Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Reminder: E!’s Unforgettable Red Carpet Coverage Will Air On Tuesday, 6 May At 7pm Across Africa

Fashion's biggest night is just around the corner. This May, the 2025 Met Gala will take place in New York City at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the world’s most celebrated stars will showcase their most memorable style statements of the year.

E! Live From The Red Carpet: The 2025 Met Gala will air on E! (DStv 124) on Tuesday, 6 May at 7pm. From exclusive details about what inspired the stars' looks to interviews with celebrities as they arrive at the soirée, South African viewers won't want to miss a moment of the fashion frenzy.

Co-hosted by fashion expert Zanna Roberts Rassi, producer and NBC Sports host Maria Taylor, journalist Elaine Welteroth, actress and comedian Yvonne Orji and designer Christian Siriano, the show will treat fans to insider scoop on what the stars will be wearing, details about this year's party and sneak peeks of celebrity attendees departing from The Mark Hotel, The Carlyle Hotel and The Pierre Hotel in their jaw-dropping looks.

And, of course, Access Hollywood co-host Zuri Hall will be on site at the Metropolitan Museum of Art bringing you exclusive interviews from the Met Gala steps as the biggest names in fashion make their grand entrance, dressed to the nines. 

The theme for this year’s Met Gala is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and the dress code is “Tailored for You.” Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the dress code will focus on menswear and suiting. Throughout the show, E! will also highlight Black celebrities, influencers and stylists to honour diversity and its impact on fashion. 

Zendaya, Doechii, Law Roach, Olympic track star Sha’Carri Richardson, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Lee, WNBA player Angel Reese, Janelle Monaé, Usher and Simone Biles and husband Jonathan Owens are just a few of the stars expected to attend this year's Met Gala.

While the official guest list is still under wraps, fans may get a glimpse of Met Gala staples who often attend, like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Lil Nas X, Rihanna, Cardi B, Billie Eilish and Zoë Kravitz.

E! Live From The Red Carpet: The 2025 Met Gala is produced by Den of Thieves with Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski.

Watch E! Live From The Red Carpet: The 2025 Met Gala on E! on Tuesday 6 May 2025 at 7pm.

May The 4th Be With You! Travel To A Galaxy Far, Far Away To Celebrate Star Wars Day On The Disney Channels And Disney+

• Beloved Fan-driven Commemoration of An Epic Saga
• Galactic Programming Across Disney Channels and Disney+
• An Array of Star Wars Product from Lego to Figurines and Plush Available
 

Say “May the 4th Be With You” out loud and you’ll hear the pun that Star Wars fans worldwide have turned into a rallying cry to proclaim their love of the saga.

 

This Sunday - 4 May - is the day to say “May the Force be with you” to all and celebrate the beloved Star Wars story that binds our galaxy together. From dressing up as their favourite characters, reliving the classic film moments by holding Star Wars movie marathons, holding Star Wars-themed parties (complete with blue milk and Death Star Popcorn Balls, Wookie Cookies and more) – the only limit is a fans imagination that stretches a galaxy (far, far away)!

 

To celebrate with fans, Disney has prepared an out-of-this-world array of special programming and exciting retail products that offer the perfect way to celebrate the Star Wars universe – there is something for everyone.

This Is The Way…To Binge It All On Disney+

 

Lucasfilm’s critically acclaimed, “certified fresh” “Andor” Season 2, is now streaming with the first three episodes, exclusively on Disney+. This final season is unfolding over 12 episodes broken down into four chapters of three episodes each, with a new chapter debuting each week over the course of the series.

 

Lucasfilm Animation’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” an all-new anthology series of animated shorts from creator Dave Filoni, will premiere on 4 May exclusively on Disney+. Enter the galaxy’s dangerous underworld in this 6-episode journey through the experiences of two iconic villains. Former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress is given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally, while outlaw Cad Bane faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a Marshal on the opposite side of the law.

 

Also available is the full catalogue of films from the Star Wars saga, original series from Ahsoka and The Mandalorian to animated offerings like The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch and much more.

 

Hyperspace Jump Into Special Programming

 

Watch Star Wars animation on both Disney Channel (DStv channel 303) and Disney Junior (DStv channel 309) this coming weekend.

 

On Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May catch a marathon of season 2 episodes of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” from 17:00 CAT – 20:00 CAT On Disney Junior. Set 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures follows Jedi younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way.

Disney Channel will screen “Lego® Star Wars: Summer Vacation” on Friday, 2 May at 17:00 CAT. Finn has arranged a surprise vacation for his friends aboard the Galactic Starcruiser, The Halcyon! But Finn’s plan quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group. Alone on board the Halcyon, Finn encounters three Force Spirits -- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Princess Leia, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong.

 

On Saturday, 3 May and Sunday, 4 May Disney Channel has a special marathon of Star Wars-themed episodes from “Big City Greens”, “The Owl House”, “Ducktales”, “Hamster & Gretel” and “Phineas & Ferb”, all from 11:55 CAT – 13:35 CAT. 

 

Power The Force With Exclusive Product

 

Retailers nationwide will stock the latest and greatest collectibles, accessories and toys from the Star Wars Power the Force celebration.

 

The Star Wars Lego® range is the perfect imagination-builder for both adults and kids alike. Some of the highlights are Lego® AT-TE™ WALKER, Lego® GROGU™ WITH HOVER PRAM, R2-D2™, Lego® Star Wars Sign​, Lego® C3PO​ and Lego® DROIDEKA™​

 

Hasbro has an extensive toy range from their value range lightsabers, masks and role-play and their Titan and Olympys figures to their animatronic Grogu. There are also Imaginext R2D2 figures, the Darth Vader bot and the XXL Stormtrooper that will keep kids occupied for hours.
 

DStv Might Be Losing Another TV Channel As Virgin Media Announces The Closure Of NHK World-Japan

NHK World-Japan is a current affairs and cultural channel that broadcasts internationally via satellite and cable TV. Programming is produced in English only, it began as a news channel in February 2009 with shows like Begin Japanology, J-Melo, Biz Stream and NHK Newsline.

Virgin Media, a broadcaster based in the UK had announced the discontinuation of the feed by April 30, 2025. But this is not the first time the channel was taken off a platform as several affiliates in the US had reportedly removed the channel from the lineup.

Interesting to note, NHK World-Japan unlike BBC News and CNN doesn't have a localised feed for its offering within the regions it resides. It's likely more countries could join the lineup as the Japanese based news channel might be undergoing a potential restructure/streamlining.

My guess is NHK World-Japan is restricting its linear footprint to only Japan (or Asia) as seen with PBS KIDS when it halted it's operations in Australia and Africa. They'll continue to maintain its online presence with PBS KIDS and NHK World-Japan that offer YouTube channels.

Sky News which serves as a rival broadcaster has also emphasized an online first future which incorporates AI and reduces jobs so we might be seeing a lot more of this in future.

MultiChoice which serves as another one of its affiliates might be losing another TV channel later in the year as it continues bleeding DStv consumers and battling tough economic conditions. NHK World-Japan started out as online only service through DStv Stream before getting a linear network.

