Insidus ZA: August 2026

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

M-Net Movies 2 Is Being Renamed To M Movies+ As SuperSport Debuts Five New Channels

After MultiChoice decided to do away with M-Net Movies 1 channel on the DStv platform alongside KykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music. It has been announced that M-Net Movies 2 will be rebranded into M Movies+ (likely M-Net Movies+).

This news was revealed by broadcasting journalist Things Ferreira who mentioned that MultiChoice Africa was the first to report on the matter.

While not much details had been shared about the positioning of this channel, we assume with the upcoming rollout of SuperSport Football Plus. That Canal+ is usually the symbol "+" on the channel to make it look more premium.

It remains to be seen whether whatever becomes of M-Net Movies 2 will still be airing films like Harry Potter and Despicable Me or whether similar to M-Net Movies 1 focuses more on newer releases.

Another thing Canal+ and MultiChoice failed to address is what's to become of M-Net Movies 3 and 4. We can only guess that Canal+ wants to refer to these brands as M Movies(+) although by the name we do wonder if maybe they're debuting a new logo.

Despite being referred to as M-Net Movies they were always styled to look like M Movies similar to how e.tv is styled to look an e. It's likely that the symbol "+" could be a corporate trademark or the name Canal+ chooses to identify this specific channel.

Another agenda has to do with the SuperSport channel names with Variety 1 becoming Football+, Variety 2 becoming Kickoff, Variety 3 becoming Africa, Variety 4 becoming Action and finally Extra replacing Action.

SuperSport Variety 1 (DStv 206) is being renamed from 18 August as SuperSport Football Plus, which will now become a "dedicated home for premium football, featuring selected UEFA Champions League action and other major competitions".

SuperSport Variety 2 (DStv 207) is being renamed as SuperSport KickOff for so-called "overflow football events", while SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv 208) is being renamed SuperSport Africa "showcasing the best of South African and African sport".

MultiChoice is changing SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv 209) to SuperSport Action, while SuperSport Action (DStv 210) is getting rebranded as SuperSport Extra for "premium live sport whenever multiple major events take place simultaneously".

There's also going to be a SuperSport Extra 2 (DStv channel 217) for overflow matches.

What Happened To The Two Additional Channels SABC Failed To Launch On Openview With SABC Education On DStv?

In 2021, SABC and eMedia Investments announced the additions of SABC Sport and their 19 radio stations to Openview. This deal was suppose to be accompanied by two additional channels in which SABC planned to source content from its archives.

Prior to this, SABC was already working with MultiChoice on separate deal for SABC Education after packaging SABC News on their platforms.

With no further updates from the SABC, eMedia Investments or MultiChoice about these channels it's safe to bet that these deals were quietly shelved. As SABC has been going through financial constraints in the years leading up these deals.

SABC already packages SABC News exclusively to MultiChoice's DStv and earned millions from this deal. Because these channels were non-exclusive, it would mean SABC was responsible for majority of expenses associated with these channels.

Neither MultiChoice or eMedia Investments want to pay millions for outdated content this is why SABC Encore was removed in the first place. Same goes with advertisers, they aren't going to pay high rates to the SABC for old content.

Another thing about SABC and MultiChoice is that the two were caught up in a commercial dispute for SABC 1-3. While MultiChoice pay nothing for them, regulators had given SABC permission to charge them and that could have delayed things.

While the SABC hasn't gotten these channels on Openview or DStv, they have however managed to expand in the years of these deals. They now offer SABC Lehae and SABC Variety on DTT, as well as their own streaming service, SABC+.

Instead of launching new channels, the SABC shifted its focus toward its own streaming platform, SABC+. They also intend to and are still trying to launch a rival platform to Openview for this content.

Saru, Brand New Female Led Drama Series Launches On Zee World

Zee World, a Bollywood based entertainment channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises has announced the addition of a new series, Saru. The series will broadcast daily from 26 August to viewers across Southern Africa.

It starred Mohak Matkar as IAS Saraswati "Saru" Bajaj Birla, Shagun Pandey as Minister Ved Birla, Anushka Merchande as Anika "Annie" Bajaj and Pankit Thakker as Chandrakant "Chandru" Bajaj.

Synopsis for Saru

The story follows Saraswati "Saru" Bajaj, a determined, value-driven young woman and Kabaddi champion from the rural village of Khares in Rajasthan. Aspiring to pursue higher education in Mumbai and eventually become a District Commissioner, Saru fights societal constraints and her mother Saroja’s reluctance to leave her hometown.

