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.

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." 

Canal+ Revenue Up By 40% Following MultiChoice Buyout

Canal+ has confirmed its full-year and medium-term guidance after reporting higher first-half revenue, largely reflecting the consolidation of MultiChoice.

Group revenue rose 40% to €4.29 billion in the six months to June 30, 2026. On a like-for-like basis excluding MultiChoice, revenue increased 1.4%. Compared with combined Canal+ and MultiChoice figures for H1 2025, revenue was broadly flat, up 0.6%.

Adjusted EBIT before exceptional items increased 68% to €433 million, giving a margin of 10.1%. Excluding MultiChoice, adjusted EBIT rose 13%, helped by cost improvements in France, direct-to-consumer subscriber growth, lower churn and the continuing shift to OTT in Poland.

Canal+ had 41.2 million subscribers at the end of June, up 8.4% year-on-year on a combined Canal+ and MultiChoice basis. Europe rose 10% to 18.6 million subscribers, while Africa and Asia grew 7.2% to 22.6 million. Direct-to-consumer subscriptions increased 5.1%, while wholesale rose 26.3%.

MultiChoice’s turnaround plan is now under way. Canal+ said subscriber acquisition in MultiChoice countries was 40% higher than in H1 2025, with June delivering the best month for new subscribers in South Africa in a decade. MultiChoice adjusted EBIT rose 160% to €143 million, helped by €120 million of synergy impact, including the effect of discontinuing Showmax.

Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, said: “Following the acquisition of MultiChoice, our increased scale is starting to deliver the benefits we expected. We have achieved half of our €250m synergies target and remain well on track for the year, and we confirm our full-year and medium-term guidance.”

Content investment remains central to the strategy. Canal+ has extended UEFA men’s club competition rights to 2031 in Switzerland, Poland and Austria, and secured exclusive rights in Belgium ahead of its 2027 launch. In South Africa, MultiChoice has renewed long-term rights to the Premier Soccer League.

For 2026, Canal+ continues to expect flat revenue, adjusted EBIT of €735 million, cash flow from operations above €600 million and free cash flow above €250 million before the French VAT litigation settlement and restructuring.

Canal+'s Passion Bollywood Channel Coming To DStv???

Following the debut of Novelas+ on MultiChoice platforms across Africa, Canal+ Distribution (formerly Thema) may be looking to rollout another channel soon, Passion Bollywood. 

Passion Bollywood is a 24-hour entertainment channel dedicated entirely to Indian cinema, broadcasting blockbuster Bollywood movies and telenovelas. The channel had been broadcast on Canal+ Afrique which caters for French audiences. 

It broadcasts popular Indian dramas from Zee TV and Colors TV which include La Promesse (Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki), L'Amour en Gage (Tumhari Paakhi) and La Nouvelle Aurore (Phir Subah Hogi).

Canal+ may be looking extend the reach of Passion Bollywood to MultiChoice's French households. With the buyout of MultiChoice, the idea of Canal+ adding some if not most of their services to MultiChoice's platforms should come as a surprise.

Canal+ Afrique already offers Telemundo and Zee World to its consumers through the DStv English Plus add-on. MultiChoice as seen in the last months has been distributing Pulaayu and Zacu TV alongside the newest addition Novelas+.

Amidst the possible rollout of Passion Bollywood, Canal+ had been test running another Bollywood channel for its East African consumers, Zee Dunia. This channel is operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises that handles Zee World and Zee Zonke.

Canal+ And SuperSport Confirms Broadcast Rights For 2026 Commonwealth Games

CANAL+ is pleased to confirm the broadcast of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games live on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The global showpiece, taking place from 23 July to 2 August 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, will be available to Access customers on DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv & GOtv Stream. In South Africa, the SuperSport channels are supplied by CANAL+ Africa to the licence holder, MultiChoice (Pty) LTD, which provides the DStv offering to subscribers.

With more than 500 African athletes expected to compete at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, this year’s edition promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated, with SuperSport bringing the action in its world-class broadcast quality across 11 action-packed days.

SuperSport will bring two dedicated channels devoted to the Commonwealth Games to ensure comprehensive coverage of the main athletes as well as a curated feed of Africa’s medal challengers, with additional events available on overflow channels on linear and stream. A third dedicated channel will feature Mozambican athletes on SuperSport Maximo 2 and 3.

