Me or The Menu
Channel: TLC Entertainment (DStv 135)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Reality
A new twist on the relationship docuseries, Me or the Menu finds four couples trying to beat the odds of ending up in divorce court, while also navigating the unique challenges of the cutthroat restaurant industry.
Me or the Menu shines a spotlight on some of the reasons that approximately 60% of restaurants fail and nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce, and while some of the featured couples have just opened the doors of their new restaurants, others are diving in headfirst, hoping to make it to opening day.
Despite being at different stages of their journeys, each couple feels the pressure to make their business and their relationship a success, but balancing a stressful restaurant start-up and the needs of a significant other may prove to be the ultimate test.
These couples know that if they want to keep their restaurant dreams alive it won't be easy, but they hope it will be worth it.
The Me or the Menu couples include:
Kathleen Murray and Nate Albert (Lombard, Illinois)
Kathleen is the owner of Saucy Kat Food Truck and has a lofty goal of turning her food truck into a restaurant.
She needs the help and support of her younger fiancé Nate, often causing her to treat him like an employee rather than a partner.
Everything hinges on their success serving lunch at a big food truck event, but Nate's mistakes cause them to lose hundreds of dollars and his attitude drives a huge wedge in their relationship.
Nate's lack of motivation causes Kathleen to have doubts about his commitment to her, and he must earn back Kathleen's trust by proving he is just as committed of a business partner as he is a romantic partner.
Randi Lee and Jeanette Zinno (Brooklyn, New York)
Working long hours puts pressure on Randi, an industry veteran and first-time restaurant owner, and his fiancée, Jeanette.
They have put their wedding plans on the back burner until Randi can pay back his restaurant investors.
Jeanette has invested thousands of dollars into the business and has put her own career on hold to help.
She fills in as the hostess, washes dishes and does whatever is needed at the restaurant so Randi doesn't have to pay another full-time staff member.
Now, Jeanette is finally ready to step back from the restaurant, but Randi questions whether he can really run the restaurant without her.
James Martin and Jessica Neal (Chicago, Illinois)
James is a rising culinary star, and his wife Jessica, argue about finances both at home and at the restaurant.
James isn't taking home a paycheck and Jessica feels the pressure to be the sole breadwinner working two jobs.
But despite being overworked, Jessica refuses to relinquish control of her responsibilities at the restaurant to pay extra money for help.
Will the financial strain be too much on their relationship?
Nicole Baldwin and Alan Yuhanna (Houston, Texas)
Nicole, a self-taught cook with big dreams of opening a vegan restaurant, needs the help and support of her boyfriend, Alan.
Neither one of them have any experience in the restaurant industry, so they are starting from scratch to learn the ropes.
The pair clash over power dynamics as they must come up with a menu and find a location they can afford.
It all comes to a head when Nicole loses her cool when they host a pop-up to test their concept with customers and investors.
Magaeng
Channel: Mzansi Magic (DStv 161)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Comedy-drama series which revolves around a woman in witness protection who decides to appear on a reality show, putting herself and her family in danger.
At the core of the series is Zama Ndaba, played by Khabonina Qubeka.
Zama is a confident and ambitious woman ready to embark on a journey to fame by joining a popular reality show. Determined to distance herself from her family's criminal past, she aims to leave her mark on the world.
Placed under witness protection in a small rural town, Zama assumes the identity of Sheila, accompanied by her teenage children (played by Kopano Mahlasi and Bonga Mhlongo).
The Ndaba family must adapt to their new low-profile personae, sticking together whilst evading past threats.
Can Zama maintain their cover, despite the threat of "blend in or be killed" looming over them.
Themba Ndaba plays Bheki, Zama's manipulative and greedy husband, whose life takes a dramatic turn as the police close in on him.
Thato Molamu plays Thabang, the local police captain entrusted with protecting the Ndaba family's secret.
As the web of intrigue and deception unfolds, Thabang is torn between upholding the law and confronting his personal demons.
