91st Annual Academy Awards®, Monday, 25 February 2019
M-Net Movies Premiere, live at 03:00, and M-Net at 21:00
Anele’s Red Carpet Special, M-Net Movies Premiere, 20:30
It’s all about movies this week! All eyes will be on Hollywood to see who scores big at the 91st Annual Academy Awards® – and DStv’s got you covered, with live coverage from the red carpet on E! Entertainment followed the awards ceremony, live from the Dolby Theatre on M-Net Movies Premiere, both of which will, of course be available to stream, live on DStv Now, meaning the early morning start shouldn’t deter anyone from joining in the spectacle.
For those who feel they would like to wait, the inimitable Anele Mdoda’s Red Carpet Special, featuring all her best moments from the Red Carpet. “I look forward to celebrating with the Black Panther cast as they head in with seven Oscar nods,” the host of The Voice SA enthused. “We have to speak to Bradley Cooper and salute his directing for A Star Is Born, as well as his performance in it. We must also get Spike Lee – who has an honorary Oscar but has his first ever nomination as director for BlackKklansman!”
BlackKklansman, A Star is Born, and First Man, are all available to rent on BoxOffice right now! Other winners on DStv Now, include The Shape of Water, Blade Runner 2049 and Get Out, meaning fans of the art of cinema can get their Oscar® binge on, anytime they’re ready!
Sports Movie fans are in for a real treat with M-Net’s pop channel, M-Net Movie Game On! A beautifully curated selection of the best sports movies and documentaries ever made. This is the channel for every, never quit, foot on the gas, slam dunk, knockout punch, winning moment, with titles like Mean Machine, A League of Their Own, Any Given Sunday, Rush, all 6 Rocky Movies, Glory Game and more. SuperSport continues to be on fire this month, with all the Vodacom Super Rugby action, the South Africa v Sri Lanka Test series and local and international football.
On the series side, popular action show S.E.A.L. Team finds a new home on M-Net City this week as the is highly trained, elite squad of fighters, led by David Boreanaz’s Jason Hayes strive to keep Americans safe, whatever it takes.
LOCAL
Trippin with Skhumba, Thursday, 28 February, Showmax
Buckle up for Trippin With Skhumba, featuring seven comedians, one caracara and a truckload of LOLs. Skhumba and six of his comedian friends go back to their roots, travelling to their hometowns, from Kempton Park to Empangeni and everywhere in between, in the ultimate South African comedy road trip. A Showmax Original reality series.
Ubabakhe, Saturday, 23 February, Mzansi Magic, 19:30
In trying to manage her anger and deal with her father’s absenteeism, a troubled teen turns to boxing in this Mzansi Original Movie. Not only does she learn self-defence skills, she also realises that the true battle is the one within herself.
Laugh Out Loud: The Comedy Show S4, Monday, 25 February, 1Magic, 21:30
Laughter is the best medicine and this show has got just the right dosage for you with a sketch team of local comedians delivering their take on contemporary South African society, including pot shots at reality makeover shows. Hosted by Kenneth Nkosi and Tumi Morake.
Binnelanders, Friday, 22 February, kykNET, 19:30
Someone gets arrested for the murder of Brett Adler, and unfortunately, doubt is almost as deadly as a guilty conscience. Are the accusations against the person solid, or are Liebenberg and Fourie clutching at straws?
Playboyz, Sunday, 24 February, kykNET, 20:00
Each of these five friends has their own unique financial problem in this kykNET Sunday movie. They decide to get together to solve their money woes in a creative but slightly unorthodox way. But there’s no easy way to quick cash, and they are going to have to overcome some massive obstacles.
Suidooster, Thursday, 28 February, kykNET, 18:30
The world comes tumbling down for one of Ruiterbosch’s best-loved residents with the possibility of jail time. Mymoena’s new hobby creates a stir and AB is like a cat on a hot tin roof. Meanwhile, Izette strengthens her hold on Tim.
