Exciting Saturday Nights Ahead Of Love, Laughter And I Dos On Mzansi Magic As Date My Family And Our Perfect Wedding Return

Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family because Mzansi Magic is bringing back the warmth, laughter, and love with the return of two fan-favourite shows. Date My Family Season 11 and Our Perfect Wedding Season 14 are back to spice up your Saturday nights, starting 11 November at 18:30 and 19:30.

 

Date My Family (DMF) continues with episode 14 and is here to change the way you spend your Saturday nights. DMF offers an alternative twist to conventional dating shows. Here, singletons aren't just finding a date, they're experiencing the full package, one family at a time. By interacting with potential partners' families, they get an insider's look at what life might be like with their future love interest. This season promises more fun, surprising revelations, and possibly the most memorable dates yet.

 

Season 14 of Our Perfect Wedding (OPW) kicks off with episode 9, making a grand entrance. Re-joining the Saturday line-up, OPW allows you to witness love stories ending in the union of hearts. Each episode, one engaged couple takes us on their journey, ticking off their wish list to achieve their dream wedding. And with the vibrant trio of hosts across episodes – Nonkanyiso “LaConco” Conco, Khaya Dladla and Swankie Mafoko –  each segment is guaranteed to be filled with charm, style, and heartfelt moments.

 

Why Saturdays are extra special

Mzansi Magic has always been your home for local entertainment, and with these two shows taking the prime time slots where Idols SA reigned one last time, expect plenty of emotions, drama, and pure bliss.

 

After basking in the love and laughs from DMF and OPW, stay tuned for a local movie at 20:30. We begin with Ubuhle Bendalo by Ingwe Films on 11 November, followed by Ukukhetha from 2 Go 2 Media on 18 November, and uMashaya Othando by Thape Media on 25 November. These films are not just movies, they're journeys into the heart of our culture and storytelling.

 

About Mzansi Magic Saturday movies at 20:30:

Ubuhle Bendalo (11 Nov)

A journalist goes undercover in a beauty pageant to uncover the hidden secrets of the sponsor behind it. The sponsor claims to empower women, but lies and deception lurks beneath the surface.

 

Ukukhetha (18 Nov)

Gog’ Flo, with a chronic disease, relies on her grandson, Jabu, to collect medication for her. However, things change when Jabu starts hanging out with the wrong people.

 

Umashaya Wothando (25 Nov)

A big-money scammer earns a living by influencing women to give him their money and possessions. However, things change when he falls in love, gets caught in his scam, and must own up to the damage caused.

 

With the latest seasons of Date My Family and Our Perfect Wedding, Saturdays are no longer just another day of the week, they're a celebration of love, family, and the joy of togetherness. So, why not spend time with the home of entertainment right in your living room? Let's laugh, cry, and celebrate love with Mzansi Magic.

 

Join us from 11 November, every Saturday night, for a line-up that promises to keep you glued to your screens on DStv channel 161. And if you're on the go, don't forget you can tune in via DStv Stream.

News Shorts: Saturdays Cancelled After One Season On Disney Channel, Telemundo Temporarily Suspends Production Of Original Programming, Redemption Makes It's Freemium Debut On e.tv

Saturdays are about to be retired

 

Earlier this year, Disney launched a brand new single-cam, coming-of-age comedy series called “Saturdays” on the Disney Channel and Disney+. The show takes place on the best day of the week...Saturday! The series revolves around 14-year-old Paris Johnson and her best friends Simone and Ari, who hone their roller-skating skills on the cool parquet floor of Saturdays, a local skating rink in Chicago. Together they form the We-B-Girlz skate crew and are determined to show and prove they have the hottest skate routines on the planet!

Unfortunately, according to TVLine, the show has been cancelled because while, Disney Branded Television was high on the show, it is now focusing on building out its multicam strategy. Disney is also focusing more on shows that are based on Disney-owned IP, and will be focused on creating global tentpole programming.