There are also guest appearances from Tinah Mnumzana, Sdumo Mtshali, Kagiso Rakosa, Phupho Gumede and Lethabo Mathatho from The Real Housewives franchise.
In the series premiere: Zama's dreams come true when she has her first shoot on a reality show, the Real Housewives of Durban.
She's ready to show off her perfect life and family, but all that glitters isn't gold.
Magaeng is produced by Burnt Onion Productions.
TVSA Show Page: Magaeng
Safari Roetes
Channel: kykNET (DStv 144)
TX Time: 17h30
Genre: Motoring, Travel, Afrikaans
Petri de Wet and his team take South Africa's hidden dirt roads and other breathtaking routes.
Petri is a kykNET personality, known for presenting the fishing show Hier Gaan Ons Al Weer.
In the series Petri, his co-presenter Vivian Torlage and their wives, Tanya and Mariaan, tour the country whilst 4x4 guide Jannie Rykaart will give advice where needed.
The Safari Roetes team will also meet up with celebrities, including singers Ilan van Staden and Fatman.
The Good Doctor 6
Channel: M-Net (DStv 101)
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Drama, Medical Drama
Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, continues to use his extraordinary medical gifts at St. Bonaventure Hospital's surgical unit.
As his friendships deepen, Shaun continues to tackle the world of dating and romantic relationships and works harder than he ever has before, navigating his environment to prove to his colleagues that his talents as a surgeon will save lives.
In the Season 6 premiere, "Afterparty": Shaun and Lea's long-awaited wedding reception is interrupted by a violent attack at the hospital and the entire team must must mobilise to save the victims.
Meanwhile, the trauma of seeing people he cares for in life-threatening situations is affecting Shaun in more ways than one.
The Big C
Channel: S3
TX Time: 19h30
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Comedy-drama series which follows Cathy Jamison, a reserved suburban wife and mother whose recent melanoma diagnosis forces her to shake up her life and find hope, humour and the light side of a dark situation, whilst managing her immature but well-meaning husband.
The Big C is about Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney), a woman who has always played by the rules.
That is, until she finds out she's got cancer. But instead of giving up – Cathy decides to live it up.
Cathy has always been conservative and structured – the perfect suburban wife and mother.
Receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis becomes not only a challenge, but a catalyst for change.
Cathy is tired of being "the sensible one" — now she wants to let her freak flag fly.
For the first time in her life, she is going to make choices that suit her needs.
She is going to say and do exactly what she wants from here on out.
No more submitting to her son's pranks, no more indulging her husband's childish ways, and no more letting her students walk all over her.
It's Cathy's turn to live, and she's skipping the main course and going straight to the liquor and dessert.
But as the truth about her illness becomes known, she begins to realise just how much her choices mean, and how much they affect those around her.
World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys
Channel: BBC Earth (DStv 184)
TX Time: 17h00
Genre: Travel
It's the ultimate rail pass to the most breathtaking places on Earth.
Narrated by award-winning British actor Bill Nighy, The World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys is an unforgettable ride through some of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth.
From New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the sweeping Scottish Highlands, to a Mexican odyssey, an Arctic expedition and a luxurious African safari, it's a breathtaking adventure.
Rolling past snow-capped peaks, fairytale castles and breathtaking natural wonders, meet the engineers who keep these trains running and the many characters who work, travel and live along these exotic and far-flung routes.
And while an airplane is certainly the quickest route to any destination, nothing compares to an epic train expedition where it's always the journey that counts.
Deadly Science
Channel: Curiosity Channel (DStv 185)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Science, Documentary Series, Docu-Drama
Humanity's drive to push the bounds of the known world sometimes results in tragedy — but science still remembers the breakthroughs.
Explorers get caught in a storm. Inventors are taken down by their own machines.
Great thinkers face persecution, launching ideas before society is ready.
Though these martyrs of the mind suffered greatly for their brilliance, their work echoes through the long arc of history.
