by Thinus Ferreira
In another shocking programming move from the SABC, the public broadcaster is shifting Deal or No Deal SA to SABC2 from March which means that the local version of the game show will now have been shown on all three of the SABC's traditional terrestrial TV channels.
While the first season of Deal or No Deal SA - produced by Homebrew Films through Primedia Studios with host Katlego Maboe - aired on SABC1 with repeats on SABC3 since March 2023, the second season of the Banijay-format show from March 2024 will now suddenly be on SABC2.
Before the start of the show in 2023, the SABC was asked why a TV show specifically for SABC1 audiences would work and be shown on SABC3, with the broadcaster that responded by saying that Deal or No Deal SA and The Masked Singer SA works for both those TV channels.
Now the SABC has decided that the show works for not just two but all three of its differently branded TV channels although each channel supposedly caters content to separate viewing audiences.
The SABC calls the Deal or No Deal SA move from SABC1 to SABC2 a "scheduling adjustment".
Deal or No Deal SA is moving into the 18:30 timeslot on SABC2 where the Afrikaans TV news bulletin was. After cancelling 7de Laan in the 18:00 timeslot on SABC2, the SABC is moving the Afrikaans TV news from the 18:30 timeslot to SABC3 and much later to 20:30.
The SABC is also cancelling the broadcaster's sole Afrikaans current affairs show Fokus and removing the remaining Afrikaans content from SABC2 besides the TV news from the channel as part of a plan to reallocate it its struggling and smaller SABC3 channel.
On SABC1, the Deal or No Deal SA gap at 19:30 is being filled with Skeem Saam moving later to this timeslot. No announcement has yet been made on what SABC1 will fill Skeem Saam's timeslot with but the preliminary schedule shows repeats at 18:30.
"Game shows are part of the SABC2 signature offering and have always been audience drawcard," says Gerhard Pretorius, SABC channel head.
"They encourage family viewing and participation and speak to our family entertainment positioning. We are excited to continue the show's legacy of uplifting communities and giving back, and we welcome Deal or No Deal to the SABC2 family."
Jan du Plessis, Primedia Studios president, says "We are
immensely proud of Deal or No Deal South Africa and how it has brought
smiles and excitement to many Mzansi homes."
"Whilst the upcoming
season will have all the thrilling elements that will make more viewers fall in
love with the show, loyal fans are in for some delightful surprises. The
mysterious banker will have some exciting new tricks up his sleeve."
