Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
Family Day represents what April – and Easter – is all about. It’s a special month where many take a moment to spend time together and celebrate each other. Africa’s most-loved storyteller DStv is all about quality time and feel-good, family-friendly content. From the quirky antics of an optimistic Quokka to exquisite footage of our planet in Mindful Earth, DStv has something for everyone during this month of freedom and family.
Day-to-Day
Thursday, 1 April
Daisy Quokka: World’s Scariest Animal (Animation)
Daisy, an eternally optimistic Quokka, will do just about anything to win the annual World’s Scariest Animal championship. She teams up with a former champion, a grouchy crocodile, to prove that winners can come in different shapes and sizes.
On TNT (DStv channel 137) at 16:15
Friday, 2 April
The Uncle: The Hugh Bladen Story (Documentary)
Since 1994, one voice has enthralled many SuperSport viewers and this documentary celebrates the man behind the voice of rugby: Hugh Bladen. Chronicling the remarkable life of the former junior Springbok, relive every moment of his journey, from his television commentary debut at the SABC in 1976 to his legacy at SuperSport.
On SuperSport Rugby (DStv channel 211) at 17:00
Saturday, 3 April
Fantastic Return To Oz (Animated Adventure)
This Russian-made, computer-animated film is based on the 2017 novel Urfin Jus and His Wooden Soldiers by Alexander Volkov, but features the familiar characters and settings from the L. Frank Baum Oz books. After a little girl named Dorothy interferes with the envious and power-hungry Urfin Jus’s plans for world domination with his army of wooden soldiers, he returns one year later seeking revenge.
On M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 16:00
Sunday, 4 April
Mindful Earth S1
Do you ever just zone out to a show like Blue Planet and relax while looking at turtles? Now the multi-award-winning BBC Studio’s Natural History Unit and mindfulness experts Headspace have joined forces to create a four-episode programme that combines nature footage and sounds with narration that immerses us in the natural world. Each episode explores what animals and nature can teach us about breathing, accepting change, finding joy and rest. It’s the perfect show for helping you break free of the dreaded Sunday afternoon blues.
On BBC Earth (DStv channel 184) at 15:12
Monday, 5 April
DiepCity
This telenovela comes from the production team behind Lockdown, and centres on four young women forced into crime while still in high school to make ends meet. Now, they’re trying to make their way in the world. The first of the four we meet is small-time housebreaker Nox (Nozuko Ncayiyane) who was arrested after her brilliant little brother was shot dead during a robbery. Now she’s back home with her alcoholic dad and angry mom, Thandiwe (Dawn Thandeka King), who blames her for her brother’s death.
On Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 20:30
Tuesday, 6 April
Garden Tales
Little ones will be hooked on this imaginative soap-opera-style kids programme. The creative episodes use live-action footage to help young viewers discover and explore the natural environment. Each episode includes a tale of a specific animal and stories of their adventures – from a little duckling who gets lost while learning to swim and a badger whose taste for adventure gets him in trouble to a family of owlets playing hide-and-seek.
On CBeebies (DStv channel 306) at 16:45
Wednesday, 7 April
Becoming S1
Ramazan, Gugu, Yaya and Gina grapple with issues of what it means to be trans in South Africa. There’s a lot to learn as they chat to each other and compare notes on what it has been like growing up in the wrong body, the challenges they’ve faced in transitioning and the struggles of gaining acceptance. We’ll also see them take the huge step of sitting down with their families to tell them their truth, and their intention to fit into their true identity.
On Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 20:00
Thursday, 8 April
Bull S5
In the fifth exciting season, psychologist and trial science expert Dr Jason Bull faces his toughest case yet. When a major secret of his religious leader client is revealed, will Bull be able to save face in court and – more importantly – what will the impact be on his consulting firm, whose entire business relies on giving aid to jurors during trials?
On M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 20:35
Friday, 9 April
Deliciousness S2
Tiffani Thiessen hosts this comedic food spin-off of Ridiculousness. Comfort food cravings, BBQ disasters and home cooking failures make for the funniest foodie clips you’ll ever see.
On MTV (DStv channel 130) at 21:30
Saturday, 10 April
Wendy Williams: The Movie
Talk show host Wendy Williams produced this biopic on her own life, starring Ciera Payton as primetime Wendy. Find out how she started in the entertainment business, the toll it’s taken to stay at the top, and how she has kept going in the face of criticism, opposition and people’s lack of faith. This is a no-holds barred look at Wendy’s life that doesn’t shy away from her early struggles in radio, her drug abuse and the rape trauma she experienced.