From Spanish physician Servetus, burned at the stake for daring to advance medical knowledge, to George Mallory who may have been the first to the summit of Everest, to Marie Curie who pushed the science of radiation too far, and Dian Fossey, famed ape researcher, found murdered at her camp.
Who were these men and women — and what are their stories?
What gifts did they give humanity before they paid the price?
Deadly Science tells the story of iconic inventors, scientists and explorers who paid an extreme price for their work.
Using archive material, experts, CGI and historic reenactments, we bring them and their inventions back to life.
How did these pioneers change industry, inquiry, and the world with their ideas, setting us on a new path?
What ideas came out of their work and where have they taken us in the modern world?
In the series premiere, "Dangerous Heights": Since the beginning of humankind, gravity has ensured that we are firmly anchored to the Earth.
But humans are ambitious beings, always striving for the next conquest and pushing the limits of what is possible.
What made us take to the skies - and who were the dreamers who dared to defy gravity?
Although they have worked to make the once impossible possible, some of them have failed along the way.
From Amelia Earhart, who lived a life of firsts, to the test pilots of the Apollo, to Franz Reichelt, the flying tailor, this episode tells the gripping stories of tragic heroes who risked their lives in the name of science.
Fantasy Island 2
Channel: Universal TV (DStv 117)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
A sequel to the original 1977 series which takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected.
Delving into the "what if" questions - both big and small - that keep us awake at night, each episode tells emotional, provocative stories about people who arrive with dreams and desires and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island.
Serving as steward of this mysterious island is Elena Roarke (Roselyn Sanchez, Devious Maids), a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke.
Elena set aside her own ambitions, and even the love of her life, to uphold her family's legacy.
Sophisticated, insightful and always charming, her calm exterior masks the challenges of the responsibilities she has assumed.
Assisting Elena is Ruby Okoro (Kiara Barnes, The Bold and the Beautiful), a young woman with an old soul who arrives on Fantasy Island with a terminal illness and is given a new lease on life there.
Also helping out is pilot Javier, who also is the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades.
Guest stars in Season 2 include Teri Hatcher and James Denton in a Desperate Housewives reunion, which also features:
Andy Richter (Conan)
Rachael Harris (Lucifer)
Cheryl Hines (I Can See Your Voice)
Frankie J. Alvarez (Looking)
Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy)
Izzy Diaz (Broke)
Singer/actress Marie Osmond
Kyla Pratt (Call Me Kat)
Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)
Jason Priestley (BH90210)
and
Alexa Mansour (The Walking Dead: World Beyond), who will recur beginning in Episode 2 as Helene, a young woman who visits the Island in the wake of her mother's passing in search of her biological father.
In the Season 2 premiere, "Tara and Jessica's High School Reunion/Cat Lady": Longtime best friends Tara and Jessica want to rule their 30th High School Reunion, but their plans go sideways when everyone is forced to tell the truth.
Andi wants to know if her cat BoBo loves her as much as she loves him.
Roarke juggles a secret romance, as Ruby and Gina spend more time together.
Fix My Love
Channel: eReality (Openview 108)
TX Time: 20h55
Genre: Reality Makeover, Reality
In today's world we all have relationship issues and struggles that we are never quite sure how to fix.
This show aims to set lovers in difficulty onto the path of mending their broken hearts... but with a few interesting twists.
The series is hosted by Khabonina Qubeka, with the support of clinical psychologist and councilor Dr Khosi Jiyane.
Will these couples commit to fixing their love?
Each episode sees audiences first getting to know the couple by hearing about the highs and happiest moments in their lives together, before the full and intense story of what went wrong is revealed through their intimate introspection.
The couple is then sent off on a 'one night to save your life' mission, where they go on a dinner date to explore whether they can fix their love.
Intense discussions, burning questions and a surprise twist await them to find out if they will give their love another chance, or face the reality to call it quits.
In the series premiere, "Twerker Trouble": Love is on the rocks with lovebirds Tsholo and Thabiso.
Tsholo's racy dance moves are what attracted Thabo to her.
