M-Net Series (DStv 114) suddenly has double episodes every Saturday night at 20:30 of the 4th season of 90210 which just finally started - but why?
Is M-Net burning off episodes of 90210 as fast as possible? And why are viewers of M-Net (DStv 101) suddenly left high and dry who followed Private Practice but suddenly won't be able to see it unless they have DStv and a bouquet with M-Net Series channel to which Private Practice has been moved?
The 4th season of 90210 was scheduled to start months ago but was pushed later twice. Is double episodes per week being shown of the youth drama just to get the season done before a licensing agreement runs out in the way the SABC "lost" millions in programming it buys but then don't show before the licensing period expires, so-called programming amortisation?
And how does M-Net explain starting a given show for a subscriber, but then never giving them the "full" story or conclusion when a show is yanked from the channel and moved elsewhere without warning?
Here is M-Net's answer to me about the 4th season of 90210 and Private Practice:
"Our channels always look at ways to tweak schedules for the benefit of our viewers and to allocate acquired content to the most appropriate channel," says Lani Lombard, M-Net's corporate communications manager.
"Across the globe, it's not uncommon for channels to feature double-bills or an omnibus of a series. The back-to-back episodes of 90210 on M-Net Series is a special treat for fans of the programme."
"That's why the new season of Private Practice is moving to M-Net Series - a channel that showcases popular old staples as well as current shows."
"While DStv Premium subscribers can still enjoy the show, albeit on another channel, M-Net Series is also available on other DStv bouquets, which means these viewers don't have to wait to see all the Private Practice drama."