It's a strange turn of events because it's the first time it's happened. A free streaming service on DStv.
Universal+ launches this Friday 14 October and the specific details around it have been murky.
It's going to feature content from NBCUniversal's channels that are already on DStv, specifically Telemundo, E!, Universal TV, DreamWorks and Studio Universal.
Why? What does it all mean and how will it impact on the actual channels?
We asked NBCUniversal:
TVSA: Will Telemundo, E!, Universal TV etc. still be available as linear channels on DStv?
NBCUniversal International Networks: Yes. Universal+ is an extension of the linear channels, offering added value to DStv subscribers at no extra cost.
If viewers would like to binge watch or catch-up on their favourite shows they can do so on Universal+.
TVSA: What's the difference between the linear channels and the channels on Universal+?
NBCUniversal: Universal+ offers DStv customers a new way to enjoy all the best content from existing channels - all in one, easy-to-access place, available to watch at any time.
TVSA: Which Explora models will it be available on?
NBCUniversal: All Explora models. They must be connected to the internet.
TVSA: Can people still access it if they don’t have Exploras?
NBCUniversal: Yes, via the DStv app and the website.
(Select Universal+ in both instances)
TVSA: On which DStv packages will it be available?
NBCUniversal: DStv subscribers will get the additional content for the channel brands which are available on their package.
TVSA: Will it be on the new *Streama TV box?
NBCUniversal: No, it will only be available through DStv Explora and through the app.
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These are some of the series available when it launches:
Celebrity Game Night
Seasons 1, 2 and 3 - with Season 4 coming in 2023
TV and radio personality Anele Mdoda invites two teams of South Africa's hottest celebs to compete in a series of challenges that range from pop-culture quizzes to games that test nerves of steel.
Botched
Seasons 1 to 7
Botched changes lives and restores hope through transformational surgeries.
Plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif’s surgical skills and expertise will be put to the test as they set out to correct damage done from plastic surgeries gone awry as they attempt to fix the unfixable and correct extreme, head-turning plastic surgery nightmares.
Departure
Seasons 1 and 2, with new episodes from Season 3 available weekly
An aviation investigator teams up with an ex-cop to look into the disappearance of a plane and while they are able to find a single survivor, questions remain.
Nurses
Seasons 1 and 2
New episodes of Nurses 2 will load in-line with the linear Telemundo channel. It premieres on Monday 17 October at 21h00.
A medical series following María Clara’s love story.
A failed marriage, a divorce, raising her two children, and falling in love again with a younger man. Not to mention her vital work.
The Scent of Passion
Season 1
An adaptation of the 1995 Colombian drama that follows the story of two lovers who belong to different worlds.
A coffee farmer who, whilst retrieving a hectare of land gifted to her, meets the son of the late owner of the farmland. In the process, an irrepressible attraction is born between them.
Dragons: Race to the Edge
Hiccup and Toothless lead the Dragon Riders beyond the borders of Berk and discover the mysterious Dragon Eye, which is filled with ancient secrets that lead them to new lands filled with undiscovered dragons.
But the heroes find themselves pursued by marauding dragon hunters who will stop at nothing to seize the power of the Dragon Eye!
The series is from DreamWorks Animation.
The Adventures of Puss in Boots
The world's favourite feline hero, lover (and milk connoisseur) dons his signature footwear and springs to action when he accidentally breaks the magical spell that protects the hidden city of San Lorenzo.
Puss in Boots must do more than become a local hero as he protects the now-defenceless, wildly eclectic townspeople from all manner of villains - he must become a legend.
Nothing can stand in the way of this swashbuckling daredevil ... except a hairball!
Your thoughts? A waste of space? Useful? A good idea or not?
*Interesting to note: it launches at a time when MultiChoice is making a big push in the streaming sphere.
They've just launched their Streama TV box which comes bundled with uncapped fibre and a router in two packages: the first with Compact for R699 per month for a 24-month fixed contract and the second with Premium for R999, also for a 24-month contract.