Insidus

Friday, April 23, 2021

Heads Up!: Weeknights Will Never Be The Same On e.tv

eMedia Investments doesn't continue to stop making headlines for their set of channels. From eExtra's overflow of telenovelas to Rewind's revamped lineup now it's e.tv's weeknight format.

Later this month, NCIS: Los Angeles was unexpectedly removed from e.tv schedule and replaced with the reboot of CBS' Magnum Pi and that's not the only changes coming to e.tv.

Here's a list of other developments coming to e.tv:
- Castle and Checkpoint switch days but still retain the 10pm timeslot. So it's Castle on Tuesday and Checkpoint on Wednesday from April 28.
- The finale of How To Get Away With Murder season 4 is on April 22nd at 10pm and Devi moves it's timeslot from April 29.
- A repeat of the Turkish drama, Die Wiel Draai (Eve Donus) will broadcast at 11pm on Monday to Thursdays from April 26 perhaps to make up for the reduction of 10pm dramas.
- Rhythm City ends in 3 months time and the channel hasn't shared much details on a possible replacement or if they'll even be one.

Perhaps they'll be another timeslot change where either Durban Gen or Imbewu take up 7pm and there's a chance another local drama could occupy that spot.

Hit Sci-fi Thriller War Of The Worlds Returns For A Highly Anticipated Second Season On FOX Africa

The second series of FOX and CANAL+’s multi-faceted drama series War of the Worlds, written and created by BAFTA Award-winner Howard Overman (Misfits, Crazyhead, Merlin) of Urban Myth Films, will premiere on Mondays at 20:45 (CAT) from 24 May 2021 on Fox (DStv 125, Starsat StarSat 131). The eight part series will premiere with a double bill of the first two episodes, with a single episode per week thereafter.

Set in France and the UK, the critically-acclaimed, modern-day retelling of H.G. Wells’ classic novel has an ensemble cast, including Golden Globe winner and EMMY and Tony award nominated actor Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment), and Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award winner, Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People), along with further returning cast members, Léa Drucker, Natasha Little, Stéphane Caillard, Adel Bencherif, Ty Tennant, Stephen Campbell Moore, Bayo Gbadamosi, Aaron Heffernan and Emilie de Preissac.

In the first series of War of the Worlds, an alien attack all but wiped out mankind, with just a handful of humans fighting to survive. And no one felt more rocked by the invasion than Emily (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who discovered she may have her own strange personal connection to the aliens. Series two of War of the Worlds sees our characters left reeling by the possibility that the invaders could be human. A tense fight to take back the planet awaits them. For some, the sheer desperation to survive will lead them to contemplate sacrificing one of their own...

Howard Overman commented: “It was always my intention in the first series of War of the Worlds that the intricacies of human relationships would be at its heart. Watching these complex characters brought to life by such a fantastic cast of actors was a joy, and it’s been a thrill returning to their stories for series two.”

“The first season of War of the Worlds brought a uniquely thrilling and action-packed drama with deep human emotion to viewers across the continent, and was an instant hit,” said Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are excited to join fans in the continuation of this gritty sci-fi story, just as we are to add this season to the existing content roster of the boldest, brightest and most unexpected live action and animation, that can only be found on Fox.”

A global hit, the first series of War of the Worlds achieved one of the highest viewing records on CANAL+ on-demand service, as a CANAL+ Creation Originale. Airing in more than 50 European and African markets on FOX, it was the most successful regional launch since 2016, and was the UK’s highest rated new FOX launch since 2012. War of the Worlds season one is among the highest-performing series on EPIX in the US.

Distributed internationally by STUDIOCANAL, the drama series is executive produced by Howard Overman, Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps for Urban Myth Films. War of the Worlds was produced with support of Welsh Government funding through Creative Wales. The second season of the contemporary adaptation sees Richard Clark return to direct episodes 1-4 whilst Ben A. Williams directs episodes 5-8.

War of the Worlds is produced by Studiocanal-backed Urban Myth Films, in partnership with CANAL+ and FOX, and is broadcast in the US on EPIX.

School Sport Live Rebrands Into SuperSport Schools, Could A Linear Channel Be In The Works In The Near Future

SuperSport has recommitted to its proud history of growing sport across the continent with the launch of SuperSport Schools, a ground-breaking initiative to change the future of South African schools’ sport. As part of the strategy, SuperSport acquired a majority stake in Schools Sport Live, which will see the business rebranded as SuperSport Schools.

