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Friday, November 27, 2020

January 2021 On History Africa | Greatest Mysteries | Apocalypse | Secrets In

HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES
24 January - 28 February
Sundays from 19h25
Incredible discoveries are revealed on History’s Greatest Mysteries, a series hosted and narrated by Academy Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Laurence Fishburne. These include a 100+ year old box flled with the investgatve fndings of Lord Mersey, the man charged with leading the ofcial inquiry into the sinking of the Titanic and a personal diary from Major Jesse Marcel, the frst person to investgate the wreckage in Roswell, New Mexico - believed to contain coded clues to what really happened that night in 1947. In additon, for the frst tme, the family of John Wilkes Booth is releasing 60 boxes of sealed family documents and allowing a DNA test to be facilitated which may hold the answers to whether he truly died in a fre following the assassinaton of Abraham Lincoln or if he faked his death as many believe. History’s Greatest Mysteries investgates the greatest mysteries of the past, analysing evidence, following leads, and atemptng to make progress that could change history as we know it.

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES:
ROSWELL: FIRST WITNESS
24 January to 28 February
Sundays at 19h25
In July 1947, a mysterious object crashed near Roswell, New Mexico. The US military originally claimed it was a fying saucer but then changed their story. It became the biggest enigma in UFO history, and now 70 years later the family that started it all wants answers. History’s Greatest Mysteries: Roswell: First Witness follows the Marcel family - Jesse Marcel III, John Marcel, and Denise Marcel. They are the grandchildren of Major Jesse Marcel, the frst person to see the wreckage in 1947. Major Marcel, an air force intelligence ofcer, was dispatched to the Roswell wreckage site and transported the wreckage back to a military base (stopping to show it frst to his 12-year old son, Jesse Jr.). Both Marcels later said the craf was constructed from an unknown substance, like a liquid metal, with hieroglyphic-like markings on it. The family believes Major Marcel was forced by the U.S. government to deny he ever saw a UFO. They possess Major Marcel’s journal, believed to contain coded clues about the truth of what happened at Roswell and where alien wreckage might stll lie buried. This diary will be decoded for the frst tme on TV...

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES: TITANIC’S LOST EVIDENCE
24 January
Sunday at 20h15
For 107 years, a dust-covered box has remained hidden in a Britsh manor house, and may contain evidence that will rewrite the most famous maritme disaster in history. This box contains the personal notes of Lord Mersey, the respected Britsh jurist and politcian charged with investgatng the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. HISTORY has secured permission to open it – a frst in history. The box contains informaton about Titanic’s voyage including new context on fatal mistakes allegedly made by the captain and crew, and perhaps signs of a cover-up.

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES: ENDURANCE:
THE HUNT FOR SHACKLETON’S ICE SHIP
31 January
Sunday at 20h15
In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton led an expediton to Antarctca but soon afer arrival, Shackleton’s ship - The Endurance - was destroyed by shifing glaciers, and he was tasked with leading his 27 men across the frozen tundra, on an epic struggle for survival. Shackleton’s batle against the odds and his unfailing commitment to bring all his men out alive turned him into the legend that stll inspires today. Now, HISTORY follows a new ground-breaking expediton heading back into the frozen seas to hunt down the last piece of the story: Shackleton’s lost ship. The Endurance is as illustrious as the Titanic, yet it’s remained lost for over a hundred years. Its fnal restng ground is one of the greatest polar mysteries and a team of explorers and experts set out with the goal of being the frst to break through the ice and uncover the wreck site.

Brand New & Exclusive
HISTORY’S GREATEST MYSTERIES:
DB COOPER FINAL SHOWDOWN
07 February
Sunday at 20h15
With over 7,500 hours investgatng the D.B. Cooper mystery including analysing evidence, interviewing witnesses, reading 20,000+ pages of FBI case fles and exploring important locatons, top D.B. Cooper expert, Eric Ulis, believes that he’s found the true locaton where Cooper landed during his daring dive. Ulis has also assembled a team of specialists to explore the untouched Washington backcountry, federally restricted (wildlife refuge) land, to hunt for the missing evidence Cooper lef behind. Armed with new informaton, the team will travel to parts of Washington state that have never been searched atemptng to solve the only unsolved skyjacking in United States history.

