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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: Tuesday 8 July 2025

08 Jul 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Mzansi Magic invites you to Lose It or Lose Me and Netflix documents The Real Project X.


New on TV today: Wednesday 2 July 2025

02 Jul 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
SharkFest 2025 kicks off on Nat Geo Wild and millennial rom-com Smothered begins on M-Net.


New on TV today: Thursday 19 June 2025

19 Jun 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Drama unfolds on The Waterfront on Netflix and 61st Street returns to Universal TV.



LATEST ARTICLES

Revealed! Cast and story details for Mzansi Wethu's new telenovela Homecoming

A doctor in a white coat gets a check-up from a doctor wearing beads.


Uzalo Teasers - August 2025

It's a beef buffet at the hostel and MaDlala asks God to lead her not into temptation.


Gelukbringers Teasers - August 2025

Azra receives a mysterious letter about her dad's murder and chaos unfolds when a video is leaked.


New on TV today: Monday 14 July 2025

Based on real life miniseries Happy Face is on M-Net and Magda Louw returns to kykNET.


New on TV today: Sunday 13 July 2025

Hitler and Churchill take centre stage on HISTORY and Jaws @ 50 debuts on National Geographic.


New on TV today: Saturday 12 July 2025

There's a Predator Countdown on BBC Earth and the return of 1000-lb Sisters and F*ck, That's Delicious.


On Carte Blanche: a dark underworld in our national defence force

12 SANDF members are in court on charges of car theft, kidnapping and murder - and they've just been granted bail.


Lost in Love Teasers - August 2025

Laxmi vows to ruin Mukta and her children's lives if they return home - and then they return home...


Jhanak Teasers - August 2025

Vihaan grows suspicious when Jhanak firmly claims not to know Aniruddha.


New on TV today: Friday 11 July 2025

Disney+ documents Jaws @ 50 and Discovery finds out how to go Faster with Finnegan.

LATEST SITE ACTIVITY


More activity at TVSA Central



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