David Mignot, CANAL+ Africa and MultiChoice CEO, said: “We are pleased to confirm the broadcast rights for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be available on SuperSport to our DStv and GOtv Access subscribers, with a dedicated focus on the African athletes who will aim to do their countries and the continent proud at this major global athletics showpiece. The broadcast of the Commonwealth Games is a continuation of our investment in ensuring that our viewers and subscribers receive the sports and entertainment content that resonates with them the most.”

The event will feature 10 exhilarating sports, 6 para sports, across four of the city’s iconic venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Scottish Event Campus, Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

East Africa's renowned long and middle distance-running pedigree will also be on full display, with Tanzania looking to challenge for honours through Alphonse Simbu, Gabriel Geay, Jackline Sakilu, Failuna Abdi Matanga and emerging distance talent Joseph Panga.

Nigeria arrives in Glasgow with one of the strongest teams on the continent, led by former world record holder Tobi Amusan, reigning Commonwealth long jump champion Ese Brume, world-class weightlifters Rafiatu Lawal and Adijat Olarinoye, as well as continental shot put champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi. Ghana's hopes will rest on an explosive sprint squad featuring Benjamin Azamati, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, Joseph Paul Amoah, Edwin Gadayi and high jump star Rose Amoanimaa Yeboah, while the Portuguese-speaking African countries will be represented by elite boxers Alcinda Panguana, Rady Gramane and Ivanusa Moreira, alongside Cabo Verdean hurdler Jordin Andrade and Angolan sprinter Marcos Santos.

Across the Francophone nations, global athletics icons Soufiane El Bakkali and Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith lead an exceptional group that also includes Senegal's Louis François Mendy and Cheikh Diouf, as well as Ivory Coast sprint sensation Arthur Cissé.

South African fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of swimming legend Chad le Clos, who looks to add to his remarkable Commonwealth medal collection, while sprint ace Akani Simbine headlines an exciting athletics squad alongside world champion swimmer Pieter Coetzé, javelin star Jo-Anè van Dyk and exciting 400m talent Lythe Pillay.

DStv and GOtv subscribers will be able to catch all the action live on SS Variety 3 and SS Variety 4 in Southern Africa and SSAfrica 1 and SS Africa 2 in the rest of Africa, which will be rebranded as SS Commonwealth 1 and SS Commonwealth 2, as well as SS Maximo 2 and 3.

Up-to-the-minute updates will be available on SuperSport.com as well as SuperSport Blitz.

Canal+ Reportedly Developing A TV Channel In Place Of Magic Showcase On DStv

Last month, Canal+ decided to do away with the Magic Showcase and CineMagic channels on both DStv and GOtv. These channels were tailor made for MultiChoice's budget sensitive consumers being DStv Easyview and GOtv Lite.

With the removal of these channels, this meant the only other alternatives for local content on those packages would be provincial and regional channels like SABC 1-3 and Soweto TV. By adding these channels, it made these packages look competitive.

It appears that Canal+ might be working on another TV channel(s) to possibly replace Magic Showcase and CineMagic. As test cards for these channels are on their i-Plate with the CineMagic one seen in Southern Africa.

If I had to guess it's likely some African infused entertainment channel(s) I mean the idea wouldn't be far fetched. As MultiChoice did put up test cards for MTV Base earlier in the year before unveiling its replacement channel being Base Pulse.

The Rooms Network had mentioned that they're developing additional channels at MultiChoice. With them offering Newzroom Afrika (news), Play Room (kids) and Movie Room (movies), the only thing missing would be a general entertainment brand.

If not The Rooms Network, it could as well be a TV channel from Canal+ Distribution such as A+ or an English feed to Canal+ Magic. Then there's also Pulse Entertainment that is being led by Paramount Africa's former employees.

Unlike Magic Showcase which was available to DStv Easyview and Access, this channel(s) will most likely be available to more consumers. Of course what's uncertain is if this channel will be available on DStv Easyview with it being depriortised.

StudioCanal Announces Development Of New Series Army Of Shadows For Canal+ And M-Net Territories

Co-produced by STUDIOCANAL (Playing Nice, Families Like Ours) and Two Cities Television (Blue Lights, Patrick Melrose) and written by BAFTA award -winning Ronan Bennett (The Day of the Jackal, MobLand), filming has begun in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Paris on powerful and provocative new drama series Army of Shadows.

Leading the ensemble cast are BAFTA -winning Paddy Considine (House of The Dragon, MobLand), Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe winner America Ferrera (Barbie, The Lost Bus), Alex Hassell (Rivals, Wasteman) and Kit Harington (Industry, Game of Thrones). Lisa Gunning (Black Doves, The Power) will direct all six episodes.

