Online Reporter
WHAT’S NEW THIS OCTOBER ON M-NET, KYKNET AND MZANSI MAGIC
October brings a packed line-up across M-Net, Mzansi Magic and kykNET, we’ve trawled through the schedules to highlight the best of the best – with fresh local originals, returning favourites, gripping international drama, reality, documentaries and lifestyle entertainment. Viewers can look forward to everything from Spinners, VIP Lounge and Elevator Love to Hacks, Invisible, Boekmerk and Daar was ’n Tyd, alongside plenty more must-watch premieres and returning hits.
TOP 5 PICKS FOR OCTOBER
‘Invisible’ trailer teases high-stakes action on M-Net | News24
Invisible Season 1 (M-Net Original, Drama Series, Wednesdays, from 14 October at 20:00)
A compelling premiere. After a call from her long-lost brother, Emma Le Roux returns home, where she and bodyguard Martin Dekker are drawn into a deadly world of poaching, corruption and secrets hidden in the Lowveld.
Cast: Kim Engelbrecht, Tumisho Masha, Frank Rautenbach, Tim Theron, Abbie Cornish, Emma Le Roux, Martin Dekker, Dougray Scott, Quintus Wernich, Jacobus Le Roux, and Jack Phatudi. Why we love it: Based on Deon Meyer’s bestselling Blood Safari, delivers gripping crime, family secrets and high-stakes drama, with a stellar South African cast.
Spinners Season 2 (Mzansi Magic Original, Returning Drama Series, Sundays, from 25 October at 20:00)
The Underdogs are living their spinning dream in Joburg, but Ethan’s past is quickly catching up with him. When a street race with rising driver Sayi lands them in jail, Hercules begins putting his plans for revenge into motion.
Cast: Brendon Daniels, Cantona James, Chelsea Thomas, Dillon Windvogel, Elton Landrew and Jihaad Otto
Why we love it: The stakes are higher, the rivalries fiercer and the spinning more exhilarating as ambition, loyalty and revenge collide both on and off the track.
Daar was ‘n Tyd Season 1 (kykNET Original, New Documentary Series, Wednesdays, from 14 October at 20:00)
As South Africans celebrate their unique stories, culture and history on Heritage Day, kykNET introduces Daar was ‘n tyd, a brand-new eight-episode documentary series that takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back to the people, places and experiences that live deep within the collective memory of Afrikaans communities.
Daar was ‘n tyd, produced by media personality and presenter Rian van Heerden’s production company, Provoco, premieres on Wednesday, 14 October at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv Channel 144). The series explores the memories shared by Afrikaans South Africans over the decades, from the circus and military conscription to concerts, censorship, radio, television and the foods that generations grew up with.
Why we love it: The documentary celebrates shared memories while offering younger viewers a fascinating glimpse into the stories and moments their parents and grandparents grew up with.
Married at First Sight Uncut Season 1 (Original, Mzansi Magic, new reality series, Fridays, from 30 October at 20:00)
Married at First Sight Uncut takes viewers beyond the main experiment, revealing previously unseen footage, behind-the-scenes drama and untold moments that could change everything audiences thought they knew about the couples and their journeys.
Cast: Esethu Seku, Hlulani Ngobeni, Laurinda Mabunda, Lesiba Tleane, Matshediso Maphutse, Nompumelelo Sobopha, Obren Masuku and Prince Zwide Zwane. Experts: Thabang Mashigo, Pastor Xolani Hlitana, Dr Mpume Zenda and Bakhe Dlamini.
Why we love it: Just when you thought you knew the whole story, Uncut offers another perspective, with unseen conversations, unexpected revelations and behind-the-scenes moments that add a whole new layer to the experiment.
S.W.A.T. Exiles: Season 1, S1 E1 – Clean Entry on STARZ
S.W.A.T. Exiles Season 1 (M-Net International, Drama Series, Wednesdays, from 7 October at 20:00)
Shemar Moore is back in action as Hondo in new S.W.A.T. spin-off, S.W.A.T. Exiles. An action-packed series premiere. Michael and Diana try for a baby. Meanwhile, his criminal empire faces a shocking betrayal from within after a shipment of Colombian cocaine is intercepted.
Cast: Shemar Moore, Louis Farah, Zyra Gorecki, Ronen Rubinstein, Lucy Barrett, Adain Bradley, Freddy Miyares and Quinn Bozza.
Why we love it: High-stakes action meets gripping personal drama in a story filled with danger, loyalty and betrayal.