May 2025 On TNT Across Africa | Mayday For Superheroes With Wonder Woman | Dream Jobs Stunt With Johnny English | More

Mayday For Superheroes
Stunt
This May, catch TNT's MAYDAY FOR SUPERHEROES, featuring top superhero films every
Saturday, including Wonder Woman 1984 and the Dark Knight Trilogy. Dive into epic
adventures with both animated and live-action classics!
*Channel premieres are in yellow text*
Saturday, 3 May
17:15 Wonder Woman (2009)
18:30 Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)
20:00 Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Saturday, 10 May
17:15 Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
18:35 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
20:00 Batman Begins (2005)
Saturday, 17 May
17:20 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns part 1 (2012)
18:40 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns part 2 (2013)
20:00 The Dark Knight (2008)
Saturday, 24 May
15:40 Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
17:00 Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
18:35 Injustice (2021)
20:00 The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Saturday, 31 May
15:25 Hulk (2003)
17:45 Shazam! (2019)
20:00 Kick-Ass 2 (2012)

East-West Action: Jackie Chan
Stunt
This May, TNT's EAST-WEST ACTION: JACKIE CHAN showcases captivating double
features each Friday. Enjoy Chan's iconic films including Shanghai Noon, Bleeding Steel, and
the Kung Fu Panda trilogy. Don’t miss the breathtaking stunts and comedy!
*Channel premieres are in yellow text*
Friday, 2 May
18:35 Bleeding Steel (2017)
20:30 Rumble in the Bronx (1995)
Friday, 9 May
18:55 Kung Fu Panda (2008)
20:30 Mr. Nice Guy (1997)
Friday, 16 May
19:00 Jackie Chan’s First Strike (1996)
20:30 The Tuxedo (2002)
Friday, 23 May
18:35 Shanghai Noon (2000)
20:30 Shanghai Knights (2003)
Friday, 30 May
18:55 Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
20:30 Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Fearless Mothers
Stunt
Celebrate Mother's Day with TNT's FEARLESS MOTHERS marathon on May 11th.
Enjoy films like A Quiet Place & Three Billboards, highlighting the resilience of
mothers in extraordinary circumstances, starting at noon.
*Channel premieres are in yellow text*
Sunday, 11 May
14:45 Paper Spiders (2020)
16:35 Hidden (2015)
18:00 San Andreas (2015)
20:00 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
22:00 A Quiet Place (2018)

Dream Jobs
Stunt
This Workers' Day, explore aspirational careers with TNT's DREAM JOBS
marathon. From pilots to NASA specialists, enjoy films that celebrate
diverse and exciting professions. Join us for a day of inspiration!
*Channel premieres are in yellow text*
Thursday, 1 May
11:45 Buffaloed (2019)
13:20 Hero Mode (2021)
14:50 Johnny English (2003)
16:20 Big (1988)
18:05 Apollo 13 (1995)
20:30 Get Smart (2008)
22:20 Top Gun (1986)

May 2025 On Discovery Channel, TLC, HGTV And Food Network Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Kids Like Us | Returning Shows Including Beat Bobby Flay | More

Discovery 

NEW SEASON
Gold Rush: White Water S8
Last year, Dustin's crew found a six-ounce, $70K nugget. Now, he's risking everything for more -- a gamble that may make them millions or end it all.
Pre-season premiere SPECIAL, Help from Above, airs Monday, 12 May at 22:45 CAT.
First TX: 19 May
TX Day: Monday
TX Time: 20:05
Last TX: 11 August

Other returning shows include Kindig Customs S11A on 9 May at 20:05, Outback Opal Hunters S8A on 27 May at 20:05, Shorty's Dream Shop S2 on 2 May at 21:00, Cornwall Air 999 S2 on 20 May at 21:00 and Gold Divers S12A on 26 May at 21:00.

TLC

KIDS LIKE US
NEW DOCUMENTARY
A powerful documentary about children with cancer, Narrated by the kids themselves.

South Africa only:
First TX: 10 May
TX Day: Friday
TX Time: 20:00
Last TX: 30 May

Rest of Africa:
First TX: 30 May
TX Day: Monday
TX Time: 20:00
Last TX: 30 May

Returning shows in South Africa include My 600-LB Life: Where Are They Now S7B on 3 May at 20:00, 90 Day Diaries S6 on 14 May at 21:00 and at 22:00 from 11 June, and 7 Little Johnsons S9B on 26 May at 20:00. Returning shows in the rest of Africa include Sister Wives S12B on 13 May at 21:50.

HGTV

IZZY DOES IT S1
BRAND NEW
After years of renovating million dollar homes, Izzy Batres uses expert techniques to bring luxury renovations to homeowners with relatable budgets.

First TX: 8 May
TX Day: Thursday
TX Time: 21:00
Last TX: 26 June 

Returning shows include Married To Real Estate S4 on 14 May at 22:00, Celebrity IOU S5B + 6A on 26 May at 22:00 and House Hunters International S198 on 2 May at 20:35.

Food Network 

HOUSE OF KNIVES S1
BRAND NEW 
Talented chefs from around the world compete to win a seat on the House of Knives throne and then battle to defeat any challengers to win $100,000.

First TX: 14 May
TX Day: Wednesday 
TX Time: 17:00
Last TX: 2 July 

Returning shows include Diners, Drive-ins And Dives: Triple D Nation S6 on 6 May at 16:05, The Pioneer Woman S37 on 29 May at 17:00 and Beat Bobby Flay S38 on 19 May at 16:05.

May 2025 On Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Real Time And Discovery Family Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Hollywood Demons | Returning Shows Including House Hunters International | More

Investigation Discovery

Hollywood Demons S1
Brand New
Uncover the shocking stories of celebrities' lives. Some rise to fame only to fall from stardom, while others reveal fame's tragic, dark side in ways one could never imagine.
- Child Stars Gone Violent
- Dark Side of the Power Rangers
- Housewives Gone Bad
- The Real Iron Claw
- Stalking the Stars

First TX: 16 May
TX Day: Friday
TX Time: 21:00
Last TX: 20 June

999 Murderer Calling S1
Brand New
Scheming killers call 911, trying to escape justice, deceive police and lie about committing murder, but are tripped up by their own words.

First TX: 1 May
TX Day: Thursday
TX Time: 21:00
Last TX: 19 June

Returning shows include Ghost Nation S2 on 10 May at 21:00.

Travel Channel

Returning shows include House Hunters International S120 on 14 May at 06:00 and Expedition Unknown S7 on 6 May at 21:10.

Discovery Family

Returning shows include Street Outlaws: Memphis S3 on 2 May at 17:35.

Real Time

Fixer To Fabulous: Welcome Inn
New To Channel
Dave and Jenny face an unprecedented challenge as they transform an 1880s property into their own bed and breakfast.

Returning shows include Beat Bobby Flay S19 on 1 May at 12:05 and Murder Among Friends S2 on 19 May at 22:30.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Sacred Love Coming Soon To Star Life + Release Date

Star Life is set to rollout new series titled Sacred Love from 2nd May replacing My Desire. Known in India as Iss Ishq Ka…Rabb Rabka, the Hindi drama series stars Sonakshi Batra as Meghla, Fahmaan Khan as Ranbir, Shreya Jain as Adrija and Shalini Kapoor as Purnima.

Synopsis for Sacred Love 

Ranbir is deeply rooted in his Punjabi traditions and lives with his loud, fun-loving family. He’s passionate and impulsive, with a heart that beats for his loved ones. Meghla, on the other hand, hails from a disciplined Bengali household. She is gentle, educated, and values respect and decorum. Their first meeting is filled with misunderstandings, but as time goes on, they develop feelings for each other. 

As their love grows stronger, the real challenge begins when they decide to introduce each other to their respective families. Ranbir’s family is skeptical of Meghla’s background, while Meghla’s parents are conservative and critical of Ranbir’s boisterous nature and Punjabi lifestyle. Both families struggle to come to terms with the cultural differences. 

The show delves into the emotional journey of the two lovers as they navigate through prejudices, ego clashes, and societal expectations. The contrast in food, language, festivals, and values becomes a central conflict, but so does the question of whether love is strong enough to bridge two culturally diverse families. 

