News Shorts: Tom And Jerry Time No Longer Moving Forward On Cartoonito And Max, A Rebroadcast Of Nurses Surfaces On Telemundo Africa And A Petition Is Going Around To Save 7de Laan On SABC 2

Tom And Jerry Time has been cancelled on Cartoon Network and Max

In 2021, Warner Bros. Animation announced that production had begun on a new preschool series based on Tom And Jerry that would debut on Cartoon Network and Max. Sam Register would serve as executive producer while Will Finn and Denise Downer would serve as showrunner and story editor.

But in a recent conversation with one of the crew members, it was confirmed that Warner Bros. Animation had halted further production of Tom And Jerry Time and this doesn't come as a surprise as Warner had axed several productions last year and part of this was produced to its entirety.

Another being Cartoonito as it struggling to garner much traction in the United States as Warner had since then commissioned further preschool shows such as Hop! and Barney's World under Cartoon Network and Max as the brand remains operational in other countries.

In other developments, Cartoon Network Asia had greenlit a set of new shorts based on Tom And Jerry. Sources mention that are plans underway to distribute them on various Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and Boomerang channels across the world.

Nurses returns ahead of its supposed September debut on Telemundo

In June, Telemundo halted further production of Nurses following changing legislations in Uganda and Cameroon which prohibit the distribution of homosexual content and this caused the NBCUniversal to go on a complete lockdown with primetime filtered with rebroadcasts.

During the month, it was learnt by NBCUniversal that the medical drama would be returning to the channel for new episodes by September 11 at 21:00. But further details are still pending on the nature of its comeback, will Telemundo be offering censorship we won't have to wait a month to find out.

Apparently, they'll rebroadcast a month's worth of Nurses from August 8 in the same timeslot followed by a new series in October which was initially slated to have been released by now but with this changing legislation the channel had to delay a bunch of content which we'll probably get an update on soon.

A petition is going around to save 7de Laan from extinction

During the month, it was learnt by the public broadcaster that they would be axing 7de Laan after 26 seasons with the last episode slated for 26 December 2023. Although, a replacement has yet to be announced, the public broadcaster is looking for long form series for SABC 1-3.

Following the cancellation, another petition has been drawn up for the show with the hashtag #Save7deLaan/#7de Laan on change.org and garnered 26 thousands signatures and we're not sure if it's gonna garner much of an impact as seen with the last petition which revolved on the show's airtime being reduced.

From what is understood SABC can't afford the budget for 7de Laan so the replacement will likely be low budget with fans calling on kykNET and e.tv to revive the show as they've seen success with their Afrikaans offering and 7de Laan would compliment that offering and likely boost the viewership on their brands.

Along with 7de Laan, it was learnt by the public broadcaster that they're looking to cancel more shows and it's good to know that my idea of them possibly axing Uzalo or Generations: The Legacy even Skeem Saam didn't seem far fetched as they're not only looking to cancel low rated shows but even ones as popular as 7de Laan.

Disney To Halt Distribution Of DVD And Blu-ray In Australia

The sales of physical media, including Blu-Ray and DVDs, have been in decline for years, following the increased popularity of streaming services and a shift to digital movie releases.

Recently, Disney announced it was closing down its Movie Club program in Canada following a shift in consumer patterns to watching films on digital and Disney+. And now, according to Digital Bits, multiple industry, distributor, and retailer sources, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will be pulling out of distributing physical discs in Australia.

Over the past few years, many retailers in Australia and other countries, have slowly been withdrawing physical media, including video games, movies and music from sale, as audiences shift to digital platforms. Disney has previously stopped releasing movies on physical media in Latin America and across most of Asia. And it is likely other countries and regions will follow, as the sales of physical discs continue to fall.

For context, in the United States, in 2006, “Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead Man’s Chest” sold 14,476,924 million discs.  In 2012, the highest-selling disc was “Hunger Games”, with 7,434,058 discs sold and in 2022, “Top Gun: Maverick” was the highest-selling DVD with 829,831 sold.  However, in 2023, currently, “Black Adam” is the highest-selling DVD of the year, with just 74,353 discs sold in the US.

Many movie fans are unhappy with this news, especially with a growing trend of streaming services like Disney+ making changes or removing content without notice. Disney has been releasing fewer of its films and shows on physical media over the past few years. Australian film collectors will still be able to import films from global retailers, but this will result in much higher costs due to international shipping etc.

“Guardians Of The Galaxy: Vol 3” is set to be the last physical release in Australia, which arrives in stores in August. Previously released titles will continue to be on sale, but as stock is reduced, these may become unavailable over time.

Ultimately, as audiences have moved to watching films on streaming services such as Disney+ and buying/renting films on digital platforms, it now looks like it’s no longer sustainable to distribute physical discs in Australia.

‘Tom And Jerry’ To Spar In Singapore; First Ever Localized Version To Premiere On Cartoon Network & HBO GO

Warner Bros Discovery has announced the first ever localized version of the Tom And Jerry series, featuring the famous cat and mouse duo as they take their rivalry to Singapore.

