Canal+ To Axe M-Net's Mzansi Bioskop And Mzansi Music Channels On DStv

As part of Canal+'s continued cost cutting measures at MultiChoice, the French broadcaster will be axing both Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Wethu on DStv. With both channels set to go dark on DStv platforms across Africa from 16 September.

Mzansi Bioskop was launched on MultiChoice's DStv by September 2013 and served as a 24 hour movie channel offering homegrown South African movies. It started out as a weekly slot on Mzansi Magic before expanding to become a dedicated channel.

It featured low-budget, township-style stories previously shown on Mzansi Magic, and content from MultiChoice Talent Factory. These included films like Is’ithembu SikaMsongelwa, O Kae Molao and The Milton Empire.

Mzansi Music was a 24 hour South African music channel offering music with an emphasis on soulful Afro-pop, maskandi, jazz, gospel, house, and classic/feel-good hits. Programming included House Grooves, Afro Pop Hits and Daily 5.

These channels were spun-off from Mzansi Magic and were tailored for mainly DStv Access with Mzansi Music seen on DStv Easyview. News of their demise comes after the company had axed M-Net's Magic Showcase and CineMagic channels.

DStv Access consumers would lose 4 channels with DStv Easyview that had lost 3 channels. 

Canal+ is reportedly looking to rollout a new channel in place of Magic Showcase and CineMagic as test cards had been spotted for both channels. While content from Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music will be carried onto remaining Mzansi Magic channels.

Canal+ And SuperSport To Unveil New Channel Lineup For It's Variety Channels

Canal+ and SuperSport had announced a major restructuring to some of its SuperSport channels. This would include Variety 1-4 whose trademark will be retired with Action whose name is being redirected to another TV channel.

Variety 1 which by all means is not a football channel will rebrand to Football+, Variety 2 becomes a Kickoff channel, Variety 3 becomes Africa and surprisingly Variety 4 is known as Action.

The current SuperSport Action channel will be renamed to SuperSport Extra with content for all these channels remaining the same (???).

According to SuperSport, this change will make it easier for viewers to find their favourite sports, adding that it would be effective from 18 August 2026. The same statement issued when MultiChoice first revamped these channels in 2020.

Let's not forgot, Variety 1 is a premium channel and it featured mainly cycling and swimming and by becoming Football+ consumers would expect 100% football. Is Canal+ really going to normalise having a channel called Football+ air swimming???

Variety 2 featured hockey, gymnastics and tennis and by utilizing Kickoff, viewers will only assume it will serve as some ceremonial/event channel. Again, Is Canal+ really going to normalise such endeavours???

Forget Variety 3 and focus on the last two being Variety 4 and Action I mean why are playing with the names here. If there's any channel I feel should become Extra that should have been Variety 4, again why are we normalizing this???

AMC Networks International and Paramount did the exact same thing with it's TV channels in the UK. They slapped Reality Xtra on one channel yet viewers would still be treated to shows like Walker Texas Ranger and CSI: Miami.

Most probable scenario right now is that these names are not permanent and Canal+ is probably being experimental.

As for the names, none of these just popped out of the hat unlike Kickoff: Football+ and Africa is a TV channel viewed in other MultiChoice countries, Extra is the equivalent of Variety on Canal+ Polska.

ICYMI: Could Canal+ Magic Replace The Magic Showcase And CineMagic Channels On DStv Following Its Rollout On Canal+ Afrique?

A few months ago, MultiChoice decided to discontinue it's Magic Showcase and CineMagic channels on DStv and GOtv. This formed part of corporate restructuring at MultiChoice following it's takeover by French media giant, Canal+.

As part of the buyout, plans are underway to shed costs at the company and this meant rationalising on some brands. Alongside Magic Showcase and CineMagic, DStv Easyview had been depriortised as it's been scrubbed from the DStv website.

Besides MultiChoice, it appears that Canal+ Afrique (MultiChoice's French equivalent) had also made some changes to its offering by late 2025. As both Canal+ Pop and Canal+ Elles had been discontinued with concepts utilized on Canal+ Magic.

Magic is the name M-Net usually associate with its local content while the French giant uses Canal+ for most of its assets. By using Canal+ Magic, both companies are harvesting each other's strengths to 9 million consumers in Africa. 

