Development Alert: Shadows Of The Past, The Last Telenovela To Have Aired On FOX Life Returns To Africa After 4 Years On TLNovelas

FOX Life was home to various telenovelas viewed in Latin America and Turkey alongside reality shows and drama series. It debuted in 2016 across Africa featuring various shows like the Turkish drama Matter Of Respect alongside Portuguese shows like Along Came Love.

As seen by September 2020, Disney had opted to discontinue carriage of the FOX Life brand across Africa and since then several content from the channel had resurfaced on TLNovelas such as Roads To Destiny, Secrets At The Hotel and The Candidate.

During the week, it was revealed that Shadows Of The Past (La Sombra Del Pasado) will be returning to Africa therefore completing the set of Portuguese shows from TelevisaUnivision to have aired on FOX Life.

Based on 2001 telenovela El Manantial, it follows Two very different families live in the village of Santa Lucía who are involved in a whirlwind of passion, pain, and revenge. From those opposite sides, Aldonza and Cristóbal meet and a bond that will face hurdles is formed.

Michelle Renaud and Pablo Lyle stars as the protagonists, while Alexis Ayala and Alejandra Barros stars as the antagonists. There is a special participation of Susana González and René Strickler, with Alfredo Adame, Cynthia Klitbo and Manuel "Flaco" Ibáñez.

The series will start airing on 22nd April replacing Crown Of Tears once it ends.

New Series Alert: Secrets Of A Murder Detective Debuts This March On True Crime UK, To Rollout Internationally On CBS Reality And CBS Justice

True Crime, the #1 factual entertainment channel in the UK amongst women 16+, part of a joint venture owned by AMC Networks International – UK and Paramount Global, announces the premiere of a new, expert-led true crime original series offering an insight into recent murder investigations. “Secrets of a Murder Detective” (10×60’) was produced by Phoenix Television and will premiere on 20th March in the UK.

The series, presented by former Scotland Yard Homicide Detective Inspector Steve Keogh, invites viewers into the intriguing realm of crime solving. With 30 years of experience under his belt including twelve years of service as a murder detective at the Metropolitan Police, Steve is opening up his contact books for the first time to reveal the secrets of what it really takes to be a murder detective on the frontline.

Each episode unfolds as a gripping narrative, with Steve setting the scene and tone of each murder case. The series takes viewers on an immersive journey through the crime and  its investigation, from the beginning to the pivotal breakthrough leading to conviction. Steve provides unique and authentic insights into the intricate workings of investigations and the minds of detectives, bringing viewers into the heart of each case.

In the series, we’ll see Steve in conversation with leading officers on each case, as they share personal  memories of the investigations. Additionally, viewers will also hear from key experts and family members for each case, as the investigation’s timeline is followed. Another key focus of the series is the use of modern investigative techniques and tools and the innovative ways experts on each case use these to solve the murders.

Cases include the story of soap actress Sian Blake and her two sons, who were murdered by her partner in 2015 and how the investigation evolved from a mid-risk missing person case to a homicide one. The series also explores the 2013 murder of 17-years-old Champion Ganda, who was a victim of a knife crime in East London. The episode gives viewers first-hand insight by Steve and other investigators who worked on the case, into the difficulties of similar cases with lack of leads and suspects. In another episode, viewers will learn more about Dena Thompson, known in the British press as ‘The Black Widow’ and the investigation into the deaths of her previous partners.

“Secrets of a Murder Detective” offers a riveting blend of suspense, education and celebration of exceptional detective work, providing viewers with a unique behind-the-scenes look at recent cases.

Sam Rowden, Vice President of Content and Production, AMC Networks International – UK, said: “’Secrets of a Murder Detective’ opens up modern day policing and specifically, murder investigation, to our audiences. Phoenix have excelled themselves creatively with this series, and Steve Keogh’s Steve’s expertise and compassionate commentary will captivate and engage audiences with the kind of compelling stories our viewers have come to expect from TRUE CRIME.

Jaimi West, founding partner at Phoenix Television, said: “This new series has been a real collaboration with Steve Keogh. Together with TRUE CRIME, we’ve created a unique programme that offers a fresh insight into the work of murder detectives and the cases they’re determined to solve”.

“Secrets of a Murder Detective” is the third Phoenix Television commission by True Crime. Phoenix previously produced “Murder: Fight for the Truth” and “Murder: First on Scene” for the channel.

“Secrets of a Murder Detective” will premiere on True Crime on 20th March. It is expected to debut later in the year on various feeds of CBS Reality and in Africa on CBS Justice.

