"Dirty?" - you ask. "Why?"
Because everything associated with Channel 103 has been filthily unfabulous since 2018 when 1Magic first appeared on the scene.
We were thankfully rescued from the pain of it at the end of March when it went dark but the madness just won't stop because it's been replaced by 1max.
First impressions on the line-up in the schedule: Random, with no clear concept.
Turns out it's what we suspected when the
1Not-So-Magic carnage was in full force - it's a glorified advertising channel for Showmax.
We asked MultiChoice for info about it and they sent us these details:
What is 1max?
1max is a new channel on the DStv platform featuring content from Showmax as well as original local stories, reality shows and international series.
The channel embraces and explores dynamic, authentic African stories with an edge, kicking off with titles such as Tracking Thabo Bester and Red Ink - both of which recently launched on Showmax and set social media abuzz.
It will also feature content from other territories in Africa, such as the Nigerian telenovela Wura and The Real Housewives of Lagos, as well as international series like Ted, Yellowstone and Season 6 of The Good Doctor.
The content on 1max gives linear viewers a sample of what’s available on the streaming service and encourages viewers who enjoy the shows to go to showmax.com and get streaming.
DStv Premium subscribers get Showmax at no additional cost and other DStv subscribers get Showmax at a discounted price.
Where can I watch 1max on DStv?
1max is available on DStv Channel 103 from 1 April.
On which packages can I watch 1max?
1max is available to all South African DStv Premium and Compact Plus customers.
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In a nutshell: it's a bit of repeated M-Net, mixed with content that's been created for other countries, to a soundtrack of GET SHOWMAX.
It costs R49 per month for Compact Plus viewers.
Which raises the question of why would Compact Plus subscribers upgrade to Showmax if they're already getting Showmax series on 1max?
One explanation could be that the channel won't be around for long. Maybe they'll run it for a bit and then boom! (#Nonhle) it's gone.
What's interesting is that it's reminded us of hott goss we heard years ago... a former MultiChoice insider told us that there was a plan to split DStv and Showmax into two separate companies by selling DStv off while keeping Showmax.
And now there's all this talk of French broadcaster Canal+
wanting to buy MultiChoice but there's no clarity as to what they'll be buying exactly.
Does the deal include DStv
and Showmax? If not, maybe this is why there's a battle charge to get DStv subscribers signed up on Showmax?
We're sussspicious.
Or perhaps we watch too much TV and see hidden plots in every story.