Our Perfect Wedding, Sunday, 24 February, Mzansi Magic, 19:00
Presenter Vele Manenje takes you along on a journey to see love thrive between two young smitten lovers, Fortunate and Nonhlanhla. Orphaned as a child, Fortunate’s life hasn’t been easy, and together they’ve had to persevere and believe in their love to overcome their hardships.
The River, Thursday, 28 February, 1Magic, 20:00
Boasting an impressive 17 SAFTA nominations including Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Achievement in Directing and Best Telenovela, The River takes us down the path of greed and its consequences. In this episode, Lindiwe’s conspiracy theory leaves everybody shocked. Cobra oversteps at work and at home, making everyone resent his new position.
AFDA short films, 22 February, Showmax
First on Showmax
See 18 of the best locally made short films by students from across South Africa. From documentary to drama to fantasy to animation, these diverse films represent the creme de la creme from our country’s future filmmakers.
Uyang’thanda Na? S1-S2, 22 February, Showmax
Binge from the beginning
After the success of Love Back comes another dating show, Uyang’thanda Na?, which will help people confront their fears by telling their crushes how they really feel.
SPORT
Vodacom Super Rugby, Round 2, Saturday, 23 February, SuperSport 1, 15:05
Fans are in for a super rugby feast today. They can look forward to what should be a bruising encounter when the Sharks take on the Blues at Kings Park in Durban. This will be followed by a tense match-up between the Stormers and the Lions at Newlands. Most experts believe it’s asking too much of the Lions to reach a fourth consecutive Super Rugby final. Night owls can watch the Bulls do battle against the Jaguares in Argentina close to midnight.
Super Diski, Absa Premiership, Bidvest Wits vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Saturday, 23 February, SuperSport 4, 18:00
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have another tough fixture to finish the month when they face BidVest Wits in an away match. The three league points that victory will bring can be crucial at this stage of a rather topsy-turvy title race.
SA Cricket, Test Series, South Africa v Sri Lanka 2nd Test, Thursday-Monday, 21-25 February, SuperSport 2, 10:00
The Proteas will be hoping to make amends after losing the first Test by one wicket against the spirited Sri Lankans in Durban, largely due to the batting prowess of Kusal Perera, who hit a career-best of 153. The second Test will be played at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
Premier League, Matchday 27: Manchester United v Liverpool, Sunday, 24 February, SuperSport 3, 16:05
The Premier League race reaches a tension-packed stage, with only a few points separating the top three teams. A win for Liverpool against Manchester United today will put them at the top of the table, a few points ahead of Manchester City.
KIDS
44 Cats S1, Monday, 25 February, NickToons, 14:50
Four talented kittens decide to form a musical group called The Buffycats in this cute show, ideal for pre-schoolers. With different personalities, the quartet learn how to tolerate each other’s uniqueness, embrace their friendship and how their diversity makes them that much more special. Lampo, Pilou, Milady and Meatball all live together in the Clubhouse, a garage where they also practise their music.
Science of Stupid S7, Monday, 25 February, National Geographic, 19:00
From the fearless to the downright foolish, this reality show features footage of the most daring escapades attempted by people all over the world. Each episode has 40 to 50 clips of ordinary misadventures and the hefty price paid by those unfortunate enough to find themselves in these situations.
Champion, Saturday, 23 February, M-Net, 15:30
Set in the 1990s in Turkey and based on a true story, this heartfelt movie revolves around a jockey, a horse and the daughter of the horse’s owner. Halis Karatas and his horse, the Bold Pilot, achieved unforgettable success in the 1996 Gazi Race.
Kids Baking Championships S2, Friday, 22 February, Food Network, 20:00
This culinary show focuses on children between 10 and 13 years who get to show off their baking skills. Eight kids will face weekly challenges ranging from sweet and savoury to pastry until four remain to compete in the finals. The winner will walk away with $10 000, a profile in Food Network Magazine and much more.
