The end of Hillside. The end of an era.
The SABC and Danie Odendaal Productions have announced that it's over for 7de Laan. It won't be landing a 25th season once Season 24 ends on 26 December this year.
This news comes 23 years after its debut and there's no official word on why it's been cancelled so we can only presume it isn't financially viable for the SABC to continue producing it.
Not that anything is financially viable for the pubcaster at this point considering they've posted
a loss of R1-billion for the financial year ending in March 2023!
You could argue that the cancellation has to do with 7de Laan's declining ratings over the years
but this has happened to all of the SABC's soapies *side-eye
desperate Muvhango.
Despite the overall change in the landscape, 7de Laan still has months where it attracts
over a million viewers for it most watched episode.
It's navigated a multitude of signature timeslot changes, analogue switch-off and the relentless loadshedding while maintaining a loyal viewership.
It won Most Popular Soapie at this year's
Royalty Soapie Awards, which was voted for by viewers which means it has an ardent fan base who are prepared to put energy into their fandom for the show.
Where will that energy go once it ends? Will SABC2 lose another million people or will they migrate to a new show?
There's no confirmation of what's happening next but it's likely to be replaced by one of the new series mentioned in the SABC's
latest brief which calls for a new soapie themed round the concept of hope, specifically:
The Power of Hope is an inherent part of being a human being. It defines what we want for our futures.
SABC2 is looking for concepts and ideas that broaden and celebrate the South African family in the context of home, society, and the workplace.
Is it time for something new?
Is it better for 7de Laan to end on a high, while its fans still love it so much?
Or should it have been renewed for one more season?
You decide.
This is the official statement from the SABC:
After 23 years on air, SABC 2 and Danie Odendaal Productions announce that the long-running popular soapie 7de Laan will not be recommissioned for another season when Season 24 comes to an end in December 2023.
The brainchild of Danie Odendaal, 7de Laan made its debut on SABC 2 on 4 April 2000, bringing to life much-loved characters such as Oubaas, Hilda, Charmaine, Aggie, Emma, and the Meintjies family who all became household names.
7de Laan focuses on the lives of residents staying in and around the community of 7de Laan in the suburb of Hillside.
Originally presented in Afrikaans only, the show has gone through many transformations reflective of a changing society through the introduction of various dynamic characters, storylines and languages from other races and cultures, reflecting the rich diversity of our country.
7de Laan certainly made its contribution in assisting South Africans make the transition to a democratic state by dealing with issues such as inter racial and homosexual relationships.
Over the years it has also dealt with many social ills including gender-based violence, drug addiction, kidnappings and human trafficking.
Many South Africans have also learnt to speak Afrikaans because of 7de Laan by listening to the language and reading the English subtitles.
In its trophy cupboard sits many awards that 7de Laan has won throughout its life span including the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in the categories of Best Soapie.
It was voted as the Most Popular Soapie in the Royalty Soapie Awards this year and the Outstanding Female Villain award was won by Deirdre Wolhuter for her portrayal of Mariaan Welman.
Head of Content for Video Entertainment for SABC, Lala Tuku said that “SABC is proud to have worked with Danie Odendaal Productions and been part of the journey leading and producing the best Afrikaans soapie on local television for SABC 2.
"7de Laan has penetrated the hearts of millions of South Africans. With iconic characters over the years, that still hold a place in the viewer's hearts, powerful storylines crafted by a talented writing team engaged the audience on relevant topics.
"After more than two decades on air, the award winning 7de Laan leaves a lasting imprint on the SA television landscape. SABC wishes all the dedicated and talented cast and crew of 7de Laan all the best on their future endeavours. "
“It has been an honour and privilege to produce a show that has touched the lives of so many South Africans for over two decades," says Thandi Ramathesele, Executive Producer of 7de Laan.
"As we come to the end of this chapter, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated cast and crew who have poured their talent and passion into bringing the show to life.
"We also extend our deepest appreciation to the viewers and fans whose unwavering support has been the driving force behind our success.
"It is bittersweet to say goodbye, but we are filled with pride for the impact that 7de Laan has had on our society, addressing important social issues and fostering inclusivity, the show has made its mark on South African television. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey with us."
As we bid a fond farewell to the show, SABC 2 extends its deep gratitude to the dedicated cast and crew of 7de Laan under the leadership of Danie Odendaal and later Thandi Ramathesele.
Most of all, the channel thanks the millions of viewers and fans for tuning in everyday Monday to Friday for the past 23 years. Your loyalty, commitment and support is greatly appreciated!