On Lifetime (DStv channel 131) at 19:20
Sunday, 11 April
Bad Boys For Life (Action Comedy)
Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness) and Martin Lawrence (Big Momma’s House) reprise their starring roles as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, respectively. This time around, they join forces with the Miami Police Department’s special team AMMO to take down a ruthless mother-and-son pair of drug lords wreaking havoc on Miami. Look out for appearances by Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical), Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games) and Charles Melton (Riverdale).
On M-Net Movies 2 (DStv channel 106) at 20:00
Monday, 12 April
The Flight Attendant S1
After making a passenger’s Mile High Club dreams come true, flight attendant Cassie (The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco) wakes up in a strange hotel room with the guy she hooked up with dead next to her and blood on her hands. This series is based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Chris Bohjalian and you can catch an early preview episode on Monday, 5 April at 21:30. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay on Catch Up throughout the season’s run.
On M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 21:30
Tuesday, 13 April
Die Boekklub S3
When Tom Niemandt takes an unexpected trip to the Karoo, he meets an eccentric group of people who changes his life forever. Season 3 is set in 2024 and will see the return of fan favourite characters Anna, Sofia and Lillie.
On DStv App
Wednesday, 14 April
Melting Me Softly (Dubbed)
A long experiment of being frozen sees two people wake up to find they are in a changed different world. This South Korean television series stars Ji Chang-wook, Won Jin-ah and Yoon Se-ah.
On tvN (DStv channel 134) at 21:45
Thursday, 15 April
Clarice S1
In this procedural series based on the characters created by Thomas Harris, set in 1993 shortly after the events of The Silence of The Lambs, FBI special agent Clarice Starling (Rebecca Breeds) is back on the job hunting down serial killers and sexual predators. At the same time, she has to navigate the politics and rampant sexism in the FBI offices in Washington DC, particularly from her boss, Paul Krendler (Michael Kudlitz). The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay on Catch Up throughout the show’s run.
On M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 21:30
Friday, 16 April
The Bachelor S24 (USA)
Get ready for liftoff with 28-year-old pilot Peter Weber who came in third place during season 15 of The Bachelorette when Hannah Brown turned him down. Now he’s getting his chance to hand out roses and look for his Ms Right. Of this season’s 30 contestants, five have competed in beauty pageants, including 2016’s Miss USA Alayah Benavidez. The series is hot on the heels of the US broadcasts and will build to a box set, so episodes will stay on Catch Up throughout the season’s run.
On 1Magic (DStv channel 103) at 20:30
Saturday, 17 April
In Their Own Words: Muhammad Ali
This biography series explores the lives of some of the 20th century’s towering figures, their fascinating personalities and profound cultural and historical impact. See how boxer Muhammad Ali rose from the Columbia Gym in Louisville, Alabama, to international fame. While his athletic achievements inspired many, it was his political convictions and his courage to pursue them that arguably had the greater impact, at the cost of a far higher sacrifice. The actions that once made him a polarising figure today have made him a beloved and honoured hero.
On History (DStv channel 186) at 20:15
Sunday, 18 April
Asinamali
Mbongeni Ngema of Sarafina! directs and stars in this apartheid-era movie. Asinamali sees a struggle activist working with convicts to create a musical play about their pasts. The play touches on forgiveness and questions reconciliation.
On Moja Love (DStv channel 157) at 22:00
Monday, 19 April
Mare of Eastown S1
Kate Winslet stars as Mare Sheehan, a detective investigating a small-town murder while her life crumbles around her in this seven-episode HBO psychological thriller, coming to M-Net express from the US. As Mare uncovers the dark side of her small town, she starts to crack under the weight of the community’s expectations of her, their need for her to be a flawless hero who can solve their problems, and even her own past trauma. The cast includes Guy Pierce (L.A. Confidential), Angourie Rice (Ladies in Black) and Evan Peters (American Horror Story).
On M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 22:30
Tuesday, 20 April
Bachelor in Paradise Australia S2
Fans of the show will be delighted to hear that Alex Nation and Richie Strahan are among the other known contestants returning this season. Contestants must juggle drama, exes and everything in between to try and find love in paradise.
On Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 20:00
Wednesday, 21 April
First Wives Club S1
This comedy series is based on the 1996 film of the same name, along with the original 1992 First Wives Club novel by Olivia Goldsmith. Three good friends – Bree (Michelle Buteau), Hazel (Jill Scott) and Ari (Ryan Michelle Bathe) – gang up for sisterly comfort and maybe even revenge after their marriages fall apart. The series is hot on the heels of the US broadcasts and will build to a box set, so episodes will stay on Catch Up throughout the season’s run.
On 1Magic (DStv channel 103) at 21:30
Thursday, 22 April
Op My Eish
South African actor Neels van Jaarsveld stars in this 13-episode reality dating show, set in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus. Neels will be getting to know 14 lovely ladies as he searches for the perfect partner – one with a great sense of humour, who is sure of herself, kind-hearted, and an all-around good person who’s not after a flashy lifestyle. He’s also looking for that spark of physical attraction. Will he find it or have to go back to the apps?
On kykNET (DStv channel 144) at 20:00
Friday, 23 April
Laat die potte prut S13
This competition-format show follows three teams creating delectable meals on an open fire to impress the judges. Laat die potte prut will teach you handy tips and unique recipes to create at home or challenge your family to compete against each other.
On VIA (DStv channel 147) at 17:30
Saturday, 24 April
Mel Gibson Marathon
TNT honours Mel Gibson by showcasing an entire Saturday filled with his acting and directing feats.
11:40 – Conspiracy Theory (1997)
13:55 – We Were Soldiers (2002)
16:05 – Apocalypto (2006)
18:20 – Payback (1999)
20:00 – The Passion of the Christ (2004)
22:10 – Mad Max (1979)
On TNT (DStv channel 137) at 11:40
Sunday, 25 April
E! Live from The Red Carpet: 2021 Oscars
April is Oscars month, and you can watch E! Live from The Red Carpet: 2021 Oscars on Sunday, 25 April on E! Entertainment (DStv channel 124) at 23:00, and Red Carpet Rundown: 2021 Oscars on Monday, 26 April on E! Entertainment (DStv channel 124) at 01:30. Also, keep an eye on M-Net (DStv channel 101) and M-Net Movies 1 (DStv channel 104) for coverage. And watch the DStv Awards show campaign page for all the latest news.
On E! (DStv channel 124) at 23:00
Monday, 26 April
The Buzz S4
Anele Mdoda hosts this 30-minute talk show, which features five women from across the African continent sharing opinions and anecdotes to help viewers with their dilemmas. Anele’s pals include Pearl Umeh from Nigeria, Rachel Wakesho from Kenya, Zanna Katoka from the DRC, and Davina Mavuwa from Zimbabwe. With such widely different personalities and cultural backgrounds on offer, viewers are sure to get a well-rounded perspective on any problem – from romance and relationships with family and friends to health and side hustles.
On HONEY (DStv channel 173) at 19:00
Tuesday, 27 April
Die Byl S3
Colonel Piet van der Bijl, better known as Die Byl, and his team are back investigating serial killers in this Leon Kruger series. As the season begins, Byl is still reeling under the guilt he feels for what happened to his team during season 2, while Sergeant Stuurman’s physical and psychological process of recovery will place strain on his relationship with Dr Shani van Rooi. Meanwhile, Captain Lena Maree battles to juggle career and family in a profession that forces the demands of parenthood to take a backseat.
On kykNET (DStv channel 144) at 20:00
Wednesday, 28 April
Rea Tsotella S12
A show which focuses on conflict resolution hosted by Bishop I Makamu. This reality talk show ranges from discussions around family and romantic relationships to various other issues that plague guests.
On DStv App
Thursday, 29 April
Baghdad Central S1
This British-made crime thriller is set in Baghdad, Iran around 2003, shortly after Saddam Hussein was ousted. Ex-policeman Muhsin al-Khafaji (Waleed Zuaiter) is wrongfully arrested and tortured by US troops while searching for his missing daughter, Sawsan (Leem Lubany). Later, he is recruited by ex-British policeman Frank Temple (Bertie Carvel) to become a police officer in the Green Zone, the centre of international activity in Baghdad. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay on Catch Up throughout the show’s run.
On M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 22:30
Friday, 30 April
Night Of The Wild (Horror)
When a meteorite hits a quiet town, all the residents’ dogs turn into mysterious beasts. The pets viciously attack the residents who need to fight back to save their family members.
On KIX (DStv channel 114) at 21:00