The former Canal+ Pop targeted youth-oriented pop culture with series focused on humorous and upliftment while Canal+ Elles promoted female narratives with drama series and reality shows.  

Now questions have entered the fray as to whether Canal+ Magic could be duplicated in MultiChoice territories. As reports of a TV channel in place of Magic Showcase and CineMagic is said to be in development within those regions.

Canal+ Afrique had produced a couple of hit shows that are seen on their local channels including Lukas L'Homme De L'ombre and Mami Wata. As viewers of Canal+ Magic garner access to South African dramas like iThonga and Reyka.

In the past, MultiChoice has made several attempts at making this content accessible to audiences in their regions through Novelas Magic and HONEY. Even hosted pop-up channels or licensed selected shows like Zuba to Mzansi Magic.

Now under Canal+, the idea of them possibly revisiting this concept in MultiChoice territories wouldn't seem that far fetched a stretch. I mean they had added Novelas+ in MultiChoice regions and this served as one of its successful brands.

Canal+ And SuperSport Extend Broadcasting Rights To UEFA's Men's Club Competition

CANAL+ has acquired the exclusive rights, in all languages, to all UEFA Men’s Club competitions in Sub-Saharan Africa until 2031. 

Starting in mid-2027, the Group will exclusively bring the biggest matches from the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League to its subscribers across more than 40 countries in the region until 2031.

The most exciting European clashes. The best English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese clubs. Top players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Serhou Guirassy, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, Nicolas Jackson, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Michael Olise, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane and many more. All of them will meet up on CANAL+ channels.

In English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking Africa, SuperSport, the long-standing broadcaster of UEFA competitions, further strengthens its position as the leading sports platform and will continue to offer exclusive coverage of UEFA Men's Club competitions to its subscribers.

In French-speaking Africa, this new agreement marks the return of full coverage of the UEFA Champions League on CANAL+ Sport channels and, for the first time, of the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, on an exclusive basis in the French language - much to the delight of our subscribers.

SuperSport and CANAL+ Sport channels, whose popularity across the region is unmatched, already offer an outstanding football line-up, including the Betway Premiership on SuperSport channels, the Premier League, LALIGA EA SPORTS, Ligue 1, and the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, which kicked off just a few days ago.

With this landmark partnership with UC3, CANAL+ further cements its position as the home of premium sport, offering subscribers access to an unrivalled portfolio of world-class competitions.

Maxime Saada, CEO of CANAL+, said: "We are very proud of this new partnership, which gives us exclusive rights to all UEFA Men’s Club competitions across more than 40 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

"For four seasons, until 2031, our subscribers will enjoy the thrill of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League biggest matches. Today, CANAL+ offers the most attractive sports line-up across Sub-Saharan Africa, and the acquisition of these rights is a perfect illustration of that."

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to UC3 and to the teams at Relevent for once again placing their trust in CANAL+, following our recent agreements in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland and Austria." 

Madhubala, Former eBella Series Is Set To Rollout On Star Life

eBella was a female based entertainment channel operated by eMedia Investments that offered reality shows and telenovelas. As some viewers can recall, Madhubala served as one of the flagship shows on the channel before it was shut down.

Before Star Life's debut in the market, eMedia Investments and the former Nismedia's Glow TV had licensed various dramas from JioStar. Aside from Madhubala, there was also This Is Love, Naagin, You Are My Love and Forbidden Love.

In the years following eBella and Glow TV's demise, most of these shows had then been picked up by Star Life and Star Khanya. With Madhubala now eyeing a debut on Star Life from 13th August at 16:00 replacing You Are My Love.

Synopsis for Madhubala 

Madhubala "Madhu" Choudhary is a humble girl working at a beauty salon whose family works as junior artists (extras) in the film industry. Her life shatters when she crosses paths with Rishabh Kundra (RK), Bollywood's top superstar—an arrogant, egotistical, and manipulative actor. 

After RK is involved in a hit-and-run case affecting a friend, Madhu bravely testifies against him, sending the powerful actor to jail. Fueled by pride and a desire for vengeance, RK vows to ruin her life.

