Uzalo series producer Mmamitse Thibedi.
I've been very quizzy to know what's happening with the future of Uzalo so I've been on a mission to find out for us.
It's the No.1 show in the country so you'd automatically assume that the SABC has snatched it up for renewal but it turns out they haven't.
Everyone's still "in talks."
This from Uzalo series producer Mmamitse Thibedi who I caught up with to get the inside scoop. According to Mmamitse, the show and the channel have been discussing the future but no decisions have been made yet.
Mmamitse: “There have been talks to continue it though we don’t have anything in writing yet. I think the channel has to revue whether they want it back on or not based on the fact that it’s so popular. There are talks but there's nothing concrete yet. “
The SABC ordered 156 episodes to make the series telenovela length and those have been filmed and wrapped. The final episode airs on 3 February 2016. The show had a wrap party recently so filming's over and everyone has to wait to see what happens next.
On one hand it might seem like a no-brainer that the show will be renewed but on another, there are many factors that need to be considered for the future. Budget will be a top priority obviously.
As you may remember, the show ran out of cash earlier this year and things were touch-and-go. Those issues were resolved but it's clear that there was a lot of stress involved in solving them.
Mmamitse: "It hasn’t been an easy road, but ja, that’s resolved. We’ve been able to finish our episodes as promised to the SABC.”
Besides budget, another big consideration is whether the show should continue as a telenovela for another year or whether it should be turned into a soapie. Turning it into a soapie is a big commitment that demands the loyalty of years so everyone has to be
very sure that this is where they want the series to go if they commit to it.
Which e.tv obviously isn't sure of when it comes to Ashes to Ashes. They've said there might be another season but have given no commitments. It's definitely a problem with telenovelas - they're only supposed to air for a year and yet what do you do if people are mad for them?
And, in the case of Uzalo, what do you do if it becomes your No 1 show?
Ultimately, no matter how many complicated factors are involved, the only thing they can do is renew it. The outcry for Gxabashe will sound as quiet as an empty church if they don't!