His Dark Materials
Channel: M-Net City (DStv 115)
TX Time: 15h00
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Mystery
Fantasy drama series based on the novel series of the same name by Philip Pullman, airing in an eight-episode binge.
This story starts in another world. One that is both like, and unlike, your own.
Here, every human soul takes the physical form of an animal, known as a daemon. The relationship between human and daemon is sacred.
This world has been controlled for centuries by the all-powerful Magisterium. Except in the Northern wilderness, where witches secretly whisper of a prophecy. A prophecy about a child with a great destiny.
During the great flood, this child was brought to Oxford.
Young protagonist Lyra lives in Jordan College, Oxford. Placed there by her uncle, Lord Asriel, she lives a sheltered life amongst the scholars and college staff under the watchful protection of The Master and Librarian Charles.
When the glamorous and mesmeric Mrs Coulter enters Lyra's life she embarks upon a dangerous journey of discovery as she travels from Oxford to London.
Here she meets Father MacPhail, Lord Boreal and journalist Adele Starminster at a glittering society party where she learns of the sinister 'General Oblation Board'.
Lyra is subsequently thrown into the nomadic world of the boat dwelling Gyptians - Ma Costa, Farder Coram, John Faa, Raymond Van Geritt, Jack Verhoeven and Benjamin de Ruyter, who take her North in her quest.
Once in the North she meets charismatic aeronaut and adventurer Lee Scoresby who joins them on their epic journey becoming one of Lyra's closest allies.
In the series premiere, "Lyra's Jordan": Following Lord Asriel's tear through the worlds, Lyra and Pan journey to the strangely deserted city of Cittàgazze.
Whilst the Magisterium refuses to acknowledge this new world exists, Mrs Coulter interrogates Katja, an imprisoned witch.
Lyra crosses paths with Will Parry, who she reluctantly teams up with. While exploring the city, they meet children who warn them about Spectres.
Although children are unaffected by Spectres, they can consume the souls of adults.
At the witch council, Lee Scoresby reveals he is seeking out an explorer who could offer Lyra protection. Against Serafina's wishes, Ruta tries to rescue Katja.
Lyra realises there is an Oxford in Will's world too, and he reluctantly agrees to take her.
The Lost Lincoln
Channel: Discovery Channel (DStv 121)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Documentary
Considered by many to be the USA's greatest leader and one of the most beloved presidents in history, there are only 130 known images of Abraham Lincoln on record.
Credited with ending slavery and leading the nation out of one of our darkest periods, Lincoln's life and legacy were cut short that fateful night at Ford's Theater in 1865.
Today, only limited items and a selection of known and verified photographs remain of the 16th president.
But, is it possible another image exists? One that was taken of the president in secret after he was shot and has remained hidden for more than 150 years?
The Lost Lincoln chronicles an investigation by professional authenticator, Dr. Whitny Braun to reveal extraordinary, groundbreaking evidence uncovering whether a newly discovered, secret photograph could be the 131st and final image of President Lincoln, taken after his infamous assassination.
Her journey to discover the truth takes you from Lincoln's birthplace in Illinois to halls of the National Archives to the scene of his last moments alive in Ford's Theater and the Petersen House.
April 14th, 1865 is remembered as one of the greatest tragedies in American history.
While much about the events of that evening have been documented in history books and by biographers for decades, the hours spent at Petersen House where President Lincoln would ultimately succumb to his wounds, remain shrouded in mystery.
After learning that an alleged photo of President Lincoln, taken in those final hours, exists, Dr. Braun, a professor of bioethics at Loma Linda University who has authenticated innumerable historical items in her tenure, sets out to prove the image's authenticity using innovative forensics and facial recognition software, as well as in-sights from renowned historians and Lincoln biographers and scholars.
With access to state-of-the-art technology, and by piecing together a detailed timeline of events with expert insights, The Lost Lincoln brings to light a piece of evidence with the potential to expose a tragic yet remarkable hour in American history.
With findings from Dr. Bennet Omalu, a world-renowned forensic pathologist who was famously played by Will Smith in Concussion, Dr. Francis Palmer III, a globally recognised expert in facial evaluation, and firearms historian, Dr. James Braun, among others, the documentary peels away the layers of this over 150 year old mystery.
The Frozen Kingdom of the Snow Leopard
Channel: Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / StarSat 221)
TX Time: 18h00
Genre: Wildlife, Documentary
Set in the remote mountains of China and Tibet, this film follows the perilous existence of a female and her two young snow leopards, who are less than a year old, in a valley of stunning beauty with a dazzling diversity of wildlife.
Two photographer brothers came upon this lost valley in 2016 and were amazed to find it home to a dense population of snow leopards in a relatively small territory.
Their discovery led to this exceptional film about an elusive big cat that is rarely caught on camera.
Jamie's Quick and Easy Christmas
Channel: BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Food, Special
In this hour-long special, Jamie serves up some simple but genius combinations of just five ingredients, to create the most fabulous Christmas feast.
Each recipe will either be quick to cook or easy to remember, focusing on genius combinations of just five ingredients to create the most fabulous Christmas feast.
Jamie's Quick and Easy Christmas is simple and delivers utterly delicious results – all of the flavour but none of the fuss.
America's Got Talent 12
Channel: eReality (Openview 108)
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Reality Competition, Variety
The 12th season of America's Got Talent is back with creator and judge Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.
Supermodel, entrepreneur and CEO Tyra Banks joins the team as host, and the series returns to Los Angeles with live shows from the famed Dolby Theatre.
With the search open to acts of all ages and talents, America's Got Talent has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing unique performers from across the country.
The series is a true celebration of creativity and talent, featuring a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying to win America's hearts and the $1-million prize.
Global Citizen Prize 2020
Channel: SABC3
TX Time: 21h30
Genre: Awards
Global Citizen Prize 2020 is an awards show honouring people who are making extraordinary efforts for the world's most vulnerable people.
Global Citizen celebrates the heroes among us who have stepped up with strength, with compassion and with humanity, against a backdrop of unprecedented global challenges.
The second annual Global Citizen Prize will honour the Global Citizens who exemplify the leadership we need right now, and inspire each of us to raise our voices for necessary change.
The Award categories are as follows:
Global Citizen of the Year
For an individual who has proven exceptional and sustained impact toward the end of extreme poverty and its systemic causes.
World Leader of the Year
For a political figure who advocates for and has implemented policy changes that have improved the lives of those living in poverty.
Business Leader
For an individual in the business community who has combined business goals with positive human impact.
Cisco Youth Leadership Award
For an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending poverty and its systemic causes in their community.
Local awards are also given in the following key markets: Canada, UK, Germany, South Africa, France and Mexico.
In addition to the four major awards, the broadcast and digitally streamed show once again hosted by John Legend, and digital pre-show will feature inspirational stories and unforgettable performances that will bring together influencers, artists, activists and global leaders to remind everyone that there are many reasons to be hopeful as we enter into 2021.