Brand New & Exclusive
APOCALYPSE
EARTH
05 January – 09 February
Tuesdays at 20h15
Earth, air, water and fre are essental elements in life. But what happens when these natural elements turn on humanity? Apocalypse Earth will examine the catastrophic threat natural phenomena can pose to the US and around the world.

Brand New & Exclusive
SECRETS IN
THE ICE
29 January – 05 March
Fridays at 19h25
From a missing World War II aircraf to a frozen lake flled with human remains, take a look at how and why humans have become frozen in tme in Secrets In The Ice.

Read Also:
- December on History

Friday, November 20, 2020

OpenView Plus Won't Be Launching Anytime Soon


Parent company eMedia initially indicated it would start offering its own OTT streaming service during the announcement of its 2020 annual report in September.

CEO Khalik Serriff said that Openview was planning to provide additional platform choices for its viewers.

In preparation for this, eMedia content would be placed on the Openview website and on over-the-top (OTT) services including VIU.

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He also stated that the group would launch its own OTT offering called Openview Plus by October 2020.

“Work on this offering is happening in earnest as this report is published,” Seriff added.

The company did not provide specific details such as pricing or content which will be available on the service.

No sign of service
As alluded to in the annual report, the Openview website has added a selection of on-demand content which is free to stream.

This library consists of only a few international movies and local Etv shows, which are supported by ads.

VIU now also offers several seasons of various Etv series, including soapies like Scandal and Rhythm City.

However, MyBroadband was unable to find any mention of the Openview Plus service on either the Openview or Etv websites.

We asked the company to confirm whether the launch has been delayed, but it declined to provide further information.

“Please note that there is no media communication about Openview Plus at this stage,” eMedia stated.

“eMedia will communicate plans as they develop,” it added.

SABC to launch own streaming service
While pay-TV broadcaster DStv already offers a large chunk of its content via MultiChoice’s Showmax streaming service, free-to-air broadcasters have been slow to adapt to the streaming trend.

The SABC recently also revealed details on the plans for its iPlayer streaming service, which was first announced back in 2013.

It has also entered into an agreement with Telkom to offer a selection of its content on the recently-launched TelkomONE streaming service.

South African TV broadcasting analyst Thinus Ferreira previously told MyBroadband that anyone in broadcasting in South Africa must understand a streaming service, on-demand service, and digital service are the future.

“Switch to digital and start and grow your video streaming ecosystem or become irrelevant and die like the dinosaurs,” Ferreira warned.

“As a content provider – like a broadcaster – if you don’t have or own a space in the very near future in whatever way, for instance an app, on a smartphone, you might as well not exist,” he added.

Read Also:
- eToonz better e.tv kiddies lineup needs more variety if it wants to succeed
- Upcoming shows on eToonz
SABC wants platforms like OpenView to pay TV licence
- Review on e.tv channels
New telenovela for the Afrikaans block on eExtra

As Expected, Rhythm Is Cancelled On e.tv With It's Last Episode Airing Next Year


e.tv announced that it is cancelling daily drama Rhythm City. The show will air its last episode on 16 July 2021 at 19:00, marking the end of an era for the much-loved daily.

Rhythm City has been a compelling offering that has captivated e.tv viewers for over a decade. It has taken millions of South African's on the journey of authentic storytelling while simultaneously launching the careers of many unknown faces and some now famously talented musicians.

Over the past few years, the show has been performing well, peaking at almost 5.2 million all adult viewers this year and consistently ranking amongst the Top 10 most-watched soapies in South Africa.

The decision to decommission Rhythm City is part of a business strategy, which includes reviewing a show's on-air life cycle.

Providing further insight into concluding the show, Marlon Davids, Managing Director at e.tv, explained," Marlon continues to look forward to fulfilling its mandate of producing exceptional and relevant local content, and the production has successfully achieved its part of the obligation throughout the past 13 years. Rhythm City has secured its place in e.tv's history books, and a legacy mark has been made. We want to extend our gratitude to the entire production staff, crew, and cast for their incomparable craft."

e.tv would like to unequivocally thank the show's production team Quizzical Pictures, for their unwavering dedication and passion that has gone into the hard work of producing the multi-award-winning drama.

