2020 Will always be remembered as somewhat of a devastating year. It came and changed the way we see family, social life and well, life in general. A great part of, not only South-Africa, but the world, are still picking up the pieces Hurricane-2020 left behind. In the beginning of 2020 M-Net promised more local content. The makers of magic delivered on that statement and graced our screens with some of the best local talent. Some familiar faces met up with fresh ones in the industry. I for one, fell in love with a few of them and re-discovered others. The local content kicked off with The Bachelor SA Season 2 just in time for Valentine’s day in February with Marc Buckner as our Bachelor. For weeks we sat glued to our screens watching the drama unfold in front of us. Ten amazing women all came for Marc’s heart, but it was the young Marisia van Wyk who took it with grace. Most of these ladies agreed that the journey helped them form new friendships. Sadly, their love story ended after a few months. When Still Breathing’s first episode aired on 27 February 2020, Tiffany and John Barbuzano took us on a 12-week journey with this story of “Life, death and the mess in-between.” Although it is impossible to single out one actor, I did find Jane de Wet, Tiffany Barbuzano and Kate Liquorish’s work excellent. Indeed, the whole cast and crew delivered a world class production. In life, what you see is not always what you get and in this series, it is no different. Sometimes the best of intentions can bite you in the back. Is there a Season 2 on the cards? The last episode ended with a shock, but very clever, leaving room for a possible second season. There is most definitely enough story to reel viewers in again.
Then came Single Wives SA Season 1, bringing M-Net’s Thursday date night back. Six ladies embarked on a journey of self-exploration and growth. They all have the most amazing stories and went through a lot of hurt in the past. Under the wings of the amazing and experienced coaches, Mapaseka Mokwele and Justin Cohen, they had to face some hard facts about themselves, life, relationships, and love. Not unlike any other reality series, there was drama, some tears, and many happy smiles. Will these ladies be making lemonade with life’s lemons in future? Short on this reality series’ tail, came Inconceivable. Just how far will you go for a friend? I was torn between right and wrong, pro’s and con’s, with this group of friends. Just how wrong is wrong? Is there a grey line and just how grey is this line? I found myself angry at a character, just to feel sorry for him in the next episode. You think you know your friend? The same friend can turn out to be your worst enemy when pushed into a corner. Motherhood and friendships took a toll on the characters in this, yet another, excellent local drama. I could not wait for the Thursday night slot to follow their drama. With each episode a new level of desperation was portrayed. Lies and deception were pushed to the limits in this series. M-Net’s Tele Nova Legacy is one of the absolute best I have seen. Mary-anne Barlow like you have never seen her before. As Felicity Price she does the part justice and took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Well, pretty much the entire cast did not disappoint. A family at war with themselves – it could not have described the series better. I had a date with the Price family and their complicated lives every Monday to Thursday. Deep emotions and secrets hidden behind the pretence of a happy, wealthy family. When you have
Annette Havenga everything to gain, will you be prepared to lose what you have? Just when you think you are home free and your secret is safe, a curve ball hits your way.
Survivor fans, I have great news! Season 8 of Survivor coming soon. Once again Nico Panagiotopoulos will lead the survivors as presenter of this popular reality series as we follow the contestants’ every move to see who will “outwit, outplay and outlast” to be the ultimate survivor and winner of the series. M-Net confirmed that “… we are delighted to announce that production has started.” M-Net hopes to air early next year, 2021, as soon as June. As yet there is no confirmation as to the location, but it is said to be on home soil and the guess is the Wild Coast. It will make this season the first to be filmed domestically. For the best in local, (and international), content, choose Channel 101, M-Net. TV-greetings.
Annette
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