Development Alert: Zambezi Magic To Get Second TV Channel On The DStv And Possible GOtv Platform Known As Zambezi Reloaded, Still No Word On The Playout Test

Last year, MultiChoice and M-Net unveiled a new general entertainment channel tailored for their DStv Easyview and GOtv Lite consumers, Magic Showcase. It featured numerous local programming from multiple M-Net channels across Africa for 16 hours a day.

As seen in the past month, MultiChoice seems to be duplicating this format on another TV channel which we now know to be Zambezi Reloaded. It could launch on channel 165 seeing as Zambezi Magic is on channel 162 alongside a batch of local TV channels.

As the name implies, Zambezi Reloaded will serve as a sister channel to Zambezi Magic rehashing several drama series and reality shows viewed on the main channel including Kopala, Zuba, Malawi Know Your Stars and surprisingly Mzansi Magic's Shaka iLembe.

With HONEY set to go dark on the platform by the end of October, we assume MultiChoice would be substituting the brand with Zambezi Reloaded. The only question would be whether this channel would be viewable in South Africa as consumers don't have access to the content.

On top of that, Novela Magic was accessible to the same consumers as HONEY particularly Access and following the termination consumers had been ripped away from Zuba and Mpali as MultiChoice opted to exclude Magic Showcase from Access in which select content can be viewed.

Playout Test

For several months, MultiChoice had been conducting tests on a channel known as Playout Test. Several readers had asked Insidus on various details pertaining to the mysterious channel and from what we can gather up this could be the Zambian based brand Munati Television.

Although there's no official confirmation, one of their older posts talk about a "Playout Test" and "DStv" so putting those two together leads us to believe this could be mystery channel on the i-Plate.

Questions & Answers Regarding The Closure Of Da Vinci Kids And The Launch Of Play Room On DStv

Channel line-up review is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content and that our DStv services cater for the needs and viewing requirements of our customers. As part of this ongoing process, Da Vinci Kids (DStv channel 318 & GOtv channel 66/157/359) will no longer be available on DStv & GOtv from 14 November 2023 at 23:59 CAT.

Why has MultiChoice decided to terminate this channel?

The channel termination is in line with MultiChoice’s strategy to continuously review international and local content line-ups and optimise DStv channels. As such, the business has decided to bid farewell to Da Vinci Kids (DStv channel 318 & GOtv channel 66/157/359). This is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content to our customers and that our DStv services continue to cater to the needs and viewing requirements of our customers.

Will there be channels with similar content that will replace the terminated Da Vinci Kids in South Africa?

DStv customers can look forward to Play Room (channel 300) from 6 November, Play Room offers a whole new world of fun and learning in a uniquely local package carrying original South African and popular international content, including favourite animated titles dubbed in isiZulu.

For now the channel will only be available in South Africa.

Will there be channels with similar content that will replace the terminated Da Vinci Kids in the rest of Africa?

Consumers can find similar content on Disney Junior, Nick Jr. and other children channels - that's what we're told in an enquiry. As mentioned, Play Room will "for now" be available to DStv customers in South Africa meaning it's likely to be duplicated in other regions perhaps with an independent feed as seen with Newzroom Afrika and Movie Room (Africa).

Why is MultiChoice cancelling so many channels?

This is done to ensure we deliver unbeatable content and that our DStv/GOtv services cater to the needs and viewing requirements of our customers. MultiChoice regularly reviews its channel line-up to ensure we offer customers the best in local and international content.

Are you removing these channels because of poor ratings?

As Africa’s most-loved storyteller, MultiChoice continues to engage and work with third party channel providers to leverage its technology and provide world-class entertainment to our customers.

What content can consumers look forward to on Play Room?

The plan with Play Room is to combine education and entertainment through a mix of South African and international content like Paw Patrol and Game Shakers, together with animated titles dubbed into isiZulu.

Morning programming on Play Room will be centred around educational material for 4 to 6-year-olds, including interactive shows that encourage physical movement, as well as values-based and creative content designed to stretch children's imaginations.

