How Netflix's Potential Acquisition Of Warner Bros. Discovery Affects M-Net, DStv And Showmax?

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Not long ago, it was reported that Netflix won the bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery valuing the deal at $72 billion. This deal would DC Entertainment/Studios, Cartoon Network Studios, HBO, Warner Bros. Pictures/Television and New Line Cinema.

Below is a how this deal is bad news for MultiChoice

M-Net and Showmax

MultiChoice had been licensing Game Of Thrones and Penguins from HBO to M-Net and Showmax. In the event of an acquisition, Netflix had expressed interest to continue these partnerships with local broadcasters but it may not be easy.

If MultiChoice continues to license content from Warner Bros. they could as well look to increase the rates. This is something MultiChoice's new owners Canal+ may not find amusing as they've begun cost cutting due to DStv's shrinking consumer base.

Besides that, the previous owners at MultiChoice had been anti-Netflix for sometime so the general audience had sort of painted a certain image of the company. While free-to-air broadcasters such as SABC and eMedia Investments had been licensing from the streamer.

MultiChoice put up a wall between them and Netflix again this was the previous owners regime as Canal+ does view them as partners. They do have an agreement to bundle their services in francophone markets alongside a content deal through K+.

The reality is while Warner Bros. continues to license content to M-Net and Showmax, Netflix will likely make further productions exclusive to their services. If they do continue licensing, I doubt MultiChoice would want their scraps.

Netflix is already available in the market which further complicates things as M-Net and Showmax are meant to go hand in hand with their content. But then again, MultiChoice is part of StudioCanal's parent company which gives them leverage.

Netflix may offer Stranger Things, Squid Games and Wednesday but with Canal+'s MultiChoice there's Paris Has Fallen, Spinners and iShaka iLembe.

DStv

For this part, I feel there's a lot of exaggeration as Netflix is not acquiring Discovery, TLC or the linear Cartoon Network as that is being spun off into a separate company. Of course, Netflix's bid to be frank sort of dilutes the value of Cartoon Network.

Cartoon Network under Discovery Global will be leaning more toward third party programming such as Lego Ninjago, Dragonball Super and Totally Spies!. While what made Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney "The Big 3" like Regular Show and Tiny Toons Looniversity goes to Netflix.

It's likely that they will be a licensing agreement for these shows but they'll most definitely be like DreamWorks Channel - reruns. Under a separate company, they're not going to prioritise on these Netflix originals.

If it is deemed expensive these shows could as well get phased out and again that just dilutes Cartoon Network who had been reliant on these IPs.

Turning over the torch to Discovery Global, this is the company that MultiChoice is involved in a carriage dispute with over the future of its 12 channels. These include Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC and as mentioned the linear Cartoon Network.

Of course, the matter of concern here to me is that as mentioned with Cartoon Network while the Netflix deal makes the company more leaner. There's still another 20 billion worth of debt they need to clean out.

Expecting for content to be reduced, potential sales or closures to operations or channels and lastly massive layoffs particularly for international feeds.

All of this might as well unfold while these channels are no longer on DStv but then again it's likely that MultiChoice could opt to keep a few channels. My guess would be Discovery Channel, TLC, Cartoon Network, Real Time, Cartoonito, ID and CNN.

‘HBO, DC, Cartoon Network’: 10 Companies That Netflix Will Now Own After The Warner Bros Buyout

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Following Netflix’s agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s TV and film studios and streaming division in a deal valued at roughly $72 billion, the streaming giant will take control of some of the most influential brands in global entertainment. Based on the assets included in the sale, here are 10 major companies and brands Netflix will now own.

1. HBO

The deal includes Warner Bros Discovery's streaming and premium-TV business, giving Netflix full ownership of HBO, one of the strongest content brands in the world, known for Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us and more.

2. HBO Max / Max

Netflix will also acquire the HBO Max (rebranded as Max) streaming service, a direct competitor. This dramatically increases Netflix’s control over prestige television and reshapes the streaming landscape.

