We've seen a blitz of new shows in 2016 but which ones have had the biggest impact on you?
Which new local and international show has been your all time fave and why?
These are my choices...
Local: Shark Tank SA
(M-Net)
It's a dream come true. I've wanted us to get a local version of it for ages so I was thrilled when it happened this year and I'm hooked.
The show's slick and polished and the Sharks are sincere and funny
and, most importantly, they've been spending money - the most crucial factor on the show.
It's been brilliant seeing them injecting cash into South African entrepreneurs and the economy because it's so positive and exactly what our country needs. It's also been a kick seeing people making money out of their ideas and sharing what they've been through to make it happen.
Ultimately the show speaks to me because I'm an entrepreneur too so I relate to it bigtime. I don't have an MBA or any business qualification so the advice the Sharks give and the experiences of the entrepreneurs are addictive because I'm so hungry to know more.
Some of the entrepreneurs have been deluded and cringeworthy but it's been good to see them because they highlight what NOT to do in business. The Sharks have been direct and honest with them, unlike so many "reality judges". I haven't had a moment where I've felt I want to smack them for being sentimental or nasty for effect.
Also, I have huge issues with show sponsors who force their way into every aspect of a series but Telkom hasn't done this. They've kept their sponsorship subtle without upstaging any aspect which conveys the sentiment that they're committed to the show's ideology instead of their own glory.
My only gripe is with the editing which has had moments of being dodge and confusing - two weeks ago Vinny Lingham made a deal with someone and paid more than they were asking for! It was impossible to work out work because of the editing so it needs to sorted out.
International
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson
(FOX)
What a show!! Pure brilliance. The combination of the acting, the story and the fact that it's based on real life made it riveting. I watched an episode every night when it first aired and spent each day thinking about it - desperate for the evening to arrive so I could see the next episode.
I still think about it regularly because it spoke very deeply to me and gave me new insight. The way it dealt with race relations was next level stuff and the script and performances ensured that you understood exactly what the show was saying.
If you missed it, I'd highly,
highly recommend catching it. A repeat started on FOX this week so it's too late catch that - you can't miss an episode - but there are two marathons coming up. Not at ideal times but hopefully you can record it.
The first five episodes air on 24 December from 18h30 and the second five air on 25 December, also from 18h30. It repeats again on 31 December and 1 January, at the same times.
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So that's it - my fave raves. What are yours?
Here's a round-up of many of the year's new local shows to jog your memz:
A Date with Arthur (SABC3)
Art Lovers Show (SABC1)
Authentiek (SABC2)
BET A-List (BET)
Biting About (SABC3)
Die Boekklub (kykNET)
Die Byl (kykNET)
Double-Up Mzansi Style (e.tv)
Ezase Afro (Mzansi Magic)
Disney Cookabout (SABC2)
Doubt (Mzansi Magic)
Flops of Jozi (SABC3)
Fluiters (kykNET)
Frontier Vets (SABC3)
Fun-natix (SABC3)
Greed & Desire (Mzansi Magic)
Heist (e.tv)
Hustle (eKasi+/e.tv)
Igazi (Mzansi Magic)
Isikizi (Mzansi Magic)
Is'thunzi (Mzansi Magic)
Keeping Score (SABC2)
Mzansi Footballers (Mzansi Magic)
Jongo (BET/e.tv)
Jou Ma se Chef (SABC3)
Larger than Life (SABC3)
Living the Dream with Somizi (Mzansi Magic)
Lip Sync Battle Africa (MTV, MTV Base, e.tv)
Maseko Ties (StarTimes One)
On the Fly (SABC3)
Power Couple (M-Net)
Real Talk (SABC3)
Ridiculousness Africa (MTV)
Showville (SABC2)
Sober Companion (SABC3)
Street Cred (SABC1)
The Alliance (e.tv)
The Cover (Vuzu Amp)
The Kingdom - uKhakhayi (e.tv)
The Queen (Mzansi Magic)
The Voice (M-Net)
The V-Table (Vuzu Amp)
The Weekend Edition (SABC3)
Top Chef SA (SABC3)
Trending SA (SABC3)
Ring of Lies (Mzansi Magic)
So You Think You Can Spin (e.tv)
Switch (e.tv)
Varsity Sing (kykNET)