Sacred Love was broadcast on Hindi station StarPlus last year and has since produced over 200 half hour episodes. With African audiences set to watch all the drama unfold from 2nd May.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

MultiChoice Uganda Launches Weekly DStv And GOtv Subscription Packages, Might Be Duplicated In Other Countries

MultiChoice Uganda has officially launched a new set of 7- day subscription packages for DStv and GOtv customers, under a flexible and affordable initiative dubbed the "Ka Weekie" campaign. 

The new campaign aims to offer more accessible short-term entertainment solutions, especially for viewers seeking flexibility without committing to full monthly subscriptions. With this move, MultiChoice is responding to the needs of customers with varying income streams and viewing habits. 

Speaking at the launch, Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing at MultiChoice Uganda, noted that the initiative is rooted in customer feedback and evolving consumer lifestyles. 

"This new initiative reflects our understanding of how our customers' lives are structured. It's also a reflection of a business attuned to customer feedback. We hope these new packages will drive growth while ushering customers into a new world of entertainment where they watch what they want, when they want," Asiimwe said. 

Under the new offering, DStv Uganda subscribers can now choose from four 7-day packages: 

• DStv Compact - UGX 37,000 
• DStv Family - UGX 22,000 
• DStv Access - UGX 14,000 
• DStv Lumba - UGX 5,000 

Meanwhile, GOtv Uganda users have access to six 7-day options: 

• GOtv Supa Plus - UGX 37,000 
• GOtv Supa - UGX 22,000 
• GOtv Max - UGX 17,000 
• GOtv Plus - UGX 11,000 
• GOtv Value - UGX 7,000 
• GOtv Lite - UGX 5,000 

Asiimwe emphasised that the campaign isn't just about pricing but about meeting customers where they are in life. 

"The 'Ka Weekie' campaign is for moments like school holidays or trips to the village. It's tailored for weekly and daily earners. It truly reflects the flexible nature of our customers' lives and our commitment to providing customer-centric solutions," he added. 

The packages will grant full access to all the content available under the respective bouquets, including live sports, blockbuster movies, hit series, news, and children's programming. 

Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, reiterated the brand's focus on value and flexibility. 

"With the 'Ka Weekie' campaign, we're making entertainment more accessible. These short- term subscription options help customers manage their viewing in a more budget-friendly way, without sacrificing quality or content," Jamugisa said. 

The campaign is now live, with subscriptions available through all existing payment channels.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Has eMedia Investments Killed Off Primetime For eExtra's Kuiertyd As It Becomes An Import For eVOD?

Since last year, the only notable show on the show on eExtra was Elif as everything from Annekan Die Swa Kry (also on e.tv), Doodsondes and Op Dun Ys were all picked up for eVOD ahead of time. Those who had a subscription (and subscribed to Openview or DStv) weren't missing on much.

Elif concluded back in February after being on the air for the past 5 years and has been replaced by another program from the streamer, Gelukbringers. To top it off, primetime on eExtra had been reduced to just 3 shows (minus Annekan) as Voelvry takes up another repeat's timeslot, Vierspel Vuurspel.

With e.tv's Skemertyd having a simultaneous broadcast with eExtra between the 17:30 to 19:00 timeslot. One has to wonder whether similar to 18:30 (Isiphetho's former slot) on e.tv whether 22:00 had also gotten restructured of some sort to cater for the channel's older late night shows as if ePlesier didn't exist.

My guess not really some insiders at eMedia had mentioned that eExtra's former 18:30 to 20:30 which became 19:00 to 21:00 is where the channel had gotten the most of its viewers. This means 22:00 wouldn't be viewed as much of a priority if repeats were to suddenly take over.

As for the overflow of eVOD programs, it's likely similar to what MultiChoice is attempting to do with Showmax since partnering up with Comcast. With Netflix being a giant in streaming era, eMedia Investments is hoping to reach that scale in South Africa even if it comes to expense of Kuiertyd.

With eExtra's Kuiertyd being an eVOD graveyard this would only leave Asian and Bollywood shows as the sole survivor to the streaming purge. For some apparent reason, this part of the channel is no longer a priority at times they will license the shows but it won't be simultaneous offering.

May 2025 On Studio Universal Across Africa | Mother's Day Stunt With Taxi | Monster Mayhem Stunt With Godzilla | More

MOTHER’S DAY
11th May from 3pm
Studio has a selection of strong mothers and women to celebrate this special day.
Forgot the flowers? Maybe this bouquet of movies can make up!

Good Deeds
11th May at 15:00
Tyler Perry and Thandie Newton head the cast of this romantic drama. He is Wesley Deeds III, a rich
businessman on the cusp of marriage, who has
spent his life doing what his family wants. That
changes after he meets Lindsey, a single mother and office cleaner who has been evicted from her home. Deeds helps her get back on her feet and it’s not long before Cupid’s arrows start to fly. Will Deeds pursue the life that he wants for the first time ever?

Taxi
11th May at 16:55
Queen Latifah shows her comedy chops in this
fast-paced odd-couple caper. She plays Belle, a taxi
driver with a need for speed, who meets down-on-his-luck cop Andy Washburn (Jimmy Fallon). His poor skills behind the wheel have made him the
butt of his precinct’s jokes, but he’s determined to
track down a gang of Brazilian bank robbers and their alluring leader, played by Gisele Bündchen. Washburn makes Belle’s day when he tells her to break every rule of the road so he can get his woman.

The Woman King
11th May at 18:40
Oscar-winner Viola Davis brings every ounce of her
screen presence to this astonishing drama, based on a true story, about a 19th-century group of female
warriors called the Agojie. They were charged with
guarding the African Kingdom of Dahomey. General
Nanisca (Davis) as she prepares the next wave of
recruits for a fight against those who would wipe out their culture forever. The supporting cast includes Lashana Lynch, John Boyega, Thuso Mbedu and Hero Fiennes Tiffin.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day 
11th May at 21:00
Linda Hamilton reprises her role as Sarah Connor in
James Cameron’s sequel to his 1984 hit. Connor is
being held in a mental institution while her
ten-year-old son, John, is in foster care. When a more advanced, much more lethal terminator is sent back from the future to kill the boy, Sarah is horrified to discover that an old face has also returned, but this time with a very different mission. Arnold Schwarzenegger co-stars alongside Edward Furlong and Robert Patrick.

ACTION WEEKENDS
17th – 25th from 6pm
Wham! Bam! Two weekends of Jackie Chan, double-billed for double the fist-flying fun!

Thunderbolt
17th May at 18:00
In the first of a Jackie Chan double bill he plays Foh,
a small businessman who also happens to be an
expert mechanic. His quiet life is violently disrupted
after he halts maniac street racer Warner
Krugerman, known as Cougar (Thorsten Nickel),
who is thrown in jail. But it’s not long before he
breaks out and exacts his revenge. Left with no
choice, Foh faces the race of his life in Japan to put
Cougar down. Michael Wong and Anita Yuen also
feature.

Who Am I?
18th May at 20:05
This weekend’s Jackie Chan double-bill concludes
with this dark action comedy, co-directed and
co-written by as well as starring Chan. He plays a
soldier whose memory is wiped after a helicopter
crash in South Africa. Dubbed ‘Who Am I’ by the
locals, he sets out to answer that question: a
journey that takes him all the way to Rotterdam.
There, he gets to the bottom of several mysteries,
including why he was helping a shadowy
organisation kidnap three scientists.