MOVIES
M-Net Movies Game On! Pop Up Channel from Friday 23 February until Sunday 10 March
It’s all about speed, strength and grace from sports heroes, real and invented on the new Pop-Up Channel, M-Net Movies Game On, Channel 109, which will be open to Premium, Compact Plus and Compact customers. From Friday 22 February until 10 March 2019, tune into the most iconic sports movies and documentaries of all time.
If you simply cannot make your way through all the movies in the short period that the channel is up, you have a further 30 days to binge these fantastic movies and documentaries on Catch Up Plus on your Connected Explora and DStv Now.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Sunday, 24 February, M-Net, 20:00
Three years after the catastrophic events that led to the collapse of Jurassic World theme park on Isla Nublar, Claire and Owen return to rescue the surviving dinosaurs from the threat of extinction posed by an erupting volcano. Tons of terrifying dinosaurs, narrow escapes and a conspiracy that endangers the entire word, deliver a tense and action-packed adventure.
Read the SAMDB review of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
12 Strong, Saturday, 23 February, M-Net, 21:00
Follow the aftermath of the world’s biggest terrorist attack (9/11) and the brave team of Special Forces members who are tasked with the deadly mission to infiltrate and destroy the Taliban.
Love’s Complicated, Monday, 25 February, M-Net Movies Premiere, 20:00
Leah has always been a people-pleaser, from her family and friends to her love life. When she enrols in an anger-management class (only to please her boyfriend) she realises that there’s more to life than her perfect life which is not so perfect after all.
INTERNATIONAL SERIES
The Kids Are Alright S1, Saturday, 23 February, M-Net, 17:30
Set in the 70s, this charming, witty comedy follows the Clearys, a traditional middle-class Irish-Catholic family. Mike and Peggy are parents to eight rowdy boys between the ages of 20 and six months. With 10 mouths to feed, three bedrooms and one bathroom, life in the Cleary household is busy.
S.E.A.L. Team S2, Tuesday, 26 February, M-Net City, 19:10
The second season of S.E.A.L. Team finds its home exclusively on M-Net City. (The first season aired on M-Net.) These Navy Seals form part of an elite, highly trained squadron who are tasked with the most dangerous missions to ensure the safety of US citizens. The first episode sees the team having to rescue American workers from an oil rig in the Gulf of Guinea, after they are taken hostage by insurgents.
There’s… Johnny S1, Friday, 22 February, VUZU, 21:30
Back in the 70s, the hottest show on TV was The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. For young country boy Andy Klavin, scoring a job on the show is a dream come true. But he hasn’t bargained on the wild party lifestyle surrounding the show that soon sucks him in. The series also looks at all the key milestones of the era, and features real clips from the original Johnny Carson show.
Stan Lee’s Lucky Man S3, Sunday, 24 February, M-Net City, 21:40
James Nesbitt stars as Detective Harry Clayton, who was gifted with a mysterious bracelet that gives him supernatural luck. The first episode of the third season sees Harry head to Hong Kong, to try to rescue Eve who has been framed for murder. But it’s not plain sailing – there’s a new enemy after him, Samuel Blake, and he’ll stop at nothing to steal the bracelet.
FACTUAL
In Pursuit with John Walsh S1, Monday, 25 February, Investigation Discovery, 22:00
John Walsh became an activist for missing children in 1981 after his six-year-old son was kidnapped. He started a non-profit organisation dedicated to legislative reform in the cases of missing children and became a TV personality as the executive producer and presenter of the crime show, America’s Most Wanted. Now, Walsh continues with his crime fighting efforts, following up on important leads in order to clamp down on deadly criminals.
Mediterranean With Simon Reeves S1, Wednesday, 27 February, BBC Earth, 20:00
Travel writer and journalist Simon Reeves explores the scenic Mediterranean and juxtaposes its beauty against some of its shortcomings which normally don’t get coverage in the media. In the season premiere, Simon visit’s the picturesque Malta – home to some of the most organised crime syndicates in Europe.