3. Warner Bros Television

The acquisition includes Warner Bros’ television production unit, one of the industry’s largest suppliers of scripted and unscripted programming, producing shows for networks globally.

4. Warner Bros Pictures

Netflix gains control of Warner Bros Pictures, the centerpiece film studio behind franchises such as Harry Potter, DC Films, Mad Max and Fantastic Beasts.

5. DC Entertainment / DC Studios

The DC superhero universe featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Joker and more, falls under Netflix’s ownership as part of the studios division.

6. New Line Cinema

The iconic studio behind The Lord of the Rings, The Conjuring and IT will become part of Netflix’s content empire through the Warner Bros acquisition.

7. Cartoon Network Studios

The animation division producing global hits like Ben 10, Adventure Time and The Powerpuff Girls will be owned by Netflix, expanding its youth and animation catalogue.

8. Adult Swim

Known for Rick and Morty, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and cult animation, Adult Swim also moves under Netflix as part of the studios and TV assets it is buying.

9. Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

TCM’s extensive classic-films library and broadcast brand will fall under Netflix's control, giving it unmatched catalogue depth.

10. Vox Media Partnership Assets

Warner Bros Discovery maintains multiple joint ventures, including content partnerships with Vox Media (such as digital news/documentary collaborations). These partnership rights transfer to Netflix as part of the studio and streaming business purchase.

The article was originally published by Wionews

Netflix Wins the Warner Bros. Discovery Bidding War, Enters Exclusive Deal Talks

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Warner Bros. Discovery is moving forward with exclusive deal talks with Netflix, TheWrap has learned.

WBD has selected Netflix after the streaming giant offered $30 a share for the studio and streaming assets, according to two people familiar with the deal talks. The deal also includes a $5 billion break-up fee to match the terms that Paramount added with its bid.

While its unclear what the makeup of the new bid looks like, the prior bid was a mix of mostly cash and stock.

Netflix securing a win over rival suitors Paramount and Comcast represents a stunning turnaround from just two months ago, when co-CEO Greg Peters shaded big media mergers as not having an “amazing track record,” and Paramount buying WBD seemed like a foregone conclusion. Fast forward to today, and Netflix has won a furious M&A bake-off after three rounds of bids.

Representatives for Netflix and WBD weren’t immediately available for comment.

These exclusive talks clear the road for Netflix to acquire the Warner Bros. studios, HBO Max and a treasure trove of IP assets like “Harry Potter” and the DC Universe. Netflix, which once aspired to be like HBO when first embarking on original content, is on a course to become its next owner. Obtaining such assets could dramatically reshape the entertainment landscape and give Netflix even more power over Hollywood — concerns the streamer will have to assuage.

Regulatory hurdles

The willingness to include the unusually large breakup fee was likely critical with questions arising on how Netflix will get a deal with Warner Bros. through regulatory approval. It would face stiff antitrust scrutiny and opposition from the U.S. Department of Justice, New York Post’s Charles Gasparino reported on Tuesday.

A representative for the Department Justice declined to comment on the report.

In a Nov. 13 letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Department of Justice antitrust division assistant attorney general Gail Slater, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa warned that a Netflix bid would raise antitrust concerns that could harm consumers and Hollywood alike. He noted that consolidation between the two companies would “diminish incentives to produce new content and major theatrical releases,” which could “undermine opportunities for the full range of industry professionals both in front of and behind the camera.”

California Attorney General Robert Bonta has previously voiced his opposition to any deals involving WBD. “Further consolidation in markets that are central to American economic life — whether in the financial, airline, grocery or broadcasting and entertainment markets — does not serve the American economy, consumers or competition well,” his office told TheWrap last month in response to Paramount’s initial offer.

“We are committed to protecting consumers and California’s economy from consolidation we find unlawful,” the spokesperson added.