Over the past decade, Rhythm City has given viewers a delicious mix of earth-shattering rivalry, overwhelming big loves, debilitating betrayals, and unforgettable duplicitous behaviour. The next few months of the show will have a strong focus on finalising prominent plot lines, some of which, like the introduction of Suffocates long lost adoptive son Pule, will take fan favourites back into time, to when it all started.

In keeping with e.tv's mandate on local productions, Rhythm City will be replaced by another local daily drama, adding to a now increased local offering of 4 daily dramas.

Rhythm City currently airs every weekday at 19:00, preceded by Durban Gen and followed by Scandal!

Read Also:
- Review on e.tv channels
New telenovela for the Afrikaans block on eExtra
- e.tv ratings for October

December 2020 On WarnerMedia Africa | New Series | New Movies | New Adventures | Christmas Specials & Stunts | More

TNT:



CHRISTMAS WEEK PARTY SPECIAL
One thing’s for sure, 2020 will go down in history books as a truly unforgettable year. It has quickly come to a spectacular end, and Christmas is upon us yet again. TNT has prepared a refreshing line-up of movies for you and your loved ones this festive season to share together. Every evening during December, TNT will air two fun, family-driven titles including the premiere of Shrek, The Croods and The Best Man from Thursday the 24th to Wednesday the 30th of December.
Thursday, 24 December
18:20 – Wall-E (2008)
20:00 – Shrek (2001) channel premiere Friday, 25 December
17:55 – The Best Man (1999) channel premiere
20:00 – The Best Man Holiday (2013) channel premiere
Saturday, 26 December
18:15 – Big Hero 6 (2014)
20:00 – The Croods (2013) channel premiere
Sunday, 27 December
18:25 – Catch that Kid (2004)
20:00 – Sky Kids (2008)
Monday, 28 December
18:05 – Splash (1984)
20:00 – Dreamer (2008)
Tuesday, 29 December
18:25 – George of the Jungle (1997)
20:00 – Race to Witch Mountain (2009)
Wednesday, 30 December
18:05 – Mighty Joe Young (1998)
20:00 – Willow (1988)

TNT ORIGINAL MOVIES PREMIERE – DEADTECTIVES
They say laughter is the best medicine, and there’s no better way to end 2020 than with a necessary bout of laughter. This December, TNT Africa brings on the humour, parody and a little bit of horror with the channel premiere of Deadtectives. This TNT Original follows a group of paranormal investigators from a reality TV show who go hunting for better ratings, but things get scary for real this time… The latest TNT Original movie premieres on Saturday, 5 December, on prime time, with a re-run each week of the month.
And, for those who don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve, TNT Africa will stage a TNT Originals Movie marathon on the last day of the year. All 2020 TNT Original Movie titles like the critically acclaimed Escape from Pretoria, Guns Akimbo and Bufaloed will be aired as part of the Happy TNT Original’s Eve stunt starting at 13:40 CAT!
Saturday, 5 December
20:00 – Deadtectives (2018) channel premiere
Happy TNT Original’s Eve
Thursday, 31 December
13:40 – Days of Bagnold Summer (2019)
15:10 – Human Capital (2017)
16:50 – Bufaloed (2019)
18:25 – Deadtectives (2018)
20:00 – Guns Akimbo (2020)
21:45 – Escape from Pretoria (2020)

BETTER TOGETHER SPECIAL
Teaming up may not be an easy task for everyone, but we are stronger when we come together for a common cause. In the spirit of reconciliation, TNT has put a mix of action and popular movies about teamwork, empathy and friendship to coincide with The Day of Reconciliation on 16 December. This programming special will contain features such as Bring It On, The A-Team and the American action-thriller, Backdraft, proving that we are better together!
Wednesday, 16 December
10:55 – The Goonies (1985)
12:50 – Twins (1988)
14:40 – Bring It On (2000)
16:20 – The A-Team (2010)
18:20 – Ride Along (2014)
20:00 – Backdraft (1991) channel premiere
22:15 – Safe House (2012)

TNT is available on DStv, GOtv (varies), Starsat (SA) and StarTimes (ROA)

CARTOON NETWORK:



BRAND NEW CARTOON NETWORK STUDIOS ORIGINAL
THE FUNGIES
MONDAY 14/12/2020 MONDAY @ 17:00 CAT
Long ago, on prehistoric Earth, lived THE FUNGIES! a bustling town of colourful mushroom people! Seth, a 10-year-old Fungie kid who is mad about science, is fascinated by how the world works and wants to tell Fungietown all about it.
The Fungies! explores the world through 10-year-old Seth’s wondrous and whimsical quests, accompanied by his older, artistic brother Pascal. In his search for the ultimate adventure, Seth often fnds himself causing hilarious problems for the utopia and its colourful inhabitants. But, as Seth comes up with a solution, he always fnds a newfound emotional understanding.
This brand-new original Cartoon Network series is the brainchild of none other than Stephen P. Neary, a Hoosier-born, LA-based artist and animator. Neary is the creator, executive producer and voice of Pascal. A graduate of New York University, Neary started his career as a story artist at Blue Sky Studios on the animated feature flms ‘Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,’ ‘Rio,’ ‘Ice Age: Continental Drift,’ ‘Epic,’ ‘Rio 2’ and ‘The Peanuts Movie.’ Neary also directed and animated his own 2D short for the studio, ‘Umbrellacorn,’ after winning a studio-wide pitch fest.

Join Seth and his friends on a fun, prehistoric adventure as The Fungies! Only on Cartoon Network.

NEW EPISODES
CRAIG OF THE CREEK
MONDAY 30/11/2020 @ 15:15 CAT
FREE YOUR IMAGINATION!
How far can the imagination run? As far and wide as possible, if Craig has anything to do with it! More adventures are brewing in the untamed, kid-dominated wilderness in the creek, and, best believe that Craig, JP and Kelsey are always ready to explore. This December, the Stump Kids discover a dollhouse with a little doll inside, but leave it, only to fnd it following them back to their hideout. They enlist the aid of the Witches of the Creek and Kelsey’s friend, Stacks, into fnding out what the dollhouse wants from them. Will they be able to contact Arthur Rolly, the dollhouse owner, in time to end his haunting? Tune in to Cartoon Network and find out!

SPECIAL HOLIDAY STUNT
SUPA AND POWER NEW YEAR
FRIDAY 01/01/2021
POWER RANGERS SUPER BEAST MORPHERS FROM 10:00 CAT
SUPA STRIKAS FROM 12:05 CAT
••
FESTIVE BALLIN’…
Cartoon Network is kicking butt all around this festive season with some crazy action, on and of the pitch! Cartoon Network’s top two favourite shows, Supa Strikas and Power Rangers Super Beast Morphers go head to head in an impressive marathon stunt to start the new year on the right foot! The gloves are of and its game on the frst day of 2021 on Cartoon Network where being the best is only the beginning! You won’t want to miss a second of the action!

Cartoon Network is available on DStv and GOtv (varies)

BOOMERANG:



NEW EPISODES
SCOOBY-DOO AND GUESS WHO?
Saturday 19/12/2020 @ 18:30 CAT
Solving bigger mysteries…
If anyone has the who’s who of this world on speed dial, it’s Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang, and they don’t disappoint this time around either. This December, the gang solves some of the most mind-boggling mysteries alongside guest stars such as international model, Gigi Hadid, actor and comedian, Jason Sudeikis, and rapper, Macklemore, just to name a few!
When Scooby-Doo and the gang are on the trail of a monstrous gargoyle in the night-time city of Paris, they’re stumped and need help solving the mystery. Velma turns to a close friend that’s in Paris for work. It’s none other than the famous fashion model, GIGI HADID! Velma and Gigi studied Criminal Psychology together, and Velma was always impressed with how great Gigi is at picking up clues. Gigi happily joins our gang to get to the bottom of this mysterious gargoyle and what it’s after in the City of Lights.
Based on the iconic show from the late 1960s, the new 2D WarnerBros Animation spinof series, launched in 2019, premieres new episodes weekly. Join Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and their special guests, as they face their toughest mysteries yet.

FILMS SPECIAL
MOVIE STARS SPECIAL
Tis the season!
Monday 21/12/2020 Monday to Friday @ 08:30 CAT
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to kick of your shoes, relax and plug into the Boomerang movie special, specially prepared for you and your family this festive season! There’s so much to laugh at with Tom & Jerry’s decades-old rivalry and never-ending cat and mouse games, to the interesting mysteries to unravel with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang. Tune in every weekday from Monday, 21 December, and enjoy a special movie picked just for you!