Upon moving to Mumbai, Saru enters a bustling new world that presents unexpected emotional and personal challenges:

• Family Secrets: Saru unwittingly uncovers her family's hidden past. She discovers that her estranged father, Chandrakant Bajaj, has a second family in Mumbai. Saru fights to get her mother her rightful place in the family.

• The Antagonist: Anika, Saru’s arrogant half-sister, resents Saru’s presence and constantly plots to sabotage her college life, academics, and personal relationships.

• Love Interest & Conflict: Saru forms a strong bond with Ved Birla, a principled college lecturer. As their affection grows into marriage, they face opposition from Anika as well as Ved's family, leading to blackmail, internal rift, and constant trials.

M-Net Movies 1 And KykNET Lekker's Closure On DStv Explained

MultiChoice and M-Net will be shutting down more TV channels next month including Mzansi Bioskop, Mzansi Music, KykNET Lekker and M-Net Movies 1. From what is understand here, the content on these brands can be viewed on other DStv channels.

M-Net Movies 1 was seen as the flagship brand amongst the 4 movie channels often serving as a timeshift brand to M-Net's movie offering. It's likely that Canal+ grew tired of this and felt that M-Net Movies could operate more independently.

Another reason which I reported earlier in the year, M-Net Movies 2 transitioned from being an action movie channel to an events channel. This created even more overlapping not only with M-Net Movies 1 but also M-Net Movies 3 and 4.

With the closure of M-Net Movies 1, it will be interesting to see how Canal+ will handle these brands going forward and whether the open window for the newer films is widened.

Majority of lower tiered DStv consumers do get a lot of their new movies much quicker from Studio Universal and TNT than they would M-Net Movies. Not that the channel hasn't rolled new films but these other two focus on bigger franchises.

The most notable would be Robert Patterson's The Batman (2022) on TNT with Clifford The Big Red Dog (2019) on M-Net Movies 3.

KykNET Lekker was an Afrikaans entertainment channel tailor made for DStv Access offering content viewed on other KykNET channels. This was meant to give consumers an open window to shows like Binnelanders, Suidooster and Jy Is My Seun.

Now MultiChoice will be ripping this content away from DStv Access consumers meaning you would need to upgrade to DStv Family which is R370 per month to watch these titles on KykNET & Kie.

It has been alleged that KykNET Lekker didn't have much viewers on these packages with it's audience numbers alleged to be sitting around 3000 to 6000 viewers. As Moja 9.9. which is also curated for the same package had surpassed 100,000 viewers.

MultiChoice would have lost 11 channels before the end of September and this would include BET, MTV Base, CBS Justice, CBS Reality, TLNovelas, Magic Showcase and CineMagic. A majority of these channels were tailored for DStv Access.

Sunday, August 9, 2026

The Equalizer Makes It's Freemium Debut On eSeries

The Equalizer, a reimagining of the classic series starring Queen Latifah who is also executive producing. The project hails from Take Two creators Andrew Marlowe & Terri Miller, Davis Entertainment, Flavor Unit, Martin Chase Productions, Universal Television and CBS TV Studios.

Written by Marlowe and Miller, who will serve as showrunners, The Equalizer starred Queen Latifah as an enigmatic figure who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. This is a new take on the character played by Edward Woodward on the original series and by Denzel Washington in the movie franchise.

Marlowe, creator of ABC’s long-running hit Castle, and Miller executive produce alongside John Davis and John Fox of Davis Entertainment; Debra Martin Chase of Martin Chase Productions; Richard Lindheim, co-creator of the original Equalizer TV series; and Queen Latifah (real name Dana Owens) and Shakim Compere of Flavor Unit.

The original TV series, which Lindheim co-created with Michael Sloan, aired on the network for four seasons from 1985 to 1989. It starred Woodward as Robert McCall, a retired intelligence agent with a mysterious past, who uses the skills from his former career to exact justice on behalf of innocent people who are trapped in dangerous circumstances.

The series was adapted as a feature in 2014. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Washington as Robert McCall, was a hit and spawned a sequel, The Equalizer 2.

The Equalizer will broadcast at 20:30 from Wednesday, 12 August.

Friday, August 7, 2026

How To Watch Your Favourite Turkish Series For Free On eVOD?

eVOD FOR SMART TV

1. GO TO TV HOME SCREEN

Press the 'Home' or 'Smart' button on your screen, your TV remote.