Afternoons will feature live action and a local live show with high entertainment value for tweens.

Part 2: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Across Africa In November 2023?

Food Network

HOLIDAY WARS S4

New Season

Host Jeff Mauro joins judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeria as they challenge nine teams of cake and sugar artists to create mind-blowing holiday cakes. In the end, only one team will win the championship title and a trip to see Iceland's northern lights.

First TX: 10 November 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 29 December

CHRISTMAS COOKIE CHALLENGE S6

New Season

Eddie Jackson and Ree Drummond invite the most-talented cookie makers to craft stunning holiday creations like rotating carousels, oversized ornaments and heavenly angels. In the end, the winners take home the coveted golden ornament and a $10,000 prize.

First TX: 19 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 24 December

FESTIVE CHRISTMAS

Stunt

Titles included:

Christmas Cookie Challenge S3-4

Santa’s Baking Blizzard

Holiday Wars S3

First TX: 20 November 

TX Day: Monday-Friday 

TX Time: 14:20

Last TX: 25 December

HBC: GINGERBREAD SHOWDOWN S2

New Season

It's a festive competition of sugar and spice as three teams of gingerbreaders build huge, themed gingerbread displays. Host Carla Hall joins judges Stephanie Boswell and Kalen Allen to decide which team of cookie artists will win the $10,000 grand prize.

First TX: 11 November 

TX Day: Saturday 

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: TBC

HOLIDAY BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP S9

New Season

Jesse Palmer welcomes 12 holiday bakers to bring festive cheer to judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall. One competitor will take home all the gifts under the tree, including $25,000, a spot in Food Network Magazine and the championship title.

First TX: 3 November 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: TBC

BEAT BOBBY FLAY: HOLIDAY THROWDOWN S1

Brand New

The Food Network family is challenging Bobby Flay to face his worst holiday nightmares. In each supersized hour, familiar faces battle it out to choose the final challenge and pick the teams in this epic Beat Bobby Flay Holiday Throwdown!

First TX: 27 November 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 25 December

ZOE BAKES S1

Brand New

Zoë François bakes and cooks her

favorite recipes, from easy main dishes

to delicious desserts, with a little help

from her friends and family.

First TX: 18 November TX Day: Sat-Sun TX Time: 16:05

Last TX: 3 December

MAGNOLIA TABLE WITH JOANNA GAINES S4&5

New Season

Joanna Gaines shares more of her favorite

recipes in Season 4 & 5 including

raspberry chipotle pork tenderloin, basil

pesto chicken pizza, strawberry and

candied pecan salad, sopapillas, chicken

dumplings, chocolate hazelnut bread

pudding and chicken Florentine.

First TX: 2 November 

TX Day: Thursday TX 

Time: 17:00

Last TX: TBC

Investigation Discovery

ID SPECIAL REPORT: THE LONG ISLAND SERIAL KILLER

Brand New

The astonishing arrest of NYC architect and suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann sends shockwaves across the U.S. Now experts break down the latest in the case -- Who are the victims, who is Rex Heuermann, and how did he hide in plain sight?

First TX: 5 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

DOOMSDAY: THE TRIAL OF LORI VALLOW DAYBELL

Brand New

Follow the arrest and trial of Lori Vallow Daybell after the mysterious 2019 disappearance and murder of her children, 7- year-old JJ Vallow, and his older step-sister, 17-year-old Tylee Ryan, in Rexburg, Idaho.

First TX: 12 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

HOW TO CREATE A SEX SCANDAL

Brand New

With more twists and turns than a Hollywood thriller, this mind- blowing documentary exposes a devastating and scarcely believable true crime story that all begins in a swingers club in a small town in East Texas.

First TX: 26 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

A BODY IN THE BASEMENT S1

Brand New

These chilling stories of murder hit terrifyingly close to home -- each a real-life tale about the last thing anyone wants to find in their basement, a dead body. Every episode will make one think twice before ever stepping foot in the basement again.

