Thursday, July 16, 2020

DSTV SHOW HIGHLIGHTS JULY 17 - 23, 2020

Now that most of our own realities are confined mostly to our own homes, escaping to a world of reality TV makes for a good alternative ‘social’ life. DStv has a line-up of viewing this week featuring many of its popular reality stars including the Bella twins, four of the biggest HGTV design divas and a range of other celebs.

A standout this week in the DStv Highlights this week is the Total Bellas Season 5 Finale – which promises a cliff-hanger of note.

On the topic of amazing reality TV, DStv also spotlighted other must-watch DStv reality TV shows for the week including Counting On, Celebrity Call Centre, Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges and Rock The Block.

Further highlights this week include:

Feel-good comedy movie Blinded by The Light

The inaugural Mandela Day Solidary Cup (Cricket)

Adventure-filled animated movie Abominable

Season three of The Sinner

Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe in The Lighthouse

(Left: “Total Bellas”)

Total Bellas Season 5 Finale

July 19 on E! Entertainment (DStv Channel 124) at 20h00

After arguably their best season yet, The Bella Twins (Nicole and Brie) are now both confirmed to be pregnant. Brie is expecting her second child with her wrestler husband Daniel Bryan and Nicole is expecting her first with Dancing with the Stars alum Artem Chigvintsev. In the season finale, witness all the antics that come with planning a gender reveal party, as Nicole prepares for the announcement in the most glamorous fashion. Meanwhile, Brie and Bryan disagree on whether they want to know. A Sunday-night unwinder not to be missed, this finale promises an epic climax.

(Right: “Celebrity Call Centre”)

Celebrity Call Centre S1

July 20 on E! Entertainment (DStv Channel 124) at 19h05

From a finale of note to a blockbuster premier. Celebrity Call Centre is everything the name suggests. If you had the chance to ask advice from favourite local celebrities what would you ask? This series sees everyday people take the opportunity to seek the advice of a celebrity by speaking to them directly over the phone about family, friends and more.

 (Left: “Forged in Fire”)

Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges

July 20 on History (DStv Channel 186) at 21h10

If you’re into competition-based reality shows, you've probably found yourself screaming at a judge "You don't even know what you're talking about". Well, the judges of Forged in Fire are looking to prove you wrong as they take on previous winners of the popular series in a high-stakes competition. Will the judges be able to cement their legacy as industry leaders, or will one of the winners prove that the craft is in good hands?

 (Right: “Rock the Block”)

Rock the Block

July 21 on HGTV (DStv Channel 177) at 19h50

If you are one of the thousands of South Africans loving all things design and DIY during lockdown, DStv has a treat for you! Four of the biggest design divas on HGTV face off against one another in this celebrity version of the popular Block home makeover show. Jasmine Roth (Hidden Potential), Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab), Leanne Ford (Restored by the Fords) and Mina Starsiak (Good Bones) each take on the restoration of identical properties in Los Angeles. Whose makeover will be the best? This week host Drew Scott – acclaimed real-estate broker and one of half of HGTV’s popular Property Brothers duo - kicks off the competition by assigning master suites to the designers.

(Left: “Counting On” - A group of people posing for the camera)

Counting On S5

July 22 on TLC (DStv Channel 135) at 21h50

Can you imagine growing up with 18 siblings? Or raising 19 children? Counting On returns for a fifth season, so can watch the chaos from afar. The 19 Duggar children are growing up and dealing with life's challenges as best they can. A few are even starting and raising their own families.

  

Further highlights include:

Uzobuya (Mzansi Magic Movies) (Drama)

July 18 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 20h30

A stay-at-home father is abandoned by his breadwinner wife, he struggles to understand her reason for leaving him. He searches for her only to discover she was hiding a secret from him.

Dr. Nou S2

July 20 on VIA (DStv Channel 147) at 19h30

Doctor Jurgens Grové and doctor Riekie Smit work together to boost patients' self-esteem through cosmetic procedures and dentistry.

Binnelanders

July 17 on kykNET (DStv Channel 148) at 19h30

What is going on with Okkie Ferreira? Because suddenly Wimpie's stories about his best friend are making sense to Ilse - and Naomi is also starting to worry about her father. But could it be what they suspect?

Blinded by The Light (Comedy)

July 19 on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 20h05

Starring child-actor Billy Barrat, this feel-good charming comedy will leave you humming Springsteen tunes for days and cheering when its earnest main character starts living the life he wants.

Rust Creek (Thriller)

July 19 on M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv Channel 104) at 20h15

A grisly survival thriller featuring Hermione Cornfield as a bright college student that must deal with the aftermath of a wrong turn.  After getting stuck in the Kentucky forest while going to a job interview, will the character be able to avoid the terrors that await her?

The Lighthouse (Horror)

Available on BoxOffice from July 22

Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe drive this horrifying drama. Set in the 1890s, two lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity as they live together on a remote and mysterious New England island.

Love and Debt (Comedy-Drama)

Available on BoxOffice from July 22

When you're up to your neck in debt...it's not about the money. A drama full of the comedy of life. A story for our times that examines the durability of marriage and family, the price of telling the truth and discovering what matters most.

Last Christmas (Romantic Comedy)

Available on BoxOffice from July 22

Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding star in this touching rom-com. A woman who is down and out works as an elf in a year-round Christmas store meets a man who seems too good to be true. Can he break down her barriers?

The Invisible Man (Sci-Fi)

Available on BoxOffice from July 20

When Cecilia's abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

The Sinner S3

From July 22 on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 20h05

The Sinner's third instalment follows Detective Harry Ambrose (Pullman) as he begins a routine investigation of a tragic car accident on the outskirts of Dorchester, in upstate New York. Ambrose uncovers a hidden crime that pulls him into the most dangerous and disturbing case of his career.

Black Monday S2

From July 20 on 1 Magic (DStv Channel 103) at 22h00

Back from a hiatus, Season 2 picks up after the Black Monday crash, focusing on the aftermath, with Mo framed for murder, while his former colleagues work on their next hustles. Mo, who has swapped his afro for a strange perm, is on the run for the crimes he committed in Season 1. Once the high-living risk-taker with dreams of building an empire on Wall Street by hook or crook — mostly crook — Mo is now laying low in a Miami motel, thinking up a new scheme.

Better Call Saul (Final Season)

From July 22 on M-Net City (DStv Channel 115) at 21h40

The critically acclaimed Breaking Bad spin-off series continues to follow the trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill (Golden Globe-nominee Bob Odenkirk).

Das Boot S1

Available on Showmax from July 17

Parallel storylines follow an inexperienced U-boat crew on a secret mission, and a young German woman forced to question her loyalty to her country in this WWII drama.

Lost on Everest

July 22 on National Geographic (DStv Channel 181) at 19h15

Tracing the disappearance of mountaineers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine in 1924. The men were last seen only 240 metres from the summit of Mount Everest. Did they reach the top?

Sled Dog Soldiers (Documentary Film)

July 19 on Curiosity Stream (DStv Channel 185) at 20h00

In August 1915, two officers of the French Army are called for an incredible secret mission: bring back 450 sled dogs from Alaska and Canada within a hundred days.

Beyond the Hedge

July 21 on The Home Channel (DStv Channel 176) at 21h00

Beyond the Hedge is a brand-new gardening show that invites viewers into magnificent gardens created by some of the best landscape designers in the industry.