2. FIND APP STORE

Navigate to your TV's app store (e.g. Google Play Store, Prstall on Android TV)

3. SEARCH & DOWNLOAD

• Use the remote to search for 'eVOD'

• Select it and choose install

4. SIGN-IN & REGISTER

Open the app. Select 'Sign Up'. Follow on-screen prompts, using your mobile for the OTP code.

5. ENJOY ON BIG SCREEN

Navigate to the Afrikaans section, select your show and press play!

eVOD FOR PC & LAPTOP

1. OPEN INTERNET BROWSER

Click on your internet icon (like Chrome or Edge) on your computer screen.

2. GO TO WEBSITE

Type 'www.evod.co.za' in the address bar and press 'Enter'.

3. CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

• Click on 'Sign Up' at the top right.

• Enter your phone number

4. ENTER OTP CODE

Check your phone for an SMS code and type it in on the computer.

5. START STREAMING

Navigate to the Afrikaans section, then 'Turkish Series', select your show, and press play!

eVOD FOR SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS

1. GET THE APP

Tap on 'Play Store' (Android) or 'App Store' (iPhone/iPad) on your screen, search for 'eVOD' and tap 'Install' or 'Get'.

2. OPEN eVOD APP

Find the red eVOD icon on your home screen and tap it to open.

3. CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Click 'Sign Up'. Enter your mobile number. You will get a SMS code.

4. ENTER OTP CODE

Type in the 4-digit code from the SMS to verify.

5. WATCH FOR FREE

Browse, tap on 'Afrikaans' then 'Turkish Series', choose an episode, and enjoy!

Canal+ May Look To Debut New Channels In Place Of M-Net, M-Net Movies And KykNET Lekker

As reported, Canal+ is planning to do away with Mzansi Music and Mzansi Bioskop alongside M-Net Movies 1 and KykNET Lekker on DStv. This form part of the company's continued cost cutting endeavours with these brands to go dark by 16 September.

M-Net Movies 1 originally launched as M-Net Magic in 1995 before rebranding to M-Net Movies 1 in 2005. It went through several name and and genre changes before M-Net reverted it back to being called M-Net Movies 1 for the second time.

It remains unclear what is to become of AddMovies as the offering had seen in a loss of various TV channels. These would include B4U Movies, fliekNET (permanent addition) and M-Net Movies pop-up channel's offering.

With this loss, consumers will wonder what's the point of paying for this offering if the price doesn't decrease unless plans are underway to do away with the AddMovies add-on.

KykNET Lekker was launched on the DStv platform 6 years ago and tailored to DStv Access consumers with content from other KykNET channels. This would include older seasons to shows and simultaneous broadcasts to things like eNuus.

Much like the 3 other TV channels, this is a brand Canal+ is not looking to replace so we can only assume it was a major flop. As brands like Moja 9.9. had accumulated over 100,000 viewers and continues to broadcast on DStv - for now.

This is a statement issued by MultiChoice

"As viewing habits continue to change, MultiChoice is refining the DStv channel line-up to match," MultiChoice said.

"Rather than spreading similar content across many channels, we're concentrating on fewer, stronger channels, giving subscribers a cleaner, easier-to-navigate line-up and a better viewing experience overall."

More restructuring could be underway at MultiChoice

Canal+ hadn't addressed what's to become of its remaining M-Net Movies 2-4 channels on DStv but if we had to guess they'll likely be renamed. But what's interesting is the fact that these changes weren't announced as seen with SuperSport.

It could be that Canal+ hasn't thought of anything (which I highly doubt) or they're likely waiting for the perfect moment to unveil the new offering set to replace these channels.

M-Net will be turning 40 in October so what better way to celebrate then to unveil this new offering if not possibly gut what little remains of these brands. There has been talks of doing away with brands names like M-Net for sometime now.

With these reported closures, I wouldn't be too shocked if this is what was happening to both M-Net and M-Net Movies behind the scenes. Assuming they'll be called Canal+ Premiere and Canal+ Cinema if not Canal+ Premium, Canal+ Film.

Worse they probably look to rollout Netherland's FilmBox in place of these channels.

For the movie offering, I wouldn't be stunned if Canal+ reverted back to the genre based offering. Bringing back concepts utilized by the former M-Net Movies Family (Movies 4), M-Net Movies Action (Movies 3) and M-Net Movies Zone (Movies 2).

As for KykNET Lekker, Canal+ has reportedly been developing a TV channel with a Magic Showcase test card. So we can only assume they're trying to simplify this offering onto fewer channels.

