Secrets of Neuschwanstein Castle
Channel: National Geographic Channel (DStv 181 / StarSat 220)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Documentary
Neuschwanstein Castle is said to have inspired Walt Disney.
This is the untold story of the Bavarian castle, which attracts 1.5-million visitors a year, and is also known as the 'castle of the fairy tale king.'
Just over 150 years ago, in 1869, construction of Neuschwanstein Castle began in Bavaria, Germany.
This documentary gives a behind-the-scenes view of the famous building, which is said to have inspired the Disney castle.
Neuschwanstein was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, a man known also as the Swan King or the Fairy Tale King, but also as Mad King Ludwig.
Ludwig II did not enjoy reigning. He dreamt of a life surrounded by nature, was an ardent fan of Wagner, and loved mythical imagery.
Neuschwanstein Castle was his dream realised in stone. But it was also a withdrawal from his duties as head of state.
And the more Ludwig II hid away in his dream castle, the more he angered his ministers.
They saw his artistic and architectural projects as overly extravagant.
Eventually, this 'overindulgence' was used as grounds to declare him insane. He was interned in 1886.
Just days later, he drowned in Lake Starnberg under mysterious circumstances, together with the psychiatrist who had certified him insane.
Six weeks after the death of Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle was opened to visitors.
The decision was also an effort to convince the public that the king had been 'mad,' and many came to see the castle.
Then came the World Wars and Neuschwanstein was briefly forgotten by the public.
During the Third Reich, Nazis misused it to store looted art. But the castle survived the wars unscathed.
After the end of World War II, US troops reached the castle.
Before long, it had become a favourite among GIs stationed in Germany, and Neuschwanstein was once again a much-loved tourist attraction.
Today, it's a tourist phenomenon.
This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes view of Neuschwanstein, a place that continues to cast its spell on those who visit, as the legend of King Ludwig II of Bavaria lives on.
Celebrity Game Face
Channel: SABC2
TX Time: 18h30
Genre: Game Show, Special
Executive produced and hosted by Kevin Hart, this special features Hart and his wife Eniko along with couples Terry and Rebecca King Crews, Sarah Hyland and her fiancé Wells Adams, and Joel and Sarah McHale, marking Joel's first appearance back on the network since he hosted The Soup.
The Harts lead the teams through a game night full of fun, fresh and wildly unexpected moments, as the celebrities engage in a range of ridiculous physical challenges that viewers can play along at home.
The pairs will show off their teenage dance moves in a tik "talk" challenge, feed each other a messy meal with a twist, attempt to interpret what their partners are saying while their mouths are full and race through their homes to find unexpected items to solve riddles.
At the end of the night, the couples are awarded money for their charity of choice, but only one team will win the coveted "Hart of a Champion" trophy, which is a gold statue of baby Kevin Hart.
The Price of Glee
Channel: Investigation Discovery (DStv 171 / StarSat 223)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Documentary Series
The cultural phenomenon and hit musical series Glee catapulted a cast of relative unknowns into international superstardom and literally rocked pop culture.
But the show that sparked a new era of acceptance was also saddled with extreme devastation on the inside.
Endless scandals, tabloid gossip and fatal tragedies plagued the rising stars on what was supposed to be the most joyful show on television.
Now, ID pulls back the curtain on Glee to explore the harsh reality of fame with this three-part limited series.
Glee was a once-in-a-generation cultural phenomenon that pushed up against social norms and generated discussions around sexuality, race, disability and family.
Each music-filled week brought joy to many people, but sadly, even one of the happiest shows on television couldn't escape the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the frenzy of burgeoning social media.
While celebrating the show's indelible mark on pop culture and its unprecedented success, The Price of Glee takes a hard look at the intense pressure that results from being catapulted into superstardom and sheds new light on the terrible tragedies that befell the cast and crew of Glee.
The Price of Glee unpacks the cast members' lives on and off set through never-before-seen interviews showcasing the demands of being on a hit TV series and dark behind-the-scenes drama.
With unbiased filters, hear directly from those outside of the cast bubble who can provide no-strings-attached perspectives, such as: relatives and friends of Glee cast members; those who were on the set and close to it such as set decorators, hairdressers, stylists and publicists; and entertainment reporters who covered the phenomenon.
Interviews from those close to the late Cory Monteith shed light on the actor's journey to international acclaim and the demons that haunted him, which led to his overdose at just 31 in a hotel room in British Columbia.
Those who worked on set and alongside Mark Salling provide commentary into their working relationship and shock of the dark and disturbing discovery of child pornography in Salling's possession that led to his death by suicide at 35.
George Rivera, father to Naya Rivera who he lost in a chilling and mysterious death by accidental drowning in a lake, gives a personal and intimate tribute to his daughter by taking a look back into Naya's life as a young actress and how her career took off, showcasing her journey from child actor to cheerleader.
The Real Housewives of Dubai
Channel: Me (DStv 115)
TX Time: 21h40
Genre: Docu-Reality
As the 11th city in the franchise, The Real Housewives of Dubai follows a powerful group of lavish women as they run business empires and expertly navigate a highly exclusive social scene within this ultra-luxe Billionaire's Playground.
Whether they're dining on a mountainside overlooking a valley of 1,000 camels or hosting the wedding event of the year, these ambitious and glamorous women prove everything is more extravagant in the "City of Gold".
When new group dynamics threaten long-standing friendships, tensions inevitably reach a boiling point, so if you can't handle the heat... get out of Dubai.