Rush Hour 3
25th May at 18:00
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker are back as Lee and
Carter, thrown together after an assassination
attempt at the Los Angeles Criminal Court. The hunt
for the culprit leads the duo to Paris, where they
meet Geneviève, who has a secret so big that Triad
leaders will kill her to ensure it never gets out. As
Carter and Lee are drawn deeper into the case, one
of them must deal with a face from their past. The
cast also includes Roman Polanski, Max Von
Sydow, Dana Ivey and Noémie Lenoir.

The Legend of Drunken Master
25th May at 19:40
The second weekend of Jackie Chan double bills
concludes with this action comedy, set in China in the early 20th century. Chan plays Huang Fei-hung, a
master of so-called ‘drunken boxing’. His fast and
furious skills are increasingly useful after a plot by
the British consul to steal precious Chinese artefacts is uncovered. Unfortunately for Fei-hung, he must battle the criminals and his father, who objects to violence in all its forms. Support comes from Andy Lau and Anita Mui.

MONSTER MAYHEM: SCALES & TAILS
26th – 30th May @ 6pm
A week of family action movies featuring kaiju, crocodiles and all manner of scaly creatures!

Godzilla
27th May at 18:00
Director Roland Emmerich’s creature feature sees the population of New York City threatened by the giant monster, which has already wreaked havoc in the South Pacific Ocean. Scientist Niko Tatopoulos
(Matthew Broderick) joins forces with a cryptic
insurance agent, a reporter and her cameraman to
stop the rampaging beast before the Big Apple is
flattened. Can the quartet also find out why Godzilla
has targeted the city in the first place? Jean Reno,
Hank Azaria and Maria Pitillo co-star.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
28th May at 18:00
The Primm family moves to New York City, but son
Josh has a hard time adjusting. Luckily, he meets Lyle, a crocodile who loves to sing, take baths and slurp caviar. He and Josh become firm friends, and when Hector, Lyle’s former owner, returns, life couldn’t be sweeter. However, neighbour Mr Grumps is determined to spoil their fun and put Lyle where he belongs: in the zoo. Winslow Fegley, Javier Bardem and Brett Gelman star, while Shawn Mendes provides Lyle’s singing voice.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters
29th May at 18:00
Just as the world reels from the news that monsters
are real, a new threat emerges in the form of Titans
Mothra, Rodan and Ghidorah. The experts at
crypto-zoological agency Monarch are forced to pull
out all the stops to enable Godzilla to take on the
giant creatures and save humankind from a terrible
fate. But is the situation as clear-cut as it appears?
Vera Farmiga and Millie Bobby Brown head the cast,
alongside Sally Hawkins, Kyle Chandler and Ken
Watanabe.

The Amazing Spider-Man
30th May at 18:00
Andrew Garfield’s first outing as the web-slinging
superhero begins as misfit teenager Peter Parker
tries to find out more about his parents’ strange
disappearance. After sneaking into the Oscorp
laboratory, he is bitten by a spider and gains
astonishing new abilities. Besides getting to grips
with his powers and having a crush on Gwen Stacy
(Emma Stone), Peter also goes toe-to-toe with the
Lizard: a scientist (Rhys Ifans) who has been
transformed into a monstrous reptile.

May 2025 On Universal TV And E! Across Africa | Channel Premiere: 61st Street | Live Events: Met Gala 2025 | More

Universal TV 

61ST STREET
Season 1 – Territory Premiere
Thursdays at 8pm from 1st May
Accused of murdering a police officer, secondary school athlete Moses Johnson is defended by veteran lawyer Franklin Roberts. Gripping legal drama exploring the Chicago criminal justice system.

WHITSTABLE PEARL
Season 3 – Territory Premiere
Tuesdays at 8pm from 27th May
Culinary delights and intriguing mysteries intertwine in the beautiful coastal town of Whitstable, where restaurateur Pearl Nolan mixes her passion for cooking with a talent for private detection.

Continuing shows include WILD CARDS on Mondays at 8pm, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT on Wednesdays at 8pm and MAGNUM P.I. on Fridays at 8pm.

E!

E! Live from the Red Carpet: Met Gala 2025
Tuesday 6th May at 19:00
Join E! on the red carpet for ‘fashion’s biggest night out’, the 2025 Met Gala, the annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Continuing shows include Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Sundays at 18:10, E! News on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00 and Watch What Happens Live on Monday - Friday at 22:30.

Ashes Of Love, eExtra Unveils It's Second Asian Drama For The Year

Following eExtra's restructure in 2024 which saw its Asian offering get further reduced to a single timeslot will once again get additional timeslot with Phoenix taking up the 13:45 timeslot. This will be accompanied by Ashes Of Love at 16:15 replacing Empresses In The Palace from 28 April.

Synopsis for Ashes Of Love 

Zi Fen, the Flower Deity, dies after giving birth to a daughter, Jin Mi. Before her death, Zi Fen foresaw that Jin Mi would encounter a fatal love trial and fed her daughter an 'Unfeeling Pill' to prevent her from developing any romantic feelings. Zi Fen also instructed the leaders of the Flower Realm to keep Jin Mi's identity a secret and had her kept locked in a water boundary within the Flower Realm.

Several thousand years later, Jin Mi has grown up into an innocent and naive sprite who longs to see the world outside of the Flower Realm. When Xu Feng, the Fire Deity and second son of the Heavenly Emperor, accidentally lands in the Flower Realm after being attacked during his phoenix rebirth process, Jin Mi nurses Xu Feng back to health and demands that he takes her along with him when he leaves the Flower Realm. This is where Jin Mi's adventure and love trial begins as she explores the realms and meets various immortals & demons.

It starred Yang Zi as Jin Mi, Deng Lun as Xu Feng/Phoenix/Fire Deity, Luo Yun Xi as Run Yu/Night Deity, Wang Yi Fei as Sui He, Chen Yu Qi as Liu Ying, Zou Ting Wei and Mu Ci/Qi Yuan.

Ashes Of Love was broadcast on Chinese broadcaster iQiyi from 2 August to 4 September 2018 with 63 episodes having being filmed each with a duration of 45 minutes. A second season had also been commissioned with eExtra airing the first from 28 April at 16:15.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Yosef (Yusuf), A Brand New Family Drama Launches On e.tv (And eExtra) In May


After filling up its schedule with eVOD imports, eMedia Investments will finally be adding some new blood to the lineup with the launch of Yosef: A Family Legacy. Known in Turkey as Emanet, this is one of the first confirmed shows as Annekan Die Swa Kry, Op Dun Ys and Vierspel Vuurspel are set to conclude in May.

Synopsis for Yosef

Kevser, from a poor neighborhood, marries into the wealthy Kırımlı family, causing her father to cut ties with her. After her husband's death, Kevser is trapped in the loveless Kırımlı mansion with her 5-year-old son, Yusuf. Tragedy strikes when Kevser dies in an accident, leaving Yusuf in a mansion filled with uncaring people. His uncle Yaman, a powerful and cold-hearted businessman, provides protection but no affection.

On her deathbed, Kevser begs her sister Seher to care for Yusuf. Feeling obligated to honor her sister's wish, Seher moves into the Kırımlı mansion. Despite Yaman’s initial suspicion of the humble Seher, he can't ignore the bond between her and Yusuf. As an unlikely but deep, undeniable romance blossoms, they begin to build a new family for Yusuf. 

It starred Nik Celilay as Poyraz, Nana Stambolishvili as Nana, Berat Rüzgar Özkan as Yusuf, Halil Ibrahim Ceyhan as Yaman and Sıla Türkoğlu as Seher.

Eccho Rights serves as the production for Yusuf and is also responsible for the series Blink Kant Bo (Yalı Çapkını, streaming on eVOD) which ranked as the most watched Turkish drama in 2022/3. They've even handled the distribution of Chrysalis (Camdaki Kiz) with the third season rolling out on eMedia's platforms soon.