Telemundo is going on autopilot

Based in the United States, Telemundo is a Spanish language television channel distributed internationally by NBCUniversal. It is home to number of original productions including My Heart Beats For Lola, Betty In New York, Fearless Heart and Aurora.

Due to declining number of TV households, Telemundo joins the lineup of premium TV channels to have lost their viewers on year end for platforms like Netflix and Disney+ and this included NBC, HBO, The CW, TNT, ABC, National Geographic, Freeform and Disney Channel.

This has resulted in the shortage of original productions as Telemundo delays production on an untitled Danilo Carrera series. Prior to that one of their current actors William Levy (Vuelve A Mí) had mentioned having numerous projects from the network taken away from him.

Internationally, the channel had to licence content from numerous studios including Colombian dramas The Chosen Granddaughter and Ana's Revenge from RCN and Caracol Television and Turkish series Cennet: The Power Of Destiny from ATV.

Redemption is coming to e.tv

Prior to the series debut on BET, it was very much announced that Redemption would be made available to e.tv. Following the cancellation of the family drama during the year, we got word that the series will air on weeknights at 20:00 from 19 November.

Set in a mega church, centres on the Zikode family. After the disappearance of Pastor Simon Zikhode (Themba Ndaba), his daughter Faith (Kwanele Mthethwa), who is on the cusp of an international music career, drops everything to come to her family's rescue.

The cast includes Tina Jaxa, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Seputla Sebogodi, Yonda Thomas, Pearl Modiadie, Sparky Xulu, Nkone Mamejta and Toka Mtabane.

Recap To Last Month: CBS Reality Ends It's Run In The UK As Paramount And AMC Networks Decide To Drop The Last CBS Channel In The Region After 14 Years

CBS Reality is a factual entertainment channel operated by AMC Networks International together with Paramount Global. The channel is home to shows like Judge Judy, Close Calls On Camera, Border Patrol, Haunted Case Files and Random Breath Tests.

In the UK, it was announced that CBS Reality would end its run after 14 years thus bringing an end to CBS brand name. Prior to this announcement, CBS Reality's programming had been altered to feature true crime and also there's a FAST channel resembling it's likeness.

This was something to be expected and also it doesn't really answer any questions regarding the feed seen in Europe and Africa. One theory that comes to mind would be the disastrous ending to CBS Reality seeing as Poland halt production of further original programs.

Perhaps, the plan would be shift more toward true crime as the last original programs to have been produced were all crime skewed. Another would be keeping the non-crime portion of CBS Reality (particularly in Africa) intact and finding supplements.

This change seen in the UK is part of streamlining efforts and as it is AMC+ is not viewable in some of the regions CBS Reality resides in. It's likely that the channels could take up another form if not True Entertainment or True Crime but it does appear they'll remain intact for the time being.

My Opinion Regarding The Demise Of Boomerang And Rise Of Cartoonito

During the year, Boomerang was folded under Cartoonito after it rolled out on the channel as a programming block in 2022. It featured various shows like CoComelon, Thomas And Friends and Dino Ranch and expanded to include Batwheels, Interstellar Ella and Bugs Bunny Builders.

As seen through my research on the Latin American market, Boomerang retains a stake in Cartoonito particularly for figures such as Scooby-Doo, Tom And Jerry and Looney Tunes. Of course, the Boomerang DNA has slowly subsided on the channel.

So yeah, I kind of get why parents and children across Africa would be very fearful about the future of Boomerang. This was a channel that was home to classical figures outside of Warner Bros. such as Garfield and The Addams Family and overtime evolved to include shows like Grizzy And The Lemmings and Zig and Sharko.

But this is a rebrand and as such various measures should be implemented, to me them keeping a small fraction of Boomerang was probably a way to phase off the channel to its entirety and also another way to keep existing viewers while as welcome newer audiences to Cartoonito.

I could be angry about this rebrand but hey similar to how some viewers say Cartoon Network died over the years the same could have been said about Boomerang. At one point, it was almost like Boing thereafter it got another identity therefore tarnishing the name.

