Could NBCUniversal Acquire The Real Housewives For E! Entertainment Or Could It Fold Under M-Net Once 1Magic Exits DStv?

During the week, we recieved word from various DStv consumers that MultiChoice will be axing both M-Net Essentials (ME) and 1Magic by February 2nd, 2024. In an enquiry, we were able to retrieve confirmation of the terminations which comes weeks before the demise of Emmanuel TV.

Since then, several DStv customers are looking to cancel or migrate to a cheaper price plan. This puts their Compact+ tier under junk status while their Compact consumers have access to ESPN, Comedy Central and Disney Channel.

While Me was basically an outlet to access content from M-Net, 1Magic had garnered prestige for shows like The River, Unmarried and Being Bonang. It was also the home to reality franchise The Real Housewives by Bravo TV with consumers left in the dark about the fate of the franchise.

As mentioned, it was reported that Me would be exiting alongside 1Magic leaving M-Net as the only other contender for the franchise. 1Magic catered for a different target group so either way consumers on M-Net may not be very welcoming of the inclusion of Housewives.

MultiChoice in partnership NBCUniversal will be rolling out a revamped Showmax streaming service. It had been speculated that MultiChoice probably wants to prioritise Universal TV also owned by NBCUniversal in place of Me as both reside within the same package.

When Me and 1Magic cancellation were reported no word on a follow-up for either brand was announced as seen when M-Net City and VUZU were axed.

Several content from Me can be viewed on Universal TV and this included Magnum Pi, The Equalizer, Chicago PD and NCIS: Los Angeles. If anything, could it be possible that The Real Housewives may end up on E! Entertainment I mean it wouldn't seem that far fetched.

E! Entertainment had been airing content from Bravo TV for a while now and this included shows like Below Deck Mediterranean, Million Dollar Listing and Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. Similar to Telemundo, the channel has been running short of new content.

The Real Housewives could help build up the schedule with the number of adaptations already produced. It would align NBCUniversal closer to their own assets as the latter would often get scooped up M-Net.

MultiChoice will be sharing more updates about these channels by next week.

February 2024 On DreamWorks Across Africa | Trollhunters: Tales Of Arcadia | Home: Adventures With Tip And Oh | Dinotrux | Valentine's Day Stunt

NEW EPISODES

TROLLHUNTERS: TALES OF ARCADIA

Ordinary high-school-teen-turned-Trollhunter, Jim Lake Jr., faces new challenges in his continued battle to protect his hometown of Arcadia and the fantastical world he inherited to defend that lies beneath the surface. In the must-see Part 2 of the epic saga, "DreamWorks Trollhunters," Jim's risky decision to enter the Darklands unearths new startling discoveries that have him and his friends facing gripping consequences and racing to end the battle against evil.

From Monday 5th February

Weekdays at 8.30pm

NEW EPISODES

HOME: ADVENTURES WITH TIP AND OH

The intergalactic escapades of dynamic duo Tip and Oh reach new heights as these best friends head off on new adventures that push the residents of Earth and Boovsworld to their limits in music- filled episodes of DreamWorks "Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh." There is no part of the galaxy that is out of reach as the pair find themselves on a mission to save Pig from a far off cat-planet, attending a wild alien prom, on safari on the plains of Boovsland and in a deep sea battle in the depths of Lake Michigan.

From Monday 5th February

Weekdays at 9pm

NEW EPISODES

DINOTRUX

Welcome to a world of giant creatures that are half dinosaur, half construction vehicle and all awesome in DREAMWORKS DINOTRUX. Meet Ty Rux, a massive Tyrannosaurus Trux, and his best friend Revvit, a razor-sharp Reptool. Together, the Dinotrux and Reptools join forces for the first time ever to build a bigger, better world and battle back against the biggest and baddest of them all: D- Structs, who threatens to wreck everything they've built.

From Monday 5th February

Weekdays at 11.30am

Weekends at 6am

VALENTINE’S DAY STUNT

14th of February

7am - 9am and 3.30pm - 5.30pm

Madly Madagascar

Your favourite Madagascar pals go on a wonderful adventure. Alex's favourite holiday, Valentine's Day, brings hilarious surprises andexcitement for the entire gang. Get ready to fall in love.

