Change is on the horizon for Skeem Saam, the beloved South African soap opera that has captivated audiences for over eight and a half years. Starting Monday, March 4, the show will undergo a significant transformation in its airing time, moving from its familiar 18h30 slot to the prime time slot of 19h30 on SABC1.
This shift is a historic moment for Skeem Saam, which originally graced screens at 20h30 during its early years as a weekly drama. However, this will mark the first time it departs from the 18h30 daily airing schedule, a time slot it has occupied for nearly a decade.
The decision to move Skeem Saam to the 19:30 slot is part of SABC Video Entertainment’s strategic move to enhance its primetime local drama offerings. The lineup from 19:30 to 21:30 will now feature a powerful combination of SABC1’s Skeem Saam, Generations: The Legacy, Uzalo, and SABC2’s Muvhango. This move is aimed at attracting a broader audience and ensuring the SABC platform remains competitive in the dynamic television landscape.
The adjustment in the airing time brings Skeem Saam into direct competition with e.tv’s flagship show, Scandal!, and Mzansi Magic’s increasingly popular My Brother’s Keeper. This shift is expected to create a thrilling rivalry among viewership and add a new dimension to the already vibrant South African television scene.
According to the press release from the SABC, the decision to change the time slot is a response to the audience’s call for a later broadcast time. Many viewers expressed that the previous 18h30 time slot was inconvenient, particularly during commuting hours. By moving Skeem Saam to 19:30, the SABC aims to accommodate viewer preferences and adapt to their needs.
For Ofentse Thinane, SABC1’s Channel Head, this change represents an opportunity to make the channel more dynamic and responsive to the audience. He sees it as a chance to be edgier and braver in the ever-evolving world of television. Thinane emphasizes the importance of adapting to viewers’ needs while maintaining the channel’s commitment to shaping the youth and reflecting societal roles.
Sumaya Petersen Mogola, Skeem Saam’s publicity manager, acknowledges that the timeslot change in the show’s 12th season will be a significant adjustment. However, she expresses optimism, believing that the change will open new avenues to expand and reach an even larger audience. Mogola assures viewers that the show has exciting stories lined up, and the team is eager for viewers to tune in to experience the next chapter in Skeem Saam’s journey.
As Skeem Saam enters this new era in its broadcasting history, fans can anticipate not only a change in the clock but a fresh and exhilarating chapter that promises to keep audiences glued to their screens. The move to 19:30 signifies a bold step forward, and viewers are invited to join the cast and crew on this exciting prime time adventure.
