DStv Content Discovery: 19 To 25 July 2019

Grassroots S1 starts on Friday 19 July on 1Magic (103) at 19:30. Same time on Showmax

Grassroots is a brand-new 13-part local series that explores the trials and tribulations of two young men from feuding families whose passion for rugby leads them into a new stage of their lives. In this coming-of-age story Asanda and Monwabisi both follow their hearts, leaving rural Eastern Cape for scholarships in Johannesburg. Will they be able to shake their past and band together to make the transition from the dusty rural streets to competing at a private school in the city? The brilliant Lihleli Tini stars alongside the talented and popular Oros Mampofu in this drama which explores themes of manhood and is richly woven with Xhosa tradition. It also stars veteran Connie Chiume, and Zikhona Sodlaka from Mzansi Magic’s Housekeepers.

The beautiful Bonang Matheba returns with more reality drama this week. As always, her famous friends will be joining her on the show, which reveals just how fabulous her life really is. This is as about as close to South African royalty as we can get!

With the news that M-Net is calling for contestants for a second season of our own local Bachelor SA, lovers of this reality show can, in the meantime, indulge in the international versions, thanks to 1Magic. Not only is there The Bachelorette US Reunion, which promises to be the biggest reunion in history, but the new season of The Bachelorette US is starting soon as well.

It’s all about the 50th anniversary of The Moon landing on DStv this week, with a host of fascinating shows that look at the ground-breaking event from every angle. And it’s not just the documentaries on HISTORY, Discovery Channel, National Geographic and BBC Earth that will keep everyone fascinated, M-Net’s Sunday movie First Man paints a dramatized, highly evocative portrait of the man who turned the dream into a reality, Neil Armstrong.

LOCAL

Being Bonang S3 starts on Friday 19 July on 1Magic (103) at 19:00. Also available on Showmax.

The US has Beyoncé and we have our Bonang! Our own Queen B has recently launched her own sparkling wine, which just might be the perfect pairing for her vivacious, bubbly personality. On this season of her own reality show, she’ll take us through the daily grind of the busy schedule that makes up her day. She’s not one to let haters get in the way of securing that bag, and is that Somizi we see coming to support his friend at the wine launch?

Minki S3 starts on Wednesday 24 July on VIA (147) at 20:00

Television presenter and model Minki van der Westhuizen’s talk show is back for its third run. Minki became a household name as the presenter of the lifestyle programme Pasella and kykNET’s Boer Soek ‘n Vrou, but when you’re invited to Minki’s own couch, you can count on a good chat, excellent company and a few surprises.

Lasizwe: Fake It Till You Make It S2 starts on Monday 22 July on MTV (130) at 21:30

Socialite and social media sensation Lasizwe has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. He started with his own YouTube channel with any one of his alter egos re-enacting authentic South African experiences like standing at a queue at Home Affairs or the love-hate relationship we have with cashiers. We wonder though, has he ever exposed the real Lasizwe? And what are the chances we’ll finally get to meet him (irl) on Fake It Till You Make It?

Lui Maar Op, Belinda S1 on Monday 22 July on kykNET (144) at 20:00

Belinda Swanepoel works the cash register at a local shop. It’s not exactly her dream job; in fact, she’d rather be anywhere than working here. When two snobbish frenemies from her past pop up unexpectedly, Belinda pretends she owns the shop. Meanwhile, farm hero Frans gives timid Dirkie a lesson in farm exercise to build some muscle and look strong. StarringBrümilda van Rensburg and Annelisa Weiland.

Alles Malan S1 on Tuesday 23 July on kykNET (144) at 20:00

The Malans are the perfect family, or so they’d like everyone to think. In this week’s episode, it’s Valentine’s day, and Johan is about to ask Elani, the Malan’s teenage daughter, a very important question. And it had better be the right question, because Elani is pregnant. Meanwhile, their adopted son Freek is trying to win a girl’s heart.

Material Culture S1 on Saturday 20 July on Mzansi Wethu (163) at 19:30

The S’khothane’s or the Material crew love all things blingy, shiny and especially, obscenely expensive. Led by Material Don Dada, they plan to develop a worldwide membership and in this episode, Don finds out that he’s been catfished.

