UNDER FIRE. Ultimate Braai Master returns for a 7th season with Justin Bonello and judges Pete Goffe-Wood and Benny Masekwameng.

by Thinus Ferreira

The braai reality competition show Ultimate Braai Master (UBM) returns for its 7th season on Saturday at 18:00 on e.tv, with Justin Bonello who is once again the presenter and with Pete Goffe-Wood and Benny Masekwameng returning as judges for an "Under Fire"-themed season.

The new season was filmed in Gqeberha during August and September as a Covid-19 safe bubble production, featuring new teams and contestants from across South Africa who have to braai within the allocated time, according to themes, come rain, wind or sunshine.

"The last 18 months have been a trying time for all South Africans, so I was delighted by the high standard of talent that applied to be a part of Ultimate Braai Master, so much so that making the decision about the final teams was really tough," says Justin Bonello.

"We also spent time identifying great locations in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. We wanted locations that were going to test both the contestants' resilience and cooking ability, and at the same time showcase what a great tourist destination Nelson Mandela Bay is. It is a very exciting series."

Benny Masekwameng says that "What I most enjoy about Ultimate Braai Master is how the show's diversity unites everyone around one fire".

"I really enjoy the innovation and creativity that this group brings to the show.  The camaraderie that is built during the shoot endures long after the show has aired."

This Ultimate Braai Master season has been themed "Under Fire" with episodes that will repeat on Saturdays on the eReality channel at 16:00 and on eExtra on Sundays at 14:35.

ALSO READ: 7th season of Ultimate Braai Master to film in Nelson Mandela Bay over 6 weeks as a contained Covid-safe bubble show, will broadcast on e.tv and stream on Netflix.

e.tv adds new self-packaged eReality channel for its Openview platform.

eMedia Investments is starting its self-packaged eReality channel on Monday, 19 November on its free-to-air Openview satellite TV service.

eReality will run on channel 108 on Openview, and will broadcast reality shows featuring real-life stories, fascinating personalities and human emotion in its rawest form and include shows themed around crime, paranormal activity, nature, adventure, medical anomalies, outrageous obsessions and bizarre behaviour.

Some of the channel's programmes include Little Women: LA, Cheaters, Hoarding: Buried Alive, Pawn Stars, Botched! and Myth Busters.

Shows like Border Security: America’s Frontline and Untold Stories of the ER will show viewers the worlds of law enforcement and emergency medicine, while fans of extreme adventure reality will be able to tune in for Python Hunters and Running Wild with Bear Grylls. 

eReality's launch line-up also includes shows like Dating Naked and My Strange Addiction.

eReality will also cater to true crime fans with a number of international crime documentaries and series, including Aaron Hernandez Uncovered, The Case Of Caylee Anthony, The Disappearance of Natalie Holloway, Unspeakable Crime: The Killing Of Jessica Chambers, #killerpost and Buried In The Backyard.

"Reality television shows continue to grow in popularity around the world, and we are thrilled to bring Openview viewers a standalone channel dedicated to showcasing some of the best reality content available," says Marlon Davids, managing director of e.tv channels.

"We have paid careful attention to the mix of programming on the channel to make sure that there is something special for all reality TV fans and have no doubt that our viewers will love this channel."