Consumers shouldn't be alarmed if most of the content viewed on KykNET Lekker don't form part of this offering MultiChoice looks to allocate soon. Think of the time NBCUniversal decided to replace E! with Bravo and the variations in programming.

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.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

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.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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."

Monday, August 3, 2026

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.

Sunday, August 2, 2026

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.

Saturday, August 1, 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.

What Is The Replacement Of Kelders Van Geheime On e.tv And eExtra?

Some of you have probably heard the news already that eMedia Investments will be cancelling Kelders Van Geheime after two seasons. Since then, various viewers had asked me what the broadcaster has in mind for the axed show's current timeslot.

As I already reported, eExtra will be using its existing offering to fill up the timeslot with Een Wit Leuen taking up the 19:30 timeslot from 17 August. Some added bonuses here for eExtra viewers will be the rollout of Vlymskerp and Lente Na Die Storm.

If you're understanding what's happening here at the moment it appears Kelders Van Geheime will be replaced with nothing if not a similar program. It appears eMedia Investments is prioritising on its existing offering at the moment.

e.tv will be moving Yosef to 17:30 which in effect takes up Kelders Van Geheime 18:30 timeslot with Maanligsprokie broadcast on 16:30. If I had to guess what the channel will probably air at 16:00, it might as well be Judge Judy.

With the cancellation of Kelders Van Geheime, this means viewers who can't afford to pay DStv for shows like Binnelanders or Skemergrond will have to rely on SABC 2 for Paradys. This comes from the same broadcaster whose been flooded in debt.

At the time, 7de Laan was still on the air and when news had surfaced about it's cancellation. There was a drought in the free-to-air space and in the long term this derailed the viewership on SABC 2.

Now the question viewers need to ask themselves is how long SABC can sustain Paradys because SABC 2 and 3 continue to be loss making channels. Should Paradys get cancelled it's less likely that SABC would have be able to replace it on time.

When e.tv introduced Kelders Van Geheime this was prove that free-to-air can have options like pay-tv providers. And with this cancellation, you're basically implying that the Afrikaans soaps are reserved for pay-tv.

August 2026 On Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. And Nicktoons Across Europe And Africa | Channel Premiere: Bedtime Stories With Ryan | Returning Shows: The Patrick Star Show | More

Nickelodeon

Brand new episodes of The Patrick Star Show season five:

- 2026-08-03 09:00 5x02a Mass Gramp-nosis

- 2026-08-04 09:00 5x03a Braggin' Slayer

- 2026-08-05 09:00 5x03b Scaredy Pat

- 2026-08-06 09:00 5x04a Make Yourself Pat Home

- 2026-08-07 09:00 5x04b Accidentally in Love

Rock Paper Scissors season two (channel premiere):

- 2026-08-02 01:20 2x01 Franz Roll and the Lost Rainbow Hot Pants of Atraxes the Apple Bottomed - season 2 premiere

- 2026-08-03 01:20 2x02 Paper and Pencil Tell a Joke / Scissors' Orchestra

- 2026-08-04 01:20 2x03 Shoot / Rock's First Day of Work

- 2026-08-05 01:20 2x04 Paper Attends an Elite Institution/The New Landlord

- 2026-08-06 01:20 2x05 The Origami Robot / Scissors Sees an Inspirational Sports Movie

- 2026-08-07 01:20 2x06 The Altruistic-Off / The Album

- 2026-08-08 01:20 2x07 Paper Takes the Phones / The Bedtime Story

- 2026-08-09 01:20 2x08 Scissors is a Good Boy / Paper's Family Get-Together

- 2026-08-10 01:20 2x09 Moonami 12 / Spider Court

- 2026-08-11 01:20 2x10 Scissors, the Supervillain / Car Wash Nationals - season two finale

Note: Nickelodeon will be airing the new episodes that were previously missed out during season two's premiere run on Nicktoons due to content reasons.

