanced data algorithm to analyze five decades of Bigfoot sightings to pinpoint when and where to encounter the elusive beast. Armed with the results and state-of-the- art technology, they journey deep into the unforgiving North American wilderness to prove once and for all that Bigfoot is real.

First TX: 17 March 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

Why Yu-Gi-Oh Is Getting A Lot Of Backlash On SABC 2?

SABC 2 is the public broadcaster's second free-to-air channel which boasts a variety of content ranging from news, music, reality shows, movies and drama series. It had also garnered popularity for its 5pm timeslot which featured anime like Dragonball, Bleach and One Piece.

As seen in the past year, Yu-Gi-Oh had taken over the channel so much so that viewers aren't tuning into SABC 2 in that timeslot. When Dragonball debuted it formed one of the top 10 most watched shows on the channel while Yu-Gi-Oh Is not even seen in the Top 20.

As some readers are aware, SABC has been dealing with financial constraints that it's taken much longer to acquire new content. This only drives away viewers from the channel which is what "was" currently seen with Yu-Gi-Oh as SABC 2 had been repeating old seasons for almost a year.

This comes as a problem because some viewers would tune into the channel or keep tabs. Anime has a smaller market on cable TV and aside from SABC 2 there's also Toonami and Cartoon Network.

Unlike the latter, SABC 2 offered more mature content that would depict violence, strong language and other adult scenes. Other broadcasters would equip more family focused or kid friendly shows which is where Yu-Gi-Oh currently resides unfortunately.

SABC 2 for years on end would bring these type of shows to their audience and filter out the demographic of Yu-Gi-Oh. Despite once owning rights to Pokémon and Doraemon, SABC should have tried retaining offering of a similar stature while deploying shows like Bleach.

Reminder: Soos Dag En Nag, eExtra's First Series From The Czech Republic Debuts In March

eExtra, a South African based TV channel operated by eMedia Investments that distributes a variety of content from Asia, India and Turkey is to expand its catalogue with Soos Nag En Dag. It hails from the Czech Republic and will be Kuiertyd's first show from the region.

Soos Nag En Dag (Kukačky) follows two families whose lives become impossibly complicated when they discover that their 6 year old sons were switched at birth. Emotional family drama where the investigation throws up surprises for both families.

It starred Viktor Sekanina as Jakub Kadlec, Marek Adamczyk as Martin Kadlec, Marta Dancingerová as Tereza Kadlecová, Jiří Štrébl as Libor Kadlec, Veronika Freimanová as Klára Kadlecová and Luboš Veselý as Rudolf Býček.

The series debuted on Czech Republic broadcaster ČT1 by 8 January 2021 and had since then produced two seasons with 26 episodes each with a 52 minute duration. It was made with praise within the region averaging 1.5 million viewers over the age of 15.

Soos Nag En Dag is set to replace Wie Laaste Lag from 4th March on eExtra on weekdays at 20:00. Prior to this, eMedia Investments will be rolling out a new Turkish drama to the eVOD streaming service titled Gelukbringers.

Join In On The Fun And Unforgettable Family Outings With The New Cartoonito Series Silly Sundays Across Africa

Get ready to embark on a feel-good journey filled with laughter, mayhem, and heartwarming moments as you join the Silly Sundays gang! Set against the backdrop of the beautiful coastal village known as Sunday Town, this animated series brings to life the joy of shared family adventures.

In this charming family comedy, meet Sonia, the wildly curious five-year-old, her younger sister Mel, the smallest but undoubtedly mightiest, and their sensible big cousin Hugo. Joining them are their Mom, the artist of the family; their Dad, forever the big kid at heart; and Granny, the family's music enthusiast.

One of their best friends, Nicky, occasionally joins them, who communicates using Irish Sign Language, highlighting the importance of reflecting authentic and diverse storylines on kids' television. Silly Sundays' co-director, Fabian Erlinghauser, expresses excitement about the latest character development, emphasising inclusivity. According to Erlinghauser, “We're thrilled to showcase a character with this ability, not disability. Nicky can speak sign language and lip-read like a superpower. We aim to portray Nicky as a normal kid, emphasising that this is an ability, not a limitation. It's an inclusive and authentic representation.”

Silly Sundays is set in a lively locale of narrow streets, quirky shops, and a bustling town square filled with musicians, street performers, flower sellers, and food merchants. And the inviting Sunday Beach is just minutes away, where the fun never ends.

Every week, when Sunday rolls around, Dad proudly reveals the schedule for the family day out. However, despite his best-laid plans, things are quickly blown off course by the unpredictability of everyday life. The kids soon find themselves in the middle of an unexpected adventure with a problem to solve.

But, with each other’s help, Sonia, Hugo, and Mel always find an imaginative solution to whatever obstacle they face – and have plenty of fun along the way! No matter where the children’s escapades take them, the stories will end with a joyful musical finale that brings the family together, with the characters they’ve met throughout the episode, to dance us into the credits.

Voicing the father in the series, Cian McGarrigle emphasises the central themes of Silly Sundays, stating, “The show is all about the power of imagination and the bonds of family. The kids turn everything into an adventure, and even when things don't go as planned, the family always comes together for a happy ending. It's a celebration of three generations of family unity.”

Join Sonia and her family and friends as they create unforgettable memories together starting Saturday, 9 March at 7:30 CAT on Cartoonito Africa. Fans can tune in every weekend at 07:30 CAT for two daily episodes. With stories of the ups, the downs, and mostly the fun times, embrace every little moment with them.