Produced locally in Asia, in association with Warner Bros Animation, the new 7×3-minute series will premiere on Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific and HBO Go in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong later this year, before being rolled out internationally. 

A pilot episode giving a flavour of what’s to come will launch in August – further details will be announced soon. 

The project is produced by Warner Bros Discovery’s Carlene Tan, with Vivek Bolar serving as lead director. India’s Aum Animation Studios handled the animation, with stories and designs from Singapore-based Robot Playground Media and Chips and Toon Studios.

Christopher Ho, Warner Bros Discovery’s Head of Kids, Southeast Asia, said: “This series brings back the iconic music and classic animation style from the Hanna-Barbera 1950s era – but with a modern Singaporean twist. 

“With distinctive landmarks, backdrops and atmosphere, the Asian city-state is the ideal location to create a humorous addition to the Tom And Jerry canon. Working with homegrown creative talent in Singapore and across Asia, this project grows the much-loved franchise in the region and beyond.”

Vishnu Athreya, Senior Vice President of Series, Warner Bros Animation and Cartoon Network Studios, said: “Tom And Jerry are two of our most universally loved characters, proving that laughs can translate to any audience. The fans in Asia have long embraced these characters and it’s great to finally give them a version to call their own.”

Tom And Jerry is one of Warner Bros Discovery’s leading franchises with a global social reach of 50 million and almost 30 billion minutes watched on the Warner Bros Kids YouTube channel. There have been more than 500 episodes, 15 movies and seven Academy Awards so far in its 83-year history. 

Warner Bros Discovery also plans to launch additional Tom And Jerry-branded consumer products to complement the series launch later this year.

What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Africa In August 2023?

* The following have new episodes in the coming month

Discovery Channel:

Texas Metal's Loud And Lifted: While Bill Carlton is still the reigning champion in Texas' custom truck world, some up-and-coming shops on the Northside of Houston are trying to make their name with a new generation of jaw-dropping monster machines.

This Is Mark Rober: Mark features some of his biggest, craziest and most visual experiments ever, and highlights his relationship with a young man who motivated his second world record attempt.

Naked And Afraid: Last One Standing: Follows a group of survivalists as they compete in a multiphase challenge and have their skills tested to win $100,000.

Gold Rush Mine Rescue With Freddy And Juan: Using his knowledge and experience as a weapon, gold mining expert Fred Dodge sets out to lend a helping hand to struggling miners on the verge of giving up.

TLC:

Doubling Down With Derricos: The day-to-day adventures of an energetic and loving young family with 14 children comprising quintuplets, triplets and two sets of twins.

90 Day Fiance: The Other Way: Several people from different walks of life set out on a journey across the globe to marry their soulmates. However, they must overcome a number of challenges in order to achieve success.

Real Time:

Beat Bobby Flay: Two contestants face off in a cooking competition to determine who will face Chef Bobby Flay in a contest to prepare a signature dish.

Shattered: Anchored by three different but interconnected POVs, Shattered explores how crime forever impacts the lives of its victims. 

Beach Hunter: It takes viewers to some of the most exquisite beach destinations around as buyers search for their dream homes on the sand.

Chaos In Court: Intense trials trigger dramatic and unexpected explosions of emotion and violence in the courtrooms of America. A panel of experts watch and analyse the shocking footage of when trials turn angry.

House Crashers: A team of home developers surprise unsuspecting customers by reconstructing, remodelling and redecorating their houses to give them a spectacular transformation.

Investigation Discovery:

Operation Lost Boy: When 15-year-old Martin calls the Bergen police, a worldwide investigation begins that would uncover a global paedophile network.

The Dead Files: The program features physical medium Amy Allan and former NYPD homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi, who investigate allegedly haunted locations at the request of their clients in an effort to provide proof of paranormal activity. Each partner is depicted exploring the case independently of the other, so as not to influence their portion of the investigation.

Evil Lives Here: Through personal interviews, various people share their terrifying stories of having shared a home and life with a loved one who became a killer.

American Monster: The filmmaker sheds light on the lives of America's most infamous serial killers by reconstructing their crimes and interviewing the police officers and the victims' kin.

Portals To Hell: Jack Osbourne and paranormal researcher Katrina Weidman search for ghosts.

The Murder Of Gabby Petito: A Faking It Special: Aspiring influencer Gabby Petito sets out on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé, but she soon disappears, and the ensuing mystery goes viral.

Jussie Smollett: A Faking It Special: When actor Jussie Smollett said he was attacked because of his sexuality and race, the world was outraged. Investigating the hate crime hoax as experts reveal the tell-tale signs.

The Murder Of Caroline Crouch: A Faking It Special: True crime documentary examining the shocking story of Caroline Crouch, a young British mother murdered in her home in a suburb of Athens, Greece and of the unexpected revelation of who had murdered her.

Prince Andrew, Maxwell And Andrew: Faking It Specials: Experts examine the behaviours of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew. 

