Themba: My Inked World 2
Channel: Mzansi Magic (DStv 161)
TX Time: 20h00
Genre: Docu-Reality
We got to know Themba Broly through his time in the Big Brother Mzansi house - but now it's time to discover his world, and his life since the fame and the fandom.
That's the premise of this reality show in which the BBMzansi alum navigates life's pressures while rebuilding his life.
Before entering the Big Brother house, Themba had lost everything after his tattoo parlour burned down.
Then, with a new home partially paid for by his fans, a music EP on streaming services and a complex relationship with BB Mzansi 3 winner Mphowabadimo, he was determined to soar to the greatest heights of his life.
For Themba, this season of the show is all about redemption.
He is looking to become a better and present parent, to finally fulfil his career goals, to make things right with family, and to reconnect with those he considers his real friends.
Many things have unfolded in Themba's life since the cameras turned off on Season 1.
While some of the events took place on camera, like Themba standing up Mpho and not pitching up at what was supposed to be their first cover shoot, to him constantly being late for all his meetings - the relationship was going nowhere fast.
This season, a lot has changed. Firstly, Themba has a lot of fixing to do, and he is the first to admit it.
First on the list is Big Brother Mzansi 3 winner and former girlfriend (and baby mama) Mpho Wabadimo.
He has a lot of apologising to do and making up for past transgressions that left Mpho heartbroken and being a single mother to their son.
Will this revive their relationship or is that door closed for good?
Moreover, this season will see him trying to revive his dream of going into business and also getting his music career to take off.
Hopefully, he has learnt some valuable lessons and is well on his way to making better choices when it comes to friends and possible business partners.
The TikTok Effect
Channel: S3
TX Time: 21h00
Genre: Documentary
What connects amateur sleuths turning up at crime scenes, anti-social behaviour in UK schools and riots in France?
This documentary finds evidence they are all examples of TikTok "frenzies".
The BBC's disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, spent a year investigating harmful behaviour on TikTok spilling out into the real-world.
As well as crunching the numbers, Marianna tracks down TikTok users, victims and former employees to interrogate and expose how extremely high engagement on TikTok around particular topics appears to be creating these "frenzies".
The documentary explores how users go to extreme lengths in order to get more engagement in a battle for followers and likes.
Marianna investigates the role TikTok's algorithm and format plays in what's happening and reveals insiders' concerns about the app.
The documentary seeks to find out if this is the real danger of TikTok and what impact it is having on society.
The Big Debate
Channel: S3
TX Time: 18h00
Genre: Current Affairs, Talk Show
Town Hall current events debating show The Big Debate returns for a new 13-episode season, this time hosted by radio and news anchor Thembekile Mrototo.
The show gives people of all cultures, ages, and identities across South Africa a chance to contribute to a national conversation from race and identity, leadership, equality and socioeconomic rights to climate change and the energy crisis.
Debating speakers include government ministers, social activists, and other experts.
In the series premiere: the show will look at the accuracy and representativity of the story of Tintswalo, as described by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his 2024 SONA speech, when it comes to meeting the socioeconomic rights of the marginalised majority.
The show asks what it will take to ensure that the constitutional rights to health, education, and housing are extended to millions more people beyond the Tintswalo’s who have benefited so far.
Tokyo Vice
Channel: M-Net (DStv 101)
TX Time: 23h25
Genre: Drama, Period Drama
Loosely inspired by American journalist Jake Adelstein's non-fiction first-hand account of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat, the crime drama series, filmed on location in Tokyo, captures Adelstein's daily descent into the neon-soaked underbelly of Tokyo in the late '90s, where nothing and no one is truly what or who they seem.
In the series premiere, "The Test": After rigorously preparing for a qualifying exam, journalist Jake Adelstein is hired as the first American crime reporter for Japan's prestigious newspaper Meicho Shimbun, where he's quickly tasked with covering the case of a stab victim.
Bodkin
Channel: Netflix South Africa
TX Time: 10h00 (all episodes)
Genre: Comedy-Drama, Comedy, Thriller
A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.
Bodkin is a darkly comedic thriller about a motley crew of podcasters who set out to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three strangers in an idyllic, coastal Irish town.
But once they start pulling at threads, they discover a story much bigger and weirder than they could have ever imagined.
As our heroes try to discern fact from fiction - about the case, about their colleagues and, most painfully, themselves - the series challenges our perception of truth and exposes the stories we tell ourselves to justify our beliefs or validate our fears.
The Pioneer Woman 35
Channel: Food Network (DStv 175)
TX Time: 18h00
Genre: Food, Reality
Cooking for cowboys and hungry kids is not a job for the faint-hearted - but sassy former city girl, Ree Drummond, makes it easy with her delicious home-made recipes.
She serves up her own unique brand of home cooking on her cattle ranch, whilst also offering a glimpse into country life, Oklahoma style.
From throw-together suppers to elegant celebrations, Ree has it covered with practical recipes that friends and family will love.
Every meal is an occasion for Ree, and everyone is invited to sample the delights on her menu; whether it's a healthy selection of canapes for a girls' night or hearty food for the local cowboys, she specialises in low effort cuisine that anyone can make.
With her delicious dishes, Ree makes sure that no-one ever goes hungry on the prairie.
In the Season 35 premiere, "Ask Me Anything: Quick and Easy": Ree hosts a quick and easy Q&A with questions from friends, townsfolk and visitors to Pawhuska.
The answers start with a party perfect epic dip platter that involves almost zero cooking.
Then, Ree makes speedy hamburger soup while revealing her standby secrets.
Next, she shares her build-your-own easy tomato cream pasta and faces a culinary challenge with a three-ingredient sausage casserole.
In the second episode of the weekly double bill, "The Perfect Freeze": Ree stocks the freezer with some all-time favourites.
First, her pineapple pork shoulder is easy, economical and amazing in so many meals.
Then, she makes a rich and hearty slow simmered beef ragu - a simple yet special pasta sauce for anything from weeknights to dinner parties.
For breakfast, there's sweet and savory breakfast wraps for a quick heat-and-go start to the day.
Finally, shortcut brownie ice cream bites are the perfect frozen sweet treat.
MasterChef USA 12
Channel: eReality (Openview 108)
TX Time: 19h00
Genre: Reality Competition, Food
Season 12 is all about redemption, when All-Star competitors from the last 11 seasons return to the show to see if they have learned from their past mistakes.
For the first time ever, MasterChef is re-opening the door to some of the most memorable and talented cooks in the competition's history, including two MasterChef Junior Edition cooks now competing as adults.
Forty chefs get called back to audition, but only 20 will claim a coveted white apron.
The returning chefs compete in groups of four in head-to-head audition battles.
In each round, the two chefs that create the most impressive comeback dish will secure a spot this season.