David Blaine: Do Not Attempt
Channel: Disney+
TX Time: 00h01
Genre: Documentary Series
Prepare for the ultimate magic adventure.
This six-part series follows world-renowned magician and endurance artist David Blaine exploring the world through the lens of magic, in several inspiring countries, including South Africa.
David takes us on a fascinating cultural exchange and a jaw-dropping journey through extraordinary cultures, where he meets with performers and masters - kindred spirits who inspire and share with him exceptional skills (and secrets) - in Brazil, Southeast Asia, India the Arctic Circle, South Africa and Japan.
David is widely recognised for his epic stunts and illusions.
Through intimate documentary storytelling, this series also reveals a surprising and more personal side to David, which has rarely been seen before.
Traveling through the urban and natural jungles of Brazil to the unforgiving ice of the Arctic Circle, from the spiritual centres of India to the thriving cultural heart of South Africa, David seeks out real feats of magic at the intersection of physical and mental strength performed by extraordinary people.
In each episode, David immerses himself in the cultures, histories and hidden rituals that make these astonishing talents possible.
He learns and attempts … so you don't have to … while shining a light on a side of magic few have ever seen.
The series title provides instructions to viewers for a reason: Do Not Attempt.
From sword swallowing to surviving venomous creature stings, and from feats of athleticism to kissing king cobras, the series uncovers the rituals, preparation and strength that take magic beyond mere illusion.
David Blaine: Do Not Attempt is a celebration of pushing boundaries safely and responsibly, rooted in years of training, preparation and a process of refinement.
Episodes include the following:
Brazil
In Brazil, David seeks inspiration by immersing himself in his hosts' vibrant energy, passion and spontaneity.
The exceptional daredevils, artists, explorers and athletes he encounters unite to help him bring an audacious feat to life that's lingered in his dreams for years.
Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, David Blaine explores fascinating relationships with wildlife and how pain endurance can transform fear into magic.
He meets practitioners who appear impenetrable by sharp objects and performers who can endure the stings of venomous creatures.
David unpacks how people exploit fear in order to create wonder.
India
Growing up, David was fascinated by images from India of extraordinary physical feats.
This evolved into a life-long obsession with real acts that are so extreme they look like magic.
Using secrets passed down over hundreds of years, people still perform these acts today.
In India, David unearths these modern practitioners to explore how belief and performance intersect to make magic.
Arctic Circle
In the stunning frozen landscape of the Arctic Circle, David explores humanity's curiously extreme ability to endure freezing temperatures.
He meets and learns from people who reach beyond their limits to transform barriers into new frontiers and embody a sense of resilience, perseverance and grit that is unique to the region.
South Africa
David embarks on an epic adventure in South Africa, uncovering the magic of its diverse cultures and wildlife that is reshaping perceptions and dismantling barriers in this dynamic country.
Japan
From perfectly punctual bullet trains to meticulously assembled pieces of sushi, Japan is renowned for its craftsmanship, artistry and commitment to excellence in all endeavours.
In Japan, David explores the concept of mastery by meeting with people who spend a lifetime refining a single skill.
Special Ops: Lioness 2
Channel: M-Net (DStv 101)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Special Ops: Lioness, inspired by an actual US military program, follows the life of Joe while she attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA's spear in the war on terror.
In Season 1 we were introduced to the Lioness Unit, led by Joe McNamara (Zoë Saldaña).
The undercover unit is dedicated to befriending the wives, girlfriends or daughters of high-value terrorist targets and working to turn them for the CIA.
When an operation goes wrong and the unit loses a key operative, a chance encounter lands Force Recon Marine Cruz Manuelos a place as a Lioness.
In the finale, Joe's daughter, Kate, was in the process of recovering from a car accident.
Meanwhile, Cruz had fallen in love with her target, Aaliyah, and was forced to kill Aaliyah's fiancé, Ehsan Al Rashdi and her powerful father, Asmar.
Cruz completed the mission but suggested that Asmar's death was pointless.
The fight continues in Season 2 with Joe now forced to continue to fight the first season's fires, while bargaining with Kaitlyn (Nicole Kidman) and Byron (Michael Kelly) about sending in a new operative she isn't sure she can yet trust.
A US Congresswoman is abducted on US soil, leading Secretary of State Mullins to activate the Lioness for assistance.
Kaitlyn also comes under fire when someone breaks into her home - with fatal consequences.
With pressure mounting from all sides, Joe is forced to confront the profound personal sacrifices she has made as the leader of the Lioness program.
The Baldwins
Channel: TLC Entertainment (DStv 135)
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Reality
The Baldwins is a reality series that offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into the lives of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and their seven children.
This series blends the highs and lows of family life, with the challenges and humour that come while raising a large family in the public eye.
Throughout the season, The Baldwins will feature hilarious moments around the dinner table to candid discussions about mental health and their ever-evolving parenting style, the series shows what life is really like for the Baldwins - chaotic, funny, exhausting and filled with love.