The process of completing the deal could distract the company from executing its core business. There’s also the X factor of Netflix jumping into the deep end of the theatrical business, a part of the entertainment world it has kept its distance from. Netflix shares fell 5% on Wednesday when investors realized the prospect of a deal happening was very real.

Would Paramount Be A Good Suitor For Warner Bros. Discovery Global?

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Paramount is planning to several linear channels across the world by the end of 2025. This includes Nickelodeon's channels in New Zealand and Brazil, BET in France and MTV's music channels across Europe.

Amidst this, Paramount is currently in pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery which distributes brands like Discovery Channel, HGTV, Cartoon Network and CNN. Prior to this bid, Warner Bros. Discovery was exploring potential split with most of their cable networks forming part of Discovery Global.

If we analyze most of the channels Paramount is looking to shutter across the world such as BET in France and Nickelodeon in Brazil. You would discover that most of the hits target regional or localised brands which does lead us to wonder what is to become of Discovery Global.

Discovery Global offers a lot of cable networks compared to Paramount the ones which have seen success internationally include Cartoonito, Boing and DMAX. These would expand to include regional networks like Discovery Family, Real Time and TNT.

In the event where Paramount bid is probably deemed successful whose to guarantee that these networks won't walk out the door. Paramount is pivoting toward streaming and wanting to offer content with global appeal.

If you look at the state of Paramount's cable networks their operations would be reduced to just MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons by next year. As BET, MTV Base and various other channels get their affairs in order and bid farewell.

There's a chance Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon could be placed under the same umbrella although Paramount intends to keep certain aspects of Warner Bros. Discovery. Reductions is the one thing that usually comes out of a merger or acquisition.

Paramount intends to merge HBO Max with Paramount+ and that wouldn't necessarily equal more content. HBO Max in such a transaction could become what Hulu is on Disney+ globally as opposed to a juggernaut like Netflix.

Paramount very much like Warner can see the writing on the wall when it comes to dominance and the reality is that not everyone can be a shark under water. Some companies to resort to partnerships or even mergers to become a bigger fish in the ocean.

Usually in merger and acquisitions, the acquiring company puts their needs above all else. In the first round, it would be Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., from Paramount going up against Cartoon Network and Cartoonito from Warner Bros. Discovery.

Warner Bros. Discovery had been reliant on third party content for these cable networks and Paramount may not like that strategy. Aside from that, Cartoon Network makes 15%-20% of its revenue from 2014 which has affected the channel's overall performance.

Teen Titans GO! is currently the only primetime show on the network while other productions like Tiny Toons Looniversity and We Baby Bears wrap productions. Then there's Batwheels on Cartoonito which has been on limbo following its third season renewal.

Paramount in its attempts at scaling back on costs could opt to merge Cartoon Network's operations with that of Nickelodeon or Nicktoons while Cartoonito is phased out in favour of Nick Jr.

The second round would comprise of Travel Channel, Discovery Family, Real Time and TNT.

As seen already, Paramount is scaling back on its international operations with the closures of CBS Reality, CBS Justice, MTV Base and BET. Whose to say that the same fate won't await these brands.

Discovery Channel and TLC have more reruns and part of their primetime shows are likely reruns from HGTV and Food Network. It kind of makes Discovery Family and Real Time obsolete if the company doesn't have much content for their core brands.

Travel Channel is very similar to BET and CBS Reality when it comes to scale with the channel that had also seen a slow decline in carriage. Under Paramount, this endeavours would be accelerated even further.

Baby Shark's Big Show Launches Soon On Play Room

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Play Room, a South African based children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group offering a mixture animated and live action will be rolling out a new preschool series, Baby Shark's Big Show!. This comes after the channel acquired rights to Tyler Perry's Young Dylan from Nickelodeon.

Synopsis for Baby Shark's Big Show 

Co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand Pinkfong, the series (26 half-hour episodes) follows Baby Shark and his best friend William as they journey on fun-filled comedic adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove, make new friends and sing original catchy tunes along the way.