A drama inspired by Jean -Pierre Melville’s 1969 film and Joseph Kessel’s seminal book of the same name, which famously dramatised the emergence of the French Resistance to the Nazi Occupation of France during World War 2, Army of Shadows is a bold new stor y from Ronan Bennett of how resistance takes shape in an occupied Great Britain. The series has been developed and produced with the support of the Melville family and the Kessel estate, which is controlled by the Irish Red Cross.

Britain looks almost normal, but the flags are different, the news is careful, and nobody says certain things out loud anymore. But everyone can feel it. Somewhere beneath the surface of ordinary life something has gone terribly, quietly wrong. Out of the shadows emerges a former soldier known only as Berry, who starts building a secret resistance network. He knows one thing above all else: don't act before you're ready. An unlikely group starts to coalesce around him - people who've decided they can't look away any longer: a soldier, a student, a radiographer, a journalist. Ordinary people, with ordinary lives, making an extraordinary and irreversible choice.

Against them: a state with unlimited reach, a ruthless minister who'll do whatever it takes to maintain “order”, and an American intelligence operative called Jessie, who is very, very good at her job. Army of Shadows is a tense, propulsive thriller about what resistance actually costs. If your country were occupied, what would you do?

Gwawr Lloyd, Interim Head of Drama, Channel 4 says: “Ronan Bennett has created a gripping, provocative and action -packed drama that feels both epic in scale and strikingly relevant. Army of Shadows asks powerful questions about freedom, resistance and the choices people make when democracy is under threat. With a stellar cast lined up under the direction of Lisa Gunning, this is exactly the kind of thought -provoking and high stakes drama that Channel 4 looks to bring to our viewers. We're delighted to partn er with STUDIOCANAL and Two Cities Television on what promises to be an unmissable event series."

Anna Marsh, CEO of STUDIOCANAL and Chief Content Officer of CANAL+, expands: " Inspired by Jean -Pierre Melville’s exceptional 1969 film from our catalogue, and Joseph Kessel’s formative book, we are incredibly proud to have developed this series from inception, attaching an extraordinary cast and creative team to bring ARMY OF SHADOW S into production today. Ronan Bennett's work is thrilling, climactic and important. And we are delighted to now welcome Lisa Gunning who directs all 6 episodes with irrepressible vision and command. ARMY OF SHADOWS is a series that has no limitations across audience, geographies or relevance and in partnership with Two Cities Television and Channel 4 it is a privilege for the teams at CANAL+ and STUDIOCANAL to bring such a visceral piece of television to audiences around the world."

Army of Shadows has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Gwawr Lloyd, Interim Head of Drama for Channel 4 and Gemma Boswell and Rebecca Holdsworth, Drama Commissioning Editors, Channel 4. Executive Producers are Paul Gilbert and M -K Kennedy for STUDIOCANAL T elevision; Ron Halpern and Joe Naftalin for STUDIOCANAL, with Stephen Wright and Michael Jackson for Two Cities Television alongside Ronan Bennett. STUDIOCANAL developed the series from inception with Two Cities Television, which is part of STV Studios. Al ison Sterling is the Series Producer.

CANAL+ has commissioned the series for their global footprint spanning over 50 countries across France, Europe, Africa and Asia. STUDIOCANAL will handle international sales and worldwide distribution.

Canal+ Might Be Looking To Do Away With M-Net And DStv Brand Names

Following it's debut on the JSE, Canal+ had been given hints that the M-Net and DStv brand names could be fading away soon. With SuperSport being the only brand exempted from this possible restructuring due to its continued dominance.

After Canal+ acquisition MultiChoice by late 2025, plans are sort of underway to streamline the French media giant's assets. This includes shrinking the current portfolio at MultiChoice as Canal+ mentioned that the company has too many brands.

As reported, Magic Showcase and CineMagic will be removed from MultiChoice's platforms by the end of June. Then there's the inclusion of the French company's telenovela channel Novelas+ to MultiChoice's platforms.

Following it's inclusion in French and Polish markets, Canal+ is not only giving DStv consumers access to telenovelas from Mexico and Turkey. They're basically offering a brand that they can market globally which is the reason for simplifying.

Questions making the waves now by some DStv consumers is whether a Canal+ branded TV channel(s) is in development behind the scenes. M-Net is turning 40 soon and for all we know that could as well become Canal+ Premium/Premiere.

