FREE-to-air channel e.tv has made TV history by becoming the first Mzansi broadcaster to launch two brand-new drama series on the same day.
The series eGagasini, produced by Stained Glass Productions, and The Four of Us, produced by Tsehdza Pictures, premiered on Monday as part of their refreshed primetime line-up, giving viewers a double dose of local storytelling.
Head of local programming at e.tv Vuyelwa Booi said the decision was all about pushing boundaries and giving viewers something fresh.
"As a channel, we're known for being innovative. First of all, our thing is telling authentic South African stories. That's what we stand by and that's what we've always done," she said.
Booi said that the broadcaster wanted to respond to the changing TV landscape by trying something no local channel has done before.
"We wanted to do it in a different way. We all know that the industry is changing and there's a lot happening in the industry. As a channel, we said, 'Let's be part of the change in an exciting and innovative way'.
"That's how we came up with the idea to launch two new shows in different provinces on the same day. That's how eGagasini was born and that's how The Four of Us was born," she said.
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She praised production companies and cast members for bringing the dramas to life.
"Being back in KZN as a channel has been exciting for us and we can't wait for viewers to see what Stained Glass Productions has come up with. I also want to thank Tshedza Pictures for rising to the occasion and creating this beautiful story. We've got an amazing cast in both shows.
"Talk about top-class actors. I watch the episodes and think, 'Really? We made this happen?' It's amazing and so exciting," she said.
Vuyelwa said both productions went above and beyond to secure some of the country's finest talent.
"Both productions have gone above and beyond to bring us the best actors in South Africa to tell the most beautiful, amazing stories," she said.
She urged viewers to embrace the new dramas and continue supporting local productions.
"As e.tv, we did this for you. We want to tell great stories about our people. We want you to see yourselves in the kind of content we create. We do it out of love. We do it out of passion. All we want is for you to enjoy it, participate in it and spread the word. Let's get the Golden Hour out there and get South Africa talking," she said.
The series eGagasini stars Meshack Mavuso-Magabane, Gugu Gumede and Ntando Mncube, while The Four of Us feature actors such as Sindi Dlathu, Rami Chuene, S'dumo Mtshali, Thembinkosi Mthembu, and Dumisani Dlamini.
The shows replaced House of Zwide and Scandal!, respectively