In the series premiere, “Baby Tooth/Slobber Slug,” Baby Shark gets his first loose tooth and enlists William’s help to lose it so he can trade it in for a sand dollar. When their antics get the tooth lost for real, they must team up with the Toothfish Fairy to track it down. Then, while Baby Shark and his friends are playing Barnacle Ball, Hank’s pet rock, Rocky, is accidentally sent soaring into the lair of the vicious Slobber Slug and they must stage an elaborate rescue mission.

Baby Shark’s Big Show! is executive produced by Gary “Doodles” DiRaffaele (Breadwinners) and Tommy Sica (Breadwinners), with Whitney Ralls (My Little Pony: Equestria Girls) serving as co-executive producer. 

Baby Shark's Big Show will air daily on the channel at 07:37 from Monday 8 December with repeats at 11:15.

Comcast Looking To Spinoff And Merge It's NBCUniversal's Division With Warner Bros. Discovery

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The future of Warner Bros. Discovery is hanging in the balance, with the entertainment company’s board of directors now weighing second round bids for the company from Comcast, Paramount and Netflix.

The offers were due Monday, and all three companies submitted their revised plans.

While the specific cash amounts were not immediately clear (also complicated by the fact that only Paramount is pursuing the whole company), the second round bids included some notable tweaks. Netflix, for example, is now a mostly cash bid, after initially leaning on its stock as a key part of the deal.

And Paramount is offering all-cash, having secured debt financing from the private equity giant Apollo, as well as unknown Middle East sovereign wealth funds. The nature of the debt financing means that Ellison and Redbird will retain total control of Paramount if they are successful in their bid.

Comcast, meanwhile, is said to have proposed a deal that would see it spin out NBCUniversal into WBD in what would likely be a stock-heavy transaction.

Barring any surprise late bidders or a call by the WBD board to continue with their split, one of the three media giants is likely to emerge as the buyer of assets that include the venerable Warner Bros. film and TV studios, HBO and HBO Max, and IP that includes DC Comics, Friends, and Harry Potter.

So what happens next? WBD’s board will need to weigh the new offers, and either request a third round of bids if they feel they can extract more compelling offers, or pick a winner and start working on a binding agreement.

To split or not to split: This is in many ways the fundamental question about the future of WBD. The company was planning to split itself in two: A streaming and studio business, and a linear TV business. Paramount wants the whole thing, while Comcast and Netflix want to stay away from linear. Does the company sell itself whole (likely to Paramount) or split itself, either in a sale or a continuation of its previous process?

Regulatory hell: The Trump administration has made it clear that David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison would have an easier regulatory path, fresh off their deal for Paramount. At the same time, anonymous administration sources have made it clear to friendly voices like Fox Business Network and the New York Post’s Charlie Gasparino that Netflix and Comcast would face scrutiny. How tough will the government be? And will it dissuade the WBD board from cutting a deal with anyone that doesn’t have the last name Ellison?

Film’s future: Netflix is not in the theatrical film business, really. NBCUniversal and Paramount are. But if the WBD studios are sold, what happens to its film studio, which has had a breakout year under the leadership of Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy? Netflix has reportedly promised continues theatrical releases, but does that mean the same sort of wide release WB has done? Or a Netflix-ified version? Would NBCU or Paramount really just double their film output? Or is the future of WB more like 20th Century Fox, as a niche with a few releases under the larger umbrella?

Sports superpower: WBD may have lost its NBA rights, but its portfolio still includes prime MLB and NHL deals, one half of the March Madness college basketball tourney (Paramount has the rest) and other rights that include the French Open and college football. When added to the portfolios of Paramount or NBCU, it could make for a compelling sports proposition, a sports media giant that would rival only ESPN in scale. But with those rights set to travel with the linear TV business, their future remains uncertain.