MASTER MOLEY – BY ROYAL INVITATION SPECIAL
Friday 25/12/2020 @ 17:00 CAT
A gift just for you!
Surprises are always welcome, especially during this festive season. So, Boomerang has packed a little treat for its viewer with a special teaser of Master Moley with a special 30-minute flm, titled Master Moley by Royal Invitation this December. Prepare to go on a trip of mystery and suspense with Master Moley (voiced by Warwick Davies), the moles, the Queen and the magical book which has slept for a thousand years. What happens when it awakens? Find out on Boomerang this festive season with a full series The Misadventures of Master Moley to follow in 2021!

Boomerang is available on DStv

Read Also:
- Cartoon Network will air Elliott From Earth by early 2021
Cartoon Network will air the We Bare Bears spinoff in fall 2021

January 2021 On Curiosity Channel Africa | Super Science Mondays | Wildlife Wednesdays | Travel & Adventure Fridays | Human Story Saturdays | Best Of Curiosity Sundays


SUPER SCIENCE MONDAYS

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
Brand New Series - premieres 04 January 2021 CAT: 21:00
Episodes: 3x 60 mins –ends 18 January 2021
A mega-engineering series featuring the latest cutting-edge technologies and the science behind them. Filmed throughout the world, these are the new machines that will revolutionize life as we know it.
Episode Breakdown: Ep 1 "Wind Turbine" Ep 2 "Aviation" - In conversation with Airbus/Rolls Royce over the first electric airplane. Also, filming test flights of new hybrid helicopter/plane to be used as a taxi service in Scandinavia.
Ep3 "Fusion" -Follows the groundbreaking of the new $24 billion dollar ITER facility. The new installation is hoping to produce unlimited, clean nuclear fusion energy. Filmed in France and UK.

WILDLIFE WEDNESDAYS
MIGRATIONS: THE BIG SWIM
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 06 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
We live on an ever-moving planet, and as landscapes are altered, wildlife must march to its rhythm. Driven by instinct, they follow the maps hardwired into their DNA. Some run, some fly, but most swim.

ROLLING WITH THE WAVES
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 13 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
We love our coasts, and so do animals! The corridor of water where the open ocean meets coastal habitats is known as the surf zone. The churning forces of the waves crashing with the land make these some of the most food-rich waters on Earth.

ICY COAST
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 20 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
Cold coasts create bleak and challenging landscapes for all wildlife. Some are found in cold places and some are in hotter environments but engulfed by freezing ocean currents. However, both can reveal surprising riches for wildlife.

MY WILD BACKYARD
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 27 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
When traveling in unfamiliar territory, what better guide than a local? My Wild Backyard highlights some of the most pristine wildlife environments throughout the world. Journey around the globe as some of the best up- and-coming wildlife filmmakers take you on a locals-only tour of their home countries. This original documentary goes beyond the iconic animals you may know and uncovers some of the other extraordinary wildlife that also call these countries their home.
Filmed in continents across the globe: from California to New York City, the fabled mountains of Patagonia, the brush of South Africa and the deserts of Mexico. Shot entirely by locals, the compact film crews were able to shoot fascinating animal behavior sequences and produce stunning new content.

ENCHANTED FOREST
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 27 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
There are few places on the planet more magical than the forest. To spend a day here is nature’s way of offering a spa, a bathe in nature. There is enchantment at every turn.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE FRIDAYS
Y’AFRICA
Season 1 continued with brand new episodes -premieres 08 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 Episodes: 3x 30mins –ends 22 January 2021
In this new documentary series that profiles 39 artists from 10 different African countries –Tunisia to Madagascar –three artists from each country per episode talk about their unique takes on the culture in their own field of expertise. Get ready to see painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, choreographers, chefs and designers express themselves with a distinctly African flavour.

HUMAN STORY SATURDAYS
PLANE RESURRECTION
Brand New Series - premieres 09 January 2021 CAT: 18:00
Episodes: 6x 60 mins –ends 13 February 2021
Climb into the cockpits of historic planes and meet the craftsmen who dedicate their time to bring these aviation icons back to life.