New Series Alert: Forever My Sunshine Coming Soon To Novela E Plus

Novela E Plus, a dedicated telenovela channel tailored for StarTimes which features various English dubbed shows from Latin America, Turkey and Asia had acquired broadcasting rights to the Asian based drama series Forever My Sunshine (Trab Fah Mee Tawan).

It followed Paeng, a girl with a tragic life after losing her father, she has to go live at Artit's house. The only way for her to be able to stay at this house is to be with him. But no one expected that her approaching Artit nearly costs him his life.

It starred Mark Prin Suparat as Arthit Suriyakkul, Kao Supassara Thanachart as Wanfahmai Warawit / Paeng, Punjan Prama Imanothai as Thanon / "Non", Lingling Sirilak Kwong as Ling, Freud Chatphong Natthaphong as Korakot / "Kot" and Prawfar Karanchida Khumsuwan as Nang.

Forever My Shine aired on Thailand broadcaster Channel 3 (C3) from November 19, 2020 and concluded with 19 episodes each with a 1hr 30min duration on December 15, 2020. It has a score of 8.2 through MyDramalist and ranks at #1334 with popularity at #2030.

The series premieres 27 February on Novela E Plus.

Development Alert: Bugs Bunny Builders, Masha And The Bear And Various Other Preschool Content Starting To Exit International Cartoonito Feeds

Last month, Cartoonito had shuttered in parts of Asia for a second time as further content is on Cartoon Network and Max. Similar to the Disney Channels, it's likely that the viewership for the channel was very weak and Warner opted to put all their eggs in one basket.

A year ago, Boomerang was axed in most European countries in favour of Cartoonito as part of alignment strategy. Unlike some feeds, the one situated in Africa opted to retain shows like Looney Tunes Cartoons and Mr. Bean: The Animated Series despite some adult behaviour.

It was mentioned by Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA that while Cartoonito USA centers on preschoolers the one situated in Africa will also cater towards families. This would draw in more viewers and help give other content such as Batwheels more exposure which it did.

During the month, it was revealed by a viewer in the Nordic market Cartoonito will be removing various preschool content from the line-up with Boomerang shows like Mr. Bean: The Animated Series, Grizzy And The Lemmings and Tom And Jerry taking over Cartoonito.

It's likely a possible restructure could await the channel following the halt of original preschool programming. Warner Bros. Discovery still remains adamant on Cartoonito's dominance in Europe and is looking to commission more "comedic" animation in the region.

As for the Nordic market, it's likely that Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to prioritise on existing IPs for the channel which includes the already mentioned shows. This is something that has been seen throughout most of Hollywood and why I say this is simple.

Warner Bros. Discovery had renewed Mr. Bean: The Animated Series for a fourth season which is slated for 2025. Prior to this, Mattel Entertainment is rolling out Barney's World sometime in the year which serves as a reboot to the Barney And Friends franchise.

But then again the idea of Nordic and possible more regions joining parts of Asia wouldn't seem far fetched. Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo Xtra (DTX) had been terminated from these regions by the end of last year and it's possible more restructuring could take place.

Possible Termination??? As Cartoonito USA Is Being Reduced Into A 1 Hour Timeslot With Further Content Likely To Be Folded Under Cartoon Network And Max

With Craig Of The Creek set to be bowing out on Cartoon Network with a new movie, Craig Before The Creek. Jessica's Big Little World would serve as a follow-up to preschool audiences on Cartoonito and as seen in the last months things seem be going south for Cartoonito.

Last year, it was revealed by one of the crew members of Craig Of The Creek that Jessica's Big World had been cancelled after one season. This comes after Warner Bros. Discovery had opted not to move forward with Scooby-Doo And The Mystery Pups and Tom And Jerry Time.

Apparently the folks on the higher ups are not prioritising preschoolers as seen within parts of Europe as they have various upcoming shows like Spookies, Silly Sundays and Karters. They even aired Lu And The Bally Bunch after it failed to launch on Cartoon Network.

But now things seem to be changing for Cartoonito apparently the block viewed on Cartoon Network will be reverted to one hour block from February 19th with We Baby Bears taking up the 8am timeslot. Considering that the program is partially preschool this could go either way. 

Then again, the idea of this being a timeslot for Cartoon Network wouldn't seem far fetched as Cartoonito's airtime on the channel had been reduced several times. As mentioned, they've licensed various content part of which is only streaming on Max.

For a long time, it had been speculated Cartoonito would get axed on Cartoon Network following the channel's several attempts at sustaining a rival brand to Nick Jr. and Disney Junior. Before Cartoonito there was two other brands Tiny TV and Tickle U.

Another rumour pointed toward a possible restructure to Cartoon Network's line-up where shows like Batwheels would form part of the channel's line-up outside of Cartoonito.