What about Zas? WBD CEO David Zaslav has made no secret of his love of the game. He hosts star-studded dinners at his Beverly Hills mansion (once known as Woodland, the estate of mogul Robert Evans), he has sought out meetings and held court at his U.S. Open suite with A-listers and tycoons. Would he really hang up his power suit (or power vest?) that easily? Paramount has reportedly offered him a major role, so it stands to reason that others may make similar offers as further enticement for a deal.

Mystery bidder: We know that Paramount, Comcast and Netflix have submitted bids, but that doesn’t preclude a surprise bidder entering the fray. Perhaps, say, a private equity firm backed by Middle Eastern money? Or a Japanese entertainment conglomerate with an American partner? Don’t count out any surprises.

'Max & The Midknights' Renewed For Season Three; To Premiere On Nickelodeon Global On December 3

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Based on the best-selling children's books by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate), the medieval action-adventure comedy series follows Max, a determined 10-year-old girl with big dreams of becoming a knight, as she leads her friends on epic adventures filled with excitement, bravery, and lots of fun. In season three, Max and the Midknights embark on a quest to help a neighboring kingdom of gnomes and discover that their own kingdom could be in danger.

Max & the Midknights will premiere on the Nickelodeon Global pan-regional feed on Wednesday 3rd December 2025.

A Restless Knight, Part One: After a raucous season one, Max & the Midknights are back and ready for action! There's just one problem-Byjovia is quiet! Too quiet... (#301; season three premiere)*

*Season one of Max & the Midknights was split into two seasons, so "season one" in the episode's synopsis means both seasons one and two.

After defeating Fendra and Gastley, Max & The Midknights are living their best lives in Byjovia. Max is in training in knight school, Kevyn runs the royal library, Simon helps animals in need, Millie is in training with Mumblin, and Uncle Budrick is the royal troubadour. Although things seem perfect, Max is itching to go on another quest. When a wild beast known as a Clatterback shows up in Byjovia and threatens to do major damage, Max saves the day, making it even more apparent that she really wants to be out on the road helping people. Her desire for a new adventure is answered when Queen Nerelia of Tresk shows up begging for help.

A Restless Knight, Part Two: When the Gnomes of Tresk are kidnapped by a mysterious evil, Max & the Midknights volunteer to save them, but Max's plans for her second quest go awry when she learns not all the Midknights are as eager as she is to go on the mission. (#302)

When the Gnomes of Tresk are kidnapped by a mysterious evil, Max & the Midknights volunteer to save them. Max is thrilled to go on a new quest, but her plans go awry when she learns that Simon doesn't want to go. Having just settled into Byjovia with his new family, Simon would rather stay home. Despite feeling sad, the Midknights tell him that they understand how he feels. Sadly, Mumblin must also sit out the journey after an accidental tumble down the library steps leaves him in a full body cast. The Midknights set sail down two members. The morning they leave though, Simon has a change of heart. With the help of his animal patients, Simon rushes to the docks to try and catch the Midknights before they sail away from Byjovia. As Simon nears the ship, he and the Midknights are confronted by the angry Clatterback. In the nick of time, Simon convinces the animal to let them go. Simon tells the Midknights that he has changed his mind. They are his family and he's going on this quest with them. 

The Spirit of the Sea: As Max and the Midknights sail across the sea on their quest, they get spooked when Uncle Budrick claims there's a ghost on board their ship! Meanwhile, Mumblin fears someone is out to get him. (#303)

As the Midknights sail across the sea on their latest quest, Max realizes the gang might be a little rusty. Kevyn and Millie aren't seeing eye to eye, Simon is preoccupied helping his animal clients from long distance, and Uncle Budrick is terribly seasick! However, Max is certain she can get them working as a team. But when Uncle Budrick is spooked by something sinister in the shadows below deck, he is convinced he saw a ghost! Determined to get back on mission, Max leads the charge to search the ship and find whatever mysterious presence might be haunting them. They soon find there's no ghost at all-they've been spooked by a stowaway, the former King of Byjovia, Gastley! But as the Midknights are distracted, the ship veers off course and into a powerful storm! They quickly realize they must act as a team in order to steady the ship before it capsizes! Meanwhile, back in Byjovia, Mumblin fears someone might be behind his recent spate of accidents, and takes matters into his own hands...

