Juana's Story And Aurora's Quest No Longer Moving Forward On DStv Following The Closure Of TLNovelas

MultiChoice will be axing TelevisaUnivison's TLNovelas channel from DStv and GOtv platforms by the end of the month. As part of Canal+'s cost cutting measures following it's takeover of the company.

According to some insiders, TLNovelas allegedly had two shows slated for African audiences and were slated to launch in the first quarter of the year. Following their axing, these titles would be directed to TLN Network in Angola and Mozambique.

Affected shows included Juana's Story (La Historia De Juana) and Aurora's Quest (El Ángel De Aurora).

Synopsis for Juana's Story 

The narrative follows Juana Guadalupe Bravo (played by Camila Valero), a 20-year-old virgin and engineering student. Her life is unexpectedly upended during a routine medical checkup when she is accidentally artificially inseminated due to a clinical mix-up. 

As Juana grapples with an impossible pregnancy, she eventually crosses paths with the biological father, Gabriel Rubio (played by Brandon Peniche). Gabriel is a powerful businessman and cancer survivor who had previously frozen his sperm, believing it was his only chance to have a child and leave a legacy. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the two begin a complicated journey that evolves into a deep, unconventional romance. 

Synopsis for Aurora's Quest

The story is set in motion by Jezabel, Aurora's jealous sister, who orchestrates a brutal attack on Aurora by a man known as "El Pintas". Aurora becomes pregnant as a result of this rape. 

On Aurora’s wedding day to her fiancé, Antonio, Jezabel presents a falsified DNA test claiming the baby is not his. Simultaneously, El Pintas calls Antonio to falsely claim he and Aurora were lovers. Devastated, Antonio abandons Aurora at the altar.

Driven by shame and sexism, Aurora’s father, Miguel, snatches her newborn son, Gabriel, and gives him to a humble couple, Pascual and Victoria, to raise. 

Gabriel has grown up as Ángel Santos, unaware of his true origin. Destiny brings him into Aurora’s world when he begins working at her corporation.

Development Alert: SABC 2 Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Ouma Sarie From eExtra's Kuiertyd, To Launch In February 2026

Not long ago, it was reported that SABC 2 would be making minor adjustments to primetime schedule in February 2026. This includes the reinstatement of Afrikaans news and to no one surprise the induction of the sitcom Ouma Sarie.

A few years ago, SABC made the decision to cancel 7de Laan as the soap was deemed non viable. Since then, SABC had made no attempts at replacing the soap with it's timeslot that was taken up by Deal Or No Deal SA and reruns of Vetkoekpaleis.

This led consumers to rely on rival broadcasters such as eExtra's Kuiertyd whose parent company coincidentally launched a rivalled soap Kelders Van Geheime. Even KykNET features an extensive lineup of shows such as Binnelanders and Suidooster.

Now it looks like SABC 2 is going back to basics and could as well be trying to revisit this market with Ouma Sarie from 9 February at 18:30.

Synopsis for Ouma Sarie 

Ouma Sarie is a popular South African comedy series centered on a no-nonsense, straight-talking Karoo grandmother who navigates daily life with sass, humor, and a unique ability to get her way, becoming a beloved figure known for her blunt advice and community presence, starring Moses Williams as the titular character in a hit Afrikaans sitcom. 

SABC 2 Ushers Into The New Year With The Revival Of Nuus, Debuts Pimville And More In February 2026

In the coming weeks, e.tv will be reshuffling their primetime schedule with Smoke & Mirrors and Scandal! concluding soon. Kelders Van Geheime will now be grouped with these shows as e.tv News takes up it's 18:30 timeslot.

Last year, Muvhango concluded on SABC 2 after its 28 year run on the channel and plans were underway to fill up the slot with a new series, Pimville. The show was initially slated to launch in August 2025 but was delayed to February 2026.

There was very little communication over this and as you can imagine for the rest of the year SABC 2 was filling up it's schedule with mostly repeats.

In the case of Pimville, it's likely to end up in the same boat as Queendom on the defunct BET Africa and The Estate on SABC 3.

Firstly, SABC entrusted the livelihood of this show to Bakwena Productions who had been involved in various scandals over non-payment. You can only assume Pimville is another victim and SABC has enough episodes for most of 2026.

Another development at SABC 2 is the apparent reinstatement of Afrikaans news bulletin at 18:30 in February 2026. This comes after SABC had told the media that they'd fold this bulletin alongside a batch of Afrikaans content on SABC 3.

This is part of their so-called "new era" which is just a facade as the move only damaged the viewership for these shows. Some insiders had stated there was no market research done when these changes were made last year.

The cash strapped broadcaster has acquired the Afrikaans sitcom Ouma Sarie from eExtra's Kuiertyd. This is probably their way of trying to fill the void after the abrupt cancellation of 7de Laan.

Press statement from the SABC 

SABC 2 is entering a New Era – a renewed chapter defined by authentic South African storytelling, cultural familiarity, and a deeper connection to everyday life.

This New Era marks a deliberate shift towards programming that feels relevant, emotionally resonant and grounded in lived South African experiences. It reflects a channel that is confident in its audience, clear in its purpose and intentional in how it serves viewers across generations.

As part of this evolution, SABC 2 introduces the first wave of programming that signals the tone, energy and intent of the New Era ahead of the full channel rollout on 09 February 2026.

NEW ERA – FIRST WAVE PROGRAMMING

Eintlik Let’s Connect – 16h30

A topical afternoon companion offering real conversations, lifestyle insights and everyday South African voices.