First TX: 7 November 

TX Day: Tuesday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 12 December

THE MURDER TAPES S6A

Brand New

Homicide investigations unfold through dramatic real footage in this groundbreaking series. Viewers get an up-close perspective of each case using raw, unfiltered footage from body cams at the crime scene, surveillance cameras and interrogation rooms.

First TX: 15 November 

TX Day: Wednesday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 13 December

Discovery Family

WHEELER DEALERS S10

New Season

Viewers join host Mike Brewster and mechanic Edd China on their quest to transform automobiles back into mint condition. From completing major overhauls to tackling tricky detailing jobs, Mike and Edd teach all aspects of automotive restoration.

First TX: 8 November 

TX Day: Monday-Friday 

TX Time: 15:10

Last TX: 23 November

Travel Channel

GHOST HUNTERS S14

New Season

Renowned TAPS team members Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves and Dave Tango, along with Shari DeBenedetti, reunite to revisit their most chilling cases and investigate disturbing new hauntings.

First TX: 10 November 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

EXPEDITION BIGFOOT S3

New Season

An elite team of Sasquatch specialists journey into the unforgiving North American wilderness to prove once and for all that the elusive beast known as Bigfoot is real.

First TX: 26 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

Last TX: TBC

SCREAM: THE TRUE STORY

One-Off

Paranormal investigator Steve Shippy and psychic medium Cindy Kaza investigate the demonic forces that allegedly drove Danny Rolling, aka The Gainesville Ripper, to murder. The duo attempts to contact Rolling's spirit to uncover the truth behind the gruesome crime spree that inspired a blockbuster film.

TX: 12 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

THE CURSE OF LIZZIE BORDEN

One-Off

Dave Schrader assembles a team of paranormal experts to investigate whether a dark family curse led to the most infamous ax murders of all time. With new evidence that Lizzie Borden's ghost resides in the murder house, they conduct a seance to unearth the truth and finally close the portal of evil forever.

TX: 19 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

MICHIGAN HELL HOUSE

One-Off

It's the most terrifying story you've never heard: In 1974, the Pomeraning family was tortured by relentless, "humanly impossible" poltergeist activity. Using newly uncovered recordings, paranormal investigator Steve Shippy and psychic medium Cindy Kaza attempt to identify the evil that rocked a small Michigan town.

TX: 5 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:10

Real Time

Forbidden: Dying For Love S2&3

New Seasons

This series tells jaw-dropping stories of forbidden love: relationships that break taboos, cross boundaries, shock communities, and lead to extraordinary and shocking crimes.

First TX: 13 November 

TX Day: Monday-Sunday 

TX Time: 22:30

Last TX: 30 Nov

HOME AGAIN WITH THE FORDS S1

Brand New

Siblings Leanne and Steve Ford help people move back to where they grew up. These houses have a lot of love and history in their walls, and Steve and Leanne's challenge is to respect their past while updating the homes for the new generation.

First TX: 6 November 

TX Day: Monday-Friday 

TX Time: 15:50

Last TX: TBC

Part 1: What To Expect On Warner Bros. Discovery Across Africa In November 2023?

TNT

ALIEN MENACE

Stunt

A journey through sci-fi wonders and otherworldly confrontations that will ignite your imagination. Dive into the realm of extraterrestrial enigmas with 'Alien Menace’.

*Channel premieres are in bold

Saturday, 4 November 

18:05 Men in Black: International (2019) 

20:00 War of the Worlds (2005) 

Saturday, 11 November 

17:50 Pacific Rim (2013) 

20:00 Venom (2018) 

Saturday, 18 November 

17:35 Man of Steel (2013) 

20:00 Edge of Tomorrow (2014) 

Saturday, 25 November 

15:40 Star Trek (2009) 

17:45 Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) 

20:00 Star Trek Beyond (2016)

EDDIE MURPHY FAN MONTH

Stunt

This special tribute to Murphy's iconic career reaches its pinnacle with a not-to-be-missed movie marathon on the last Friday of the month. A drive through the unforgettable characters and comedy that define Eddie Murphy's legacy, now available on TNT for the first time ever.

