DStv Weekly Highlights : 21 – 27 May 2021

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you even more amazing entertainment – only on DStv.

We may be nearing the middle of the year and the heart of winter, but that’s just more of an excuse to stay home and curl up with the best in entertainment. And we’ve got you covered!

This week, DStv launches two new Pop-Up channels to add to your viewing entertainment, AfroCinema (DStv channel 198) and Fast and Furious (DStv channel 111) bringing you the best in niche entertainment. AfroCinema will be available from Friday, 21 May to Sunday, 30 May, and is a celebration of African film, while Fast and Furious is dedicated to – you guessed it! – the Fast and Furious franchise with all eight movies airing between Friday, 21 May through Sunday, 30 May.

Our Access subscribers will continue to enjoy the Open Window of great entertainment with channels such as HONEY (DStv channel 173), KIX (DStv channel 114), BET (DStv channel 129) and MTV (DStv channel 130) until Monday, 31 May. For Compact subscribers wanting to get in on the laughs and sports, Comedy Central (DStv channel 122) and SuperSport Action (DStv channel 210) will be available from Monday, 24 May to Sunday, 6 June.

Also taking place this week is the 15th annual South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). Tune in on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) for a virtual half-hour red carpet of A-list fashion before a two-hour live broadcast honouring the amazing film and television that have graced Mzansi screens over the past year.

The weekend also brings the best in movie magic with animated adventure Dreambuilders on M-Net (DStv channel 101) for the kids, while the Sunday night blockbuster is a fun ride for the adults with Birds Of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), which sees Harley Quinn pull herself together while making new friends and packing punches against old enemies.

There’s no shortage of sporting action as DStv continues the Year of Rugby with Round 4 of the Rainbow Cup South Africa. Catch Cell C Sharks go up against the DHL Stormers and the Emirates Lions versus the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, 22 May on SS Rugby (DStv channel 211).

There’s even more entertainment waiting on the DStv app, available on Apple or Android. Simply download episodes from your favourite shows to watch on your phone or tablet – just remember to connect to Wifi first to avoid surprise data costs, only with DStv

15th Annual South African Film & Television Awards 2021

Grab the champers and your best ball gown for one of South Africa’s premium red-carpet events. This year’s South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs) is the 15th ceremony and will take place with a virtual half-hour red carpet before the two-hour live broadcast. Get ready to be wowed by your fave celebs’ glam, as well as honour the amazing film and television that have graced Mzansi screens over the past year.

Nollywood Queens S1

Get to know the most controversial, glamorous and beautiful women of Nollywood. Nollywood Queens explores the lives of six of the most sassiest women in Nollywood, we get exclusive looks into the glamorous lifestyles of these women. From actresses to influential women in Nigeria be sure to catch a glimpse into their lives.

Dreambuilders (Family Adventure)

In this fun animated-adventure film, a young girl, Minna, discovers she has a supernatural ability to enter and control other people’s dreams. When she decides to use her gift to teach her mean-spirited stepsister a lesson, things take a turn for the worst.

Birds Of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (Action/Superhero)

After her break-up with the Joker, Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad’s Margot Robbie) is an uncontrollable mess. When she becomes a target, Harley teams up with Huntress (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’s Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (a much older Jurnee Smollet of Full House) and Renee Montoya (In Living Color’s Rosie Perez) to save a young Cassandra Cain (newbie actress Ella Jay Basco) and stop a ruthless gangster portrayed by Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting).

Top Star U Back

In this feel-good Kdrama, a former idol and A-list actor causes major trouble and is shipped off to a remote island. While struggling to get used to his surroundings, he falls in love with an islander. The only problem is they have very little to nothing in common.

Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change The World 

This three-part docu-series takes a look at one of the most powerful voices on the planet – one that even presidents respond to. Greta Thunberg made headlines as a teen fighting for action on climate change and A Year to Change the World follows her as she takes a year off school to embark on a journey around the world to meet leading scientists, world leaders and more. As her year unfolds, so does the story of the impacts by humans on our planet – and what we can do about it.

Amy Schumer Presents: Sam Morril: Positive Influence (Stand-up)

It’s Sam Morril’s twisted world – and we’re all just living in it. In this one-hour stand-up special – Morril’s first – the jokester leaves no stone unturned and no one safe. From racist babies to body-positive porn, it’s all in a day’s work for this dark and curious mind.

Sunday, 23 May on Comedy Central (DStv channel 122) at 22:30

Day-to-Day

Friday, 21 May

Musiekpaniek S4

The fourth season of the fun-filled game show sees a local musician and their superfans get tested on their music knowledge.

VIA (DStv channel 147) at 20:00

Saturday, 22 May

Bafana Ba Bruno (Drama)

When their father suddenly passes away, two brothers try coming to terms with his death. However, life throws them a curveball when they are told they need to completely change their toder to access their inheritance.

Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 21:30

Ben Gen 10 (Animation)

Ben and Gwen go on their last mission of the summer in this movie-length special episode. When members of the public are suddenly transformed into aliens, Ben thinks that Rex may be behind it as he has contaminated the Omnitrix. Watch as Ben must work through a series of misunderstandings to find the real culprit.