Cartoonito as a whole kind of makes sense right now as it keeps the original DNA Boomerang intact and it's one better way to kind of align the brands. I know some are angry about Looney Tunes Cartoons but hey I noticed better treatment on the channel than Cartoon Network international.

In short, I don't think Cartoonito is that bad of a channel especially if there's still viewers out there willing to watch CoComelon and Thomas And Friends. It's productive and imaginative unlike some other kids channels I know of but won't mention right now.

What To Expect On The Home Channel In December 2023?

Escape to the Chateau is back with an action-packed series full of family adventures, awe-inspiring renovation projects, big reveals, and a magical Christmas special. Bringing a warm hug into living rooms, Dick, Angel, Arthur and Dorothy share more enchanting tales from the Chateau as they continue the renovation of their 19th-century fairytale home and grounds! Despite the havoc, the Chateau reveals more of its secrets while Dick and Angel continue to find ingenious ways of bringing new rooms back to life and creating a home full of happy memories.

Show Title and Season: Escape to the Chateau Season 9

Starting Date: Monday, 25 December 2023 12:00

End Date: Sunday, 18 February 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME Thu 20:00 & Fri 19:00 | Mon 12:00 | Tue 16:00 | Fri 08:00| Sat 12:30 Sun 16:30 & 23:30

Every week, the designers will be set a new commercial design challenge, to take on the interiors of show homes, offices, hotels, shops, beach huts, salons, restaurants and luxury holiday villas. Their skill and expertise will hopefully create design magic to impress the discerning judges. Hosted by Alan Carr Michelle who is joined each week by a different guest expert, on hand to offer their advice and appraisal. The series includes appearances by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Linda Boronkay, Kit Kemp, Ross Bailey, Sophie Robinson, Abigail Ahern and Matthew Williamson.

Show Title and Season: Interior Design Masters Season 2

Starting Date: Monday, 4 December 2023 15:00

End Date: Friday, 26 January 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Wed 19:00 Mon 15:00 | Thu 22:00 | Fri 11:00

Real Health is a studio-based lifestyle show featuring holistic health solutions presented in an easy-to-absorb and palatable manner. It explores how these solutions, when practiced correctly, lead to a physically, emotionally and mentally healthier body, mind and soul.

Host, Michael Porter chats to different experts from the health and wellness field about a variety of topics that all contribute to holistic health, mind, body and soul. Each episode inspires, transforms and enlightens viewers on their personal journeys towards real health.

Show Title and Season: Real Health Season 14 

Starting Date: Monday, 4 December 2023 18:00

End Date: Sunday, 3 March 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Mon 18:00 Tue 23:00 |Wed 10:00 |Thu 14:00 Sat 09:30 | Sun 08:00

Fresh Cut with Jill Manson is an inspiring floral show that takes viewers on a South African floral journey. Each episode revolves around a theme and brings relevant information and inspirational floral designs to you.

Join floral communications expert, Jill Manson, as she meets the farmers who grow some of South Africa’s most spectacular blooms, goes behind the scenes at the flower market and brings you tips and floral arrangements that you can recreate at home.

Show Title and Season: Fresh Cut with Jill Manson Season 4 

Starting Date: Tuesday, 5 December 2023 21:00

End Date: Sunday, 3 March 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 21:00 Wed 09:00| Thu 13:00| Fri 17:00 Sat 12:00 & 19:00 Sun 16:00 & 23:00

Luxury Homes Revealed embodies everything luxurious in the housing business. Follow our hosts Gary, Nadia, Cindy and Anita on their journey around Australia and the USA walking through the most exquisite houses.

From an apartment to a 7,000 square foot estate, viewers of Luxury Homes Revealed get to see the ins and outs in some of the countries’ most extravagant homes. Getting to meet along the way real estate agents, builders and designers. This show has it all and is guaranteed to make your jaw drop.