Canal+ Premiere/Premium is a TV channel that licenses shows from international companies like Paramount and NBCUniversal. Following Canal+'s takeover of MultiChoice, M-Net is now Canal+'s Premiere equivalent in Anglophone countries.

The issue broadcasters face with having both an M-Net and Canal+ Premiere is the additional costs associated with maintaining two separate brands. For shows like Landman, Canal+ would have to pay company A and B to curate respective adverts.

As seen with Novelas+, by maintaining one brand Canal+ can rely on one company to handle the adverts for shows and to also adjust the relevant ad to cater for that particular region.

While SuperSport remains safe for the foreseeable future, phasing out the DStv name will only add another layer of complexity. On a retail level, this is a product a lot of people from low income households are familiar with and a rebrand risks alienation. 

Canal+ is planning to rollout it's streaming app in MultiChoice markets and best case now would be utilising DStv Stream for those endeavours. But on a retail standpoint, they could opt for something a lot simplier like DStv (Powered By Canal+).

StudioCanal Announced Four New Animated Series: Toto The Ninja Cat, Pippi Longstocking, Miffy And The Rainbow Fish

• Toto the Ninja Cat

Illustrated by Nick East, the six-book series has already been translated into 19 languages, with a seventh installment set to be published later this year. The show follows a partially sighted cat who transforms her visual impairment into a “ninja superpower” using her heightened senses.

Alongside her brother and a trusted band of friends, Toto courageously protects the animals of London from villainous plots and disasters. Click here

• Pippi Longstocking

StudioCanal has announced the development of a new animated television adaptation of Pippi Longstocking in partnership with The Astrid Lindgren Company. The series is being produced by StudioCanal, Heyday Films, and Submarine, with award-winning writer Sara Daddy attached as head writer and screenwriter.

The new series will consist of 52 x 11-minute episodes and will be produced in 3D CGI animation. Designed as a fresh and contemporary reimagining of Astrid Lindgren’s beloved character, the series will introduce Pippi’s fearless spirit, humour, and independence to a new generation of viewers. Production is scheduled to begin in October 2026. Click here

• Miffy

Created by Dutch illustrator Dick Bruna – who first drew the iconic character to entertain his young son whilst on a rainy seaside holiday – Miffy has graced a series of picture books that have sold 85 million copies and are now published in over 50 languages. Bruna’s simple but classic design graces a wide range of toys, clothing and merch, with Mercis holding the global rights. Click here

• The Rainbow Fish 

Studiocanal is getting behind an animated feature adaptation of Marcus Pfister’s children’s classic The Rainbow Fish about an arrogant shiny fish who learns there’s more to life than glittering scales.

The book, which has sold more than 30 million copies since its publication in 1992, is a beloved children’s staple but has also stirred-up controversy in the U.S. in recent years amid debate over its underlying message. Click here

Canal+ Launches TV Channel For M-Net Programming

More M-Net programming on Canal+

Prior to the terminations of Magic Showcase and CineMagic, Canal+ Magic was launched in place of Canal+ Elles since late 2025. The channel boasts a lineup of premium local dramas and reality shows viewed on M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

These would include dramas like Reyka, iThonga and Diepsloot alongside reality shows like The Real Housewives Of Durban, Our Perfect Wedding and Date My Family all of which are dubbed in French.

Canal+ Afrique serves as the distributor for Canal+ Magic and boasts other TV channels from M-Net such as Maisha Magic Bongo, Africa Magic Epic and M-Net Movies 4. By adding Canal+ Magic, viewers are given more access to M-Net's archives.

Initially, Canal+ Afrique would have used its existing channels for this offering but following Canal+'s continued interest in MultiChoice. The inclusion of Canal+ Magic will likely lead some of these shows to the channel.

Magic is the brand name M-Net associates with a lot of its local productions while Canal+ is the name the French media giant associates with it's assets.

To DStv and GOtv consumers, Canal+ Magic is basically the equivalent of the former Magic Showcase - a repeats channel. But to Canal+ Afrique consumers, some of these shows had never been made available to them. 

Canal+ removes TF1 channels as part of carriage dispute 

Canal+ has opted to pull French rival TF1‘s channel suite from its services in France, Switzerland and Africa amid a carriage row.

The London-listed French pay-TV giant acknowledged that “discussions with the TF1 Group have broken down,” resulting in TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, LCI, Ushuaïa TV and Histoire TV going dark in Africa.

Canal+ had also shuttered its Canal+ Pop channel with further programming that had migrated to Canal+ Magic. With Passion Bollywood and Planete+ that had also been allocated on DStv's French packages.