DOUG TO THE RESCUE
Brand New Series - premieres 30 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 (back to back) Episodes: 6x 30 mins
Nothing is easy in the aftermath of a natural disaster. There’s no power, no public services. No internet or cell phones. Food and fresh water are in short supply. The airports and hotels are closed. People are displaced, often form their loved ones, with no easy way to make contact
When resources are scarce and too many people are in need, little thought is given to the domesticated animals that people were forced to leave behind, or the wildlife. That’s where aerial cinematographer, Doug Thron comes in. He travels into the hardest hit areas—relying on nothing but the supplies he carries on his back—to rescue the animals that are lost or left behind and try to reunite them with their owners. Doug connects with local rescue and wildlife agencies to either help find the proper home for these animals or rehabilitate them for re-entry into the wild.

BEST OF CURIOSITY SUNDAYS
DRANCY 1943: THE GREAT ESCAPE
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 17 January 2021 CAT: 19:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
70 Jewish prisoners dig a tunnel to escape from Drancy transit camp, working in shifts day and night for three months. Only a few meters from freedom, their plan is discovered by the SS guards. Fourteen of them are immediately arrested and tortured before being deported to the death camps.

THE INTERPOL CASE
Brand New Documentary Special - premieres 17 January 2021 CAT: 20:00 Episodes: 1x 60 mins
We all know this international crime-fighting organization. But how does it work? Through interviews of Interpol’s leaders, active agents and experts, this captivating investigation lifts the lid on one of the world’s most secretive organizations which has recently made strategic alliances with Philip Morris, Sanofi and FIFA. Can one of the regulatory authorities of our states be financed by private funds? How can it maintain its integrity and avoid any conflicts of interest?

Curiosity Channel is available on DStv channel 185 in South Africa and the rest of Africa

Read Also:
- December on the Curiosity Channel

January 2021 On Da Vinci Kids Africa | DYK | Siyaya | Dangerous Earth | Special Highlights


Kids Programmes – Premiere

Do You Know? – BRAND NEW (Series)
From January 23rd
Saturdays & Sundays 14:35
Do You Know? presenter Maddie Moate uses special cameras and animation as she explores the everyday world around us, finding out how things work, and how they are made.

Siyaya: Search for the Big 7 – BRAND NEW (4 episodes)
Saturday, January 16th at 14:00
The Garden of Eden: When a group of young explorers set off for an adventure in the vast Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa, they get more than they bargained for. They meet buffalo, snakes and a giant lizard big enough to kill a rabbit.
The Big One: A group of young adventurers continue their search for the Big Seven wild animals in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa. They discover ancient rock art in caves and experience exciting moments with a large herd of elephants.
Whale of a Time: A group of  young explorers head for the sea on their search for the biggest of the Big Seven wild animals in South Africa – the whale. On the way they meet giant snails, noisy frogs and dolphins. They are about to give up their search when they spot two playful whales.
Hunters of the Deep: A group of young explorers are on a search for the Big Seven wild animals in South Africa.  Today they are on the trail of a Great White Shark. From the research boat they spot a massive five-meter shark, one of the biggest ever seen at Bird Island.

Adults Programmes – Premiere
Dangerous Earth – BRANDNEW (6 episodes)
From January 10th  
Sundays 22:00
Recent developments in camera technology are giving scientists stunning new insights into natural phenomena. Each episode focuses on a different subject: volcanoes, auroras, avalanches, icebergs, hurricanes and lightning, bringing the science to life.