The brand new show Pinky Malinky (channel premiere):

- 2026-08-03 13:00 1x01 Pilot - series premiere

- 2026-08-04 13:00 1x02 Pet / Snack

- 2026-08-05 13:00 1x03 Tech / Spirit

- 2026-08-06 13:00 1x04 Hater / Video

- 2026-08-07 13:00 1x05 Duck / Mannequin

- 2026-08-10 13:00 1x06 Secret / Scary

- 2026-08-11 13:00 1x07 Book / Team

- 2026-08-12 13:00 1x08 Game / Undercover

- 2026-08-13 13:00 1x09 Fun / Brother

- 2026-08-14 13:00 1x10 Sensei / Hangout

- 2026-08-17 13:00 1x11 Sock / Count

- 2026-08-18 13:00 1x12 Voice / Phone

- 2026-08-19 13:00 1x13 Friend / Gym

- 2026-08-20 13:00 1x14 List / Double

- 2026-08-21 13:00 1x15 Sight / Grounded

- 2026-08-24 13:00 1x16 Bestie / Smile

- 2026-08-25 13:00 1x17 Search / Individual

- 2026-08-26 13:00 1x18 Cranky / Weeds

- 2026-08-27 13:00 1x19 Song / Trophy

- 2026-08-28 13:00 1x20 Man / Eraser - season one finale

Note: Nickelodeon will be airing the new episodes that were previously missed out during season two's premiere run on Nicktoons due to content reasons.

Brand new episodes of Big Nate season two:

- 2026-08-22 01:20 2x14 Nate Wright Has Left The Building

- 2026-08-23 01:20 2x15 Speed Bump Brawl

- 2026-08-24 01:20 2x17 Field of Nightmares

- 2026-08-25 01:20 2x18 Exes Machina

- 2026-08-26 01:20 2x19 Scarytale Endings

- 2026-08-27 01:20 2x20 Rackleff's A Dump

- 2026-08-28 01:20 2x21 Nate Eat World

- 2026-08-29 01:20 2x22 Carlottha the Sloth-A

- 2026-08-30 00:55 2x23 The Unsittable One

- 2026-08-30 01:20 2x24 Norchaborf

- 2026-08-31 00:55 2x25 Extreme Makeover: Gym Teacher Edition

- 2026-08-31 01:20 2x26 Fuller House - series finale

Sonic Prime season three (channel premiere):

- 2026-08-24 11:00 3x01 Grim Tidings - season 3 premiere

- 2026-08-25 11:00 3x02 Dome Sweet Dome

- 2026-08-26 11:00 3x03 No Escape

- 2026-08-27 11:00 3x04 Nine's Lives

- 2026-08-31 11:00 3x05 Home Sick Home

-- Deer Squad season four (channel premiere):

- 2026-08-12 01:20 4x01 Out Of The Ice Part 1 & 2 - season 4 premiere

- 2026-08-13 01:20 4x02 Buns In Space / Scratch And Sniff

- 2026-08-14 01:20 4x03 Penguin Peril / Fix It Fair

- 2026-08-15 01:20 4x04 Dojobot / A Shark's Life

- 2026-08-16 01:20 4x05 Strength Of Steel / Bubbles, Bubbles, Lots Of Trouble

- 2026-08-17 01:20 4x06 Slushy Storm / Cowboy Steel

- 2026-08-18 01:20 4x07 Rise Of The Sub-Zero Sub / Balloon Bonanza

- 2026-08-19 01:20 4x08 Steel Man Steel / The Mystery Heroes

- 2026-08-20 01:20 4x09 Winter Is Coming / Kite Fright

- 2026-08-21 01:20 4x10 Musical Mayhem / Dinobadbot

-- Marathons:

- Storm Month

2026-08-10 - 2026-09-03

Airing everyday at 11:30-12:35 & 19:00-20:15

Featuring episodes of The Thundermans and The Thundermans: Undercover

-- Returning and Leaving Series:

- The Thundermans

Returns: 2026-08-10 11:30

Leaving: 2026-08-26 20:15

Nicktoons

The brand new show Wylde Pak (channel premiere):

- 2026-08-10 17:15 1x01 Best Summer Ever? - series premiere

- 2026-08-11 17:15 1x02 Sad, Single, and Stranded / A Waste of a Perfect Summer Day

- 2026-08-12 17:15 1x03 Woori World / Finding FlamingoFan85

- 2026-08-13 17:15 1x07 The Boba-Get / Be Your Own Bean

- 2026-08-14 17:15 1x08 Meats of Strength / Dead Ed's

- 2026-08-17 17:15 1x04a The Three Ravens

- 2026-08-18 17:15 1x04b Left Holding the Bag

- 2026-08-19 17:15 1x09b Father, Son, And Furniture Store

- 2026-08-20 17:15 1x10a LAD

- 2026-08-21 17:15 1x10b Before 10AM

- 2026-08-24 17:15 1x06 Warriors Against the Realm / Sunganduel

- 2026-08-25 17:15 1x05 The Meatball of Canyon Valley / Sticky Fingers

- 2026-08-26 17:15 1x11 Where There's a Will, There's a Way / Lost in the Sauce

- 2026-08-27 17:15 1x13 Follow the Sprinkles / Canyon Valley V. Dirk

- 2026-08-28 17:15 1x12 Journey to the Otter Side - season one finale

-- A brand new episode of The Patrick Star Show:

