A+E Networks UK has commissioned a second local show for South African and Africa's viewers with a South African version of Married at First Sight, entitled Married at First Sight South Africa that will be broadcast on Lifetime (DStv 131) from early 2017.
Married at First Sight South Africa will be produced by Oxyg3n Media, and follows Four Weddings South Africa that's also on Lifetime.
In the show - the original also broadcast on Lifetime - different couples, pre-picked to be perfect fits - get married and are then tracked as newlyweds to see if the relationships and marriages will last.
Already 25 local versions have been produced and the South African version of Married at First Sight will look to lure the receptive audience that's made shows like Our Perfect Wedding on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) viewership hits.
"We’re delighted to announce a local version of this hugely successful international format," says Heather Jones, A+E Networks UK's senior vice president of content and creative in a statement announcing Married at First Sight South Africa.
"The American version of Married at First Sight is one of the best performing A+E Networks shows in the African market. So we have high expectations for this local series, which will be a great addition to our very popular wedding content scheduled on Lifetime in Africa".
"It's great news that Married at First Sight is heading to Africa on Lifetime," says Bo Stehmeier, the senior vice president for global sales at the format's distributor Red Arrow International.
"The show is a hit wherever it travels and is one of the most talked-about formats of the decade. We can't wait to see this brand new version".
Oxyg3n Media's Rebecca Fuller Campbell says "We are delighted to be working with A+E Networks on this Red Arrow original. We have no doubt that this will be a very special series for African audiences. This is a truly innovative social experiment for those dedicated to finding love".
Married at First Sight South Africa has been commissioned by Koulla Anastasi, A+E Networks UK's director of programming for the Lifetime channel seen in Africa.