Schools sport is the foundation of South Africa’s sporting success and this venture will aim to identify and expose young talent by broadcasting as many schools sporting fixtures as possible. The production plan will embrace new technology by giving schools access to innovative artificial intelligence-based production to deliver a dynamic multi-screen viewing of schools and youth sport.

Outside of the coverage across SuperSport channels, the SuperSport Schools mobile application will provide parents and other interested parties access to view schools sport anytime, anywhere, live and on-demand.

* Check out the SuperSport Schools Website *

SuperSport Chief Executive, Marc Jury, says the success of schools sport is fundamental to producing a winning sporting nation.

“This initiative is a natural extension of our mission to play our part to grow the pipeline for South Africa’s future sporting heroes. Schools Sport is the foundation from which great sporting nations are built. The stronger the foundation, the brighter our future sporting stars can shine,” said Jury.

Proteas netball captain, Bongi Msomi and World-Cup wining Springbok, Lukhanyo Am, will be leading the campaign with the hope of taking SuperSport Schools to every corner of the continent. Both stars were discovered late in their careers and speak directly to the gap the new platform is trying to close. The focus will be on netball, hockey and rugby for initial implementation phase, with cricket and water polo following suit as the programme extends.

This initiative would not be possible without enablement partners, Nashua. Their national footprint of engineers provide a world class service offering to install, maintain and support the project, especially as they have a great understanding of the school’s infrastructure environment. Nashua will play a key part in rolling out the artificial intelligence automated cameras which are designed to produce and distribute live + highlight content via the mobile application and social/digital channels.

Corporate South Africa and businesses will have an opportunity to be involved in the initiative, with specialised commercial sponsorship packages available to enable and fund the installation of the camera equipment across regions and schools.

Further to this, SuperSport has partnered with the MEC of Sports in the Eastern Cape in an effort to showcase more sport in the talent-rich region.

“The Eastern Cape has produced many of South Africa’s finest sporting stars, we hope our contribution will help to start unveiling talent from all corners of the province,” Jury concluded.

Schools Sport is well and truly alive

May 2021 On History Africa | Icons Of Music | Other Programming

ICONS OF MUSIC
The HISTORY® Channel Africa kicks May of with the Icons of Music featuring legendary septuagenarian rockers of note - Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney and the ethereal eternal Gypsy woman Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac fame. The iconic king of reggae, Bob Marley is also celebrated in Roots of A Man and reveals just why Marley ‘s infuence as a singer, songwriter, and global pop-culture prophet contnues to impact the music world 40 years afer his death in 1981. The Icons campaign concludes with South Africa’s very own Johnny Clegg, whose style of Zulu dancing and melodic fusions of rock and African rhythm united a naton and endeared himself to Madiba. The musical journey that Clegg found himself on, is showcased in Johnny Clegg: The White Zulu and his story is told against the backdrop of a country that was scarred and broken by the legacies of the then politcal system. His energetc dance and mix of Zulu and English lyrics rose to prominence with his frst band Juluka, that began as a duo with Sipho Mchunu – one of the frst ‘mixed’ groups in the South African apartheid-era.

1 May – 5 June, Saturdays at 20h15

PAUL MCCARTNEY: WINGS OF A BEATLE
1 May
From the small clubs of Liverpool to the world stage, Sir Paul McCartney has dedicated his life to the music industry. He has not only dominated the airwaves globally with the Beatles, he reigned supreme on the charts with Wings and his solo work. But Paul McCartney’s life hasn’t always been glamourous and has been met with some extremely dark days. Experience the story behind one of the music industry’s most treasured musical icons. This is Sir Paul McCartney’s journey.

BOB MARLEY: ROOTS OF A MAN
8 May
Robert Nesta Marley, known across the globe as Bob Marley, was the frst and debatably only superstar ever to emerge from the third world. He rose from humble rural beginnings and blossomed into a man of such signifcance and infuence that his atempted assassinaton in 1976 turned out to be politcally motvated. Marley’s musical infuence is stll felt all around the world today, but he was more than just a musician – he had a universal quality in his messages that transcended race, colour, class and economics. This documentary explores the life of one of the 20th century’s most charismatc and challenging performers. Bob Marley transcends the role of reggae luminary: he is regarded as a cultural icon who implored his people to know their history.

OZZY OSBOURNE: THRONE OF DARKNESS
15 May
Ozzy Osbourne epitomises the typical rockstar - with his music, lifestyle, attude and outlandish behaviour. John Michael Osbourne was born in Birmingham, England on December 3rd, 1948 in a very working-class area. Known worldwide as the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, as he became known, could never hold down a job. He didn’t want to. However, what he did want was to be a Rockstar. Ozzy Osbourne got his start in Black Sabbath when he placed an ad in a local music store in Birmingham. The ad read “Ozzy Zig needs a gig has own PA”. Now known to be the physical embodiment of rock and roll and over 70 years old, he is stll going strong and showing the world the true meaning of ‘being metal’.