Alec and Hilaria's dynamic as a couple will also take centre stage, with moments that showcase their deep partnership as they navigate challenges hand in hand.
With seven children in tow the Baldwin household is never short on activity, but through it all, Alec and Hilaria embrace the madness with an infectious energy, showing the beauty of raising a family that's anything but ordinary.
In the series premiere, "Along Came Hilaria": Alec and Hilaria celebrate their oldest son Rafael's ninth birthday and, in a bid to escape the noise of the city, they head to East Hampton to continue a yearly summer tradition.
But in the midst of celebration is uncertainty as Alec faces trial.
Alec and Hilaria navigate the emotional complexities of the moment, all while keeping their children's lives as stable as possible.
Manhunt: Chasing the Fox
Channel: CBS Justice (DStv 170 / StarSat 222)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: True Crime, Documentary Series
This series follows Greater Manchester Police as they hunt down some of the UK's most violent criminals.
Highly specialised teams, from firearms and vehicle intercept units to phone analysts, take on the most time critical cases where the public are under threat.
Manhunt goes inside the minds of those on the run - from suspects who have gone to ground after a kidnapping to those wanted for murder - and the police determined to catch them using multiple elite units, state of the art technology and classified tactics.
In the summer of 1984, a sadistic predator is terrorising suburban Britain.
This is the extraordinary story of the police manhunt for 'The Fox' - an attacker who would build a lair and lie in wait inside his victims' homes.
His victims are young and old, men and women, aged 17 to 74, nobody living in what became known as the "Triangle of Terror" was safe.
This was the last great manhunt in modern British criminal history before the science of DNA changed criminal investigations.
With featured interviews from detectives at the heart of the case, alongside residents who lived in the local area and never heard before archives, over two episodes we'll investigate one of the most chilling British true crime cases.
My Brother's Keeper
Channel: Mzansi Wethu (DStv 163)
TX Time: 19h30
Genre: Telenovela
Telenovela which tells the tale of a family drawn into a deadly succession battle of its own making, exploring how far people will go in their quest for power and acceptance.
Against the opulent backdrop of the Shabalala family empire, at the heart of this drama stands Nqubeko (Wiseman Mncube), Mshengu's (Lindani Nkosi) ambitious love child, trapped in the shadows and yearning for his rightful place in the family.
Nqubeko is headstrong and tired of being sidelined by his father.
Nqubeko, driven by both ambition and the need for validation, sees an opportunity to become more powerful, setting his sights on his sister-in-law Fakazile (Zola Nombona), the key to the Shabalala legacy.
But as he navigates this dangerous path, he finds himself at odds with his siblings, especially Donga (Sdumo Mtshali), the rightful heir.
As alliances shift and secrets come to light, the Shabalala family finds itself on the verge of collapse, with each member forced to reckon with their desires, loyalties and the true cost of power.
The Shabalala Family
Mshengu (Lindani Nkosi)
A dominant figure, Mshengu establishes authority with a mix of savvy and confidence. His traditionalist values often clash with the changing world around him.
Khwezi (Mnqobi Kunene)
Mshengu's firstborn with MaMchunu. An astute businessman, Khwezi's unexpected absence sets in motion the drama to unfold.
Fakazile (Zola Nombona)
An independent woman and wife of Khwezi. As the key to the Shabalala empire, she becomes the focal point of the power struggle.
Nqubeko (Wiseman Mncube)
The ambitious love child, constantly seeking his father's approval. His decisions stir the pot within the Shabalala family.
Donga (Sdumo Mtshali)
Mshengu's firstborn with his first wife, representing the rightful heir to the Shabalala legacy.
Other starring cast include Nomusa (Vuyiseka Cawe), the supportive wife of Nqubeko; Thuthuka (Sparky Xulu), the charming yet irresponsible youngest Shabalala; and Nkululeko (Nkanyiso Mchunu), a man easily swayed by temptation.
A story about the corrupting nature of greed, My Brother's Keeper also features Hlengiwe Lushaba-Madlala, Raphael Griffiths and Nthabiseng Kgosana.
My Brother's Keeper is produced by Rhythm World Productions.
TVSA Show Page: My Brother's Keeper
Judge Judy 23
Channel: CBS Reality (DStv 132)
TX Time: 15h40
Genre: Court Show, Reality
With her outspoken style, hard-hitting decisiveness and engaging wit, Judge Judith Sheindlin single-handedly reinvented the courtroom genre.
A former New York family court judge known for her ability to cut through a dispute and get to the core of the emotional issue at hand, Judge Judy acts as a moral compass for people seeking guidance, resolution and common sense in their lives.
Judge Judy's goal is to make a lasting impression that will discourage repeat offenders and help heal families and victims of injustice.
In the Season 23 premiere, "Surprise Police Dash Cam Video!/Dog Pulling Skateboarder Scuffle!": A man is accused of road rage and fleeing the scene of an accident; a teen's dog allegedly bites a young man at a skateboard park.