Annekan Die Swa Kry will end on Friday, May 2nd with Yosef: A Family Legacy set to follow on Monday, May 5th at 17:30.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Cartoon Network And Boomerang Will Be Closing In Australia

Disney XD Is Closing Down In Netherlands, To Be Replaced By Disney Junior

In a surprising move by the Mouse House, Disney XD is set to fold under the Disney Junior umbrella in Netherlands from the 1st of May. This means Disney XD will only be available in only 3 markets namely United States, Canada (through Corus Entertainment) and Poland (through AMC Networks International).

It also means shows like Big City Greens, Marvel's Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur and Kiff will be exclusively on Disney Channel.

Disney hasn't stated the reason for this reshuffle but with this brand residing in Europe it was likely due to an alignment strategy. For several years, Disney had been closing their linear platforms outside the United States with Disney Junior maintaining some presence within the regions.

Prior to Disney Junior's launch in Netherlands, the company once offered a Dutch feed to the brand so this would technically be a re-entry of the channel to the region. It's currently unknown if the brand will use the feed taken up by the channel in Africa or opt for a localised feed.

Disney Junior serves as a preschool counterpart for the Disney Channel offering shows like PJ Masks, Spidey And His Amazing Friends and Little Mermaid. Unlike Disney XD, the company continues to invest in its preschool offering although it's been in a repetitive slope.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Clarification About TLC Africa And TLC South Africa (Formerly Discovery TLC) On DStv

TLC is a female skewed entertainment channel operated by Warner Bros. Discovery that offers a mixture of factual and lifestyle programming. It grew to become the leading destination for newlyweds with shows like 90 Day Fiance and Say Yes To The Dress alongside other shows like Body Parts and Monster Inside Me.

For sometime, TLC has become one of the few TV channels on DStv alongside Nickelodeon to distribute localised feeds in Africa. Since last year, MultiChoice had picked up and launched TLC Africa for its consumers in Southern Africa (excluding South Africa) on channel 125.

Currently seen in the West and Eastern parts of Africa, TLC Africa was a lightweight version to TLC South Africa often featuring older shows from the channel. Unlike TLC South Africa, the channel has had resorted to censorship by even isolating shows like I Am Jazz as the lead is transgender.

Last week, a DStv consumer in South Africa had noticed that TLC Africa is not seen on channel 125 and with Southern African consumers sharing a transponder can see the frequencies of the mentioned channels. Since then, a notice was sent to the relevant team and we had finally gotten feedback.

This DStv subscriber had asked whether TLC Africa was removed from channel 125 or merged with channel 135 and the answer was as follows:

TLC Africa and TLC South Africa have not merged. Viewers will now only see the TLC channel feed available to their region—so South African audiences should only access the localised TLC feed on channel 135, and audiences across the rest of Africa will only have access to TLC Africa on channel 125

To dive deeper into this, the sudden disappearance of TLC Africa on channel 125 in South Africa was a MultiChoice thing as they can configure with the settings of their decoders. One example would be SuperSport while South Africa groups them on channels 200-220 these regions group them by 220-240.

Another question was pertaining to Discovery TLC now being referred to as TLC South Africa:

The channel formerly listed as “Discovery TLC” on DStv channel 135 has been updated to reflect its correct brand name, TLC South Africa, aligning with how we refer to it across our PR and marketing platforms.

BBC First Rebrands To BBC NL In Netherlands

BBC Studios has announced that it will rebrand its premium drama channel BBC First in the Netherlands to BBC NL on May 15th. The BBC NL channel will continue to provide Dutch audiences with dramas and crime series handpicked by the local team in Amsterdam and fully localised with subtitles for Dutch audiences, in a new-look home.

Bram Husken, SVP & General Manager Benelux & Nordics at BBC Studios, commented: “We have had a fantastic response to BBC First over the past decade, consistently ranking as a top 10 channel. We believe that there is an opportunity to bring our world class storytelling to an even wider audience. Evolving to BBC NL articulates to audiences that this is a service curated specifically for the Dutch audience, with a bespoke programming line-up of some of BBC Studios’ most popular and well-nurtured brands, available with Dutch subtitles. There’s never been a better time to come to us and see the best of your British neighbours.”

To mark the launch of BBC NL, audiences can tune into the premiere of popular light crime period drama Miss Scarlet. Seasom five, which begins on May 15th, sees the Victorian detective Eliza Scarlet tasked with solving mysterious crimes alongside brand-new Detective Inspector, Alexander Blake. Audiences can also enjoy the return of the Yorkshire-based trio of vets operating against the backdrop of World War II in season 5 of All Creatures Great and Small, which airs on May 21st.

Throughout May other new premieres audiences can enjoy on BBC NL include the popular Death in Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise season 3 which follows DI Humphrey Goodman in the sleepy town of Shipton Abbott near the Devon Coast. Further fan-favourite returners include Murdoch Mysteries season 17, Call The Midwife season 14, The Chelsea Detective season 3, Darby and Joan season 2 and the BBC’s longest running crime series, Silent Witness, returns for season 28.

Monday, April 14, 2025

Viaplay, Another Cash Strapped Pay-TV Operator Canal+ May Look To Snatch Soon

Canal+ is currently in pursuit of MultiChoice after reaching the 35% threshold is looking to acquire full ownership and await regulatory approval from legislation. But MultiChoice may not be the only company the French broadcaster sinks its claws on as they currently hold a 29% stake of Viaplay.

Very much like MultiChoice, Viaplay is a Swedish pay-tv provider with roughly 6 million subscribers and has been a dominant force in Nordic market. Canal+ initially started it's bid at 12% before hiking it to 29% following a restructure which led it to exit US, UK and Baltics.

Under Swedish laws and the surrounding regions in which Viaplay operates, when a company reaches the 30% to 33% threshold they are required by law to acquire remaining shares (including minorities). Very much like South African laws where the threshold sits at 35%.

Unlike South Africa's strict foreign regulations which caps Canal+ at 20% there's no hurdles for them to obtain full ownership except for let's say PPF, a Czech Republic investment firm. They also have a 29% stake and could as well serve as an obstacle in their pursuit.

Similar to when Disney attempted to acquire Comcast's 30% stake in Hulu from time and time again. PPF may not make it easy for Canal+ they could retain their stake in the hopes for more money as Canal+ buys other shareholders or serve as a possible bidder with them also gobbling 29%.

If one had to guess when Canal+ will look to acquire Viaplay perhaps by the fall of 2025 to early 2026 as they set their sights on MultiChoice. It's likely that shareholders want Canal+ to finish it's MultiChoice acquisition before pursuing any other corporate takeovers.

As of September 2024, MultiChoice's foothold in Africa has been under siege with its consumer base that plummeted to 19 million. Initially residing in 24 million, combining it's reach with Canal+ would have the broadcaster reach its 50 million markup but a tie-up to Viaplay is the final piece they need right now.

Viaplay very much like MultiChoice has been in financial distress and have been reliant on investors (particularly Canal+) for stability. A takeover would help them minimise operation costs and bulk up against giants like Netflix who despite reaching 300 million households have its consumer base minimised in mentioned regions.

Friday, April 11, 2025

New Series Alert: Three Sides Of Ana And Your Love Is My Fortune Coming In June To TLNovelas Across Africa

TLNovelas, a Mexican based entertainment channel home to a variety English dubbed telenovelas home to shows like Rubi, Sortilego and Wild Skin is set to allocate Three Sides Of Ana and Your Love Is My Fortune in the month of June. This comes months after bulking up on mostly reruns.