The Trial of Mumblin the Magician: After being blown off course, the Midknights navigate a set of treacherous waterfalls as they try to reach the Gnomes of Tresk. Meanwhile, Mumblin pleads for his freedom in Wizard Court where the odds are stacked against him. (#304)

When the Midknights' ship is set off course, the team must survive treacherous new waters. Before Max can enact her plan, she is summoned to Wizard Court where Mumblin is on trial for his life. Max must help Mumblin prove that he is a good wizard and that he escaped the afterlife to help the Midknights defeat Fendra. If Max can't, Mumblin will be sent away for good. Max calls on the Midknights to testify on Mumblin's behalf. When those attempts fail, Max takes the stand. At first, Max's emotional testimony seems to win over the court, but her pleas for Mumblin's freedom backfire and Mumblin is ultimately found guilty. Luckily, Kevyn discovers a way to save Mumblin. Max must battle the Worms of Justice and if she wins, then Mumblin will be set free. Transported to a desert, Max battles giant worms. In the end, Max defeats the worms and Mumblin wins his trial. Unfortunately, the Midknights are sent back to their boat, which is headed straight for a massive waterfall!

The voice cast behind the Midknights, a group of misfits each with their own unique talent, include: Blu del Barrio (Star Trek: Discovery) as Max, a brave and determined girl ready to take on any challenge headed her way; Melissa Villaseñor (Saturday Night Live) as Millie, a wacky yet super positive girl who brings the power of magic to the Midknights; Zeno Robinson (Transformers: EarthSpark) as Simon, Millie’s street-savvy and sometimes sarcastic companion; and Caleb Yen (Beyblade X) as Kevyn, the bookish genius with a photographic memory. Together, the group accomplishes nearly everything that they set their mind to achieve.

Alongside the Midknights, Jeremy Rowley (iCarly) lends his voice as Uncle Budrick, Max’s lovably silly parental figure and professional troubadour, Gary Anthony Williams (Central Park) voices Mumblin, a famous retired magician who helps guide the Midknights on their quests, Brian Stepanek (The Loud House) voices King Gastley, the nefarious ruler of Byjovia, willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his throne, and India de Beaufort (It’s Pony) voices Fendra, a dark sorceress working for King Gastley.

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank, Max & the Midknights is executive produced by Lincoln Peirce (Big Nate) and Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted). Sharon Flynn (All Hail King Julien) and David Skelly (Toy Story 2) serve as co-executive producers and showrunners. Development and production is overseen by Claudia Spinelli, Senior Vice President, TV Series Animation, Nickelodeon, Nathan Schram, Vice President, Development, Nickelodeon Animation, and Stephanie Alpert, Vice President, Production, Nickelodeon Animation. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

The article was originally published by NickAlive!

Disney's Linear TV Channels Return To Sky Italia

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Disney's linear TV channels are coming back to Sky. In a few days, as ItaliaOggi can exclusively reveal, the partnership agreement between the Burbank giant and Comcast’s broadcaster will be officially announced. The deal will bring some of Disney’s rich content catalogue — including Disney, FX, Hulu, etc. — back to good old traditional linear television channels, which, contrary to what many analysts have claimed for years, never actually go out of fashion.

Soon, therefore, Sky Italia subscribers will enjoy a new Disney-branded channel, with potential future developments in the areas of animation, TV series, movies, and documentaries.