Afrikaans Nuus – 18h30

The inclusion of Afrikaans Nuus on SABC 2 underscores the channel’s commitment to linguistic diversity, ensuring Afrikaans-speaking audiences are meaningfully represented within the public broadcaster’s comprehensive and accessible news service.

Ouma Sarie – 19h00

A warm, multi-generational favourite that celebrates humour, tradition and the relationships that anchor South African families.

Deal or No Deal – 19h30

The iconic game show Deal or No Deal, hosted by Katlego Maboe, moves into a new timeslot, bringing anticipation, excitement and shared family viewing into primetime.

Pimville – 21h00

Positioned as the flagship of SABC 2’s New Era, Pimville is a powerful telenovela set in Soweto that explores ambition, resilience, love and consequence through authentic township storytelling.

Colour Your Plate with KOO – Sundays 19h00

A vibrant cooking competition celebrating nutritious meals and South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage returns for a new season.

Together, these programmes mark the opening movement of SABC 2’s New Era – a confident first step that signals change while setting the stage for more to come.

Further announcements, including additional weekday and weekend programming, will be revealed at SABC 2’s Live in Every Beat: The Pulse of South Africa launch on 29 January 2026.

SABC 2’s refreshed schedule goes on air from 9 February 2026.

eVOD Onthul Nuwe Turkse Drama Aslan Leeuhart

eVOD, 'n Suid-Afrikaanse stroomdiens wat plaaslik vervaardigde inhoud en internasionale dienste aanbied, het die byvoeging van 'n nuwe reeks getiteld Aslan Leeuhart aangekondig. Die reeks, bekend as Aile in Turkye, sal vanaf 7 Januarie op eVOD stroom.

Sinopsis vir Aslan Leeuhart

Baie van die drama spruit uit Hülya se obsessiewe beheer oor haar seuns. Sy beskou Devin as 'n bedreiging vir haar dominansie en gebruik manipulerende taktieke – insluitend die gebruik van Aslan se vervreemde broer, Cihan, as 'n "troefkaart" – om hul verhouding te saboteer.

Cihan Soykan, die "donker" lid van die familie, soek in die geheim terapie by Devin. Dit lei tot 'n massiewe konfrontasie tussen die twee broers terwyl die bloedige geheime van die Soykan-verlede blootgelê word.

Die Soykans staar eksterne bedreigings van mededingende misdaadfamilies in die gesig, veral İlyas Koruzade. Hierdie konflik eskaleer in bomme en geteikende aanvalle, wat Aslan en Cihan dwing om 'n ongemaklike alliansie te vorm om die familie te beskerm.

Regdeur die reeks veg Aslan en Devin om 'n "normale" lewe te bou. 'n Belangrike plotpunt laat in die reeks behels Devin se hoërisiko-swangerskap, wat sy aanvanklik van Aslan probeer wegsteek weens die gevaar wat hul leefstyl inhou.

Dit vertolk Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ as Aslan Soykan, Serenay Sarıkaya as Devin Akın, Nur Sürer as Hülya Soykan, Nejat İşler as Cihan Soykan, Canan Ergüder as Leyla Soykan Sayıcı, en Levent Ülgen as İbrahim Soykan.

Aslan Leeuhart het op 7 Maart 2023 die première gehad en op 30 Januarie 2024 op Show TV afgesluit. Die reeks het uit 30 episodes bestaan, elk met 'n duur van 120 minute (2 uur).

Later in die maand sal eMedia Investments 'n nuwe romantiese drama, Sout Van Die Aarde, bekendstel. Die romantiese dramasterre, Berk Atan en Gülsim Ali, speel die hoofrolle in hierdie komediedrama.

eVOD Unveils New Turkish Drama Aslan Leeuhart

eVOD, a South African based streaming services offering locally produced content and international services has announced the addition of a new series titled Aslan Leeuhart. Known as Aile in Turkey, the series will be streaming on eVOD from January 7th.

Synopsis for Aslan Leeuhart 

Much of the drama stems from Hülya’s obsessive control over her sons. She views Devin as a threat to her dominance and uses manipulative tactics—including using Aslan's estranged brother, Cihan, as a "trump card"—to sabotage their relationship.

Cihan Soykan, the "dark" member of the family, seeks therapy from Devin in secret. This leads to a massive confrontation between the two brothers as the bloody secrets of the Soykan past are exposed.

The Soykans face external threats from rival crime families, most notably İlyas Koruzade. This conflict escalates into bombings and targeted attacks, forcing Aslan and Cihan to form an uneasy alliance to protect the family.

Throughout the series, Aslan and Devin fight to build a "normal" life. A major late-series plot point involves Devin's high-risk pregnancy, which she initially tries to hide from Aslan due to the danger their lifestyle poses. 

It starred Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ as Aslan Soykan, Serenay Sarıkaya as Devin Akın, Nur Sürer as Hülya Soykan, Nejat İşler as Cihan Soykan, Canan Ergüder as Leyla Soykan Sayıcı and Levent Ülgen as İbrahim Soykan.

Aslan Leeuhart premiered on March 7, 2023 and concluded on January 30, 2024 on Show TV. The series consisted of 30 episodes each with a duration of 120 minutes (2 hours).

Later in the month, eMedia Investments' will be debuting a new romantic drama, Sout Van Die Aarde. The romantic drama stars Berk Atan and Gülsim Ali play the leading roles in this comedy drama.