by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net has decided to revive the Rockville drama series after five years with a new 5th season of the Ferguson Films series that is set to return to Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) in 2021 promising a refreshed and expanded story with new actors joining some of the established characters.
"I can confirm that Rockville is returning. For now, we are still sorting out the contractual agreements," Philly Kubheka, the head of publicity at Mzansi Magic, tells TVwithThinus.
Rockville executive produced by Connie and Shona Ferguson and who also both had on-screen roles, launched in May 2013 on Mzansi Magic and ran for 4 seasons until 2016, contrasting the worlds of Johannesburg's glitzy northern suburbs and the Bogatsus family, with the streets of Soweto where the working class Mabasos family lives.
Rockville was the first project from Ferguson Films and the first executive producing TV vehicle for the Ferguson showrunners pair, in addition to being the first drama series for Mzansi Magic.
Although Rockville was never officially cancelled, although ratings dipped over time, it was pushed from the Mzansi Magic schedule in favour of other newer projects over the past decade from Ferguson Films like iGazi, The Gift, The Throne, The Herd, The Queen and The Imposter. In 2020 they produced the drama series Kings of Joburg for Netflix.
About why Rockville is being revived, Philly Kubheka says that DStv subscribers "showed that there is still a longing for Rockville. That is precisely why we are bringing back this local content on our screens".
Filming on the new 5th season has started although some Rockville contractual agreements are still being sorted out. Several new faces are expected to join some of the actors who will be returning to familiar roles for an expanded new storyline.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming the squad that started it all back and introducing new and exciting characters and talent. More details about the cast of Rockville season 5 will be announced," says Connie Ferguson.