Nqobile
Channel: Mzansi Wethu (DStv 163)
TX Time: 21h30
Genre: Drama
Drama series which follows a woman who rises above domestic abuse to turn her life around, stand up to her husband and live fearlessly.
Nqobile (Nunu Khumalo) is the ill-treated makoti of the Nkosi family dynasty who manages to outsmart her entitled, abusive husband and take over his empire.
She transforms it into a woman-led e-hailing service and with newfound grit, she indirectly declares war against her spouse.
As she is thrust into a male-dominated industry and a new position of power, the series reveals everything she must do to negotiate her freedom, maintain respect and thrive.
The series mirrors real life and real-time scenarios such as the battle between e-hailing services and traditional meter taxis, whilest exploring issues such as gender-based violence.
The show is set against the luxurious aesthetic of Leondale streets and is juxtaposed with less opulent environments, where hustling is a way of life.
The series stars Nunu Khumalo as Nqobile and Kagiso Modupe as her husband Simo.
Other actors in the series include Magic Hlatshwayo as George, Nomsa Nene as Sarah, Lele Ledwaba as Mampoi, Lillian Dube as Black Widow, Abdul Khoza as Gugu, Nhlanhla Mdlalose as Sbambura and Ayanda Bandla as Ntombi.
TVSA Show Page: Nqobile
Cheap Irish Homes 2
Channel: The Home Channel (DStv 176)
TX Time: 10h30
Genre: Reality
Follows host Maggie Molloy as she attempts to shine a light on the secret side of the Irish property market.
On each episode, Maggie helps house hunters find properties all over Ireland – most of them at €100,000, if not cheaper.
Maggie is looking for buyers with an open mind who are not afraid of a bit of work.
In return she will reveal the kind of properties people would never have thought were within their reach.
Properties oozing with charm, in picturesque locations, with plenty of outdoor space. All at jaw-dropping prices.
She is joined on location by Kieran McCarthy, a building engineer who will advise the house hunters about the condition of the houses they are looking at and the various levels of renovation that could be undertaken.
Outdaughtered 6
Channel: TLC Entertainment (DStv 135)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Docu-Reality
Adam, Danielle, older sister Blayke and all-girl quintuplets Olivia, Hazel, Riley, Parker and Ava will be sharing more of their heartwarming family moments this summer.
From camping in the wild to striking poses on the catwalk, mechanical bull rides to a 'Yes Day' while mom is away, life with the Busby family is full of sweet chaos and big adventures.
After celebrating their 8th birthday, Olivia, Hazel, Riley, Parker and Ava show no signs of slowing down.
They are growing fast, losing teeth left and right and dialing up their own unique and spirited personalities.
At their first dance recital, Parker shines while Ava struggles with stage fright.
Hazel's eye condition, nystagmus, finally seems to be under control yet she has a tough time learning to ride her new bike, and Adam and Danielle can't determine whether eyesight or self-confidence is the issue.
Rowdy Riley pioneers her own path with interests in athletics and Monster Trucks, and Olivia suddenly gets cold feet on the eve of the long-awaited Daddy-Daughter-Daughter-Daughter-Daughter-Daughter dance.
Now in middle school, big sister Blayke has blossomed into a confident 12-year-old, who wants to throw a Friendsgiving party by herself.
Danielle supports her and tries to let her handle the event on her own.
Meanwhile, Danielle's attention is also focused on a new brick-and-mortar storefront she opened for their family business, Graeson Bee Boutique.
But giving up control of the household duties to Adam may be easier said than done - and the couple struggles to get on the same page.
Snow Bears
Channel: BBC Earth (DStv 184)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Wildlife, Documentary
The enchanting true-to-life tale of polar bear cubs and their mother on a 400-mile journey from their birth den in Svalbard to the pack ice surrounding the North Pole.
It's a fun-packed, snowy adventure as two young bears learn how to survive.
The journey is triggered by the arrival of spring when the ice vanishes from the island of their birth, and with it the seals.
Polar bears must follow their prey to the year-round pack ice in the far north.