Play Room's Disappearance From DStv And GOtv In The Rest Of Africa Explained

During the week, it was learnt that MultiChoice would be axing Da Vinci Kids across various DStv and GOtv platforms in Africa within November. Prior to the termination, MultiChoice would be debuting Play Room as new kids channel from Ngwato Nkosi Group in South Africa.

In an enquiry, it was revealed by a rep at Play Room that the channel will "for now" debut in RSA on DStv Channel 300. Consumers outside of South Africa on DStv and GOtv will have to make use of Disney Junior, Nick Jr. and other children's channels for a "similar offering".

As MultiChoice doesn't plan to replace Da Vinci Kids with another children's channel or in this case Play Room as this termination not only affected South Africa but the whole of Africa. Although, a reason for the exclusion hadn't been provided several theories come to mind.

Following Zee Zonke, the first theory that would come to mind would be language allocation. As the channel is confirmed to have "popular animated shows in isiZulu" and this included CoComelon and Akili And Me and something like this wouldn't be familiar in some countries.

Second theory which continues with the first was language switching. For all we know the content would be in English and Zulu with sign language incorporated so maybe the channel will look into adding more languages overtime but I'm not expecting that for South Africa.

The last theory would most probably have to do with costs, MultiChoice is not able to sustain themselves in some regions so much so that you'd have brands like Zambezi Magic covering large parts of Africa as opposed to having Mzansi Magic and kykNET operating in one region.

Considering how much money is being poured onto the local aspects of Play Room, MultiChoice Africa will probably want to filter it down to their budget and another would be them probably looking to launch a separate offering which is aligned to consumers in their region.

News Shorts: A Rebroadcast Of Pasion Prohibida AKA Forbidden Passion Launches On eExtra, Disney Channel And TNT Both Gearing Up With Respective Premieres Across Africa With Hailey's On It And 100 Years Of Warner Bros. Studios

Monica Spear and Jencarlos Canela star in a fan-favourite series

Forbidden Passion (Pasion Prohibida) is a 2012 soap opera produced by Telemundo Studios that told the story of a woman's scorn over her mother after discovering that her she cheated on her father prior to his death so she married the man she chased after there she falls for his nephew.

Based on the 2008 Turkish drama Aşk-ı Memnu which derives from the novel of the same name. It starred Monica Spear and Jencarlos Canela alongside Roberto Vander, Mercedes Molto, Rebecca Jones, Henry Zakka, Jorge Consejo and Carmen Aub.

The series broadcasts weekday mornings on eExtra from 1st  November.

Disney Channel rolls out another female led series

Hailey's On It is a comedy-adventure centers around a risk-averse hero who’s tasked with saving the world by completing every item on a long list of challenging tasks. Hailey’s On It! is slated for a 2023 release, and there was no additional information about its format at press time.

Auli’i Cravalho (Moana) is the voice actor behind lead character Hailey, with Manny Jacinto (The Good Place) as her best friend Scott. The series was created by Devin Bunje and Nick Stanton (Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything), and is in production at Disney Television Animation by a team that includes co-executive producer and supervising director Howy Parkins (Lion Guard), producer Wade Wisinki (The Owl House), story editor Karen Graci (Tuca & Bertie) and art director Lee Ann Dufour (The Breadwinner).

The series broadcasts weekday afternoons from 20 November on Disney Channel.

TNT is celebrating Warner Bros. Studios with a new documentary

100 Years of Warner Bros. takes a historical look at the legacy of one of America's leading studios. The documentary explores the origin, evolution and endurance of Warner Bros. - from a family affair to a global juggernaut.

Tracing a century of movie and TV history, these four documentary specials explore the unparalleled global impact of Warner Bros. on art, commerce, and culture. '100 Years of Warner Bros.' Doc featured George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey and Tim Burton.

It airs every Wednesday at 20:00 from December on TNT.

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