To exact his revenge, RK forces Madhu into a contractual marriage by offering financial help for her father's critical medical treatment. He brings her into his mansion solely to humiliate and torment her. However, Madhu’s resilience, dignity, and unwavering nature slowly break down RK's cold exterior. Against all odds, the two fall genuinely and intensely in love.

Has Toonami Africa Become Another Nicktoons?

Toonami, the home of superheroes, targets young adults between 18 and 34-years old with its 24-hour programming line-up of jam-packed, top-rated adventure and action series. It is the go-to destination for superheroes animation enthusiasts.

Toonami takes viewers to the fantastic world of DC comics franchises like Batman, Superman, The Green Lantern, Teen Titans and The Justice League as well as anime-focused programming including Dragon Ball Super and Inazuma Eleven.  

As of 2026, StarTimes serves as the only broadcaster in the world to offer a dedicated channel to Toonami. This came into effect after the brand had been shuttered in France with it's carriage reduced within Africa.

Since last year, Warner Bros. Discovery had started to make some of Toonami's content like Teen Titans and Batman: The Brave And The Bold accessible on Cartoon Network. With various DC oriented films also broadcast on the channel alongside TNT.

According to Warner Bros. Discovery, the only reason consumers now see this content on the channels is to make the content accessible to more households.

Because Toonami's availability is limited as its not available on Intelvision and Canal+ platforms. Warner Bros. Discovery is treating Cartoon Network and TNT like how they treat Real Time and Discovery Family by giving them open windows to content.

Over the years, Toonami has become a shell of its former self when it was first introduced on the defunct Kwesé TV brand. While it continues to air on StarTimes, Warner Bros. Discovery hasn't made much effort in allocating new content on the brand.

Cartoon Network and TNT had basically been given exclusive airings to content that was established for Toonami. Aside from Krypto, there is also Children Of Captain Africa, Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and DC Super League Pets.

ICYMI: Canal+'s Spinners Will Rebroadcast On Mzansi Magic And e.tv Channels Ahead Of Season 2

Spinners follows Ethan, a 17-year-old driver working for a local gang. Needing to support his younger brother but increasingly disgusted with gang life, Ethan discovers a possible way out via spinning, an extreme motorsport where he can put his driving skills to better use. With a gang war looming, can he turn his life around fast enough? 

The eight-part drama series will rebroadcast across Sub-Saharan Africa on Mzansi Magic on 30 August 2026, and will make its free-to-air debut on e.tv on 4 September 2026.

Spinners’ cast includes Arendsvlei’s Cantona James and Chelsea Thomas in leading roles, along with Dillon Windvogel (Blood & Water) and Elton Landrew (Recipes for Love & Murder). It also stars South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) winners Brendon Daniels (Zulu, Skemerdans, Five Fingers for Marseille) and Dann Jaques Mouton (Arendsvlei, Noem My Skollie), not to mention SAFTA nominee David Isaacs (co-creator of Joe Barber) and Katlego Lebogang (Wounds).

Spinners is co-created by producer Joachim Landau and showrunner Benjamin Hoffman of Empreinte Digitale. The 16LVPD-rated English/Kaaps/Afrikaans series is co-produced by Locarno, Amiens and FESPACO winner Ramadan Suleman (Zulu Love Letter, Fools) from Natives at Large, Spinners’ local co-production company. 

The development of “Spinners” underscores Canal+’s ambition to enhance its portfolio of original series in Africa. It's production slate includes first major South African film production The Road Home, Heist of Benin and screen adaptation of bestselling novel Americanah.

Not long ago, Canal+ has confirmed its full-year and medium-term guidance after reporting higher first-half revenue, largely reflecting the consolidation of MultiChoice. The group's revenue rose 40% to €4.29 billion in the six months to June 30, 2026. 

Warner Bros. Discovery Plans To Cut Programming At Cartoonito To 12 Hours Across Latin America

According to sources, Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to reduce Cartoonito's offering in Latin America to 12 hours from its 24 hours by 1st September. This is because the channel is experiencing a shortage in new programming.

 

Cartoonito was shut down on Cartoon Network USA a while ago, and Warner Bros Discovery hasn't been making many new preschool shows for the brand. Since then, various international feeds had funneled it's lineup with old programming.

Ben 10 (2016) had since been picked up by Cartoonito across various European countries. While reruns to Boomerang's last remaining shows like Tom And Jerry Tales, Zig & Sharko and Grizzy And The Lemmings take up it's feeds in Africa.