Cartoon Network (DStv channel 301) at 10:10

Sunday, 23 May

Speelkamer (Drama)

Focused on the various aspects of divorce, Speelkamer chronicles the end of Wikus (Bennie Fourie) and Karen Wlegemoed’s (Mila Guy) marriage and the couple’s fight for custody of their son. Heartwarming and, at times, gut-wrenching, this made-for-TV film explores the nuances of families torn apart by divorce.

kykNET (DStv channel 144) at 20:00

Dhadak (Musical Romance)

Parthavi (Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi Kapoor in her debut role) and Madhu (Ishaan Khattar of Beyond the Clouds) fall in love despite their different social statuses. With their families opposed to the idea of marriage between the two, the couple decides to elope – with Parthavi’s father and brother hot on their heels to stop the wedding.

ZeeWorld (DStv channel 166) at 14:00

Monday, 24 May

Goldie’s Oldies

A live-action show aimed at tweens, Goldie’s Oldies sees 14-year-old Goldie’s life turned upside-down when her family moves from the United States to the United Kingdom. Once there, the family moves in with Goldie’s grandpa and his three 70-something housemates who are all a little more than just bonkers. Can Goldie keep everyone sane?

Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) at 18:30

War of the Worlds S2

Season 2 picks up on the dramatic finale of the first season. Emily (Cold Feet’s Daisy Edgar-Jones) has discovered she may have her own strange personal connection to the aliens while the rest of the characters are reeling by the possibility that the invaders could be human. If you’ve missed season 1, here’s a quick recap: In present-day Europe, all of humanity is wiped out by a devastating attack. With groups of mankind left all over the eerily deserted world, survivors must avoid and escape the aliens bent on destroying them and everything they hold dear.

Fox (DStv channel 125) at 20:45

Tuesday, 25 May

Food Factory S4

Ever wondered what it takes to make some of our favourite foods, such as cans of beer, bags of crisps and even bars of chocolate? Then this show is for you! Follow along as Food Factory reveals the processes behind mass-produced foods – from the gathering of ingredients to the products we see on the shelves.

National Geographic (DStv channel 181) at 20:00

Deadliest Catch S17

Fishermen risk their lives and face extreme dangers out in the vast ocean during the Alaskan crab fishing seasons. Yet, they are determined to risk it for a lucrative harvest. In the midst of the pandemic, half the crab boats are tied up and the ones who remain have a looming threat of a three-year closure if they don’t catch the entire fleet-wide quota. There’s everything to play for this season – but with strong personalities and histories of betrayal, can everyone be trusted to put the good of the fleet first?

Discovery Channel (DStv channel 121) at 20:00

Wednesday, 26 May

Extinction: Going, Going, Gone

Learn a thing or two about the countless animals across the globe that are facing extinction in this week’s Wildlife Wednesday programming. As the globe faces a crisis of monumental proportions, humans must dig deep to understand the lifestyles and habitats of these amazing creatures to prevent further losses.

Curiosity Channel (DStv channel 185) at 20:00

Thursday, 27 May

The Simpsons S32

The animated series that spawned an entire genre continues its legacy with a 32nd season. With 22 episodes and the return of all our favourite characters, there’s more comic relief and pseudo-social banter to be enjoyed with Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and more.

Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 18:00

Rehab Addict Rescue

Home renovator Nicole Curtis travels around the country to help mentor families who are overwhelmed by their historic homes – and have no idea where to begin their do-it-yourself renovations. A whizz in the renovation of historic homes, and with a mix of resourcefulness and sweat, she shares her secrets on fixing old electric systems to leaky pipes to turn creaky homes into modern-day dwellings.

HGTV (DStv channel 177) at 20:35

Sport

Motorsport

Formula One

Monaco Grand Prix Qualifying

Saturday, 22 May on Channel name (DStv channel 215) at 14:00

Monaco Grand Prix Race

Sunday, 23 May on Channel name (DStv channel 215) at 14:55

Cycling

Giro d’Italia

Stage 13: Ravenna to Verona (197 km)

Friday, 21 May on Channel name (DStv channel xxx) at 12:15

Stage 14: Cittadella to Monte Zoncolan (205 km)

Saturday, 22 May on Channel name (DStv channel xxx) at 11:20

Stage 15: Grado to Gorizia (145 km)

Sunday, 23 May on Channel name (DStv channel xxx) at 13:05

Stage 16: Sacile to Cortina d’Ampezzo (212 km)

Monday, 24 May on Channel name (DStv channel xxx) at 10:40

Stage 17: Canazei to Sega di Ala (193 km)

Wednesday, 26 May on Channel name (DStv channel xxx) at 11:50

Stage 18: Rovereto to Stradella (228 km)

Thursday, 27 May on Channel name (DStv channel xxx) at 11:25

Rugby

Rainbow Cup SA

Round 4: Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers

Saturday, 22 May on Channel name (DStv channel 211) at 12:45

Round 4: Emirates Lions v Vodacom Bulls

Saturday, 22 May on Channel name (DStv channel 211) at 15:25

Football

UEFA Europa League

Final:

Wednesday, 26 May on Channel name (DStv channel 203) at 20:45

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