The top 10 merry-making shows on DStv this holiday season
After a turbulent 2020, DStv is saying #TGIFestive with a packed line-up of local and international holiday content. With lashings of sport, kids entertainment, new shows, cooking spectaculars, musical specials and brand-new local and international movies, there’s something for every brother, sister, mother, aunty, uncle, cousie and gogo in South Africa.
See the 10 must-see, can’t-be-missed, cheery-but-not-cheesy highlights from Africa’s Most Loved Storyteller’s December slate.
1) A Zulu Christmas (Brand New, Local)
A spoiled city boy is in for the shock of his life when he is sent to spend the holidays with his grandmother on her farm in rural KZN. For many kids, that would be a dream come true, but this one isn’t ready for Granny’s list of daily chores. She’s also a fountain of stories about his heritage and their family’s traditions and, if he listens, he’ll see Christmas in a whole new light. Deli Malinga, Sphumuzo Sidzumo and Ayanda Banda star in this brilliant heartwarming film.
Friday, 25 December on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 20:00
2) Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace (Family)
A story of second chances that will warm your heart. A hardened criminal crosses paths with a precocious little girl who has been given the opportunity to change hearts during the holiday season with the help of an angel. Despite a tough exterior, Lucy is confident that her unusual new friend just needs a push in the right direction.
Saturday, 28 November on DayStar (DStv Channel 342) at 18:25
3) Boere-Krismis (Brand New, Local, Comedy)
In this South African Christmas comedy, struggling actress Claire tries to jump-start her career as an actress-director-writer by filming her fiancé’s family for a documentary, with unpredictable – and hilarious – results. Starring local favourites Lara Toselli, Johann Vermaak and Albert Maritz.
Saturday, 5 December on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 21:00 and Saturday, 19 December on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) at 20:00
4) Jamie’s Easy Christmas Countdown
Cooking the perfect festive feast can be daunting. Fortunately, everyone’s favourite chef, Jamie Oliver, is here to give you a masterplan for timing your cooking on Christmas Eve and Christmas day to get everything done on time without a sweat.
Monday, 21 December on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174) at 21:00
5) Elfland (Animation, Family)
In a bid to save Christmas, five intrepid elves must set out to track down Santa’s sleigh after an evil elf named Grumper steals it. Jingle, Bingle, Tingle, Dorabelle and Cheer are part of the ELF detective team that must get back with all the presents in time for Christmas.
Saturday, 5 December on M-Net Movies 1 (DStv Channel 104) at 08:05
6) A Very Vintage Christmas (Romantic Comedy)
Starring Tia Mowry as a shop owner who dreams of love, this film is shimmering with festive romance. When Dodie finds a hidden box full of romantic trinkets in her antique shop, she sets out to find its rightful owners. On the way, she recruits her friend Edward – a handsome but reluctant romantic – to help her.
Sunday, 6 December on Lifetime (DStv Channel 131) at 19:20
7) BET Spectacular (Musical Special)
BET is celebrating the end of a very long year by looking back at the best of it. They’ll be filling the day with replays of the 2020 BET Awards, Q85, the 85th birthday celebration for Quincy Jones, and the 2019 and 2020 Soul Train Awards. As well as celebrating black excellence, the awards shows and stars paid tribute to the heroes of the Black Lives Matter movies, and those whose murders have sparked rising protests and social activism around the world.
Saturday, 26 December on BET (DStv Channel 129) from 10:00
8) Twisted Christmas (Brand New, Local)
A rich family loses everything just before Christmas, and the only person willing to take them in is their long-time Muslim gardener (and his family). With such kindness, there’s plenty of reason to be merry as everyone celebrates together and learns the meaning of real family. The diverse cast includes Kate Liquorish, Euodia Samson and Abduragman Adams.
Saturday, 26 December on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 21:00
9) 2020 iHeartRadio Music Festival S1 (Musical Special)
Ryan Seacrest hosts this year’s virtual festival line-up, which includes performances from Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, BTS, Coldplay and Kane Brown. Special guests include Khalid, Keith Urban, Migos, Miley Cyrus, Swae Lee, Thomas Rhett, Usher and more. Performances will be recorded live in Nashville and Los Angeles, and the performers will take time to discuss how the global pandemic has impacted them, their crews and the music industry. Fans will also get a chance for a virtual meet-and-greet with the stars.
Starts on Thursday, 24 December on 1Magic (DStv Channel 103) at 20:30
10) Christmas Under the Stars (movie)
Self-centred Nick (Jesse Metcalfe) takes a job at a Christmas tree lot after he’s fired from his job as an investment banker. While he’s feeling sorry for himself, he meets Julie (Autumn Reeser), a grieving single mom and astronomy teacher who’s always wishing on a star. Nick not only falls for Julie but starts to realise what his big financial decisions do to regular people.
Sunday, 27 December on Universal TV (DStv Channel 117) at 15:00
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