Rather than broadening it's offering for viewers in Latin America as seen in other markets already. Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to utilise a similar strategy taken up by Paramount with it's Nick Jr. channel and eMedia's eToonz.

Cartoonito will continue broadcasting in Latin America but Warner Bros. Discovery wants to focus on the first 12 hours of its lineup which is the 6AM to 6PM timeslot. While the remaining slots will only exist to accommodate that timeslot.

The only reason a channel like Cartoonito would broadcast something like Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! at midnight is because a majority of viewers up at those times are adults. Without these dedicated slots, you're basically alienating viewers.

In the end, Cartoonito's history in the region dates back to the time it was broadcast in the market as Boomerang. In it's past life, Cartoonito very much like its programming block on Cartoon Network USA struggled to find it's footing.

While these changes are only applicable to Latin America, the timeslots serve as the main peak for primetime globally. Unlike Latin America, other regions continue accomodating a wider audiences with Looney Tunes Cartoons and Mr. Bean.

JioStar Planning To Revive The StarPlus Brand Across The UK/Europe Replacing Utsav Brand

JioStar is preparing to reinstate the iconic ‘Star Plus’ brand across the UK and Europe, with the current Utsav portfolio set to be phased out.

In August, Utsav Plus, Utsav Gold and Utsav Bharat will revert to their original identities – Star Plus, Star Gold and Star Bharat.

The Utsav branding was introduced in January 2021, following a corporate decision by the then‑owner, Disney, to avoid confusion with its American general‑entertainment service Star. The change came after Disney’s acquisition of the Indian business from 21st Century Fox, prompting a unified UK brand strategy.

It is understood that a significant marketing campaign is being prepared ahead of the rebrand, with the Star channels set to be re‑introduced to UK audiences. An official launch date is expected shortly, with the transition scheduled for August.

Despite the various brand changes over recent years, Star Plus and subsequently Utsav Plus, has consistently remained the UK’s leading Hindi‑language television channel.

The Mysteries Of Gibsons Deepen In Season 2 Of Murder In A Small Town On Universal TV Africa

Secrets run deep as Murder in a Small Town returns to Universal TV (DStv 117) for a gripping Season 2, premiering on 5 August at 8PM, with new episodes every Wednesday until the series finale on 7 October 2026.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the coastal town of Gibsons, Season 2 sees Detective Karl Alberg tackling a fresh wave of perplexing cases while navigating the complexities of his personal life. Alongside his brilliant protégé Edwina Yen, old-hand Sid Sokolowski, and roguish rookie Andy Kendrick, Alberg faces an an array of unexpected challenges as secrets stir just beneath the beauty of the small town’s surface. As each new investigation unfolds, the line between friend and suspect becomes increasingly blurred.

Away from the police station, Alberg’s life is equally complicated. Recently divorced and adjusting to life in a new community, he finds himself falling for Cassandra Lee, a librarian whose deep ties in the community complicate both his role as Chief of Police and his relationship with his teenage daughter, who has followed him across the country. Despite these challenges, Alberg and Cassandra embark on a quirky and heartfelt mid-life love story that forms the heart of the series. 

The cast includes Aaron Douglas (The Bridge, My Christmas Hero), Bethany Brown (The 100, A Safe Distance), Marcia Gay Harden (Into the Wild, Margo’s Got Money Troubles), Savonna Spracklin (Wildhood, Hold the Dark), Fiona Vroom (Altered Carbon, Three Wise Men and a Baby), Marci T. House (Godzilla, Lou), Joshua Close (Wayward, Fargo).

Murder in a Small Town is produced by Sepia Films in association with Fox Entertainment and Future Shack Entertainment. Ian Weir, Amanda Tapping, Morris Ruskin and Sharon Wisnia (Mojo Global Arts), Tina Pehme and Kim Roberts (Sepia Films) and Jeff Wachtel and Jared Berenholz (Future Shack Entertainment) are executive producers. Nick Orchard of Soapbox Productions also serves as producer.

Murder in a Small Town Season 2 premieres on Universal TV on 5 August at 8PM, with new episodes every Wednesday until the series finale on 7 October 2026.