*****
Mzansi Magic brings back the golden era of lifestyle TV with ‘VIP Lounge’ | The Citizen
VIP Lounge Season 1 (Mzansi Magic, New Reality Series, Fridays, from 2 October at 21:00)
Kick off your weekend with VIP Lounge, your all-access pass to the world of your favourite celebrities, the hottest events and everything Mzansi is talking about. The show also takes viewers behind the scenes of their favourite telenovelas to discover how the magic happens, while getting to know the stars they love on a more personal level.
Cast: Hosted by Zulu Mkhathini and Pamela Mtanga.
Why we love it: It’s the ultimate insider experience, bringing fans closer to the stars, shows and entertainment moments everyone is talking about.
Boekmerk Season 1 (kykNET Original, new lifestyle show, Wednesdays, from 14 October at 21:00)
Hosted by poet and author Danie Marais, this new magazine-style programme takes viewers on a journey through the world of Afrikaans books, writers and readers. Across 13 episodes, the production team visits established and emerging authors, attends literary discussions, and joins reading groups around South Africa. The series also explores the books and authors featured on Rapport’s 100 Best Afrikaans Books list.
Host: Danie Marais
Why we love it: A celebration of Afrikaans literature and the people who bring it to life. It’s insightful, engaging and a wonderful way to rediscover beloved books while uncovering new favourites.
Elevator Love Season 1 (Mzansi Magic Original, New Reality Series, Sundays, from 18 October at 18:00)
A bold, fun and engaging dating experiment puts hopeful singles to the ultimate test: can they make an unforgettable first impression during a single elevator ride and secure a real date by the time the doors open on the top floor?
Cast: Hosted by Pamela Mtanga.
Why we love it: It takes the pressure of a first impression and turns it into irresistible entertainment. It’s fast, fun, unpredictable and perfect for anyone who loves modern dating shows.
Cupertino – CBS Series
Cupertino Season 1 (M-Net, New Show, Tuesdays, from 20 October at 19:00)
A pulsating high-stakes legal drama. A lawyer takes on a powerful tech giant in a massive legal battle, navigating the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley while fighting for justice and the little guy’s rights.
Cast: Mike Colter, Rachel Keller, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Busy Philipps.
Why we love it: Big Tech meets big courtroom drama in this fast-paced battle for justice, packed with ambition, power and intrigue.
10 Over 10 Season 5 (Mzansi Magic, new season, Fridays, from 23 October at 19:00)
The lively weekly countdown returns to unpack South Africa’s biggest viral moments, celebrity headlines and trending topics, complete with sharp commentary from a diverse panel of pop culture insiders.
Cast: Moshe Ndiki and Farieda “Pharoahfi” Metsileng
Why we love it: It’s a fast, funny and proudly Mzansi snapshot of the stories setting timelines and group chats on fire each week.
The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist Season 1 (M-Net, New Documentary, Saturdays, from 24 October at 21:00)
From the Academy Award®-winning filmmakers behind Everything Everywhere All at Once and Navalny; a father-to-be tries to figure out what is happening with all this AI insanity. The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist is a hand-made, eye-opening documentary about the most powerful technology humanity has ever created… and what’s at stake if we get it wrong.
Directed by: Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell.
Why we love it: From Oscar-winning filmmakers comes a fascinating, accessible look at AI, balancing its extraordinary promise with the very real questions it raises about our future.
Project Runway Season 22. Returning Reality Series, Sundays – Thursdays, 18:00 (from 28 October).
Heidi Klum hosts twenty-two designers competing for fashion’s top prize in this thrilling premiere. A shocking twist intensifies the competition as designers battle to secure their spot. Cast: Heidi Klum. IMDb: 4.7/10.
Happy Place Season 2. Returning Comedy Series, Saturdays, 18:00 (from 31 October).
In Season 2, Returning for another season of cackles and chaos. Happy’s Place reopens its doors, and a long-buried secret comes to light that will test loyalties and shake things up inside the tavern. Cast: Reba McEntire, Rex Linn, Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Tokala Black Elk, and Pablo Castelblanco. IMDb: 6.1/10.
Death of a Show Jumper Season 1. Brand-New Drama Series, Saturdays, 21:00 (from 31 October).
In 2020, talented young showjumper Katie Simpson died unexpectedly. Most people thought it was suicide, but a local journalist is suspicious and begins to investigate. Cast: Tanya Fowles. IMDb: 7.5/10.
