The splitting of the M-Net Series channel has to go down as one of
the worst moves by M-Net and DStv.
When the split happened in July last year, M-Net Series Zone became a glaring symbol of everything that sucks about economic divides i.e. those who can't afford a Premium DStv subscription were truly penalised for something that's beyond the control of many people.
We all know that being on the Compact or Extra bouquet isn't a choice for everyone - it's the only option many can afford when it comes to pay TV so it was a very terrible thing to do to these subscribers. For loads of people it isn't a case of not wanting to pay for the Premium bouquet, they literally can't.
It was our firm belief then - and it still is - that the three Series channels should have been available to everyone who could receive M-Net Series previously.
The overwhelming feeling surrounding the M-Net Series Zone channel has been that M-Net and DStv have put very little time, effort and consideration into it. Shows have been all over the place and the choice of shows has been so random and erratic, it's never been clear what the channel actually offers. It's also been impossible to work out when a series is on next with all of the marathons all over the place.
It seems that they're
eventually waking up to the huge problems surrounding it because today the channel released a new line-up that gives more clarity on the scheduling of shows and upcoming series.
Is it enough to make up for the shoddy way the channel's been handled so far? You be the judge.
This is the new line-up from the press release:
[Submitted via press release]
New, improved schedule for M-Net Series Zone
M-Net has revamped the programming schedule for M-Net Series Zone, channel 115 on DStv. These changes give DStv Compact Plus, Compact and Extra subscribers access to see more top-notch international shows that were all the rage recently and on weekends all series lovers can sink into their sofas for a compendium of highly entertaining reality shows.
These changes will be effective as from Monday, 3 February.
"This is indeed great news for M-Net Series Zone viewers, " explains M-Net's Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. "For example, series such as The Following and Under The Dome, whose first seasons will air on M-Net Series Zone from February, were audience favourites on M-Net channel 101 on DStv Premium last year.
"If you haven't seen it yet, this will give you the opportunity to catch-up on some magical TV. Furthermore, the new schedule structure will make it easier for your to know in which time-slot you will find your favourite type of show."
A variety of the world's best drama have been selected for double-bill episodes on weekdays at 21:00 and 22:00:
Mondays - The Mentalist Season 5
Tuesdays - CSI Season 13
Wednesdays - Hawai Five O Season 3
Thursdays -The Following Season 1
Fridays - Under the Dome Season 1
To lead into these blockbuster shows the nerds of The Big Bang Theory will tickle the funny bones. Season 6 of the ever-popular series will be screened on weekdays, Monday to Friday at 20:30.
Another new fixture on the schedule is the medical and health-related talk show The Doctors at 18:30, while Queen Latifah will continue chat up a storm in The Queen Latifah Show at 19:30.
On weekends, it's all about entertaining reality and it all starts at 17:00.
The new show 72 hours (A reality show where three teams compete in the wilderness) start the weekend reality show bonanza on Saturdays at 17:00 , followed by double episodes of Junior MasterChef Season 2 at 18:00 and 19:00 respectively.
Then, on Sundays at 17:00 there are double episodes of Biggest Loser, with beautiful people Tamar and Vince moving onto the schedule at 19:00 for the first season of their reality show adventure.