- 2026-08-31 15:00 4x11b Doctor Patrick

-- Brand new episodes of Big Nate season two:

- 2026-08-04 01:55 2x19 Scarytale Endings

- 2026-08-05 01:55 2x20 Rackleff's A Dump

- 2026-08-06 01:55 2x21 Nate Eat World

- 2026-08-07 01:55 2x22 Carlottha the Sloth-A

- 2026-08-08 01:55 2x23 The Unsittable One

- 2026-08-11 01:55 2x24 Norchaborf

- 2026-08-12 01:55 2x25 Extreme Makeover: Gym Teacher Edition

- 2026-08-13 01:55 2x26 Fuller House - series finale

-- Brand new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants season 16:

- 2026-08-03 18:00 16x12 The Green Tentacle / Happy Krabby Birthday

- 2026-08-04 18:00 16x13a Karate Pals

- 2026-08-05 18:00 16x13b Karen's Klatch - season 16 finale

-- Leaving series:

- Big Nate

Last airing: 2026-08-13 01:55

Nick Jr.

-- DORA season five:

- 2026-08-31 08:15 5x01 Mami Day / Pet Day - season 5 premiere

-- The brand new show Bedtime Stories with Ryan:

- 2026-08-03 14:00 1x01 Goodnight &, Hello, Poo - series premiere

- 2026-08-04 14:00 1x02 Goodnight &, Hello, Stars

- 2026-08-05 14:00 1x04 Goodnight &, Hello, You

- 2026-08-06 14:00 1x05 Goodnight &, Hello, Words

- 2026-08-10 14:00 1x06 Goodnight &, Hello, Do

- 2026-08-11 14:00 1x07 Goodnight &, Hello, Heart

- 2026-08-12 14:00 1x08 Goodnight &, Hello, Magic

- 2026-08-13 14:00 1x09 Goodnight &, Hello, Water

- 2026-08-14 14:00 1x10 Goodnight &, Hello, Family - season one finale

-- Brand new Deer Squad season four episodes:

- 2026-08-17 07:50 4x11 Invisibility Crystal Chaos / The Floor Is Jelly

- 2026-08-18 07:50 4x12 Steel's Ski Slope Shock / Sparkle Sea-Prise

- 2026-08-19 07:50 4x13 Cake-Astrophe / Solar Storm Scramble

- 2026-08-20 07:50 4x14 The Real Chitter / The Slimy Suspect

- 2026-08-21 07:50 4x15 Dino-Kai / The Space Ace

- 2026-08-24 07:50 4x16 Cave Invaders / Stone Pangolin Surprise

- 2026-08-25 07:50 4x17 Rocks To The Rescue / Sock Shock

- 2026-08-26 07:50 4x18 The Forest Flyer Flies / Scary Prankster

- 2026-08-27 07:50 4x19 Quake Crystal Quest / Yes Day Disaster

- 2026-08-28 07:50 4x20 The Big Freeze - Part 1 / The Big Freeze - Part 2 - season 4 finale

PSL Is Now Available On DStv Family

After being made available to DStv Compact, Compact+ and Premium customers in South Africa alongside DStv Family in the rest of Africa. MultiChoice will be making its DStv Family consumers in South Africa enjoy PSL.

This means DStv Family consumers will now be able to see Betway Premiership matches on August 1st followed by the MTN8 competition (August 8th) and Motsepe Foundation Championship (August 21st).

SuperSport PSL will sit alongside existing SuperSport channels viewed on the package ranging from Blitz, Premier League, WWE, Variety 4 and Schools. Alongside other sports channels such as ESPN 1, Sporty TV and Racing240.

The news of PSL launch on the platform comes after MultiChoice's parent company Canal+ unveiled its financial results for 30 June 2026. It was reported that the company had seen a surge in consumers due to the rollout of FIFA.

Canal+ is anticipating a majority of DStv consumers will continue latching onto their subscription. After it had been announced that they'd be no price increase for any of its packages during the year and also the launch of new offerings such as Novelas+.

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