STEVIE NICKS: WILD AT HEART
22 May
Stevie Nicks has remained an iconic role model, staying synonymous with the witchy, transcendental, deep-rooted mystcism of a fairy godmother. Her enchantng song writng, strong will, and powerful presence onstage, has endeared her to women and men all over the globe. They say great art comes from great tragedy. This couldn’t be more true with the songstress of Fleetwood Mac. For decades, she has fronted one of the most successful bands in history, resurrectng them from the ashes. Even with the trials and tribulatons of being a member of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie reigns as one of the most prolifc women of music.

MICK JAGGER: A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER
29 May
There has never been a rock and roll star quite like Mick Jagger. He is the voice of a generaton. With over 5 decades in the industry, he has completely evolved the sound of music and pushed the Rolling Stones in a directon that has helped them become the biggest rock and roll band ever. He is a successful musician, artst, actor, move producer and business man. Relive the life and career of the face of the Rolling Stones…This is Mick Jagger, a Knight to Remember.

BONUS
Channel Premiere
JOHNNY CLEGG: THE WHITE ZULU
June 05
Saturday at 20h15
The exceptonal story of a commited musician, crazy for dance, who made the world love his vision of a South African culture that allowed everyone, black and white, to express themselves and make it possible to get along. Apartheid was a divisive tool, but Johnny Clegg’s dream sought a way of unitng South Africans by mixing English and Zulu, African rhythms and rock. In the early 1970s, he invented a unique style, that is unlike any other, and made it a politcal art. His story and that of his music are in line with the history of South Africa and his long journey to freedom.

OTHERS
Brand New & Exclusive
HOW THE NAZIS LOST THE WAR
2 May
Sundays at 20h15
Hitler’s war machine was feared and ruthless – at least for a tme. It cut a swathe through Europe and North Africa and threatened to overrun Russia. From 1939 into the early 1940s, Hitler’s dream of a Third Reich and dominance over all of Europe was a distnct possibility. But then cracks appeared. The war machine became vulnerable. The history of World War Two is usually told through the eyes of the victors – but How The Nazi’s Lost The War is told through the lens of the bumbling generals and an increasingly paranoid Fuhrer.

Brand New & Exclusive
RIVER HUNTERS S2
13 May
Thursdays at 20h15
Once again, wild swimmer and presenter Rick Edwards, YouTube star Beau Ouimete and Gary Bankhead head to some of the greatest rivers in the United Kingdom, to unearth new treasures from some of the most iconic moments in Britsh history. Their adventures this tme will take place in the Batle of Stamford Bridge/ River Ouse in York, the River Conwy and rise of the Plantagenets in Wales as well as the River Debden with its proximity to the burial grounds of the Anglo-Saxon Kings and fnally the River Lochy which witnessed the Jacobite rebellion and rise of Bonnie Prince Charlie. With the rivers of England, Scotland and Wales less polluted than ever before they are travelling with real hope and expectaton of some amazing finds.

May 2021 On WildEarth | Recap | Farewell To Summer | More Wildlife

WildEarth is a 24/7 wildlife channel that brings viewers face to face with the thrill of Africa in real time through LIVE safari shows from five of the best wilderness locations across South Africa.

Sunrise Safari
Start: 6.30 am End: 9.30 am (CAT)
Start: 4.30am End: 7.30am (GMT)
Start: 6.30 am End: 9.30 am (CET)
Start: 12.30am End: 3.30am (EST)

Sunset Safari
Start: 3.30pm End: 7.30pm (CAT)
Start: 1.30pm End: 5.30pm (GMT)
Start: 3.30pm End: 7.30pm (CET)
Start: 9.30am End: 1.30pm (EST)

The launch of a LIVE bushwalk

In March WildEarth added a LIVE bushwalk into itssunrise and sunset safari shows. On a LIVE bushwalk viewers become part of the natural landscapemore so than when on the vehicle. Stepping off the vehicle, everything comes alive.With a slew of potential dangers lurking, it’s essential that the guide is aware of the surroundingsand viewers can feel the trepidation as each foot is laid on the ground. Those lacking ineducation regarding the bush cannot but help feel vulnerable. As with any experience that remindsus of the fragility of life, walking in the bush inspires awe and appreciation and is perfect for a LIVE broadcast.