Meet the ladies of The Real Housewives of Dubai:
Born in Lebanon and raised in Texas,
Nina Ali is a lifestyle content creator who moved to Dubai in 2011 with her husband, Munaf.
After facing significant challenges growing up, Nina values authenticity and prides herself on being the "real deal," especially when it comes to raising her three children.
Though she is supportive of her husband's lucrative business endeavours, they must decide if the penthouses and personal drivers are worth the many sacrifices.
Dubai's first Black supermodel
Chanel Ayan is a glamorous socialite known for her elegance and enviable style.
A fashion and beauty expert, Chanel is a boss on and off the runway.
While running her successful talent agency, she is juggling motherhood and a highly anticipated makeup and skincare launch.
When Chanel is confronted by demons from both her past and present, she realises she can only hide behind couture for so long.
The daughter of two immigrant parents from Honduras, Boston-born
Caroline Brooks is a proud first generation American and Afro-Latina with an appetite for business that is larger than life.
With the nickname Caroline DXB, she is well-known in the Dubai real estate world and dreams of opening an inclusive spa.
Self-made and hyper-driven, she will use any connections - including her ex-husband's - to cement her and her son's future.
Born and raised in the UAE, Dr.
Sara Al Madani straddles two worlds: modern and traditional.
After starting her first business at the early age of 15, Sara has become a prolific public speaker and inspiration to young women in the region.
Despite all her success, this twice-divorced mom of one is intent on finding the one thing that's missing in her life: love.
Originally from Jamaica,
Lesa Milan is living out her dreams in Dubai as a successful fashion designer, devoted wife and loving mother to three.
Queen of her household, Lesa is fiercely loyal and puts family first over everything.
The former Miss Jamaica winner is proud of her luxury maternity fashion line Mina Roe, but fears the success of her brand may come at the cost of her personal life.
A stylist turned reality star on the series Ladies of London,
Caroline Stanbury returns with expanded horizons as a luxury brand ambassador and host of the relationship podcast Divorced Not Dead.
After her break-up, the mother of three found happiness in Dubai with former Real Madrid soccer player Sergio Carallo.
However, marrying someone much younger comes with its own set of challenges, especially around the topic of expanding their family.
The Masked Singer UK 4
Channel: BBC Brit (DStv 120)
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Reality Competition, Music
Joel Dommett is the host with the most as TV's most popular guessing game returns.
Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan head back to their detective chairs, all looking to work out the identity of the famous face behind the mask.
There's a new batch of weird and wonderful characters putting on quite a show for us, including Knitting, Fawn, Jacket Potato, Jellyfish, Otter, Phoenix, Pigeon, Rhino, Rubbish, Cat & Mouse, Piece of Cake and Ghost.
All do their best to wow the audience, before two find themselves in the dreaded Sing Off, where their fate is sealed by the judges.
Who has what it takes to sing their way to victory?
And who will be shouting "take it off" at as they're eliminated and unmasked?
Legends of Venom
Channel: Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / StarSat 221)
TX Time: 18h00
Genre: Wildlife, Documentary Series
Legends of Venom tells the stories of various snakes: how they live, why we can't see them, what they do to feed and breed, and how they deal with living near humans.
Glossy natural history footage showcases the beautiful snakes and their behaviour.
To tell the human side, we feature snake catchers entering houses and properties before rescuing the snakes and releasing them to live out their days in the wild.
Snakes featured: Mamba, Cobra and Viper.
Episode 1: Cobra
Charmed by some, feared by most – the cobra family is powerful and iconic.
From giant cannibalistic king cobras in India, to desert specialists that hunt birds in the Kalahari and semi aquatic forest cobras stalking toads in African swamps, each one has a unique story and set of challenges to overcome.
Episode 2: Vipers
Vipers are one of the most feared snake families in the world.
Now their stories reveal just how troubled life can be for hated snakes.
Rattlesnakes in the desert cheat death by predators and people.
Puffadders clean up vermin, yet face persecution.
And gaboon vipers on the forest floor dare not move.
This is an intimate look at their challenges and how they overcome each with unique superpowers.
Episode 3: Mamba
Black mambas are one of the most feared snakes on the planet.
But behind the twitchy demeanour and lightning-fast strike is a shy and highly intelligent creature, just trying to get through the hot, snakey summer alive.
This legendary serpent has a plethora of assets - venom, agility, speed and sensory superpowers - that make it a master its habitat, despite being the most hated serpent in Africa.
Life Below Zero 10
Channel: BBC Earth (DStv 184)
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Docu-Reality, Nature
Follow the further icy adventures of Life Below Zero's resilient characters as this ninth season charts their day-to-day lives in Alaska.
The series returns to reveal the hardships experienced by four Alaskan households in different corners of this merciless territory as they battle to make it through a long, dark, freezing winter.
The huge US state of Alaska boasts some of the world's most deadly weather, with temperatures regularly plummeting to a lethal -80 Fahrenheit.
Yet it is also home to some of the toughest, most resilient yet isolated people in the world.
In the Season 10 premiere, "Blood on the Ground": Alaskans must face the dangers of the Arctic in order to stockpile resources before dark winter returns to claim the landscape.
Restored - The Jesus Collective
Channel: SABC2
TX Time: 16h00
Genre: Music, Special, Religion
A special featuring well-known Gospel artists such as Ntokozo Mbambo, Loyiso Bala, Don Vino, Spencer J Kennedy, Veronica Meyer and Siphokazi 'SK' Nxumalo.
The Jesus Collective founder Hilton Petersen shares a message of God's infinite love of mankind.