What the Killer Did Next S1, Thursday, 28 February, Crime + Investigation, 20:50
Philip Glenister takes viewers through the process detectives follow in order to crack some of the most bewildering murder mysteries. He unpacks the study of the criminal mind to get a sense of the moments leading up to the murder, as well as the murderer’s behaviour after they’ve committed their deadly crime.
Man vs. Puma, Sunday, Sunday, 24 February, National Geographic Wild, 18:00
Following a bizarre trail of carnage and death to track pumas in Patagonia, big cat expert Boone Smith comes face-to-face with a hungry puma mother on the hunt. This intriguing show forms part of National Geographic Wild’s Big Cat Month.
REALITY
Live from the Red Carpet: Academy Awards 2019, Sunday, 24 February, E! Entertainment, tbc
Get into the Oscars mood with E! Entertainment as the channel brings all the news from the red carpet. Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic will be at the forefront of the action, to speak to the celebrities as they arrive and find out more about what they’re wearing.
See the list of nominees for the 91st Academy Awards.
Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry S4, Monday, 25 February, E! Entertainment, 20:00
Tyler Henry’s psychic abilities started when he was still a young boy with him foretelling his grandmother’s death. Now, the famed medium helps Hollywood stars connect with their loved ones. This season, he has his brain scanned while doing a reading – and the results are astonishing.
Criminal Confessions S1, Tuesday, 26 February, BBC Brit, 22:15
It takes a good interrogator to get a confession from a perpetrator, and Criminal Confessions takes us down the road from the crime scene to the interrogation room. The detectives share their tricks of the trade and how they solicit the holy grail of any conviction — the confession. Chilling interviews with the suspects, victims and their families will reveal a lot about the reason behind the crime itself.
Nadiya’s Party Feasts S1, Wednesday, 27 February, BBC Lifestyle, 20:00
Previous The Great British Bake Off winner Nadia Hussain has her hands full as a mother of three and an acclaimed dessert queen – but she knows how to pull off a great party. Her feasts range from cherry almond tarts to a delectable back-to-front cheesecake and of course, spicy dishes inspired by her Bangladeshi heritage.
BOXOFFICE
BlackKklansman, BoxOffice
Directed by Spike Lee, this moving film is based on the true story of how a black undercover police officer infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. With the help of his Jewish colleague, Ron Stallworth and Flip Zimmerman take on the dangerous white supremacist group amidst the racial tension of the civil rights movement in the 70s. This biographical drama is produced by the same team behind the award-winning thriller Get Out, and has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Spike Lee and Best Supporting Actor for Adam Driver.
First Man, BoxOffice
This biopic looks at the life and sacrifices of Neil Armstrong, astronaut and first man to walk on the moon. Between 1961 and 1969, Neil’s life consisted of arduous research on the space mission and as a result, it took a massive toll on his family life. It costs dearly to be the first man on the moon, and the Armstrong family know the price very well. The film’s been nominated for four Academy Awards – Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing, Best Production Design and Best Sound Editing.
A Star is Born, BoxOffice
Jack is a gifted musician but his legendary career is facing a downward spiral as a result of his battle with alcoholism. When a talented young singer crosses his path, he not only falls in love with her, but also motivates her to follow her dream of singing. Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper and comedian Dave Chappelle, it’s been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and is the fourth movie remake of this story. Tune in to the Academy Awards on 25 February at 21:00 on M-Net to find out if it wins!
Skyscraper, BoxOffice
When his family is held hostage in the world’s tallest skyscraper, retired FBI Hostage Team Leader Will Sawyer (Dwayne Johnson), must jump back into action to save his loved ones. At 225 stories high ‘The Pearl’ is a luxury accommodation and engineering feat, however its safety and exit strategy proves to be an immense let down. Get 50% off this movie if you rent it now.
Read the SAMDB review of Skyscraper.