Show Title and Season: Luxury Homes Revealed Season 4

Starting Date: Tuesday, 12 December 2023 19:00

End Date: Friday, 16 February 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 19:00 Wed 22:30 | Thu 11:00 | Fri 15:00

“I Escaped to the Country” celebrates the house buying success stories of people who went on to purchase a rural property they were introduced to on their original “Escape to the Country” journey. Each episode highlights what they love about their new home and how the move has transformed their everyday lives.

We visit Shropshire and Suffolk. We see views that we chased and wildlife of the Scottish Highlands. We travel to Somerset and catch up with some escapees in Worcestershire. We continue revisiting escapees that moved to the South of Wales and the British countryside.

Show Title and Season: I Escaped to the Country Season 4

Starting Date: Tuesday, 19 December 2023 20:00

End Date: Friday, 23 February 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 20:00 Mon 22:00 | Tue 11:00 Wed 08:00 & 15:00 Thu 12:00 |Fri 16:00 Sat 19:30 | Sun 09:30

Michael & Carlene Duffy are living their best renovation life. They’ve been transforming their strange old country club ‘house’ into a beautiful Palm Springs inspired masterpiece for over ten long years now! They’ve created some memorable improvements already, but there’s still a long way to go.

So, they’re heading out again to see some of the brightest and boldest renovations around for some great design ideas and plenty of inspiration. In every episode, Michael and Carlene will follow an incredible renovation from start to glorious end! And their place? All will be revealed, ready or not.

Show Title and Season: Ready Set Reno Season 2

Starting Date: Monday, 25 December 2023 11:00

End Date: Friday, 16 February 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Thu 19:00 Mon 11:00 | Tue 15:00 | Fri 22:30

Top Million Dollar Agent is based on the lives and careers of four of North America’s top real estate professionals. The show features Mike Donia, Jin Jiang, Daryl King, and Inez Kudryk.

In each episode, the host has a client who is interested in buying a home and takes them to four different million-dollar properties that are provided by the other agents and a guest agent or builder/designer. The goal is to entertain and enlighten audiences about the growing million-dollar residential market. Tune in . to satisfy your curiosity!

Show Title and Season: Top Dollar Dollar Agent Season 6

Starting Date: Monday, 25 December 2023 14:30

End Date: Friday, 2 February 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Wed 18:30 Mon 14:30 | Thu 23:30 | Fri 10:30

Grow Cook Eat responds to the burgeoning interest in growing your own food: you can grow vegetables and fruit in a very small garden, or even in containers on an apartment balcony. You don’t need half an acre or a polytunnel to do it. Presented by Michael Kelly and Karen O’Donohoeof Grow it Yourself (GIY), each episode focuses on a particular vegetable and takes you through the entire process, from sowing the seed, to harvesting and to cooking. This is a very practical series, aimed at people with little or no knowledge, but who like the idea of being able to grow at least something themselves. As well as the step-by-step guides to growing vegetables, there are features on building raised beds, making a compost heap, and improving soil fertility.

Show Title and Season: Grow Cook Eat Season 1

Starting Date: Tuesday, 26 December 2023 18:00

End Date: Sunday, 11 February 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 18:00 Wed 23:00| Thu 10:00 | Fri 14:00 Sat 07:30 | Sun 14:00

In conjunction with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Australia by Design: Landscapes and Gardens showcases Australia’s best landscape designs. The series features an array of projects from parks and open spaces to urban design and private gardens. It examines what makes each landscape so unique and innovative and looks at the problems they are trying to solve.

Over each episode. leading landscape architects and an expert panel of industry leaders decide which landscape statements will go through to the ‘best of the best’ final episode. In the final episode, we count down the top 10 to determine Australia’s ultimate Landscape and/or Garden of the year..

Show Title and Season: Australia by Design: Landscapes and Gardens Season 1 

Starting Date: Tuesday, 26 December 2023 21:30

End Date: Friday, 15 March 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Tue 21:30 Wed 09:30| Thu 13:30 | Fri 17:30