SABC 1’s Skeem Saam is about to get a new timeslot after airing at 6:30 PM for 8 and a half years. The popular soapie will move from 6:30 PM to a new timeslot of 7:30 PM as of 4 March 2024. The soapie originally aired at 8:30 PM when it premiered as a weekly drama series in the first 3 seasons. It moved to 6:30 PM when it became a weekday soapie. The move will see the soapie compete with e.tv’s leading show Scandal! and Mzansi Magic’s popular telenovela My Brother’s Keeper.
The decision to move Skeem Saam to 7:30 PM is in line with SABC Video Entertainment’s strategy to amplify its primetime local drama offering to its viewers from 19:30 to 21:30 with SABC1s Skeem Saam, Generations- The Legacy, Uzalo, and SABC2s Muvhango. The SABC will host two hours of back-to-back drama on the SABC Video Entertainment platform, intentionally targeting a broader audience and ensuring the platform remains competitive.
Over the years, viewers have seen the character of Mapitsi (played by Mogau ) 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) purchasing 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.
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.
Ofentse Thinane, SABC 1’s Channel Head
Created by Winnie Serite, the soapie which is set in Johannesburg and Turfloop, revolves around the ups and downs of teenagers trying to find their way through life’s struggles. With the new timeslot comes intriguing storylines full of suspense and intense drama. A human trafficking drama unfolds in Turfloop, someone goes down for murder, a soccer star blows up his millions, and there is a new hot couple in town.
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.
Sumaya Petersen Mogola, Peu Communications Solutions’ Publicity Manager
Skeem Saam airs weeknights on SABC 1 at 6:30 PM.
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