SABC 1’s popular soapie Skeem Saam is moving to a new timeslot after 8.5 years of airing at 6:30 PM. Starting from March 4, 2024, the show will air at 7:30 PM. This change marks the end of its long run in the early evening slot.
Why is Skeem Saam changing its timeslot?
The new 7:30 PM timeslot puts Skeem Saam up against some tough competition, including e.tv’s top-rated drama Scandal! and Mzansi Magic’s hit telenovela My Brother’s Keeper. However, this shift aligns with SABC Video Entertainment’s strategy to strengthen its primetime programming.
From 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, SABC aims to offer two hours of non-stop local drama, including Skeem Saam, Generations: The Legacy, Uzalo, and Muvhango. This new lineup is designed to attract a broader audience and keep SABC 1 and SABC 2 competitive in the busy evening TV timeslot.
What to expect from Skeem Saam in 2024
The decision to shift the timeslot also comes as Skeem Saam enters its 12th season. Over the years, viewers have seen the character of Mapitsi (played by Mogau Motlhatswi ) grow from being a teenage mother to getting married to the father of her child and recently launching a career as a radio presenter. Kwaito (played by Clement Maosa) and Lizzy (played by Amanda Manku) grew from being high school enemies to walking down the aisle, Leeto (played by Eric Macheru) buying Bazaruto and losing a licence to practice law after his murder conviction, and MaNtuli (played by Dinketseng Mnisi) moving into her dream double-story house.
Viewer feedback & SABC’s response
For years, Skeem Saam fans have asked for a later timeslot. Many viewers felt the 6:30 PM airing was too early, as it clashed with commute times. By moving the show to 7:30 PM, SABC 1 is responding to audience feedback and aiming to make the channel more appealing to a wider group of viewers.
“For years, the SABC1 audience has made a plea, requesting to change the Skeem Saam timeslot, stating that the show timeslot is too early for some as the show broadcasts during the travelling time for a lot of the viewers. For SABC1, we see this as an opportunity to make the channel edgier and braver and adapt to the audience’s needs. The world of television is an exciting platform where we should not be afraid to adapt while upholding our responsibility to shape the youth and societal roles.” – SABC1 Channel Head: Ofentse Thinane.
“A timeslot change in our 12th season will definitely be a big change for us and it is something we will have to adjust to. However, we are positive that the change will give us an opportunity to expand and reach a larger audience. We have great stories lined up, and we can’t wait for our viewers to tune in.” – Peu Communications Solutions Publicity Manager: Sumaya Petersen Mogola.
Created by Winnie Serite, Skeem Saam is set in Johannesburg and Turfloop and follows the challenges and triumphs of teenagers navigating life’s struggles. With its new 7:30 PM timeslot, the show will bring even more exciting storylines filled with suspense and drama. Viewers can expect an intense human trafficking case in Turfloop, a murder mystery, a soccer star losing millions, and the introduction of a hot new couple making waves in town.
Skeem Saam airs weeknights on SABC 1 at 6:30 PM.