*Channel premieres are in bold 

Friday, 3 November 

17:00 Beverly Hills Cop (1984) 

18:45 Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) 

20:30 Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) 

Friday, 10 November 

20:30 The Golden Child (1986) 

Friday, 17 November 

20:30 Boomerang (1992) 

Friday, 24 November 

13:30 Beverly Hills Cop (1984) 

15:15 Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) 

17:00 Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) 

18:50 The Golden Child (1986) 

20:30 Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) 

22:15 Boomerang (1993)

UNDER SUSPICION

Stunt

Experience uncertainty unfold, as characters navigate tangled webs of mystery. A weekly rendezvous with intrigue, where mystery takes center stage and perceptions are questioned.

There are no channel premieres in this stunt. Wednesday, 1 November 

20:30 Minority Report (2002) 

Wednesday, 8 November 

20:30 Transsiberian (2008) 

Wednesday, 15 November 

20:30 Mystic River (2003) 

Wednesday, 22 November 

20:30 The Fugitive (1993) 

Wednesday, 29 November 

20:30 The Fan (1996)

PULP FICTION

TNT Hit

The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.

*Channel premieres are in bold

Sunday, 5 November 20:00 

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Discovery Channel

WHEELER DEALERS S18B

20th Anniversary Stunt

Wheeler Dealers returns to the UK as multi-talented mechanic Marc "Elvis" Priestley joins experienced car dealer Mike Brewer on a mission to find and restore iconic cars that they can later sell for a profit.

Continuation of stunt from October featuring a curated line up of best episodes leading up to the premiere of S18B in November.

First TX: 17 Nov 

TX Day: Friday 

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 19 Jan 2024

THE GARDEN: COMMUNE OR CULT

Brand New

On 22 acres of backcountry land in the American South lies The Garden -- an off-the-grid community living by its own laws, free from the pressures of modern society. Every spring brings a new crop of people and questions about The Garden's cult-like vibe

First TX: 22 Nov

TX Day: Wednesday 

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 25 Dec

NAKED AND AFRAID: CASTAWAYS

Brand New

Naked and Afraid takes on a true-life survival situation when nine seasoned challengers are stranded on a remote island. Abandoned with no map or tools, they must fashion what they need to survive from wreckage and debris strewn across the island.

First TX: 1 Nov

TX Day: Wednesday 

TX Time: 20:55

Last TX: 20 Dec

GOLD DIVERS S11B

New Episodes

In Nome, Alaska, the gold rush is on. Driven by gold fever and sometimes desperate need, miners pilot their ragtag dredges and dive with hoses to suck up gold from the bottom of the frigid, unpredictable Bering Sea.

First TX: 13 Nov 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 20:55

Last TX: 15 Jan 2024

TLC SA

90 DAY FIANCE S10

New Season

Using a unique 90 Day Fiance visa, overseas fiances will travel to the US to live with their partners for the first time. Each couple will have just 90 days to decide to get married or send their international mate home.

South Africa:

First TX: 9 November 

TX Day: Thursday 

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 21 March 2024

MEGAN THEE STALLION VS TORY LANEZ: FIVE SHOTS

One-Off

The shocking shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, revealed by insiders and lawyers involved. Told from both perspectives, it looks at how Tory Lanez still protests his innocence but examines why Megan was vilified on social media despite a terrifying ordeal.

South Africa:

TX: 26 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

SAY YES TO THE DRESS WITH TAN FRANCE

Brand New

Brace yourself for some explosive drama, outrageous comedy, stunning dresses and an outpouring of love, as Tan France (Queer Eye, Next in Fashion) takes over the wonderful world of "Say Yes to the Dress”.