Survivor South Africa S7 on Thursday 25 July on M-Net (101) at 19:00

The castaways have merged into one tribe – Manumalo – and of course, the scheming and jostling for power kicked in almost immediately. The tribemates already voted off the island are forming part of the jury now, and it’s coming down to individual immunity where it’s one man, or woman, for themselves.

Impilo S1 on Monday 22 July on Mzansi Magic (161) at 20:00

This drama is kicked off by the shady dealings of one shameless man, Khulubuse Mtshali, and his pyramid scheme which collapsed, costing his community their hard-earned cash. This Monday, Khulubuse’s son Mnqobi learns the truth about why his father abandoned him and wants nothing to do with him. Sthandiwe Kgoroge stars alongside Nay Maps and Candice Modiselle, with Desmond Dube as Khulubuse.

The Republic S1 on Sunday 21 July on Mzansi Magic (161) at 20:00

Trying to clean up the country after thieving Hendrik Mbuli’s term in office has made President Lufuno Mulaudzi many enemies, which has led to her kidnapping. Her whereabouts remain unknown, and Moses and his crew of kidnappers suggests that while they wait for the ransom, they relax and have a good time.

Mooimaak met Clare Wiese-Wentzel S2 on Tuesday 23 July on kykNET & Kie (145) at 20:20

Everyone needs a best friend like Clare. Season two of this original reality show kicks off with Clare Wiese-Wentzel helping Coreen, a lady from Stellenbosch who’s in need of a makeover. As always, Clare doesn’t only focus on how her guest looks on the outside, but helps them feel good on the inside with a much-needed confidence boost.

SPORT

Athletics: Diamond League, London on Saturday 20 July on SuperSport 6 (206) at 15:00 and Sunday 21 July on SuperSport 7 (207) at 15:00

A dazzling list of Olympic Games and world championship medallists are competing in this weekend’s Diamond League athletics meet. Olympic and world 800m champion Caster Semenya is ranked 4th for the 800m Women’s race, having taken victory in 1:55.70 in Stanford, California at the end of June. South African long jump stars Luvo Manyonga and Ruswahl Samaai take on Cuba’s Juan Miguel Echevarria in what could be the show-stopping item of the London leg. Manyonga set meeting records of 8.58m and 8.53m in England last year.

Netball: World Cup on 19, 20 and 21 July on SuperSport 10 (210) from 09:45 to 17:30

After the almost unbearable tension of the cricket World Cup final and the men’s singles final at Wimbledon, the netball World Cup tournament in Liverpool is heading in the same direction. The final, starting at 17:30 on Sunday, should be another classic sports contest. South Africa began the week unbeaten and on top in Group A after beating Jamaica 55-52. Now the Proteas are shooting for glory, along with fancied teams such as England, New Zealand and Australia.

Rugby: Currie Cup on Friday 19 July at 16:45 and 19:00 and on Saturday 20 July at 13:45 on SuperSport 1 (201)

Two Rugby Championship internationals take centre stage this weekend ‒ South Africa vs Australia at 16:55 and Argentina vs New Zealand at 19:55 on Saturday. But three Currie Cup matches should provide excellent sideshows. At 16:45 on Friday the Griquas, who beat the Sharks last week, are up against the Pumas, who lost by one point to the Lions. At 19:00, the Blue Bulls face the Cheetahs in Friday’s other match, and on Saturday the Sharks are at home to the in-form Western Province.

Mixed Martial Arts: UFC Fight Night on 20–21 July on SuperSport 11 (211) at 23:00

A potentially explosive welterweight bout between Rafael dos Anjos of Brazil and Jamaican Leon Edwards tops the bill of the tournament in San Antonio, Texas. The 24-year-old Edwards is 1,83m tall and has a telling reach advantage over Dos Anjos, a 1.73m, 34-year-old veteran who has lost 11 of his 40 bouts. Edwards’s record stands at 17-3. Live coverage of the preliminaries starts at 23:00 on Friday but the top-shelf action will be between 03:00 and 06:00 on Saturday.

KIDS

Ralph Breaks the Internet premieres on Saturday 20 July on M-Net (101) at 15:30

This Saturday’s awesome Oscar-nominated Kid’s Movie sees the return of Disney’s Wreck-it Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and her royal glitch-ness, Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) as they plunge headfirst into the world wide web, where you never know what’s going to happen next (cute cats, exploding bunnies – it’s the Web!). Also listen out for the voice talents of Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Taraji P Henson, Alfred Molina and Gal Gadot.