Synopsis for Three Sides Of Ana

Over a road trip, triplets Ana Laura, Ana Leticia, and Ana Lucía, along with their parents, suffer a dramatic accident crashing by the side of a river. The consequences of this event are catastrophic: Both parents die, Ana Laura loses one leg, and Ana Lucía, unconscious, is dragged by the river’s flow. Only Ana Leticia, who actually caused the accident, emerges unscathed.

Soledad, a woman who was seriously hurt after her daughter’s death, helps Ana Lucía, whom she finds agonizing. Although Soledad discovers who the girl is, she takes advantage of her memory loss regarding the accident and her family and decides to keep her, making her believe she is her mother.

Despite everyone declares Ana Lucía is death, Ernestina, the triplets' grandmother, and Ramiro, their uncle, don’t give up and do everything they can to find Ana Lucía. But years go by, the same as their wishful thinking to find her.

Ana Laura is the only one who never loses hope to recover her sister. She has turned into a beautiful young woman with a good heart, but also solitary due to her disability. Ana Leticia, on the other hand, is an extortionist and ambitious woman who doesn’t want her sister back at all, as this would mean splitting her inheritance as well as the love and attention of everyone around her, including her uncle Ramiro, whom she loves in a sick way.

Marcelo, Ana Leticia's husband, is a private detective who is about to find Ana Lucía, so greedy Ana Leticia hires some one to kill him and solve the problem all at once... But although he loses his memory, Marcelo survives the attempt of murder. Then, a woman helps him and gives him a new name: Santiago.

Without knowing it, Ana Leticia’s actions put her husband’s destiny together with her lost sister’s.

Santiago has some recurring dreams in which a beautiful woman appears and even though he doesn’t know who she is, since he doesn’t recall his wife Ana Leticia, he recognizes Ana Lucía immediately as the woman in his dreams when he meets her.

Soledad knows she might go to jail for keeping Ana Lucía away from her family and as she knows who ‘Santiago’ is, she tries to keep him apart from ‘her daughter’, but destiny puts the pieces in place to have the triplets meet again, except that, ambitious Ana Leticia’s unexpected reaction will force Ana Laura show her character to confront her, while Ana Lucía will be compelled to recover her place and fight for Marcelo in order to be happy.

Three Sides Of Ana (Tres Veces Ana) premieres 6 June.

Synopsis for Your Love Is My Fortune

Natalia Robles is a morally flawless woman who has been married to Adrián Cantú for the past twenty years, which she has devoted body and soul to ensuring her family's wellbeing. Our story begins at her twentieth anniversary party, where Andrea and Regina, her daughters, Adrián's lover Verónica, who is also Natalia's best friend and the girlfriend of Adrián's partner, Mario, are present, alongside their closest group of friends.

Adrian and Veronica have hatched a plan to flee on the same day of the celebration and once they have swindled the clients of the real estate agency of which Adrian, Veronica and Mario are partners.

Natalia collapses when she discovers that she has been betrayed, but she must also immediately solve her financial situation since Adrián has left her broke; she is devastated and resolves to rise again from the debris to help her daughters get ahead.

In a poor Mexico City neighborhood, Vicente Ramírez grieves the terrible loss of Lucía, his wife and mother of his only son Benjamín. The couple had achieved their dream of owning their own home, which they are still paying for. Little Benjamín becomes mute as a result of the impact of his mother's death. Vicente is a kind and sensitive man who has taken care of his family's financial stability: Doña Magos, his grandmother; Juan Gabriel and Pepe Pepe, his younger brothers.

The lives of Natalia and Vicente come together when he and the other creditors come to the real estate company to claim the money that was swindled from them. Natalia representing her husband, together with Mario, plead for time for them to be able to compensate the financial damage.

Natalia is left with only one house in a popular neighborhood where she must move in with her daughters. When she arrives, she finds out that Vicente is the supposed owner of the house, since he signed an invalid sales contract, which makes Natalia the real owner. Vicente refuses to receive them and Natalia, without hesitating, moves into the house that both will now share with their respective families, causing conflicts between the characters due to social and cultural differences.

Living together brings Natalia and Vicente closer. Without realizing it, he has fallen in love with the righteousness, tenacity, strength, decision, tenderness and kindness that she has displayed, especially with her son Benjamín; little by little Natalia will discover that after all the pain and sadness she has gone through, she is ready to give herself a second chance, and this time it will be with Vicente. Olga, who only wants to fulfill her whim of marrying him, hates Natalia and stirs up strong intrigues that separate them.

After overcoming adversity, our protagonists will confirm that real fortune is to be found in love. 

Your Love Is My Fortune (Mí Fortuna Es Amarte) premieres 30 June.

eMedia Investments Has Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Korean Telenovela Phoenix For eExtra

eExtra is a general entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments that offers a variety of telenovelas from Asia, India and Turkey. Through an ad, it has been announced that the broadcaster has picked up rights to the South Korean series Phoenix 2020 which is based on the 2004 drama, Phoenix.

eMedia Investments had chosen to distribute it as Phoenix with 2020 which derives from the year it was filmed dropped off. This will be the channel's first half hour Korean series with previous shows like High Society Scandal and Two Women that ran for a two hour duration.

Synopsis for Phoenix

Belonging to the wealthiest class and as the daughter of an influential chaebol family in Korea, Ji Eun grew up with everything. When she meets Se Hoon, who comes from an underprivileged family, he treats her like no other, and she falls in love with him. Although Ji Eun's family opposes their relationship, they get married. However, due to reoccurring conflicts, Ji Eun and Se Hoon become exhausted and end their marriage. Ten years later, fate ironically reverses their lives. Se Hoon, who is now a successful man, buys Ji Eun's house out of revenge. But when he stands in front of her as Willian Jang, he only wants to help her. Nonetheless, there is Mi Ran, with whom he is in a serious relationship with, and next to Ji Eun is her new love, Jung Min, who is devoted to her.

It starred Hong Soo Ah as Lee Ji Eun, Lee Jae Woo as Jang Sae Hoon / William Jang, Seo Ha Joon as Seo Jung Min, Park Young Rin as Yoon Mi Ran and Yang Hye Jin as Cho Hyeon Sook. 

Phoenix broadcasts daily on eExtra from 29 April.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Reminder: Umshado Lento Launches In May On Zee Zonke

Below is the English and Zulu unofficial promos for Umshado Lento

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Canal+'s MultiChoice Expected To Finalize Takeover By October 2025

MultiChoice Group Ltd and Canal+ SA on Tuesday said they are on track to clear all conditions in a deal that will see the French group take over the South African entertainment company.


Back on March 4, the two companies said they had extended the long stop date to October 8 from April 8 to fulfill all the conditions facing the proposed offer.


The proposed takeover is subject to clearance from South African competition authorities and other regulatory approvals continues.


Canal+ early in June last year improved its offer for MultiChoice to R 125 per share, a 67% premium to MultiChoice’s closing price of R 75 before Canal+ first approached MultiChoice investors on February 1 last year. The French group formally made the offer early in April.


Canal+’s mandatory offer to MultiChoice shareholders opened early in June last year and closes on April 25 this year.


In February, MultiChoice and Canal+ said they had concluded their discussions over the structure of MultiChoice after the takeover.


This proposed structure ensures that the MultiChoice acquisition complies with foreign control regulations and maintain MultiChoice’s broad-based black economic empowerment credentials, the two companies said then.


In terms of the proposed structure, MultiChoice will be restructured so that the current holder of the broadcasting licence in South Africa and the entity which contracts with South African subscribers, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd or Licence Co, will be carved out of the MultiChoice group and will become an independent entity.


