What To Expect On Discovery Channel And TLC Across Africa In December 2023?

Discovery Channel

Salvage Hunters S17B

NEW SEASON

Drew Pritchard makes money from bits of buildings others don't want. Whether it's a historic chimney from a medieval manor or a glass conservatory dome from a Victorian folly, he spends life on the road searching for architectural treasures.

First TX: 2 Dec

TX Day: Saturdays 

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 23 Dec

Outback Opal Hunters

S6B

NEW SEASON

Driven by the dream of striking it rich, several crews of fearless opal miners are on a mission to unearth a fortune in some of Australia’s harshest and remote landscapes.

First TX: 12 Dec 

TX Day: Tuesdays 

TX Time: 20:55

Last TX: 27 Feb 2024

Mystery at Blind Frog

Ranch S2

NEW SEASON

Texas wildcatter Duane Ollinger has sunk everything he has into hunting for a vast fortune of gold on his property in Utah. But the closer he gets to finding the treasure, the more the land seems to fight to hold onto it.

First TX: 7 Dec 

TX Day: Thursday 

TX Time: 20:55

Last TX: TBC

Escape the Holidays

Craving a break from the holiday hustle and bustle? Starting on the 18th of December, viewers are invited to spend time with their favourite Discovery Channel shows, including fan favourites like Gold Rush, Wheeler Dealers, Homestead Rescue, and Deadliest Catch. The only stress is deciding which series to tune in to!

First TX: 18 Dec 

TX Day: TBC 

TX Time: TBC

Last TX: TBC

TLC SA/Both/ROA

Survive The Raft

BRAND NEW

Nine Americans with wildly diverse backgrounds and beliefs embark on a social experiment that will test whether their differences aside and work together for a chance to win life-changing money.

South Africa:

First TX: 4 December 

TX Day: Monday 

TX Time: 22:00

Last TX: 29 Jan 2024

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace

NEW TO CHANNEL

In this stranger-than-fiction series that turns expectations on its heads, we explore the question of whether Natalie Barnett is an exploited Ukrainian child with dwarfism or a dangerous adult masquerading as a child.

South Africa:

First TX: 12 December TX Day: Tuesday TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 16 Jan 2024

The Family Chantel S5

NEW SEASON

90 Day Fiance fan favourite Pedro and Chantel weather the ups and downs of marriage as they come together with their feisty extended family members in a uniquely modern family.

South Africa:

First TX: 7 December

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 22:00/21:50

Last TX: 11 Jan 2024

Me or the Menu

NEW TO CHANNEL

Set in the cutthroat world of the restaurant, four restauranteurs navigate the challenges of opening a restaurant with their significant other.

Africa:

First TX: 11 December

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 15 Jan 2024

Down Home Fab S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Chelsea and Cole DeBoer navigate the most challenging chapter of their lives as they build a design business all while raising their four children.

South Africa:

First TX: 18 December

TX Day: Monday

TX Time: 20:00

Last TX: 22 Jan 2024

TLC CHRISTMAS

This holiday will be full of joy, warmth, family and love, and Christmas spirit. Celebrate Christmas with TLC

Christmas content strips

Monday - Friday throughout December

Key shows: 

Outdaughtered, Sister Wives, Cake Boss

Christmas content block from 23rd Dec - 25th Dec 

South Africa:

First TX: 1 December

TX Day: Monday-Friday

TX Time: 19:05/20:10

Last TX: TBC

What To Expect On Real Time And Food Network In December 2023 Across Africa?

Real Time

Guy's Grocery Games S12

NEW TO CHANNEL

Guy Fieri sends talented chefs running through

the aisles of Flavortown Market for the chance to

make some serious dough. They face real-world

challenges as they compete to be the last chef

standing in this high-stakes cooking competition.

First TX: 4 December

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 12:05

Last TX: TBC

Zoo S4&5

NEW TO CHANNEL

A behind-the-scenes look is offered of the Bronx Zoo, a New York institution and global leader in animal care and species conservation.

First TX: 1 December

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 10:30

Last TX: TBC

Candy Land S1

NEW TO CHANNEL

Host Kristin Chenoweth guides teams through the

edible regions of Candy Land and challenges them

to create eye-popping confectionary showpieces.

The team that makes it to King Kandy's Castle

takes home the grand prize of $25,000.

First TX: 25 December

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 11:40, 12:05

Last TX: TBC

Chopped S20

NEW TO CHANNEL

In a cooking competition that's all about skill,

speed and ingenuity, four up-and-coming chefs

compete before a panel of three expert judges.

Course by course, the chefs must take a basket

of mystery ingredients and turn it into an

extraordinary meal. Then, they must survive the

Chopping Block, where the judges are waiting to

be wowed and are not shy about voicing their

culinary criticisms! Host Ted Allen leads the

high-energy, high-pressure competition, and in

the end, only one chef will make the cut and win

$10,000.

First TX: 25 December

TX Day: Weekdays

TX Time: 11:15

Last TX: TBC

Food Network

Tournament of Champions S4

NEW SEASON

This holiday season becomes Guy Fieri hosts 32 of the world's greatest chefs as they go head-to-head in a brutal single elimination bracketed tournament. The chefs with the best dishes stay alive, and the winning chef takes home the TOC Championship Belt and $100,000.

First TX: 5 December

TX Day: Tuesday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 23 Jan 2024

Chopped S55 [Julia Child’s Kitchen] 

NEW SEASON

In this competition, four Julia Child fans compete in a preliminary battle with baskets inspired by Julia Child's recipes. The winner will advance to the tournament's finale, where they'll fight for $25,000 Julia Child-themed dream trip to France!

First TX: 13 December

TX Day: Wednesday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: 10 Jan 2024

Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays 

BRAND NEW

Global mega superstar Selena Gomez invites the best chefs in the country to help her put together indulgent holiday feasts for her friends and family.

First TX: 7 December

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: 28 Dec

Summer Baking Championship S1

NEW SERIES

Ten top bakers channel their summer joy through baked goods to win the Summer Baking Championship title and $25,000.

First TX: 29 December

TX Day: Friday

TX Time: 18:00

Last TX: 10 Feb 2024

Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines S6

NEW SEASON

Joanna Gaines share more of her favourite recipes, including biscuits and peach butter, Texas caviar, huevos rancheros and pork chops with peach chutney.

First TX: 21 December

TX Day: Thursday

TX Time: 17:00

Last TX: TBC

Silos Baking Competition: Holiday Edition

NEW SPECIAL

Joanna Gaines hosts Silo's Baking Co's very first holiday cookie competition as home bakers compete for a chance to have their treat featured at the Silos and win $25,000.

First TX: 24 December

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 16:05

Last TX: 24 Dec

Silos Baking Competition: Summer Special

NEW SPECIAL

Home bakers travel to Waco, TX, for a friendly competition that celebrates the joy that comes from time spent in the kitchen. The bakers are challenged to perfect a favourite recipe for a chance to have their treat featured at Magnolia's Silos Baking Co.

First TX: 30 December

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 16:05

Last TX: 30 Dec

What To Expect On DreamWorks Channel Across Africa In December 2023?

NEW EPISODES

THE EPIC SOUNDS OF CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS

Based on the epic novels by Dav Pilkey, DreamWorks "The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants" follows the adventures of George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two best friends who’ve bonded through their love of pranking, comic books and being the thorns in Principal Krupp's side. Their fun gets them mixed up in adventures crazier than their comic books, which is when they call on their greatest creation: Captain Underpants!

From Monday 4th December

Weekdays at 10am, 5pm, 10pm

Weekends at 10am, 5pm, 10pm

NEW EPISODES

THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS IN BOOTS

The world's favorite feline hero, lover (and milk connoisseur) dons his signature footwear and protects the hidden city of San Lorenzo. Puss must do more than become a local hero as he protects the now-defenseless, wildly eclectic townspeople from all manner of villains—he must become a legend. Nothing can stand in the way of this swashbuckling daredevil… except a hairball!