Coop and Cami Ask the World S1 starts on Monday 22 July on Disney Channel (303) at 17:15

Cooper and Cameron Wrather have come up with a “wrather” brilliant way to make decisions in this live-action comedy – ask the world! Of course, the millions of followers of their online channel “Would You Wrather?” may not always give the most sensible advice. In the first episode, the duo discovers that their mom feels ready to start dating again. Woohoo! Right? Except her first date is none other than their school principal.

Butterbean’s Cafe S1 on Monday 22 July on Nick Jr. (307) at 10:20

This delightful animated series follows the adorable fairy, Butterbean, and her friends. They run their own café, and they’re really cooking now! Join in their adventures as they learn that “everything’s better when we do things together”. In today’s episode, everyone is convinced Cookie is causing Poppy’s allergic reaction, and it looks like The Bean Team might have to send their precious kitty away!

Marvel’s Super Hero Adventures S1 on Monday 22 July on Disney Junior (309) at 10:55

Marvel’s animated series of shorts is loaded with action and excitement, plus some super-cool lessons about friendship, working together and what it really means to be hero. When Ultron steals Tony Stark’s brand-new, high-tech garbage truck, Iron Man shows Spidey how to use problem-solving skills and inventiveness to stop the ravaging robot and clean up the city.

MOVIES

First Man premieres Sunday 21 July on M-Net (101) at 20:00

Part of the 50th Anniversary of The Moon Landing – see www.dstv.co.za/moonlanding50 for details.

Apollo 11 mission commander Neil Armstrong is the focus of this intense, sweeping character study drama by Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle (La La Land) and lead actor Ryan Gosling. Amid the political scheming and space race innovations, the film hones in on the people behind the mission – their lives, their demons, and what it takes to voluntarily strap yourself into what is essentially a tin can, to be hurtled into the dark unknown.

The Kindergarten Teacher premieres Sunday 21 July on Sundance TV (108) at 21:00

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s intense performance in this remake of an Israeli drama has been hailed by Rolling Stone as “her peak performance”. When teacher Lisa (Gyllenhaal) discovers five-year old poetry prodigy Jimmy, the lines between professional and predator become frighteningly blurred.

The Last Sharknado : It’s About Time on Sunday 21 July on Studio Universal (122) at 22:15

It wouldn’t be Shark Week without Sharknado! Known for being so bad that it actually became a massive success, the camp comedy franchise is the gift that keeps on giving. Throw in some prehistoric time-travel and you have the makings of a truly epic dinosaur vs shark showdown as Fin (Ian Ziering) travels back in time to prevent the first ever sharknado in thisSyfy/The Asylum creature feature cult hit that’s a roaring load of gory, escapist fun.

Also watch Planet of the Sharks on Friday 19 July on Studio Universal (112) at 22:20

Sharknado fans will also love this Jaws-meets-Waterworld dystopian horror action film that sees humans paying the price for ignoring the looming threat of global warming, with the melting of the icecaps having all but completely submerged the land. Now, it’s a world of floating cities dominated by sharks, and after having decimated ocean life, the ravenous sharks start feeding on humans. Filmed in South Africa, the movie stars Brandon Auret, Daniel Barnett and Alex Anlos.

Action Point on Sunday 21 July on M-Net Movies Premiere (104) at 20:30

Johnny Knoxville proves that the spirit of Jackass is alive and well in this 90-minute, no brakes thrill-ride. Based on actual events at an infamously dangerous and derelict New Jersey amusement park, DC (Knoxville) is the owner of Action Point, run by incompetent teenagers, with life-threatening zip-lines, high-speed toboggan rides and waterslides that inevitably result in hilarious don’t-try-this-at-home physical comedy.

INTERNATIONAL SERIES

City on a Hill S1 starts on Tuesday 23 July on M-Net (101) at 22:00

The Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge star in this gritty crime drama series set in Boston in the early 1990s, where brazen criminals and corrupt cops own the streets. Following an armoured truck heist, ambitious new Assistant District Attorney Decourcy Ward forms an unlikely alliance with corrupt yet renowned FBI veteran Jackie Rohr to clean up the city’s justice system in this fictional account of what came to be known as the “Boston Miracle”.