The remainder of MultiChoice’s video entertainment assets will remain part of the MultiChoice Group.


Licence Co will continue to hold the subscription broadcasting licence in South Africa,and it will continue to contract with MultiChoice’s South African subscribers.

DStv, Openview And StarSat Channel Changes From 01 January 2024 To 31 March 2025

Due to some restructuring that we had discussed in 2024, we opted to make some minor adjustments on how content is maintained on the website. Below we have summarised events that occurred in 2024 and trust me when I say that it was one of gruesome years for publishers such as myself but we strive to continue operating at minimum capacity.


Openview

Following the rollout of Ultraview, the pay-tv extension of Openview had lost two channels in under a year, OUTtv and FUSE. These were youth oriented channels priced at R75p/m that eMedia Investments had since integrated with the rest of eVOD's offering leaving the Bollywood channels.

As we've stated in 2024, eMedia Investments hadn't disclosed how many subscribers Ultraview accumulated but it is believed to low and also what prompted the closure of EDGE. Also to note was the lack of additions in this financial period with Sporty TV being the first new channel in over two years.

Other developments to have occured involved one of their existing offerings People's Weather that was axed from DStv and since became People's Planet.

StarSat 

After operating illegally for over a year, StarSat was forcibly shuttered in South Africa following a raid by ICASA and law enforcement which affected several channels in other African countries. On Digital Media which held the broadcasting license has since been liquidated with no further action by both parties.

Consumers who were owed money were encouraged to contact On Digital Media if they wished to collect their bounty.

Similar to Openview, the financial period hasn't been the most productive of years with the rise in streaming. The only addition for the company during its lifespan at the time was ST Movies which if I can recall was ousted from the platform for unknown reasons and revived following the removal of TNT.

DStv

2024 has proven to be treacherous year for DStv amidst it's takeover by Canal+ had ousted 11 channels including People's Weather, Ginx TV, B4U Movies, Africa Magic Urban, One Freestate Televisual, DW, NWTV, PBS Kids, Emmanuel TV, Me and 1Max (formerly 1Magic).

As for additions, there was Arise News after being made exclusive to DStv consumers in the West and Eastern parts of Africa expanded to Southern Africa.

Other developments included the expansions of services SuperSport Action (Compact), CBS Justice (Compact), Comedy Central (Family), HGTV (Family), Nicktoons (Access) and WildEarth (Easyview). Readers are advised to view the summary below for the full list of channels.


Summary 

New channels/rebrands: 

• Arise News (DStv)
• 1Max (DStv, closed)
• Sporty TV (Openview)
• People's Planet (Openview)
• ST Movies (StarSat)

Expansions (on DStv):
 
• Arise News (Southern Africa)
• SuperSport Action (Compact+ to Compact)
• Africa Magic Showcase (Compact+ to Compact)
• CBS Justice (Compact+ to Compact)
• History (Compact+ to Compact)
• Curiosity (Compact+ to Compact)
• Nickelodeon (Compact+ to Compact)
• Nick Jr. (Compact+ to Compact)
• HGTV (Compact to Family)
• Disney Channel (Compact to Family)
• Comedy Central (Compact to Family)
• ROK (Compact to Access)
• Zee World (Family to Access)
• Nicktoons (Family to Access)
• SuperSport La Liga (Family to Access)
• WildEarth (Access to Easyview) 
• SuperSport Schools (Access to Easyview)

Closures (Openview in bold): 
• PBS Kids
• One Freestate Televisual
• NWTV
• 1Max (formerly 1Magic)
• Me
• WildEarth
• Emmanuel TV
• B4U Movies
• Ginx TV
• DW
• People's Weather (now People's Planet)
• Africa Magic Urban
• OUTtv 
• FUSE 

Friday, April 4, 2025

New Channel Alert (Rumour): Third ROK Channel Supposedly In Early Development On DStv

MultiChoice is currently undergoing a takeover bid by ROK owners Canal+ with local legislation as the two look to tie the knot by October 2025. This comes after both parties were looking to finalize the transaction later in the week with Africa Magic and ROK folded under the same umbrella.

ROK has been described as the leading broadcaster for Nollywood films and series prior to Canal+'s growing interest in MultiChoice distributed the brand amongst DStv and Canal+ platforms. Formerly owned by iROKO TV, it spawned 2 regional channels one seen in the UK another in the Eastern and Western parts of Africa.

It appears that MultiChoice will be duplicating this offering soon as they've begun work on a third TV channel with ROK's recent blockbusters Miss Cole and Service Agreement. We can only assume with minimal offering that this channel is in early development.

With no series in site, it could as well be a complimentary offering to Africa Magic Epic which is devoted to primarily movies. In general, we're not expecting anything newsworthy from this and it will be weird if it did become a movie channel considering how much of is that is already on ROK.

MultiChoice has been streamlining it's offering over the years which led the cancellation of Africa Magic Urban and mergers between BBC First and BBC Brit. The latter is being optimised for Netflix and MultiChoice is hoping with the Comcast deal that Showmax reaches that scale in Africa.

Estimated guess is that the newcomer possibly ROK Movies will be placed on channels 140-159 which is battered with other repeat tailored channels such as Magic Showcase, KykNet Lekker and Moja 9.9. 

With the MultiChoice/Canal+ deal underway, it's a safe bet to predict that ROK and Africa Magic won't form part of some major overhaul if the deal were to be approved. However there could as well be some restructuring to their regional offering particularly for brands like Africa Magic Hausa which could be seen with ROK content.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

MultiChoice Africa Might Be Renaming SuperSport Football Plus To Football Plus Canal+

MultiChoice is currently undergoing a takeover bid by Canal+ with local legislation as the two look to tie the knot by October 2025. This comes after both parties were looking to finalize the transaction later in the week with SuperSport that would inevitably become a division of Canal+ Sport.

During the day, a DStv consumer outside South Africa had spotted a channel known as Football Plus Canal+ on their media portal. Initially, we thought this could as well be a pop-up channel of some sort on channels 199 but digging further into the lineup it looks like it will be replacing SuperSport Football Plus.

Football Plus Canal+ has a duplicate schedule and to be frank there's no chance that Canal+ can duplicate this for French audience in Africa. Canal+ Afrique doesn't have that much sporting rights for its consumers and the ones obtained by SuperSport can't be duplicated or at least not in French.

Canal+ through its stake in MultiChoice distributes Premier League and La Liga as part of an Add-On, DStv English Plus. Maybe Football Plus Canal+ will form part of the offering if not replace the latter but from what I recall the SuperSport feeds seen within Francophone Africa are the same ones on DStv.

SuperSport Football Plus could become the first channel amongst SuperSport to get the corporate treatment - Canal+. If anything, it does lead us to wonder whether the rest of SuperSport's offering will fold under the Canal+ Sport branding.

MultiChoice will effectively belong to a French company if the transaction gets approved so local content and sports would be structured to their liking. Let's remember, Canal+ wants to expand StudioCanal's operations through MultiChoice which could lead to the dying down of the M-Net trademark.

MultiChoice is viewing this transaction is a bid to bulk up against Netflix and one way that could all play out is having some of their assets getting the Canal+ imprint. When Disney acquired FOX, some of its assets did get the corporate imprint same with Warner whose factual offering folded under Discovery.


From MultiChoice To Unsatisfied Consumers: "The Canal+ Deal Makes Them Stronger Against Declining DStv Consumers"

As readers already heard, MultiChoice offloaded various TV channels to lower bouquets including Africa Magic Showcase, HGTV and Disney Channel from 1st April. With MultiChoice looking to adjust prices in the month of May, this is their way of trying to retain the fleet of DStv consumers.