Food Network:

Chopped: Four chefs compete against each other in a three-round contest using random ingredients provided to them, to make delicious and presentable dishes.

The Great Food Truck Race: Seven teams of mobile chefs are put through a gruelling test where they travel to cities and sell their food items from their truck. The team that sells the most food items wins the competition.

Stab That Cake: Two teams of cake fans armed with knives are let loose in a grocery store, where they must determine what is real and what is actually a hyper-realistic cake hiding in plain sight; hosts John Henson and Jocelyn Delk Adams.

Guy's Ranch Kitchen: Guy Fieri challenges his friends in a cooking showdown to prepare some of the most healthy dishes that are packed with flavour.

HGTV:

Windy City Rehab: Interior designer Alison Victoria combines upscale design with a passion for her hometown as she buys and restores old homes in Chicago.

What The Heck Did I Buy The House?: Kim Wolfe reimagines their chaotic and cramped quarters into a home where a happy family can grow, just like the urban orchard they fell in love with.

Home In A Heartbeat With Galey Alix: Galey Alix is a Wall Street executive by day, but on the weekends, she's a DIY designer who creates dream home renovations. 

Vacation House Rules: Scott McGillivray shows homeowners how to unlock a vacation property's full rental potential.

Battle On The Beach: Mentored by experts, three teams of talented individuals compete to renovate and redesign seaside homes in order to win.

Cartoon Network:

Mr. Magoo (New Show): The adventures of Mr Magoo, a kind but accident-prone man who is always happy to help others, but who causes constant disasters due to his lack of glasses.

Garbage Boy And Trash Can: Garbage Boy, a self-proclaimed superhero, believes he has superpowers and fights for justice with his sidekick, Trash Can.

Prince Ivandoe: Ivandoe is the Prince of the forest is sent on a quest for the magical Golden Feather.

DC Superhero Girls Intergalactic Games (Movie Premiere): Supergirl, Bumblebee and Batgirl gear up for the Intergalactic Games. However, things take a turn as Lena Luthor comes up with an evil plan.

DC Superhero Girls Hero High (New Show): Follows a group of students at a boarding school for gifted kids. The teens are just trying to navigate the pressures of high school, but none of them realize they will one day become superheroes.

DC Superhero Girls Hero Of The Year: Seven female students of Super Hero High discover their superpowers and fight the evil Dark Opal, who intends to develop a lethal weapon.

Cartoonito:

Batwheels: Superpowered vehicles Bam, Bibi, Red, Jett and Buff join forces to fight crimes and protect citizens trapped in dangerous situations in Gotham City.

The Adventure Of Little Penguin: Follows the hectic and exciting adventures of Oscar, a young penguin who is setting out to explore the world.

Looney Tunes Cartoons: Cartoon shorts featuring cherished characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Tweety, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, Taz, Marvin the Martian, and Beaky Buzzard.

Women's Day: Consists of shows like Interstellar Ella, Zig & Sharko, CoComelon and Masha And The Bear.

News Shorts: e.tv's Struggling Telenovela Nikiwe Gets New Writing Team, Crown Of Tears Makes A Landing On Telenovela Channel Phillipines And Flipping El Moussas Currently Seen On HGTV Resurfaces On TLC Africa

Nikiwe is heading to a new direction

During the year, eMedia Investments debuted two local dramas Smokes And Mirrors and Nikiwe on e.tv, South Africa's most viewed English station and second watched channel on DStv. Unlike Smokes And Mirrors, consumers weren't turned on about the show.

Initially, Smokes And Mirrors was also struggling to garner any traction but overtime it managed to win the heart of audiences but Nikiwe's struggling viewership has led the eMedia team to hire new writers in order to save the show from possible extinction.

The writing team who was lead by Sipho Tshapu got the boot with Bongi Ndaba coming in place to save the struggling telenovela.

Telenovela Channel Phillipines welcomes a popular Televisa series

Appearing on six shows since the channel’s debut in 2011, Victoria have made a lasting impact to TNC viewers who have continued to air their wishes to see more of her.

In Crown of Tears, she is joined by Alejandro Nones (Love To Death), José María Torre Hütt (Luz Clarita), and Mane de la Parra (La Malquerida), and they play a family who go through the ebbs and flows of life as a mother bears the burden of seeing her sons take different paths to their respective destinies. 

Alongside Telenovela Channel Phillipines, Crown Of Tears served as one of the five shows seen on TLNovelas following its debut in Africa. Consumers in Phillipines can catch the drama at 21:00 from August 14.

More Discovery for TLC

During the month, TLC introduced a new entrepreneurial series Me Or The Menu currently seen on Food Network. Despite the existence of Real Time, it looks like Discovery will be taking much longer to allocate some content to the lifestyle channel with the other being Flipping El Moussas.

Following couple Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa during their personal and professional journey together as newlyweds and property experts. In their first year, they tackle a house move, renovation, and trying to get pregnant.

Flipping El Moussas is currently seen on HGTV and for some reason it will be allocated on TLC from September. We assume it having to deal with couples is what led to it's induction same with Me Or The Menu.