Hatton Garden S1 on Wednesday 24 July on ITV CHOICE (123) at 20:00

This four-part mini-series is based on the real-life story of three elderly robbers who made off with £14million in loot from a vault in London’s diamond district over a sleepy bank holiday weekend in 2015. Starring Timothy Spall (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Alex Norton, David Hayman, Nasser Memarzia, Kenneth Cranham and Brian F. O’Byrne.

American Crime S1-3 on Showmax

This anthology series features an ensemble cast including Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton and Regina King. Each season focuses on issues plaguing America’s justice system.

Supernatural S14 starts on Saturday 20 July on M-Net City (115) at 20:50

Catch Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in a brand-new season of cult horror series Supernatural, first on M-Net City. The season premiere sees Sam and his new band of Hunters on a mission to find Dean, who’s still missing three weeks after Apocalypse World.

FACTUAL

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Moon landing with DStv’s Space Season!

On the 20th of July 1969, the Apollo 11 spaceflight landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on The Moon. Six hours later, on July 21, the world held its breath as Armstrong stepped onto The Moon’s surface. DStv is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that landmark event all month, and this week is the main event! Visit www.dstv.co.za/moonlanding50 for all the details on a feast of shows guaranteed to fascinate and inspire the whole family.

8 Days: To the Moon and Back on Saturday 20 July on BBC Earth (184) at 18:00

The whole world watched in awe, but there was so much we didn’t get to see. Now, this 2×50 minute documentary double bill uses original archive footage, previously classified cockpit audio, newly shot film and cutting-edge special effects to seamlessly piece together and recreate the untold story of Apollo 11’s journey to The Moon, the 22 hours the crew spent on The Moon’s surface, and the nail-biting journey back home.

Secret Space Escapes on Sunday 21 July on Discovery Channel (121) at 13:45

Space is magical place; it’s also one hundred percent deadly to humans, should you be directly exposed to it. Don’t miss this revealing look at the accidents and near-misses you never even knew astronauts and cosmonauts had faced, and survived, including a life-threatening fire and an out-of-control cargo ship on the Russian space station, MIR.

Apollo: The Lost Tapes on Sunday 21 July on Discovery Channel (121) at 17:15

This brand-new documentary is the result of the most extensive search for unseen footage ever undertaken. Hear from the surviving Apollo astronauts, including Apollo 11 Command Module pilot, Mike Collins, as well as NASA staffers at Houston Mission Control and at the Kennedy Space Centre in this two-hour documentary that deftly weaves together archive footage taken from thousands of forgotten films and remastered to shine new light on the greatest adventure in human history.

Space Dealers on Sunday 21 July on Discovery Channel (121) at 19:05

Back on Earth and 50 years down the line, a team of space fanatics travel the country in search of space artefacts. From a space toilet to an uneaten astronaut meal pack, they’re looking to buy cheap and sell for a profit.

Moon Landings: Lost Tapes on Sunday 4 August on HISTORY (186) at 20:15

This immersive narrative takes us inside man’s voyage to The Moon with the real story of how we actually got there – the messy, often harrowing reality of regular people actually doing the thing that was thought to be impossible. It includes previously unexplored material from audio interviews with astronauts and engineers, lunar footage that was thought to be lost for a generation and home movies that have gathered dust for decades.

SHARK FEST

When Sharks Attack S5 on Saturday 20 July on Nat Geo Wild (182) at 18:00

Beautiful and terrifying, sharks have fascinated and frightened us in equal measures for years. In these two back-to-back episodes, investigators try to solve the greatest shark attack mystery of all time on the Jersey Shore, and look into a sudden, alarming spike in shark attacks on the Southern California coastline.

Man vs Shark starts on Sunday 21 July on Nat Geo Wild (182) at 18:00

One man, one shark (we hope) and no cages. That’s been Jeremiah Sullivan’s lifelong mission since first jumping in the water with the ocean’s most infamous predators 50 years ago. Join him as he dives into their world.

Guardians of The Glades S1 starts on Wednesday 24 July on Discovery Channel (121) at 21:00

Epic snake-hunter, Dusty Crum, is on a mission to save the Everglades from massive snakes decimating the animal population. Come face to face with one of the five largest species of snakes – the Burmese python, as the python catcher and his team take on these foreign predators.