Sky’s strategy

All of this fits into a broader strategic redesign in which Sky is reshaping its partnership perimeter based on the value perceived by its subscribers. This same logic explains the recent acquisitions of TV rights for basketball and rugby, the renewal of the UEFA agreement for Champions League rights from 2027–2031, and the ongoing negotiations with Liberty Media-Dorna for the renewal of MotoGP rights (whose current deal expires at the end of 2025). MotoGP currently finds itself with TV ratings halved, a championship of little interest, and no standout personalities apart from Marc Márquez — yet it is unlikely to give up its relationship with Sky (the platform that still guarantees the greatest visibility for the two-wheeled circus) and may simply accept a lower fee for the rights.

The end of the partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery

The agreement with Disney comes just as Sky Italia’s long relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery is officially coming to an end. As is already known, from 1 July 2025 all Eurosport, Discovery, and even the free-to-air channels of the WBD group disappeared from Sky. On 31 December 2025, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, all Warner films, and new HBO series will definitively leave the platform. HBO, controlled by WBD, was the home of flagship titles such as House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Succession, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and The Pitt.

The future of HBO and Warner content on Sky

From 2026 onwards, Sky will still be able to broadcast new seasons of most of those existing franchises (with the exception of The Pitt), but no longer on an exclusive basis. However, it will no longer have direct access to new Warner or HBO films and brand-new series.

At least not directly. Because, thanks to the many new partnerships Sky is signing, Warner content that has “left through the door” may very well come back in “through the window” — possibly via Peacock, Netflix, or other platforms.

BBC Studios Africa Reveals New Format For BBC Lifestyle, Hidden Gems: South Africa

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BBC Lifestyle is set to unveil Hidden Gems: South Africa, a fresh and immersive travel series that takes viewers off the beaten path to discover South Africa’s most luxurious and lesser-known escapes. Launching in 2026, the six-part series blends influencer-led storytelling with audience participation to celebrate the country’s rich natural beauty.

Hidden Gems: South Africa follows five South African travel influencers as they explore and showcase two of South Africa’s greatest hidden gems per episode, each accompanied by a guest. In each episode, the influencer receives an envelope revealing the surprise gems which they must visit, review, and showcase. BBC Lifestyle viewers will vote for their favourite hidden gem from the series and be in with the chance of winning exciting prizes. The most compelling review and favourite gem, voted for by the audience, will be revealed in the final episode (Episode Six) with the winning influencer receiving a special prize.

The series sees the influencers traveling across South Africa, offering a curated look at destinations that combine luxury with authenticity. Each episode is shaped by a distinct theme, celebrating the diverse beauty and character of South Africa’s landscapes.

The new series is produced by PD Production, the producers behind BBC Lifestyle’s popular shows – Listing Jozi, Listing Cape Town, Listing Mauritius and Listing Coastal South Africa which is currently airing on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) every Wednesday at 8pm with repeats Thursdays at 5pm.

Pierre Cloete, Vice President for Africa at BBC Studios, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring Hidden Gems: South Africa to BBC Lifestyle in 2026. This new format celebrates the diversity and richness of South Africa’s hidden destinations and showcases authentic local stories and personalities that will resonate with audiences across the continent. For the first time, BBC Lifestyle viewers will be invited to vote for their favourite gem, adding an exciting interactive element to the series.” 

Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan producers from PD Production said: “With Hidden Gems: South Africa, we wanted to go beyond the usual travel show format. By empowering local influencers to spotlight South Africa’s hidden gems, we’re creating a series for BBC Lifestyle that’s both visually stunning and unique. We have just started filming and can’t wait for viewers to see the magic that’s been captured”

Hidden Gems: South Africa is proudly sponsored by LekkeSlaap, South Africa’s leading accommodation app.

Gerriline Fouché, LekkeSlaap's Chief Marketing Officer said “Hidden Gems: South Africa beautifully captures what we love most about local travel: discovering special places and the passionate people behind them. It’s a privilege for LekkeSlaap to help shine a light on these unique stays across the country.”