In France and French-speaking Switzerland, TF1 said “mini-generalist” thematic channel TV Breizh, history network Histoire TV and environmental protection channel Ushuaïa TV had been pulled.

TF1 said in a statement it “regrets this choice, which deprives loyal viewers of the channels they value and undermines the documentary sector as a whole.”

“While Canal+ Group maintains long-term partnerships with all major French broadcasters as well as with the leading international streaming platforms, and despite several months of negotiations, it was unable to reach a comprehensive agreement, even though it was prepared to improve the terms in every respect for TF1,” said Canal+ in its statement.

“Nevertheless, Canal+ Group remains open to dialogue and is willing to resume discussions with a view to reaching an agreement based on reasonable, balanced and sustainable terms that safeguard the interests of both groups.”

‘S.W.A.T’ Spinoff ‘Exiles’ Lands At Starz, Sets September Release Date

“S.W.A.T. Exiles” has officially found a network home, with Starz picking up the spinoff series in the U.S.

The 10-episode series, which will see Shemar Moore return as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, will premiere on Starz on Sept. 25. Series producer Sony Pictures Television has also secured distribution deals for the series across every major region, including Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. It will air in select international territories day-and-date. New episodes will air weekly on Fridays and stream on the Starz app and across all Starz streaming and on-demand platforms.

“’S.W.A.T. Exiles’ is coming in hot! I couldn’t be more excited that Starz is bringing this next chapter to audiences in the U.S,” Moore said. “A huge thank you to Sony Pictures Television for believing in this franchise and continuing to invest in what we’ve built together. What makes this moment even more special is that we’re reaching audiences in all major territories worldwide. Fans everywhere will get to experience this epic new ride together.”

Sony has secured sales with Sky GSA (Germany, Switzerland, Austria), Sky New Zealand, Stan in Australia, Rai and Sky Italia in Italy, DPG in Flemish Belgium, Tet in the Baltics and Bell Media in English Canada and Quebecor Content in French Canada. The series will air on Disney+ across Latin America, WOWOW in Japan, LG Uplus in South Korea, AXN in Spain, Portugal, Hong Kong, Taiwan and across Southeast Asia and beIN across the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye. The studio has also struck deals with Canal+, which will air the series across the Netherlands, Central and Eastern Europe, Poland, Sub-Saharan Africa via Canal+ MNET and French-speaking African territories.

The logline for the show states, “After a high-profile mission goes sideways, Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson (Moore) is pulled out of forced retirement to lead a last-chance experimental S.W.A.T. unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits. Hondo must bridge a generational divide, navigate clashing personalities and turn a squad of outsiders into a team capable of protecting the city — and saving the program that made him who he is.”

Along with Moore, the cast includes Lucy Barrett, Adain Bradley, Zyra Gorecki, Freddy Miyares and Ronen Rubinstein. Original cast members Jay Harrington and Patrick St. Esprit will return, reprising their roles as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay and Commander Robert Hicks, respectively. David Lim will also return as Victor Tan in the penultimate episode.

“’S.W.A.T. Exiles’ engages a deeply passionate fanbase that aligns strongly with our audience,” said Alison Hoffman, president of Starz Networks. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Sony to be the first place U.S. fans can experience this thrilling new chapter in the franchise.”

Jason Ning serves as showrunner and executive producer. Additional executive producers include Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film, Moore, James Scura and Jon Cowan. Sony Pictures Television produces and distributes the series globally.

“The response to ‘S.W.A.T. Exiles’ has been extraordinary and is a testament to the strength of the franchise, as well as the passion and commitment of Shemar Moore, Jason Ning and Neal H. Moritz, who have been outstanding partners throughout the process,” said Keith Le Goy, chairman of Sony Pictures Television. “As we continue to expand the ‘S.W.A.T.’ universe, this project reflects our broader strategy of making bold investments in premium IP and leveraging our independent studio model to identify opportunities, move quickly and maximize value around the world. The commitment from Starz, combined with robust worldwide sales, validates both the franchise’s lasting appeal and the strength of Sony’s global business.”

The reboot of “S.W.A.T” debuted on CBS in 2017. The broadcast network originally canceled the show after its sixth season, only to reverse course and announce it would be back for a seventh and final season. Then, the show earned an eighth season reprieve, only to be canceled once again.