Unsatisfied consumers will look at the upcoming increase as a means to cut their losses while remaining will hope to see value with these arrivals. In the end, the top paying consumer is the one who suffers as they hope for a quality service but instead watches content get reduced.

MultiChoice is helpless in these regards as Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are undergoing restructures. This has left Comedy Central in a decapitated position and when this audience no longer sees value in a particular station corporate will burden it to another flock.

Shareholders are looking to cash on their transaction with Canal+ which is currently under assessment with the Competition Commission and ICASA. While some see MultiChoice's financial position as a blessing in disguise these flock don't care the slightest about people's opinion.

If the deal is approved, shareholders can take their money and run with Canal+ looking to make a debut on the JSE give these same people an open window to MultiChoice. Similar to Netflix, Canal+ makes its revenue in other parts of world mainly Europe and France which helps it tackle those losses made by MultiChoice.

Under new management, MultiChoice is expected to undergo further restructure aside from LicenceCo which tackles the DStv service. StudioCanal is looking to expand its services to Africa with Huntington filmed in Cape Town with another South African production set to be announced soon.

Although, MultiChoice and Canal+ will boast that they'll be no job cuts and this transaction will help it compete with Netflix, these are short term goals. As MultiChoice continues to bleed subscribers and Phuthuma Nathi shareholders get reduced dividend they'll most definitely makes cuts.

Last year, Canal+ was interviewed by journalist and made it clear that content allocation is their main focus for the company. NMIS Insurance Services may not be the only company to undergo restructure but Moment could as well get discontinued with Namola shipped off to another company.

Again once the deal is done, soon to be former MultiChoice shareholders won't make how this will affect DStv their business.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

April 2025 On Disney Channel And Disney Junior Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Robogobo | Returning Shows Including Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir | More

                                           
Disney Channel 

MIRACULOUS TALES OF LADYBUG & CAT NOIR S6 
Season Premiere
(PART 1 OF 4)
Monday - Thursday from 7 April at 15:40 CAT
Marinette and Adrien have never been so close but they’re still keeping their superhero identities secret from each other. Marinette is also hiding the truth that Adrien’s father was actually a former supervillain! Meanwhile, Ladybug and Cat Noir must face a mysterious and elusive new enemy out to steal their Miraculous and cause chaos in Paris. 
Get all the action of this brand-new season of Miraculous Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir from Monday, 7 November – Thursday, 10 April at 15:40 CAT on Disney Channel.



MECH-X4
Season Premiere
Monday - Thursday from 7 April at 17:50 CAT
 Ryan Walker is a freshman at Bay City High who has technopathy - the extraordinary ability to control technology with his mind. His talent mysteriously awakens MECH-X4, a giant 150-foot robot built by an elusive genius-in-hiding to defend their town against impending doom. Ryan recruits his two best friends and his older brother to help him operate MECH-X4. When monsters suddenly begin to descend upon their city, the four must quickly learn to work as a team in order to pilot the robot that is their only hope of saving their town, and ultimately the world, from mass destruction. But along da way, him and his friends must deal with normal lives too 
Catch Season 2 of MECH-X4  from Monday, 7 April at 17:50 CAT on Disney Channel















KLIK KLUB
Season 3 
(Part 2)
Fridays, from 18 April at 16:50 CAT
Disney Channels’ youth show is set in an after-school club called the Klik Klub. This is where a group of kids hang out and wait in anticipation to see which surprise celebrity guest will knock on their door. Each guest walks in with a mystery box filled with ingredients where the Klub will get the chance to make a special dish together.

Catch Season 3, part 2 episodes of Klik Klub on Fridays, from 18 April to 16 May at
16:50 CAT on Disney Channel.


STUGO
SERIES PREMIERE
From Monday, 14 April at 14:25 CAT

SWEET SUMMER SCIENCE! “StuGo” is an original animated series about six middle schoolers who get tricked into attending a fake academic summer camp by a mad scientist. They were looking forward to three months of learning, but will have to settle for the adventure of a lifetime on a tropical island filled with mind-reading manatees, giant fighting fungi and fashion-forward mutants
It’s laughs all the way with StuGo on Monday, 14 April at 14:25 CAT on Disney Channel.



Disney Junior

ROBOGOBO
Season 1, Series Premiere
Weekends From Saturday, 5 April at 15:00 CAT

Kindhearted boy genius Dax Maxwell adopts five cute and cuddly pets and turns them into Team ROBOGOBO
They’re the Rescue Pets who rescue pets. In their Robo-Suits, Team ROBOGOBO courageously goes paw to claw with various animal villains.
Catch brand-new series  ROBOGOBO weekends, from Saturday 5 April – 19 April at 15:00 CAT 
on Disney Junior.



BLUEY
Programming Stunt
From Monday, 7 April at 16:30 CAT
Spend the afternoon with Bluey and her family.
Everyone’s favourite Blue-Heeler family offer up adventures and lessons for the young and old. Bluey is an overenthusiastic and imaginative Blue Heeler puppy, who goes on adventures with her younger sister, Bingo, which unfolds in hilarious ways.
Catch episodes of Bluey from Monday, 7 April at 16:30 CAT


         
“SUPERHEROES GO!”
Programming Stunt
SuperKitties, Su-Purr Charged, Marvels’ Spidey and his Amazing Friends and ROBOGOBO
Monday - Friday from 28 April at 14:00 CAT
Celebrate SuperHeroes Day with Disney Junior’s toughest, cutest and kindest superheroes, Spidey and team, the SuperKitties and now Team ROBOGOBO save the day, and the neighborhood from villains and baddies.
Catch episodes of your favourite heroes in SuperKitties: Su-Purr Charged, Spidey and His Amazing Friends and ROBOGOBO, Monday – Friday, from 28 April at
14:00 CAT on Disney Junior.










Play Room Acquired Broadcasting Rights To Steven Universe

Steven Universe, an original animated comedy series from Cartoon Network Studios, will premiere Monday, April 1st at 15:00 on Play Room. Steven Universe will join other shows from Warner Bros. Animation to have been licensed to Play Room including Teen Titans GO! and Batwheels.

Steven Universe is about the misadventures of a boy named Steven, the ultimate “little brother” to a team of magical guardians of humanity—the Crystal Gems. Steven may not be as powerful as the Crystal Gems.  Or as savvy.  And he doesn’t have much control over his powers, which originate from the gem in his bellybutton. But that doesn’t stop him from joining Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl on their magical adventures and somehow finding a way to save the day! Steven Universe is created by Emmy® and Annie Award-nominated writer and storyboard artist Rebecca Sugar (Adventure Time). Ian Jones-Quartey (The Venture Bros., Adventure Time) serves as supervising director.

Steven (voiced by Zach Callison) is an energetic, lovable, half-Gem of a boy who is still trying to figure out his powers to become the true hero he is destined to be. With one foot in the human world and another in a magic world, sometimes his mortal quirks disrupt Gem missions and Gem magic can crash into his everyday life. But no matter what happens in a day, Steven has a smile on his face, a ukulele in his hand and a joke to crack!

The Crystal Gems, the self-appointed guardians of the universe, are as much a family as they are a team. Garnet (voiced by R&B singer-songwriter Estelle) is the mysterious and powerful leader, Pearl (voiced by Deedee Magno Hall) is the perfectionist who craves structure and logic and Amethyst (voiced by Michaela Dietz) is the prankster and loose cannon of the group.

Featured voices also include: Sinbad, Joel Hodgson, Tom Scharpling, Grace Rolek, Atticus Shaffer, Reagan Gomez, Brian Posehn, Matthew Moy and Kate Micucci along with special guest stars Aimee Mann and Nicki Minaj.