SOUTH AFRICA'S TV WEBSITE
SIGN IN SEARCH MENU
SOUTH AFRICA'S TV WEBSITE


Universal TV

Broadcast on: DStv
Active from: 24 Mar 2010
View website

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 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.


New on TV today: Friday 1 August 2025

01 Aug 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Jason Momoa roars in Chief of War on Apple TV+ and reali-ationship series Yithi Laba debuts on Wethu.



LATEST ARTICLES

New on TV today: Tuesday 9 September 2025

Only Murders in the Building 5 drops on Disney+ and Salvage Hunters returns to Discovery Family.


Sweet Diva Teasers - September 2025

Series finale! Régis and Amadeu propose to María at the same time.


Impak! Teasers - September 2025

One car accident. Four lives. The impact spreads wider than the scene of the accident on eExtra.


Unami na? Teasers - September 2025

Krutika ends up hurting herself when she tries to destroy the Tulsi plant.


New on TV today: Monday 8 September 2025

HGTV goes Chasing the West and CBS Justice investigates gruesome crimes in Murder UK.


New! Levels Teasers - September 2025

The heist crew each wake up with R1-million in cash.


New! Higher Grade Teasers - September 2025

Teacher Sam battles the bottle, a wife who's leaving him and a job on the line.


Ithemba Alibulali Teasers - September 2025

After a failed blackmail attempt on Rani, Pinky vows revenge and frames her for stealing earrings.


New on TV today: Sunday 7 September 2025

Two local dramas start tonight: Levels on Mzansi Magic and Higher Grade on SABC1.


Isivumelwano Teasers - September 2025

Sakshi tries to stop Mahipat from killing Babu - but fails.

LATEST SITE ACTIVITY


More activity at TVSA Central



,

LATEST SOAPIE TEASERS


,

LATEST SOAPIE TEASERS




×
×

You browser doesn't have Flash, Silverlight, Gears, BrowserPlus or HTML5 support.