Shortly after “S.W.A.T” was canceled for the final time, Sony announced it was moving forward with “Exiles” with Moore onboard to return. The series was greenlit, cast, and shot in under a year, with filming officially wrapping in February 2026. The first episode was then screened for both domestic and international buyers with Moore in attendance as the face of the series. No domestic distributor was attached while the series was being shot, allowing Sony to retain full control of the project.

Sony also has a longstanding relationship with Starz through the “Outlander” franchise. The mothership series recently concluded after eight seasons in May 2026, with the prequel “Outlander: Blood of My Blood” debuting on Starz in August 2025. Season 2 of that show will also premiere in September.

Is MultiChoice Looking To CBS Reality And CBS Justice Perhaps?

Last year, Paramount shuttered both CBS Reality and CBS Justice for consumers across Europe and Africa. Questions making the rounds now is whether MultiChoice (now under Canal+) is looking to possibly replace these channels.

During the year, Base Pulse came in place of MTV Base with Novelas+ set to replace TLNovelas. There's rumours of a new entertainment channel launching in place of BET so them possibly replacing CBS wouldn't seem far fetched.

Canal+ had told regulators that DStv consumers would be getting more content in the year and within 7 months 3 channels had been allocated: Sporty TV, Base Pulse and Novelas+.

With Canal+ Distribution (formerly Thema) that now integrated it's services onto MultiChoice with the additions of Zacu TV, Sunu Yeuf and Novelas+. We can only assume more of their services are coming to MultiChoice territories.

For CBS Reality and CBS Justice, this might as well include Canal+ Discover and/or suite of Planete+ channels which comprises of Planete+, Planete+ Crime and Planete+ Adventure. As these channels are distributed in other Canal+ regions.

Canal+ Discover (also known as Canal+ Docs) focuses mainly on original and celebrity driven content basically a mashup of ID and E!. While Planete+ focuses on educational programming with content on nature, science and history.

Programs to have been broadcast on the brands include American Pickers, The First 48, People Of The Sea and Extraordinary Railway Journeys.

Canal+ Rebranding Their Novelas TV Channels Across France And Africa To Novelas+

It looks like Canal+ will be folding it's remaining Novelas TV channels viewed in France and various parts of Africa under the Novelas+ trademark. This comes after the company announced the expansion of the channel in MultiChoice territories.

Novelas+ is seen as the premier destination for telenovelas viewed in Mexico, Brazil and Turkey and is currently one of Canal+'s most popular TV channels. It also boast shows like Avenida Brasil, Domenica Montero and Ada Masali.

The launch forms part of Canal+’s broader strategy to expand its content offering across Africa and comes as the company continues to strengthen its relationship with MultiChoice, the DStv operator.

According to Canal+ director for content and general entertainment for English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa, Nomsa Philiso, Turkish dramas have become a worldwide phenomenon especially in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa.

MultiChoice LicenceCo CEO Willington Ngwepe said the new channel follows the recent introduction of Base Pulse, a music and culture-focused channel, and SportyTV, a dedicated 24-hour sports channel.

The decision to add the "+" symbol Novelas TV shouldn't come as a surprise as Canal+ has been known to make their brands align to its corporate styling. This follows the rebranding of the FilmBox channels by SPI International to FilmBox+.

Channel Closure: CineMagic And Magic Showcase Will Stop Airing On DStv And GOtv From 30 June

MultiChoice and M-Net will be discontinuing their Magic Showcase and CineMagic channels on DStv after 4 years. These channels were catered for DStv Easyview and GOtv Lite packages which serve as the most cheapest packages.

Magic Showcase was an 18 hour TV channel that was home to various dramas and reality shows from M-Net including Being Bonang and Isibaya. CineMagic was a 12 hour movie channel that boasted locally produced and international films.

MultiChoice's CEO for general entertainment and director of M-Net channels this to say about their inclusions:

"We are proud to grow the EasyView content slate, allowing our subscribers on this package to enjoy award-winning and top-tier local shows and movies from across the continent. It's all about giving our audience the best value for their money, and we are committed to continuously increasing what each DStv package has on show."

Jan du Plessis, director of M-Net channels, says "The addition of two new M-Net channels to the EasyView package only further enhances the subscriber viewing experience".

In recent months, it appears this had all changed after DStv Easyview was removed from the company's website. Making it hard for the company to find potential DStv consumers that can't afford a low entry package like DStv Access.

Canal+ is deploying its streaming app in MultiChoice territories and the online portals are being adjusted to align with this offering. DStv Easyview doesn't form part of their streaming ambition with the only option of obtaining it available on WhatsApp.

As for the cancellations of CineMagic and Magic Showcase we can only assume several reasons came into account.

MultiChoice was acquired by Canal+ by late 2025 and they're currently in cost cutting mode and one of these would be rationalisation or simplification to its offering. These channels being locked away on DStv Easyview didn't generate as much viewers.

Because these channels were filled with old content on top of being confined to its cheapest packages. MultiChoice was probably charging advertisers a lot less that is if they had any media sales done for these channels.

Rather than merging these two channels and positioning it a lot better to cater for their other DStv consumers. MultiChoice would rather leave some of these consumers without any means to access shows like Date My Family and The Johnsons.

Because DStv Easyview and most likely GOtv Lite aren't viewed as a much of a priority this would leave them with free-to-air channels. Unlike DStv Access and Lite packages that have channels like Africa Magic Epic and Mzansi Wethu.

TOLDJA!!! Canal+ Launches Novelas+ As A Replacement Channel To TLNovelas On DStv

TelevisaUnivison's TLNovelas channel was removed from the DStv platform earlier in the year and was first victim to Canal+'s aggressive cost cuts at MultiChoice. This meant that DStv consumers were left with Telemundo's repetitive lineup.

But that will no longer be the case as Canal+ will be debuting Novelas+ as its first TV channel in MultiChoice territories following it's acquisition of the company in 2025. 

The channel will feature a wide variety of telenovelas and drama series from Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and many other countries, bringing viewers even more captivating stories, romance, drama, and unforgettable characters.

Confirmed shows for the channel include Avenida Brasil, Ada Masali and Domenica Montero.

Novelas+ is already available in Poland with it's French equivalent Novelas TV residing in France and French overseas. So it's inclusion on DStv doesn't come as a surprise as it was speculated months after TLNovelas removal on the platform.

Since it's inception, Novelas+ has been serving as a distributor of TelevisaUnivison's telenovelas or as they put it some of the best shows from the world. Africa is basically a hotspot for these shows taking to account brands like Telemundo and eExtra.

Novelas+ will be available to DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family and Access customers on channel 133 from 1st July.

StudioCanal Announces New Production "Home Safety Hotline" With Filming Set To Commence In South Africa By 2027

Los Angeles-based genre label Spooky Pictures, Abu Dhabi-based studio Image Nation and L.A. and UAE-based production company Longevity Pictures have secured a financing deal with prominent European production/distribution banner Studiocanal — through its in-house genre label Sixth Dimension — for their upcoming horror thriller “Home Safety Hotline.”

“Home Safety Hotline,” which is set to start production in South Africa in early 2027, is based on Night Signal Entertainment’s critically acclaimed puzzle video game of the same name. Durban-born Michael Matthews (“Love and Monsters”) (pictured above) will direct from a screenplay written by Nick Tassoni (“Lure”). The film is being produced by Steven Schneider (“Late Night With the Devil”) for Spooky Pictures, alongside Majd Nassif (“Mercy”) for Longevity Pictures and Kameek Lucas Taitt (“Love and Monsters”).

For Studiocanal, boarding “Home Safety Hotline” underlines the company’s commitment to the South African industry following the recent acquisition of local pay-TV outfit The MultiChoice Group by its parent company Canal+.

The executive producers on “Home Safety Hotline” comprise Image Nation’s Ben Ross (“Watcher”), Jakob Pollack (“Weapons”) of Spooky Pictures and Jed Benedict, who is head of Sixth Dimension.

The film, set in the U.S., “will follow an unemployed loner who must take a job as a phone operator at a mysterious home security company, only to realize they specialize in protecting customers from horrific monsters that come out at night,” according to the synopsis.

“Home Safety Hotline” will now be co-developed and co-financed by Sixth Dimension, which will also handle worldwide sales and release the film theatrically across Studiocanal’s territory footprint of the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Benelux, Poland, Australia and New Zealand.

“What we love about Home Safety Hotline is how it takes the most ordinary corners of a home: the walls, the basement, the thing in the attic, and turns them genuinely terrifying, then runs the whole nightmare through a struggling company and the unlikely people holding it together. It’s fun, it’s scary, and it’s unlike anything out there,” said Longevity Pictures president Nassif. “Alongside our partners at Spooky Pictures and Image Nation, and with the support of Studiocanal’s Sixth Dimension, we’ve found exactly the right team to bring it to life.”

