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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: Monday 21 April 2025

21 Apr 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
New novela Genesis begins on Mzansi Magic and a trio of wildlife docs start on three broadcasters.


New on TV today: Thursday 27 March 2025

27 Mar 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Drama series Parish begins on Universal TV and The Flip Off is new on HGTV.


New on TV today: Tuesday 18 March 2025

18 Mar 2025 | Written by: Shows Editor | From: New Shows and Seasons
Gangland Chronicles unfold on HISTORY and Plaas van Passie begins on kykNET & kie.



LATEST ARTICLES

New on TV today: Friday 25 April 2025

Returning reality shows include Kids Baking Championship on Food and The Bad Skin Clinic on TLC.


Smoke & Mirrors 3 Teasers - May 2025

Thandiswa stumbles upon Mpendulo's revealing diary, uncovering a plot that could upend everything.


Plaas van Passie Teasers - May 2025

Caio confronts Daniel about his secret relationship with Aline and Daniel has a breakdown. Ouch! Crash!


New on TV today: Thursday 24 April

Vanderpump Villa returns on Disney+ and S3 documents The Battle to Beat Malaria.


Genesis character portrait: Baby Cele as Felicia Thabethe-Gigaba

Your inside take on the show's central protagonist, including details on her sex life.


The River 4 on Mzansi Wethu Teasers - May 2025

It’s a new dawn for Refilwe and Mohumi is called to lead. Lindiwe’s broken heart bleeds.


Annekan' Die Swa' Kry 4 Teasers - May 2025

Series finale! Four seasons in total, a year and a half of episodes. The end is nigh.


Muvhango Teasers - May 2025

Poor Muvhango. His heartbreak intensifies after being swindled by his girlfriend.


New on TV today: Wednesday 23 April 2025

Reality stars convene on Netflix for Battle Camp and Top Gear: Ambitious But Rubbish begins on S3.


New enemies and friends on Isitha: The Enemy Season 3

Skeem Saamer Thabo Mkhabela plays the menacing voice - now seen. He debuts with four other characters.

LATEST SITE ACTIVITY


More activity at TVSA Central



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