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SABC1 has become the first TV channel in South Africa EVER to (unasked) go big and upfront trumped what they will have for viewers during a new year in television.
Every year the press has to beg and go with scraps (if any) to try and pry from the various big TV channels what they can - just to try and tell viewers what they can expect. You'd think that the information is something they'd WANT to have their viewers and potential new viewers know (but they're sometimes lazy and often VERY SCARED - without reason - because of the ''competition'' knowing their plans). I applaud SABC1 for doing this. It's quite unexpected, quite pro-active and something refreshingly transparent coming from our notoriously secretive and often paranoid local TV industry.
SABC1 told TV critics and journalists EXACTLY what the channel has in store for the year in terms of local TV content as far as the TV channel has made it's plans yet. From a 2nd season of So, You Think you Can Dance?, a new local reality show (Class Act), the return of The Mzansi Awards and others to new seasons of Zone 14, Sokhulu & Partners and many more, I can tell you exactly what SABC1 has planned for the year.
To find out what SABC1 has planned, and the tentative broadcasting dates click on READ MORE below!
2010 FIFA World Cup
SABC1 will start broadcasting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament on African soil this year to what will definitely create record viewership for the channel.
From: Friday, 11 June
Harambe
This new local teen talk show is also a surprise: hard-hitting, informative topics most usually shy away from - from teen suicide to teen pregnancy. But with honest answers, and done tastefully. With musical guests to keep the mood from going to dark.
More more about the show that I've already written about, click RIGHT HERE.
From: Thursday, 14 January at 19:00 (26 episodes)
Zone 14 III
The very popular local drama series is back for a 3rd season in its typical township setting, focusing on the lives of two families: the Sibiyas and the Molois. Soccer bosses, small time traders, aspiring players and ganga brothers all live and work side by side. At the centre of the drama are the Tiger Boys, a soccer team with dreams to play in the premier league.
From: Monday, 12 July on Mondays and Wednesdays at 20:30
Rize Mzansi II
This local entrepreneurial reality competition show is back for a 2nd season, created around the trials and tribulations of small businesses.
From: Tuesday, 13 July at 18:30
Sokhulu & Partners II
The next season of this local legal drama tries to give viewers insight into South African law but wraps it in a compelling, entertaining yarn set inside a fictitious law firm.
From: Thursday, 12 August at 20:30
City Sesla IV
This local sitcom has yet another season. Why? Because it's SUPER popular and burning up the numbers in huge viewership. This sitcom follows the lives of 20somethings from completely different backgrounds all living in a trendy loft apartment in the heart of Johannesburg's new des res location, Milpark.
From: Monday, 12 July at 19:00
Soul City X
It's the 10th season of the ever-popular, gripping (my word!) local drama which focused on various health issues. Educational, but watching it, you won't even realize it.
From: Monday, 8 March at 20:30 (13 episodes)
Khumbul’ Ekhaya
Kinda tabloidy, kinda exploiting people, but they do get reunited with their long lost loved ones. If you haven't watched this show - DO! You won't be able to look away at the raw human emotion and tears! The producers track real South Africans who ask for help in locating missing people in terms of relationships: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, children. And the stories! Just when you've thought you've seen everything . . .
From: Wednesdays at 21:00 (13 episodes)
Class Act
SABC1's big and brand-new local reality show looking for a leading man which I've written about a lot since breaking the news in December RIGHT HERE and RIGHT HERE who the judges are and RIGHT HERE all the info on how to enter. Aspiring actors will be put through their paces, testing their passion for acting and commitment. Each week they will perform in beautifully filmed ''mini-movies'', after which the judges kick one out.
From: Saturday, 20 March at 18:30 (13 episodes)
So You Think You Can Dance? II
The local reality show is back in which amateur dancers compete for the top prize of being the best dancer, while they get whittled down by judges and viewers.
From: Saturday, 17 July at 21:00 until 9 October
Salute to Greatness
A series of documentaries celebrating South African individuals whose lives made a lasting impact to their communities.
From: Tuesday, 28 March at 21:00
Stars of Mzansi Celebrity Award ceremony
The date is not yet confirmed, but the glitzy gala awards show that had to be cancelled last year because of the SABC's financial crisis will definitely be back in 2010. The awards show celebrated all stars from a wide range of genres within the local entertainment industry.
SAMA Awards
The 16th SAMAS will be on 17 April 2010 says SABC1 and this year's annual glam shindig will once again recognize and award artists, producers and composers within the South African music industry.