Heavy Lifting S1 starts on Thursday 25 July on HISTORY (186) at 21:10

If you love the power of heavy machinery, this brand-new series is for you. Heavy Lifting follows the lives and work of mobile crane operators: Dave Horobec has a messy locomotive demo at a scrap yard, JP Chiarot of Double D Crane works tackles a residential tree removal job, and Regional Crane brings out the big guns.

REALITY

Bachelorette Reunion US: The Biggest Reunion in Bachelor History Ever on Friday 19 July on 1Magic (103) at 20:30

The Bachelor host Chris Harrison hits the road with the show’s super-fans to revisit some of the most memorable moments from previous seasons. Remember in season 5, when football player Jesse gave the rose to the wrong woman? How about when season 13 bachelor Jason changed his mind after the final rose ceremony? Revisit these moments and many more, and catch the biggest ever gathering of bachelorettes, including the very first bachelorette ever!

The Bachelorette Season 15 starts on Friday 26 July on 1Magic (103) at 20:30

If you’re not familiar with this show’s recipe for global success, a single bachelorette dates multiple men over several weeks, narrowing them down to hopefully find her true love. Hannah Brown, a former Miss USA from the 23rd season of The Bachelor is the latest bachelorette looking for her Prince Charming. She now works as an interior decorator and all that’s missing from her dream home is someone to share it with. Will this season’s crop of singles measure up?

Dance Moms S8 starts on Monday 22 July on Lifetime (131) at 19:55

She’s gone to prison, she’s lost everything, and she’s battling cancer! And yet, the show must go on, and Abby is back in the studio! Will all of this make her a little softer, or just harden her resolve? Abby fans will also follow the emotional and physical struggles she endures as she undergoes chemotherapy during the season.

Girl Meets Farm starts on Thursday 25 July on Food Network (175) at 19:55

Molly Yeh is a classical musician and cookbook author who’s left the bright lights of New York for her sugar beet farm, where she shares her obsession with food. In the season premiere, she makes a special brunch for the family to celebrate her third wedding anniversary. The menu features shakshuka with feta and Brussels sprouts and bacon hash.

2 Families and a Wedding Dress starts on Wednesday 24 July on BET (129) at 21:30

Every Bride dreams of the perfect wedding dress for their big day. Now, Thembisa Mdoda hosts a brand-new wedding show with 13 brides hoping to win their dream gown. For many of them, that perfect, super-expensive gown will remain a dream, but the final choice will be made by one lucky lady’s family and her soon to be In-laws.

BOXOFFICE

Dumbo premieres on Wednesday 24 July on BoxOffice

From celebrated director Tim Burton comes Disney’s live-action 2019 family adventure remake of Dumbo – the endearing 40s classic tale of the lovable little circus elephant with the oversized ears. The tale is rewoven to include human viewpoints from characters portrayed by stars Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Michael Keaton, and Danny DeVito, and Empire magazine praised the movie as “an enchanting blend of Disney twinkle and Tim Burton’s dark whimsy”.

Cold Pursuit premieres on Friday 19 July on BoxOffice

Dubbed by Rolling Stone as “Taken on ice, with a side of dark humour”, this action-drama remake of the 2014 Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance stars revenge action hero Liam Neeson as an ascetic snowplough driver on the hunt for the drug dealer he holds responsible for his son’s drug overdose death. The role of his son is portrayed by Liam’s real-life son, Micheál Richardson.

The Kid Who Would Be King premieres on Monday 22 July on BoxOffice

Camelot meets The Goonies as the legend of King Arthur gets the epic 80s treatment in this family-friendly adventure. When regular kid Alex (played by Louis Ashbourne Serkis, son of Andy) pulls the fabled sword Excalibur from a scrapheap, his initial disbelief leads to a magical coming-of-age adventure. Together with his band of friends and one of the most delightful depictions of Merlin you’ve ever seen (played by Angus Imrie, son of Celia, with the elder Merlin played by Patrick Stewart), he sets off to Tintagel to save Britain.

Little Italy premieres on Friday 19 July on BoxOffice

From the director of Miss Congeniality, romantic comedy Little Italy is a delicious guilty pleasure that won’t linger on the hips! Hayden Christensen (Star Wars prequels) and Emma Roberts (American Horror Story) star as the children of rival pizza store families in Toronto’s Little Italy. When they inevitably fall in love, it takes a special recipe to ensure a happy ending.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb