BBC studios unveils a stellar collection of programming for winter 2018 in South Africa

BBC Studios announced the winter season of programming for BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies, BBC Earth, BBC First and BBC Brit, at its bi-annual Upfront event held in Johannesburg. Exclusive to DStv, viewers in South Africa can look forward to premieres of new and returning series such as the highly anticipated fifth series of the gritty drama Luther starring Idris Elba, and the latest natural history landmark Dynasty with Sir David Attenborough.

Helping to launch the exciting new season of content, rising star from the hit series The Good Karma Hospital – Amrita Acharia, flew in from the UK to present at the event. The series premiered in South Africa last winter on BBC BRIT to stand out ratings, with series two proving to be just as successful with audiences since its return on the 7^th May (Monday evenings at 8 pm).

Joel Churcher, Vice President and General Manager, BBC Studios for Africa said, “Our channels portfolio has had a strong start to the year with BBC BRIT, BBC First and BBC Earth pulling in their highest ratings ever thanks to the hits Come Dine With Me South Africa, The Durrells and Blue Planet II.

“Come Dine With Me South Africa returned to channel 120 after a five-year hiatus and proved once again to be hugely popular with our viewers. Ratings kept on soaring with series four breaking all records to become our best performing show across the entire portfolio ever – something I am really proud of. Local commissions are an integral part of our strategy as it’s vital that our channels reflect a compelling balance of the best of British content with shows that have local relevance and are produced here in South Africa.

“With such a strong precedent, our audiences are set up for a gripping winter of television thanks to the likes of Life Below Zero returning soon as well as new series including Tin Star and game shows Crystal Maze and !mpossible.”