Special Highlight
Inventions and Life-Hacks
Sunday, January 10th
From 10:05 to 14:30
10:05 How To Do Stuff Good – Awesome Animal Hacks
Abhi makes an amazing dog bed, Molly cooks delicious koala lamingtons, and Jenna plays a joke on her parents with fake dog poo. They have a great idea for a pet photo and then discover how to get rid of real bloodsuckers – leeches.
How To Do Stuff Good – Movie Magic Hacks
For movie night, Christian makes a dish of giant Nachos, Miles makes his own projector, Hari and Lila discuss how to behave at the movies, and Abhi makes an epic dinosaur lamp.
10:50 Did I Mention Invention? - Luxury Treehouses
Host Alie Ward presents an inventor building mansions in trees, fingertip lighting, a book that filters water and a penguin chick bot that is giving researchers a new perspective on the penguin world.
How To Do Stuff Good - Yasmin’s Science Gloop
How to find water in the wild, make a prank ice cream cone, and create the coolest cornflour gloop.
11:20 Did I Mention Invention? - Medical McGyver
Host Alie Ward presents a Medical MacGyver who makes health devices from toys, an inventor with dozens of inventions, including the Pocket Fisherman, kids learning computer code in school, and a 3D Printing Pen.
How To Do Stuff Good - Adelaide’s Sponge Waterbombs
How to cook an easy pizza base, make a squishy eco waterbomb, and colourful kinetic sand.
11:50 Did I Mention Invention? - Dog Food Chef
Host Alie Ward presents a man who started a business that cooks fresh food for pets, a wireless phone-charging purse, a medicine-free pain-relieving device and a teenager who invented a novel way to clean water.
How To Do Stuff Good - Adelaide’s Bird Feeder
How to attract birds to your garden, print your own t-shirt designs, and make the tastiest cake pops.
12:20 Did I Mention Invention? - Ski Jump Slip n Slide
Host Alie Ward presents printable pancakes, a way to get power from rivers, the physics behind a waterslide, and windmills the size of a flea that could revolutionise electric power.
How To Do Stuff Good - Jenna’s Disgusting Vomit Slime
How to make relaxing bath bombs, ingenious ice cream in a bag, and some really gross vomit slime.
12:50 Did I Mention Invention? - Girls Who Code
Host Alie Ward presents a former politician who is teaching girls to code, a fold-up kayak, headlights for running shoes,and a woman who invented a new way to keep food fresh.
How To Do Stuff Good – Secrets and Spy Hacks
Everyone wants to be a super-spy, as Gabe creates a periscope, Molly has a cake filled with an awesome surprise, Abhi makes a hidden diary safe, and Miles creates a secret you can eat!
13:30 Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom - Wright Brothers
Dick and Dom reveal the genius of the Wright Brothers, the men behind the first ever powered and controlled flight. With the Wright Brothers as inspiration they come up with their own genius idea, which involves a terrifying flight in a stunt plane.
14:00 Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom – Benz
Dick and Dom reveal the genius of Karl Benz, the man behind the first petrol powered car. Inspired by his genius idea Dick and Dom come up with their own genius idea – to build and race their own cars.

Da Vinci Kids is available on DStv and StarTimes (Starsat in South Africa)

Read Also:
- December on Da Vinci Kids Africa

Blue Socks Is Bringing Nelvana To Africa


Corus-owned Nelvana has appointed North Carolina-based Blue Socks Media as its distributor in Africa. Blue Socks plans to build on the success it’s had selling its own content in the region, and is confident it will be able to penetrate the market with Nelvana’s IPs, says EVP of distribution of licensing Neill Warren.

Under the deal, Blue Socks will be responsible for distributing more than 4,400 episodes of Nelvana’s shows in the region, including Babar, Franklin, Ranger Rob, The Dog & Pony Show and Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe.

Blue Socks has been shopping the library around the continent for the last month, and has lined up six deals with local broadcasters. The unnamed series will start airing in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021, says Warren.

Africa is a giant and diverse continent with 54 countries, all of which have a different state-owned broadcaster with varying reach. Sub-Saharan Africa alone has developed into a big market, with broadcasters expected to reach more than 75 million homes in the region by 2021, according to satellite operator Eutelsat. There’s a growing demand for locally made kids content, which has historically not been a big focus for broadcasters, says Warren. This makes breaking into any single country with foreign shows difficult, though Blue Socks is hoping to replicate it’s own success for Nelvana.

Blue Socks previously sold its flagship preschool series Raggs to South African broadcaster SABC 2, Mango Airlines and Namibia’s One Africa TV. The musical series resonated with local audiences because of its educational value and catchy songs, Warren says. And while Africa is diverse, educational content, having pride in yourself and positive messages about kindness tend to resonate across the continent.

English-language content is accepted broadly, but to make the strongest impression, producers and distributors have to swallow the cost of dubbing, adds Warren. Languages can vary depending on the specific platform, but it’s useful to know that the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries recognize English as a major language, he says, cautioning that while English is widely acceptable in many countries, others prefer French or Portuguese content, and Northern Africa wants shows dubbed into Arabic. South Africa, for example, has 11 official languages—English being one of them.

Patience is also important. “This is an emerging market, and deals can take longer,” says Warren. “But more and more players, including Netflix, are here. And the need for kids content is only going to grow.”

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