The Adventures of Puss In Boots - Mermaid

To prove he’s a ladies’ man, Puss rescues a mermaid from athief who instantly falls in love with Voice Guest: Maria Bamford as him … and becomes his worst nightmare.

Dawn of The Croods – It Crushes / Rebel without a Paws

The world's first family is back and funnier than ever in this all- new family sitcom! School, slumber parties and elections aresome of the hilarious wonders of the modern life The Croods are discovering!

The Peabody and Sherman Show – Favour for Christine / Lady Godiva

Peabody, the smartest dog in the world, and his boy Shermanhost a zany late-night comedy show broadcast from theirswanky penthouse in front of a live studio audience.

New Paramount Merger Scenario Has Skydance Reportedly Mulling All-Cash Bid For National Amusements

The Wall Street Journal reported this afternoon that Skydance, with backing from other investors, is considering an all-cash bid for National Amusements. The Shari Redstone-led company controls nearly 80% of Paramount shares and is the gatekeeper for any M&A deal.

Redstone became non-executive chair of Paramount’s board after spending years engineering a merger of CBS and Viacom, with the combined company rebranding as Paramount Global in 2022. She has reportedly grown increasingly interested in fielding offers for the company in recent months. Like many of its media peers, Paramount has lost significant value due to cord-cutting, streaming expenses and concerns about its debt.

Skydance and Paramount declined to comment. Reps from National Amusements and Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The future of Paramount has been a fixture of industry conversations over the past month or more. Sources first reported that Skydance and RedBird Capital were taking a look at National Amusements, with that news giving Paramount shares a big boost, though they have been relatively flat in the intervening weeks.

Paramount shares perked up a bit after the latest report, but have been flat today. At $14.25, they are worth less than half what they were after the Viacom-CBS merger closed in December 2019.

One of the backers of the current bid by David Ellison’s Skydance is Ellison’s father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, according to the WSJ report. The bid for control of National Amusements centers on Paramount Pictures, which Skydance has collaborated with extensively, financing several Mission: Impossible installments and 2022 megahit Top Gun: Maverick. The fit at Skydance of other core Paramount assets like CBS, its two-dozen-plus local TV stations and the cable TV assets is less clear.

One industry vet told Deadline the new report appeared to be “a little early” in the process given the extent of due diligence involved, including the data from Paramount+ and other streaming operations. “It’s not unusual for companies to leak these kinds of reports if they’re looking to boost their share price or get the attention of other potential suitors,” the source added.

In addition to its Paramount stake, National Amusements also runs a string of movie theaters. Byron Trott, Chairman and Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners, has been helping NAI evaluate its strategic options. Trott’s firm made a $125 million preferred equity investment in the company last spring.

While privately held firms like Skydance are circling Paramount, fellow media giant Warner Bros. Discovery has also expressed interest in a potential team-up. While WBD chief David Zaslav discussed a combo over lunch with Paramount CEO Bob Bakish just before Christmas, the talks have not progressed in the new year.

Development Alert (Rumour): Telemundo Halts Production Of Original Soap Operas, Shifts Focus To Reality Shows

Telemundo, a Spanish language entertainment channel operated by NBCUniversal is reportedly said to not produce any original dramas in the year. This is mainly due to the decline in linear consumption as the brand had opted to produce reality shows and licence third party shows.

They will be releasing a few dramas later in the year and Lord Of The Skies is said to be one of them. This leads one to wonder what future awaits El Conde: Amor Y Honor and La Mujer De Mi Vida as Telemundo was said to have scrapped/paused content deals with several actors.

This has kind of put a damper on the African feed with the channel bombarded with reruns while rival brands like TLNovelas and Zee World bolster their line-up. With these recent changes, it wouldn't be shocking if NBCUniversal opted to discontinue carriage in the region.

