DStv Shorts: ROK Might Be Loading In High Definition (HD), Teen Africa TV Gets Yanked Off And SuperSport Liyu's Launch Likely Postponed

ROK is going HD

MultiChoice is currently in the process of completing its acquisition by ROK owners Canal+ as the deal is set to finalised by the Competition Tribunal in the coming months. Amidst this, ROK had been making some headlines in the previous months.

As recalled, it appeared that ROK was experimenting on a third TV channel with ROK 2 available in other parts of Africa. As this channel had its own schedule with most of the content (mainly movies) borrowed from the current ROK channels on DStv now that appears to have been killed off (maybe).

Usually in testing stages, placeholders usually come in before the actual channel begins development but in ROK's case that could as well remain a mystery. For now, it appears to be an HD feed for the eldest ROK channel so we can only assume when the buyout commences ROK will remain unaffected.

Teen Africa TV takes a raincheck 

Teen Africa TV is a Nigerian based youth channel that offers locally produced content which range from reality, educational content and drama series. For sometime, Teen Africa TV has struggled to remain consistent as broadcast hours and content offering had further been reduced.

According to posts on their social platforms, Teen Africa TV is planning to go "fully online" which implies it's discontinuation on DStv, GOtv and StarTimes as they're not listed on any of their websites. On top of that, their new home YouTube has been inactive and has very little noticeability.

Kind of curious where this funding will come from and how they'll be able to monetize any of this going forward.

Since it's inception, Teen Africa TV has controversial first with allegations of workers not getting paid. Another had to do with MultiChoice moving it's frequency closer to other children channels on DStv despite being a youth channel some of its content caters for a much older audience.

SuperSport extending the reach of Liyu

We were the first to report on this and from what some subscribers had seen last month MultiChoice added SuperSport Liyu on channel 236 - probably a test launch. Since then, MultiChoice hasn't stated the exact reason for inducting the channel to more consumers across Africa.

It is a football channel with majority of content already accessible on other SuperSport channels. To top it off, the content is broadcast in Amharic which is only known to consumers in Ethiopia my hunch still stands it's likely a pop-up channel they're using to boast a major event.

The fact it was allocated with the other SuperSport channels only to get removed means one of two things first the channel was delayed as MultiChoice had been notorious for such. Second, they likely scrapped the launch for some apparent reason.

July 2025 On Disney Channel And Disney Junior Across Europe And Africa | Channel Premiere: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ | Returning Shows Including Primos | More

Disney Channel 

* For ROA

Big Hero 6

Starts 1 July at 16:30

Hiro and Baymax, along with their friends Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go and Fred, unite to form the legendary superhero team Big Hero 6, protecting their city from a colorful array of scientifically-enhanced villains.

Mighty Med 

Starts 7 July at 17:00

Teenagers Oliver and Kaz discover a hidden entrance to a secret hospital for superheroes called Mighty Med. When they prove their knowledge of superheroes they are offered a job there!

Kiff: Lore Of The Ring Light 

Airs 5 July at 10:15

Kiff and her friends go on an adventure to destroy a ring light of immense power.

Returning shows include Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir S6 (Part 2 of 4) starts 7 July at 15:40.

* Returning shows include Kiff S3 (Part 3) on 7 July at 07:40 and Primos (Part 4) on 21 July at 09:45.

Disney Junior

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+

Starts 26 July at 08:30

Mickey and his friends Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Daisy, Goofy, Pete, Clarabelle and more go on fun and educational adventures.

Returning shows include Robogobo (Part 2) on 14 July at 14:30.

Anime-Inspired ‘Miraculous’ Spinoff ‘Miraculous Stellar Force’ Acquired By Disney With A 2025 Special And 2027 Series Launch Planned

Disney Branded Television has officially acquired “Miraculous Stellar Force,” marking a major expansion of the globally popular “Miraculous” franchise. Announced just ahead of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, the new series is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on Disney Channel and Disney+.

“Miraculous Stellar Force” will be the franchise’s first original spin-off and promises a fresh, dynamic experience that blends high-stakes action, kung fu comedy and heartwarming storytelling, all in a hand-drawn 2D format inspired by Japanese anime. Created by Thomas Astruc, the original creator of “Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir,” the new series swaps Paris for Tokyo, introducing fans to an entirely new team of culturally diverse young superheroes.

Set at an international school in the Japanese capital, “Miraculous Stellar Force” follows 12 students who discover they are guardians of the Stellar Matrix, a fractured ancient cosmic weapon. Under the leadership of Miki, Mayotte and Yu Lu, these heroes must overcome personal differences and chaotic friendships to face formidable galactic villains such as the revenge-driven Modeler and the ominous force known as The Supreme.

Ahead of the full series release, fans will get their first taste of the new universe with the premiere of “Miraculous World: Tokyo Stellar Force” later this year. This one-hour special event spans Paris and Tokyo, and features beloved characters Marinette and Kagami as they help unite a new generation of Tokyo-based heroes.

“With ‘Stellar Force,’ we’re expanding the ‘Miraculous’ universe in bold and exciting directions, with a completely new team, setting and mythology, while staying true to the values that made ‘Miraculous’ a global phenomenon,” said Andy Yeatman, CEO of Miraculous Corp. USA and Global Operations. “Kids around the world will see themselves reflected in these diverse, relatable heroes navigating friendship, identity and teamwork amidst epic cosmic stakes. With its blend of action and comedy and unforgettable characters, ‘Stellar Force’ is a fresh take on what it means to be a hero and perfectly positioned to become an instant classic.”