From Monday 4th December

Weekdays at 12pm, 6pm, 11pm

Weekends at 12pm, 6pm, 11pm

MOVIES

Fridays at 5pm

Saturdays at 9am

Sundays at 9.30am

Arthur Christmas: Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th December

On planet Baab, Gary Supernova is head of mission control at the Baabian Aeronautics and Space Administration (BASA), while his younger and more charismatic brother Scorch is the planet's most famous astronaut. The difference between the brothers is vast, and even Gary's son Kip favors his uncle over his father. However, when a failed rescue mission results in Scorch being held captive on planet Earth at the infamous Area 51 by Agent Shanker, it's left up to Gary to save the day. Can he succeed in saving his brother and change his son's opinion of him?

Hop: Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd December

Employing state-of-the-art visual effects, Hop tells the comic tale of Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (voiced by Russell Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up. The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin & the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me).

STUNT

TROLLS POP PARTY!

This November, we bring you the ultimate Pop Party!, with exhilarating episodes of Trolls The Beat Goes On! featuring your favourite Trolls’ Characters.

Join Poppy, Guy Diamond, Smidge, Biggie and Branch as they sing, dance and shake glitter through colourful adventures, where there is music pumping on every corner.

Each weekend focusses on a different troll in their best episodes:

• Branch: 1st – 2nd December

From Friday 10th November

Weekends at 7pm

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS AND MARATHONS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FESTIVE FUN BLOCK

Shrek the Halls

Shrek's plans for a cosy family celebration spirals into one truly unforgettable Christmas.

Kung Fu Panda Holiday

Po prepares for his favourite holiday, the Winter Feast and learns the true meaning of tradition, community and family.

Merry Madagascar

When Santa unexpectedly crash lands on the island, giving the jolly gentleman a case of amnesia - it's up to those zany zoosters to save Christmas!

Dragons: Gift Of The Night Fury

As the village of Berk prepares for its winter holiday, the resident dragons all inexplicably fly away

Donkey’s Caroling Christmas-tacular

Deck the halls with Donkey's laughter in this all-new crazy and colourful collection of animated Christmas goodies and hilarious holiday surprises.

The Madagascar Penguins: A Christmas Caper

Private heads into the city to do some last minute Christmas shopping. When he gets stuffed into a stocking it's up to his fellow penguins to save him.

B.O.B’s Big Break

B.O.B. and his monstrous crew are on a mission to bust out of the government's top-secret holding cell.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

PANDA VS DRAGONS BLOCK

Legend Of The Boneknapper Dragon

Hiccup and the gang join Gobber on a quest to find a legendary boneknapper dragon.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five

Po and the Furious Five face Shifu's biggest challenge yet as they discover it takes a lot more than fast feet and fists to become a kung fu master

Dragons: Dawn Of The Dragon Racers

The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ adventure continues when a hunt for lost sheep turns into a fierce, fun-filled competition.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Master

Po and the Furious Five go back in time to uncover the origin stories of Gongmen City's greatest heroes: Master Thundering Rhino, Master Storming Ox and Master Croc.

Book of Dragons

Join Hiccup and his friends as they explore and add to their primary reference about dragons.

Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Scroll

Tigress, Viper, Monkey, Crane and Mantis transform from complete strangers into the legendary Furious Five Warriors of Kung Fu.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

SHREK AND FRIENDS BLOCK

Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos

Babysitting has never been more dangerous. Will our hero Puss in Boots tame the Three Diablos?

Far Far Away Idol

Join Shrek and the rest of the Far Far Away characters in this hilarious spoof as they battle it out in a singers’ showdown.

Scared Shrekless

Shrek gets in the Halloween spirit by challenging his fairytale friends to come up with scary stories for a contest. But the gang learn that they'll have to spend the night in Lord Farquaad's haunted castle before the winner is named.