Similar to DreamWorks Animation, Telemundo has also got itself lodged up in a content deal with streaming giant Netflix for shows like El Recluso and Luis Miguel: La Serie. This deal even includes archived material and current shows viewed on the channel.

Although, this was confirmed to only consume 2024 their viewership base is put in a very precarious position. Considering they're working on their first Turkish drama with Inter Medya, it's likely that the channel will explore partnerships in order to ensure viability.

February 2024 On The Home Channel | New Series Alert: Escape To The Chateau: Make Do And Mend | Returning Shows Including Good Food Kitchen And Interior Design Masters | More

Show Title and Season: Escape to the Chateau: Make do and Mend Season 1 

Starting Date: Monday, 19 February 2024 at 12:00

End Date: Sunday, 17 March 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

Drawing from their own extensive experience, restoring and maintaining their home, Château de la Motte-Husson, Dick and Angel Strawbridge help families across the UK tackle design and DIY dilemmas.

From transforming a 1970s bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary, to digging out an old handmade smoker for the art of cheese smoking. They also design an eco-friendly bedroom for a teenager and create a safe sanctuary for an elderly mom. Dick and Angel are called to put on many different hats in Escape to the Chateau: Make do and Mend!

Show Title and Season: Afrimaxx Season 3 

Starting Date: Monday, 19 February 2024 at 11:30

End Date: Sunday, 13 October 2024

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Mon 19:00 & Thu 19:30 Mon 11:30 | Tue 15:30 & 22:00 | Wed 11:00 | Thu 15:00 | Fri 22:00 Sat 17:00 & 00:00 Sun 12:30 & 21:00

Afrimaxx is a lifestyle show which searches for inspiration and innovation in all areas of popular culture – from fashion and design through to architecture, art, food and travel.

The show aims to bring forth the modern African design philosophy by presenting the contemporary lifestyle for a young, emergent pan- African target group. This lifestyle is inspiring, motivating and future- oriented. It displays to the world what Africa has to offer in the next great design Renaissance.

Show Title and Season: Good Food Kitchen Season 2

Starting Date: Tuesday, 13 February 2024 at 18:00

End Date: Sunday, 7 April 2024 

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

Good Food Kitchen takes you behind the scenes of Australia’s most respected food media brand to witness top chefs, recipe writers and photographers pull together delicious and contemporary meals.

You will be inspired with simple and family-friendly dishes that anyone can make, as well as getting tips on food photography and styling. From amazing lamb cutlets and savoury pancakes, to levelling up your barbeque with wagyu skewers and irresistible chicken tenderloins, Good Food Kitchen has the answer to all your kitchen problems!

Show Title and Season: Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food Season 2 

Starting Date: Monday, 26 February 2024 at 10:00

End Date: Sunday, 21 April 2024 

Broadcast Times: PRIME: Wed 18:00 | Mon 11:00 & 14:00 | Tue 15:00 | Thu 19:00 & 23:00 | Fri 10:00 & 22:30 | Sat 08:00 & 15:30 | Sun 14:30

Jamie’s Quick & Easy Food brings you the ultimate set of go-to recipes that are quick to cook and easy to remember. He starts us off with a Pesto chicken, 'nduja vongole, sausage bake and watermelon granita. He also has the best recipes for chicken wings, sirloin, and a mushroom pasta. Seafood lovers are also included with his crispy sea bass and sweet chicken surprise.

Jamie also shows us how five ingredients can create an array of dishes like smoky chorizo salmon, potato and artichoke al forno and a delicious walnut whip affogato. Lastly Jamie shows us all his worldly culinary inspiration with Asian, Arab, and Indian inspired dishes and recipes.

Show Title and Season: Interior Design Masters Season 2

Starting Date: Monday, 26 February 2024 at 22:00

End Date: Sunday, 21 April 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 11:30

Hosted by Alan Carr, Interior Design Masters sees ten talented new designers all looking for their big break in the fast-paced world of commercial interior design. They will be competing to win a career- defining contract with one of the UK’s top boutique hotels. Design expert and former editor of Elle Decoration, Michelle Ogundehin, returns as the series judge.

Each week, the designers will be set a new 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.