Heath Kenny, chief content officer at Miraculous Corp, added, “With its dynamic mix of thrilling action, martial arts, heartfelt character arcs, comedy and stunning views of Tokyo, ‘Miraculous Stellar Force’ reinvents the anime superhero genre with style and substance. As the friendship between the teens grows, so does their strength as a team, a powerful reminder that true strength comes not just from power, but from the bonds we build along the way.”

This latest addition marks a new chapter for the “Miraculous” brand, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its award-winning content, now spanning television, film, digital media, merchandise and more.

Mr. Crocodile: Nickelodeon Acquires Brand-New Animated Series

Nickelodeon announced the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile, a brand-new animated kids' series, based on the beloved French children’s book Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim (Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry) by best-selling author Joann Sfar, published by Gallimard. Produced by Joann Sfar’s Magical Society and distributed by Mediawan Kids & Family, with the participation of Nickelodeon and France Télévisions, the series will air globally on Nick Jr. channels, and on France Télévisions in France.

Mr. Crocodile follows the toothy, loveable Mr. Crocodile, alongside his best friend Daisy, as he cheerfully navigates life with boundless enthusiasm and comical misunderstandings due to his instinctive crocodile logic. New to a diverse and lively mobile home community, Mr. Crocodile lives with Daisy, and they split their time between her Mom and her Dad’s homes. Together, they turn everyday activities into zany adventures as they share an unconditional acceptance of each other's approach to life.

“Nickelodeon is continuing the legacy of beloved kids' stories with the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile," said Layla Lewis, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Content Partnerships, Nickelodeon. "This delightful series brings the charm and adventure of Joann Sfar's original book to a new generation of viewers, emphasizing our commitment to delivering engaging and entertaining content for kids. We can't wait for audiences to join Mr. Crocodile and Daisy on their fun-filled adventures."

“We are delighted to collaborate with Nickelodeon to introduce Mr. Crocodile to audiences around the globe. Joann Sfar’s Magical Society has assembled an exceptional international team of passionate talent to bring to life this innovative story, conceived by one of France’s most creative and prolific artists. We are confident that the show will captivate and inspire children everywhere,” says Julien Borde, President of Mediawan Kids & Family.

“Joann and I are thrilled to launch Mr. Crocodile, our first CGI series based on Joann’s iconic book, through Magical Society, the studio we founded together. Our teams have done an incredible job adapting Joann’s characters and universe into stunning 3D designs, while staying true to his whimsical and mischievous universe. It was deeply moving to see Mr. Crocodile, Daisy, and all their friends come to life for the very first time. We are incredibly proud and grateful to have our friends and partners at Nickelodeon, France Télévisions, and Mediawan Kids & Family on board for this wonderful adventure. With their support, the brand will shine, and Joann’s beloved characters will enchant children around the world,” adds Aton Soumache, Magical Society Co-Founder and Producer.

Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim is a beloved French children's book written by New York Times bestselling author Joann Sfar. Published by Gallimard, the story follows the adventures of a hungry crocodile who sets out to find something to eat, encountering unique challenges along the way. The book is a cherished favorite among children and parents alike, known for its charming illustrations and humorous narrative. For the past 30 years, Joann Sfar has created universes of fantastical worlds and magical characters, his works spanning comic books, novels, series, films that reach a worldwide audience. Sfar is also known for his bestselling illustrated book Little Vampire and for his adaptation of the French literary classic, The Little Prince.

Mr. Crocodile was developed by Simon Nicholson and Joann Sfar, and is directed by Fabien Brandily. Rachel Lipman serves as Executive Producer alongside producers Aton Soumache, Joann Sfar, Rachel Lipman, and Cédric Pilot. Max Goodman and Lynsey O'Callaghan serve as the Executives in Charge for Nickelodeon.

Iyanu Premieres On Showmax With All-Nigerian Voice Cast

The animated series Iyanu will make its African debut on Showmax starting on June 13, 2025. It will feature an impressive lineup of Nigerian voice actors, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Serah Johnson, Stella Damasus, and Shaffy Bello.

The show follows the story of a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. When danger arises, she unwittingly activates divine powers that have been dormant since the Age of Wonders. With the help of her adventurous friend Biyi, voiced by Okey Jude, and the bookish Toye, played by Samuel Kugbiyi, Iyanu embarks on a journey to confront the evil threatening her community. They are joined by a magical leopard named Ekun, adding to the excitement of their adventure.

Iyanu has already made waves in the United States since its launch on Cartoon Network in April 2025. It has received critical acclaim and considerable viewership, ranking number one on the network and within the top 10 for kids and family series on Max. Screen Rant lauded it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed,” emphasising its innovative fusion of African mythology and contemporary superhero themes.

Adapted from the graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe, the animated series has captured audiences worldwide. Okupe expressed his excitement for the African premiere, emphasising the importance of representation in superhero narratives. “To see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment,” he said.

Iyanu showcases the rich tapestry of Nigerian culture, music, and mythology and highlights the universal appeal of superhero stories. It invites viewers of all ages to connect with a hero who looks and feels like them. The series promises a magical journey of self-discovery and adventure for audiences throughout Africa and beyond.