WildEarth says goodbye to summer

Summer ends at the beginning of April and as we move into May the first cold fronts will arrive. The vibrant green of the bush is replaced by shades of brown as the bush becomes dryer. In South Africa the last rains will be seen in earlyApril and then there will be no more rain until October. It is the start of the long and hard dryseason. Animals congregate around sparse waterpoints, this is a tough time for all the floraand fauna.. Winter is the perfect time for safari because although the bush does not look as vibrant,the animals are much easier to see because they join together in large herds or flocksclose to water. The WildEarth safari guides are wearing thick jackets and beanies due to the factthat early mornings and late evenings are very cold.

Wild dog pups

The denning of wild dogs takes place towards the endof the rutting season of impala, usually in May. There are large numbers of male impala that areworn out from the intense competition of the rut and these weakened animals become an easytarget for the dogs.
An unidentified pack of wild dogs has arrived at NgalaPrivate Game Reserve, which is one of the locations WildEarth streams from. This is veryexciting for the guides who live and work there because they think they may den on the property..Den sites are often abandoned aardvark holes in termite mounds and these sites offerprotection for the growing pups. WildEarth looks forward to welcoming some cute wilddog pups on their daily LIVE shows.

The Promise of Baby Leopards

One of the dominant female leopards at Phinda PrivateGame Reserve is called the Nyoni Female. There is a strong belief that she has cubsthat have just been born and she is hiding them somewhere in a den. The reason for this beliefis that she has been seen a lot less than normal and recently she was seen with suckle markson her underbelly. A mother leopard only brings her cubs out of the den when they are 8 weeksold and so we should start seeing these tiny balls of fluff in May.

Friday, April 16, 2021

May 2021 On Investigation Discovery Africa | 5 New Series Alert! Including A Bill Cosby Series | More

Doomsday: The Missing Children (Brand New)
TX Date: May 2
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
We reveal how 7-year-old JJ Vallow and his older step-sister, 17-year-old Tylee Ryan mysteriously disappeared from Rexburg, Idaho in the fall of 2019. At the center of the mystery is Lori Vallow, the children's mother, and her new husband, Chad Daybell.

Bill Cosby: An American Scandal (Brand New)
TX Date: May 4
TX Time: 25:05 CAT
Take a look deep inside the secret life of this comedy legend. With exclusive interviews and insider details, we uncover shocking family drama and examine the allegations that brought about his epic fall from grace.

Id Films: Whitey Bulger: The Making Of A Monster (Brand New)
TX Date: May 11
TX Time: 23:20 CAT
The definitive account of James "Whitey" Bulger, the sadistic criminal mastermind who ruled a vast underworld empire through fear, intimidation and murder, and later eluded justice for two decade.

Kentucky Murder Mystery The Trials Of Anthony Gray (Brand New)
TX Date: May 16
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
In 2007, retirees James and Vivian Gray are gunned down in their rural Kentucky home. The police suspect their only son Anthony, and he confesses to the murders. But the Grays are not who they seem, and neither is the investigation or his confession.

Web Of Lies S7
New Season
TX Date: May 21
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
We're increasingly living our lives online unaware of the risks that might happen. Looking for friendships, love, sex or work has led many into a twilight world of seduction, danger, and false identity. You never know where the web of lies will lead.

A Deadly Dose S1
New Season
TX Date: May 23
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
The death of Susan Winters, an attorney and mother of two, is ruled by authorities to be a suicide. But strange details of her demise have convinced Susan's parents that this was murder - and that Susan's husband Brent is connected to it.

Good News: WWE Channel To Become A Singular Channel Again On DStv

Another channel bites the dust... this time it's none other than the duplicate WWE Channel occupying channel 236 which annoyed a lot of DStv customers.

The channel launched in September 2020 alongside SuperSport expanded sports lineup and lasted about 6 months on DStv.

At the time, MultiChoice explained to both channels will remain as they are mirrored channels with the same content, the reason is to try and get WWE closer to their sports content (SuperSport), without affecting those who are accustomed to 128.

In short, they chose to remove 236 since it was hardly appreciated by most viewers and those that noticed only complained about the resemblance to 128. It's nice to see there's some justice with viewer's subscription.

If I had to guess which channel will likely go off air in the coming months on DStv. My pick would be M-Net +1 thanks to Catch Up and Showmax and the fact MultiChoice has started streamlining entertainment which led to the cancellation and restructuring of several channels.

WWE Channel 236 goes off from May

May 2021 On TLC And Real Time Africa | 3 New Series Alert | Returning Series Including 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After And Return To Amish | More

Since both cater for the same audience and owned by one brand what better way then to merge highlights as the news keeps piling up.