Madly Madagascar

Romance is in the air for Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman after King Julien discovers a magical perfume and takes on the role as “King of Love.”

The Pig Who Cried Werewolf

A conspiracy minded Heimlich has cried wolf before, so Horst and Dieter ignore his warnings when a wolf moves in next door to The Three Pigs.

The Ghost of Lord Farquaad

Princess Fiona is ambushed by Lord Farquaad’s henchman, Thelonius. A crazy and hilarious chase ensues with Shrek and Donkey hot on the trail!

Megamind: The Button of Doom

After one “button” unleashes the gigantic robot MEGA- MEGAmind on Metro City, MegaMind and Minion must rely on their old tricks to restore order.

Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space

When an alien presence is detected in Susan's hometown of Modesto, California, right before Halloween, the team is dispatched to investigate

From Monday 11th – Friday 22nd December From 6am – 3pm

ALL DAY MARATHON:

BOSS BABY: BACK IN BUSINESS

Boss Baby, with the help of his big brother and partner-in-crime Tim, continues to navigate the cutthroat corporate jungle gym of Baby Corp, while angling to achieve the near-impossible: the work-life balance of a modern career baby.

Monday 25th December From 6am-7pm

ALL DAY MARATHON:

KUNG FU PANDA: PAWS OF DESTINY

DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny is brand-new, all-epic adventure series! When four panda kids stumble upon a mystical cave beneath Panda Village, accidentally absorbing the chi of ancient and powerful kung fu warriors known as the Four Constellations, they must realize a destiny to save the world from an evil force. Meanwhile, Po finds himself faced with his biggest challenge yet -- teaching this ragtag band of kids how to wield their newfound powers.

Sunday 1st January 2024 From 6am-7pm

Development Alert: Novela Magic's Frequencies Being Used On An Upcoming DStv Channel

Novela Magic was Africa's first attempt at a channel for locally produced telenovelas. Operated by M-Net, the channel would source content from various local channels already viewed on DStv such as Zambezi Magic, Maisha Magic and Pearl Magic to make them more reachable.

After its two year run, further content from Novela Magic was folded under Magic Showcase. A channel curated specifically for their DStv Easyview consumers in Southern Africa alongside GOtv Lite consumers in ROA.

During the month, it was reported MultiChoice might be looking to add possibly their last channel of the year. A name has yet to be announced but from what we could gather this may have some relation to Soweto TV pertaining to the shows: Faith Cooking and Ladies In Heels.

We were also able to uncover that MultiChoice was disposing the corpse of previous TV channels or basically ones managed by M-Net with VUZU's frequencies used on Play Room and now Novela Magic for this supposed channel.

Unlike previous weeks, MultiChoice has managed to add more shows and surprisingly movies to the line-up. So it's only a matter of time till we get a name for this anticipated addition alongside a date and package which we presume would be on Easyview later in December.

Was Showmax PRO Successful In Africa?

Showmax PRO was a digital version to the current SuperSport brand distributed on DStv. It featured a range of sporting promotions including English Premier League (EPL), La Liga, World Challenge League, Serie A and Moto GP.

Unfortunately due to the revamping of the streaming service, it was announced that Showmax PRO would cease operation by the end of November with consumers getting a reduced sports offering or being redirected to DStv Stream Compact+ bouquet at the very same price.

It was also revealed Showmax would shut down internationally as MultiChoice puts more emphasis in the African market. The newly launched streamer will be a joint venture with Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky which will see various content and software upgrades to the platform.

As some consumers are aware, Showmax joins the number of streaming services that have occurred losses including Disney+, Paramount+ and Peacock. They've never disclosed how many consumers use their streaming service much less the PRO section of the platform.

The demise of Showmax PRO may have been a matter of sustainability for which the entire streaming service is not. Should this change, MultiChoice could prioritise sports on the revamped Showmax for now it's being dominated by English Premier League.