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Universal TV

Broadcast on: DStv
Active from: 24 Mar 2010
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About

Universal TV (known as Universal Channel from March 2010 to May 2018) is a South African television channel broadcast exclusively on DStv which specialises in movies and television series in the thriller, drama, comedy, horror, crime and investigation genres.

It is owned by Universal Networks International, a division of NBCUniversal and offers character-driven entertainment in the form of a mix of series and films, with a focus on memorable, magnetic characters who trigger an emotional response.

AVAILABILITY

DStv: Channel 117
Bouquet: Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family

VIEWER PROFILE

DStv Adults, female skew

PICTURE FORMAT

1080i (HDTV, 16:9) - DStv

SLOGAN

"100% Characters."

ABOUT

Universal TV is a family-friendly channel that strives to provide an intelligent and entertaining experience. It was officially launched on 1 December, 2007 in Poland and Romania.

In South Africa, Hallmark Channel was re-branded under the name Universal Channel and went live on MultiChoice's DStv bouquet on 24 March, 2010, at 21h00.

The re-branded channel retained all the elements that made it popular on the DStv platform (ie. high quality series and films) but with an emphasis on premium, original first run content.

First-run shows to broadcast on the channel include Haven, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (from Season 8 in 2010; the first seven seasons aired on SABC3), Fairly Legal, Being Erica, Jack Hunter, Numb3rs, Flashpoint and Rookie Blue.

In May 2018, Universal Channel was rebranded as Universal TV.

LOGOS

March 2010 - May 2018

Universal Channel logo

Since May 2018

Universal TV logo


Latest Updated Shows

NCIS

Genre: Drama, Police Procedural
Channel: SABC2, Hallmark Channel, Sony Channel, Universal TV, M-Net, M-Net City, SABC3
Summary: NCIS is a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations.
Starring: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sasha Alexander


NCIS: Los Angeles

Genre: Drama, Police Procedural
Channel: M-Net, Universal TV, SABC3, e.tv, M-Net Series Zone, Mzansi Magic, M-Net Edge, M-Net City
Summary: Crime drama about the Office of Special Projects, a division of NCIS charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat.
Starring: Chris O'Donnell, Peter Cambor, Daniela Ruah


Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Genre: Drama, Police Procedural
Channel: SABC3, Universal TV
Summary: Chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the NYPD, the elite squad of detectives who investigate crimes of a sexual nature.
Starring: Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer


Latest Articles

New on TV today: Thursday 11 September 2025

11 Sep 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Drink Masters mix it up on S3 and Beauty in Black returns to Netflix.


New on TV today: Tuesday 2 September 2025

02 Sep 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Universal TV investigates Murder in a Small Town and DIY is the ticket on VIA's new show Huis SOS.


New on TV today: Monday 4 August 2025

04 Aug 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Snake Catcher: Down Under slithers onto TLC and King of the Hill is revived by Disney+ after 15 years.



LATEST ARTICLES

New on TV today: Monday 15 September 2025

The 2025 Emmy Awards air live and repeated on M-Net and Welcome to Plathville returns to TLC.


New on TV today: Sunday 14 September 2025

Celebrity Race Across the World returns on BBC Earth and Home Channel fires up Jamie's Easy Meals for Every Day.


New on TV today: Saturday 13 September 2025

TLC weighs in with 1000-lb Roomies and The Mommy Club 3 arrives to terrorise Mzansi Magic.


On Carte Blanche: illegal cigarettes smoke out South Africa

Blast back to lockdown when illegal cigarettes were all the rage. Now they're outselling legal ones.


Blink Kant Bo 2 Teasers - October 2025

Orhan faces abuse in prison as Pelin fights for her life when she goes into labour.


New on TV today: Friday 12 September 2025

Netflix unpacks the Beauty and the Bester and BBC Brit presents Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams.


Yosef Teasers - October 2025

Yaman and Seher spend some quality time together... in a storeroom.


New on TV today: Thursday 11 September 2025

Drink Masters mix it up on S3 and Beauty in Black returns to Netflix.


The TVSA Interview: Die Brug Season 2 winner Hirome Shigeaki

We chat to Hirome who dishes on his decisions, the filming process and the behind-the-scenes of now.


New on TV today: Wednesday 10 September 2025

Psycho thriller The Girlfriend drops on Prime Video, and Charlie Sheen and mummies are unwrapped on Netflix and BBC UKTV.

LATEST SITE ACTIVITY


More activity at TVSA Central



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