TLC:

The Blended Bunch
Brand New
TX Date: 5-May
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
Tx Day: Wednesday
In a small town in Utah lives a widow and widower who, combined with their 11 children, have formed the modern-day "Brady Bunch." Spencer and Erica Shemwell have found love after loss, but blending a family this big can come with some major challenges.

90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? S6
New Season
TX Date: 20-May
TX Time: 20:00 CAT
Tx Day: Thursday
These couples had 90 days to marry their foreign-born fiancés or return home. Most of them sealed the deal, but they’re realizing that the hard part is far from over.

My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now S6
New Season
TX Date: 28-May
TX Time: 20:00 CAT
Tx Day: Friday
Morbidly obese patients strive to lose weight through diet and gastric bypass surgery with the help of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan.

Real Time:

Kids Baking Championship
S1-2
Brand New
TX Date: 3-May
TX Time: 12:00 CAT
Tx Day: Mon-Fri
After a nationwide search, eight kid bakers have emerged as contenders for the title of Kids Baking Champion. Hosts and judges Duff Goldman and Valerie Bertinelli lead these talented young bakers through tasty challenges.

Flea Market Flip S1
Brand New
TX Date: 10-May
TX Time: 15:00 CAT
Tx Day: Mon-Fri
Flea markets are filled with hidden treasures, you just have to know where to look. In Flea Market Flip, two teams go head to head to see who can make the most money transforming unexpected diamonds in the rough into high dollar gems.

Return To Amish S4
New Season
TX Date: 18-May
TX Time: 13:30 CAT
Tx Day: Mon-Fri
RETURN TO AMISH tells the stories of the ex-Amish as they try to establish lives outside of the insular world in which they grew up.

May 2021 On Discovery Channel And Discovery Family Africa | 3 New Series Alert | Several Returning Shows Including Deadliest Catch And Flying Wild Alaska | More

Expect more highlight merges at least ones that make sense. In this case on channel transmits part of its shows to another and is owned by the same company.

Discovery Channel:
Deadliest Catch S17 (New season)
TX Date: May 25
TX Time: 20:00 CAT
Day: Tuesday
It's the deadliest job on earth: crab fishing off the Alaska coast on the icy Bering Sea. These adventurers risk their lives as they battle Arctic weather, brutal waves and a ticking clock for big money in this modern- day gold rush.

Chasing Classic Cars S12 (New season)
TX Date: May 9
TX Time: 20:00 CAT
Day of week: Sunday
Gain instant membership to the exclusive club of elite car restorers and multi-millionaire collectors as this series follows Ferrari expert and master car restorer, Wayne Carini, on his personal mission to uncover, restore and sell classic cars.

Naked And Afraid S7 (New season)
TX Date: May 5
TX Time: 20:00 CAT
Day: Wednesday
One man and one woman are dropped into the middle of the unforgiving wilderness for 21 days. Totally naked, the complete strangers battle the elements and stave off starvation, dehydration, and vicious predators to see if they have what it takes to survive this punishing challenge.

Discovery Family:
Into Alaska S1 (Brand New)
TX Date: May 3
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
Tx Day: Monday
Alaska's National Wildlife Refuges are the last untamed places in America. Into Alaska gives an up-close look at the bears, moose and other wildlife inhabiting the stunning Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island, along with the men and women who protect it.

Fail Army S7
New Season
TX Date: May 18
TX Time: 20:10 CAT
Tx Day: Tuesday
Videos of frantic and spectacular fails from around the world.

Raw Recruits S1 (Brand New)
TX Date: 17-May
TX Time: 17:40
Tx Day: Monday
A group of Britain's toughest teens go through one of the most intense soldier training programmes in the world. Following the recruits of Army Foundation College in Harrogate as they begin their basic army training.

Flying Wild Alaska S2 (New Season)
TX Date: May 27
TX Time: 21:00 CAT
Tx Day: Thursday
This series follows the unconventional Tweto family that rules Alaska's most dangerous skies. Operating their family- run airline, Era Alaska, they battle unforgiving Alaska weather and terrain to transport life's necessities to one of the most remote and extreme regions of America.

Shark City (Brand New)
TX Date: May 7
TX Time: 15:10 CAT
Tx Day: Friday
Chief Shark Officer Andy Samberg takes us on a tour of a mysterious underwater world in the protected waters of the Bahamas, where different species of sharks fight for food and struggle to survive. It's shark-eat-shark, and shark- eat-pretty much everything else too.