by Thinus Ferreira
The Year of the Dragon - 2024 - according to Chinese astrology, kicks off today with four must-watch television shows, ranging from an annual royal variety show to a local celebrity competition, a bitcoin fraud documentary and an enjoyable murder mystery.
Here are the must-see TV on 2024's New Year's Day to ring in the new year:
Bitconned (true-crime documentary)
Netflix, released: 1 January 2024
Another one of those truly eye-popping, jaw-dropping true-crime documentaries, this one is set in the world of cybercrime and tells the shocking story of how brazen lies and manipulation built the Centra Tech cryptocurrency kingdom (which imploded).
Strong language makes this film doc adults-only, smartly weaving a lurid fraud investigation tale that's so true although you will shake your head in disbelief.
When the cryptocurrency craze started in 2017, a young man named Ray Trapani exploited people and the industry's lack of knowledge to create a fake debit card scheme for crypto transactions in a "Wolf of Wall Street" like racket that was spectacular - until it all came tumbling down.
Deal or No Deal SA Celebrity Special (game show)
SABC1, 19:30
A special celeb week of Deal or No Deal South Africa kicks off this evening, with well-known South Africans competing to win money for charities.
From tonight viewers will see the flamboyant Lasiswe Dambuza, DJ Lamiez Holworthy-Morule, culinary queen Siba Mongana, Ukhozi FM's Selby Mkhoze and KFM's Sibongile Mafu open the boxes to see what numbers they can eliminate in the hope of winning a lot of money.
The boxes they pick will be held by 20 previous fan-favourite contestants who will hand out advice and update viewers about what they've since done with the money they have won.
Death in Paradise New Year's Special (murder mystery drama)
BBC Brit (DStv 120), 20:00
Before we get to the 13th season later this year which will open with episode 100, the 12th season ends with this feature-length special in which it's Christmas and unlucky-in-love Neville's mom visits the island of Saint Marie.
The episode's murder mystery revolves around a wealthy entrepreneur who goes missing and is found dead at the bottom of a ravine, with a house guest who has also mysteriously vanished. Can the detectives puzzle out the crime in time?
Royal Variety Performance 2023 (variety special)
M-Net (DStv 101), 20:00
Bradley Walsh is the host of the 2023 Royal Variety Performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, with multiple star-studded performances, including from legendary superstar Cher, with Kate Middleton and Prince William, as well as Sweden's Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel attending.
Since Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary there's a medley from the casts of The Lion King, Aladdin, Frozen and Beauty and the Beast, along with multiple other West End musicals.
Other performers include Paloma Faith, Rick Astley, Zara Larsson and Hannah Waddingham who will be accompanied by the ENO chorus.