Commented Sixth Dimension head Benedict: “Just as every night I hope the eerie humming downstairs comes from my cheap refrigerator, every day I hope a project like ‘Home Safety Hotline’ crosses our radar. From the moment our good friends at Spooky Pictures, Image Nation and Longevity Pictures first spoke of Night Signal Entertainment’s cult game (of the same name), we knew we wanted to be involved. And when we learned that Michael Matthews would be directing — an exceptional filmmaker and a proven monster-whisperer himself — with Nick Tassoni devising our handbook through hell, it became impossible to resist.”

Canal+ Confirms Rugby World Cup Broadcast And More On SuperSport

The CANAL+ Group on Wednesday confirmed an agreement with World Rugby for the rights to broadcast Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 live on SuperSport, on DStv, across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The announcement came as the French group, which recently acquired the MultiChoice Group, confirmed its listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

The confirmation of the broadcast rights for the men’s tournament that will be held in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027 will mean that DStv and GOtv subscribers can look forward to seeing South Africa and Zimbabwe represent Africa at rugby’s biggest global tournament. The 11th edition signals a major evolution for the tournament, expanding to 24 teams and featuring a new format with a round of 16 for the first time, delivering more matches and drama, while creating greater opportunities for emerging nations.

South Africa’s Springboks will be aiming to defend their title after back-to-back triumphs at Japan 2019 and France 2023 as they chase a historic fifth victory.

Zimbabwe also returns to rugby’s biggest competition for the first time since 1991, when the Sables last featured on the Rugby World Cup stage. Other rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, England, Ireland, France and hosts Australia will be going all out to add their names to the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup awarded to the Men’s Rugby World Cup winners. 

Meanwhile, in the women’s game, England’s Red Roses will enter the 2029 tournament as defending champions, having lifted the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 on home soil in a record-breaking competition for viewership, attendance and engagement. South Africa also made history in the last tournament by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, becoming the first African team to do so.

Included in the broadcast agreement are World Rugby’s men’s 15s competitions: the World Rugby Junior World Championship, recently expanded to 16 teams, and the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.

World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer, Michel Poussau said: “We are delighted to partner with the CANAL+ Group to deliver comprehensive, high-quality coverage of international rugby’s pinnacle competitions across Africa, including two exceptional Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027 and 2029. This agreement is a major step in expanding the reach of the game, ensuring fans across the continent can watch, follow and engage more deeply with rugby. We look forward to working closely with CANAL+ teams to bring the sport closer to audiences and inspire the next generation of players and fans in Africa.”

CANAL+ also confirmed that SuperSport will remain the exclusive broadcaster for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) following a multi-year broadcast rights renewal of the inter-continental club competition.

“Confirming these broadcast rights puts the seal on an incredible occasion for us as the CANAL+ Group, alongside the MultiChoice Group, as we have secured broadcast rights to many major rugby tournaments for our subscribers,” said David Mignot, CANAL+ Africa CEO. 

“This is another firm commitment that we are putting our subscribers first by ensuring they never miss out on the best sports content from the continent and from across the globe. We’d also like to acknowledge our partners, World Rugby and the VURC, with whom we will work closely to bring these exciting tournaments to life.”

Rumour: Nigerian Idol Reportedly Cancelled Due To Cost Cutting At Canal+'s MultiChoice

Canal+ completed its acquisition of MultiChoice by late 2025 and have plans to save up toward R7.5 billion in costs. Several DStv consumers would have noticed the disappearance of HBO content on M-Net followed by the Winter Olympics on SuperSport.

Now there's word going around that Nigerian Idol might have gotten the boot at MultiChoice. Although this has yet to be confirmed several consumers had noticed there's been a lot of silence regarding the possibility of an 11th season.

Coincidentally, Nigerian Idol S10 even won at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Unscripted M-Net Original.

A few years ago, MultiChoice and M-Net cancelled Idols SA due to low viewership from what was heard about the show. Since then, it was reported that a revival was in the works or being shopped to another broadcaster being the SABC.

The first season went on air in October 2010 and is shown on 15 different channels all across Africa.

There have been ten following Nigerian Idol winners to date: Onyekachi Elizabeth Gilbert, Mercy Chinwo, Moses Obi Adigwe, Evelle, K-Peace, Kingdom Kroseide, Progress, Victory Gbakara, Purp and Chima Udoye.

With the possible cancellation of Nigerian Idol, this would leave DStv consumers with the African variants to Big Brother. Unlike Idols SA, Big Brother continues to be a staple at MultiChoice spanning adaptations in South Africa, Nigeria and Angola.