by Thinus Ferreira
After denying it's happening e.tv has cancelled The Black Door after just a year on air, with the sex-filled telenovela from Black Brain Pictures axed and getting replaced by another telenovela from the same production company.
After e.tv and the producers said they plan to keep The Black Door on-air for multiple seasons shortly after the show's debut, the production has been axed although e.tv publicity a month ago still denied that it's happening.
The Black Door producers were quickly forced to course correct on e.tv orders after the show made its debut in April 2022 and had to tone down several of the sex-filled risque aspects of the show following negative reaction from viewers.
The show however continued production, although questions were raised later in 2022 on whether The Black Door would get more seasons.
On 6 April TVwithThinus asked e.tv whether The Black Door has been cancelled. e.tv publicist Siyabonga Mposula responded and said "the show continues but with a story that is far more family-accommodating".
A month later, on 4 May, e.tv publicist Karabo Nkabinde in a press release suddenly confirmed that The Black Door has been cancelled and is getting replaced by a "new primetime family-orientated" telenovela Isitha - The Enemy.
Isitha - The Enemy will take a section of The Black Door's already established characters and create a new telenovela out of the Sokhulu family and the "struggles to keep their family together in the face of adversity as new challenges and new rivals come onto the scene".
"We
are committed to bringing the best South African local content to our viewers
and we have to remain receptive to their changing needs and preferences," says Helga Palmer, eMedia head of local programming about cancelling The Black Door and replacing it with Isitha - The Enemy.
"With this
in mind, we are excited to usher in the spin-off series, Isitha – The Enemy.
This story proves to be like no other, with a big focus on family
feuds, drama and intrigue, peppered with some
comedic elements."
Mpumelelo
Nhlapo, executive producer at Black Brain Pictures, in a prepared statement says "We strategically intended for The Black Door to run for
one year".
"Our goal was to break new ground and to push the boundaries of South
African television. The greater vision has always been to tell the story of the
Sokhulu family as a multi-chapter series that allows us to explore different
themes in dynamic and interesting ways."
Show creator Mandla N, creative director at Black Brain Pictures, says "We can't wait for viewers to see how this new chapter delves deeper into the world of the Sokhulus as we explore new characters, new conflicts, and new challenges that will test their strength and resilience".
According to e.tv, Isitha - The Enemy will "pick up from a royal homestead in
eSwatini".
"Here, we find out what happened to
Chuma Sokhulu who was presumed dead in The Black Door chapter of the
Sokhulu story. It promises to be a gripping drama with captivating
storylines and exciting performances. The stunning visuals coupled with unexpected twists and
turns as the story unfolds, will take viewers on a thrill ride that will keep
them on the edge of their seats".
The cast of Isitha - The Enemy will include Sipho Ndlovu, Khanyisani Khwesa and Dawn Thandeka with Thobani Nzuza reprising his role along with some other actors from The Black Door.