South Africa:

TX: 14 November 

TX Day: Tuesday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 2 Jan 2024

TLC Africa

MEGAN THEE STALLION VS TORY LANEZ: FIVE SHOTS

One-Off

The shocking shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, revealed by insiders and lawyers involved. Told from both perspectives, it looks at how Tory Lanez still protests his innocence but examines why Megan was vilified on social media despite a terrifying ordeal.

Africa:

TX: 26 November 

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

SISTER WIVES S11B

New Season

The Brown family boldly faces the worst year they have ever had. As Kody and Christine's relationship falls apart, family members take sides and tensions rise. Nothing will ever be the same again for the Browns.

Africa:

First TX: 1 November 

TX Day: Wednesday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX:20 March 2024

HGTV

LUXE FOR LESS

Brand New

Designer Michel Smith Boyd uses clever budget

hacks to help homeowners create luxurious

renovations without stretching their bank

accounts. Along with his creative team, Michel

brings upscale design within reach to deliver

beautifully overhauled spaces.

First TX: 15 November 

TX Day: Wednesday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 20 December

UGLIEST HOUSE IN AMERICA S4

New Season

Comedian Retta travels across five different

regions of the US to tour properties competing for

the ugliest home around. After crowning the worst

of the worst, HGTV designer Alison Victoria

surprises the homeowners with a spectacular

$150,000 renovation!

First TX: 2 November 

TX Day: Thursday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 23 November

MY LOTTERY DREAM HOME S15

New Season

Recent lottery winners go on over-the-top house

hunts for their new dream homes with David

Bromstad, and he'll help them decide if they

should spend all their winnings on an extravagant

mansion or settle for a sound investment.

First TX: 20 November 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: TBC

BUILDING ROOTS S2

New Season

Design masterminds Ben and Cristi Dozier take

on boundary-pushing projects as they turn basic

Colorado homes into one-of-a-kind spaces. Their

passion for doing the impossible drives them to

help clients plant roots and discover what it means to be home.

First TX: 30 November 

TX Day: Thursday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 18 January

Daran Norris Confirms New 'The Fairly OddParents' Project Is In Development

Speaking on the Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide, Norris, who voiced characters such as Cosmo, Timmy's dad, and Jorgen Von Strangle on the long-running animated series, revealed that, following last year's live-action/CG-animated hybrid spin-off Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder, that "we're in the process of doing something new":

During the podcast episode, Norris also reminisced about working on three shows - Fairly OddParents, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Veronica Mars - at the same time and working on Team America: World Police.

The news follows the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) revealing earlier this year that Paramount Global, the parent company of the Nickelodeon brand, has applied to register The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish with the USPTO under several NICE classes, including NICE class "41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services", which is for Goods & Services pertaining to "entertainment services in the nature of continuing program series, featuring live action, comedy and drama provided through cable television, broadcast television, internet, video-on-demand, and through other forms of transmission media; providing online information in the field of entertainment concerning television programs".

Paramount has also applied to register the title under NICE classes 28 for "Games; toys; sports equipment" and 25 for "Clothing; footwear; headgear".

At the moment, not much information is available about The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, including whether it'll be a TV series of a movie, a reboot or a revival of the original series, live-action or animated (or a hybrid of both), and whether it'll be for Nickelodeon, Paramount+ or both. The news comes as Nickelodeon is in the midst of reviving a raft of iconic properties, including Rugrats, iCarly, Good Burger, Zoey 101, The Thundermans, Dora the Explorer, and more. The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish would also be the second Fairly OddParents revival in recent years, following last year's animated/live-action hybrid Paramount+ Original series Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder.

Nickelodeon’s beloved animated The Fairly OddParents series, which ran from 2001-2017 with 172 episodes, followed the magical adventures of 10-year-old Timmy Turner and his well-meaning fairy godparents, Cosmo & Wanda, who grant him wishes. During its run, The Fairly OddParents became one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved properties from both fans and critics alike, having won and been nominated for dozens of awards. The Fairly OddParents was created by Butch Hartman.