Series

  • Scorsese turns to the sacred: ‘The Saints’ lands on National Geographic across africa

    Scorsese turns to the sacred: ‘The Saints’ lands on National Geographic across africa

    A cinematic deep-dive into faith, power and legacy

    In a move set to intrigue both cinephiles and history lovers, National Geographic brings a bold new docudrama to screens across Africa: Martin Scorsese Presents The Saints. Fronted, narrated and executive produced by legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the seven-part series reframes some of history’s most revered spiritual figures through a distinctly cinematic lens.

    Premiering Sunday 5 April at 21:00 (CAT) on National Geographic (DStv 181, StarTimes 220), the weekly series blends scholarly insight with striking storytelling — offering a fresh, immersive take on figures whose lives have long shaped global faith and culture.

    Stories that transcend time

    Each episode zeroes in on a singular figure, from Joan of Arc and Francis of Assisi to Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist. These are not distant, untouchable icons, but complex individuals defined by conviction, sacrifice and moments of profound courage.

    The series also spotlights lesser-explored figures like Moses the Black and Maximilian Kolbe, unpacking their journeys with nuance and emotional depth. Through expert commentary, viewers gain insight into the historical and geopolitical forces that shaped their lives — and why their stories still resonate today.

    Where history meets high drama

    What sets The Saints apart is its visual ambition. Dramatic recreations, layered with archival material and expert analysis, bring pivotal moments vividly to life. These aren’t static retellings — they’re textured, emotionally charged interpretations that bridge the gap between ancient history and modern storytelling.

    At the centre is Scorsese himself, whose lifelong exploration of morality, faith and human contradiction — seen in films like Raging Bull, Goodfellas and The Aviator — finds a natural extension here. His narration threads the series together with reflection and gravitas, elevating each episode beyond traditional documentary.

    A weekly ritual worth tuning into

    Rolling out weekly, the series begins with John the Baptist on 5 April, followed by Mary Magdalene (12 April) and Joan of Arc (19 April), before continuing through May with stories of faith, defiance and transformation.

    Why it matters now

    In an era increasingly drawn to stories of identity, belief and resilience, The Saints feels timely. It strips away myth to reveal the humanity beneath sainthood — reminding viewers that these enduring figures were shaped by real struggles, real choices and real conviction.

  • ‘The Equalizer’ returns for its final chapter on Universal TV

    ‘The Equalizer’ returns for its final chapter on Universal TV

    The Equalizer returns for its fifth and final season on Universal TV (DStv 117) from 3 April at 20:00, with new episodes airing every Friday until the series finale on 31 July 2026.

    Fronted by Queen Latifah, the reimagined series follows Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative living a carefully balanced double life. To the outside world, she is a devoted single mother raising her teenage daughter, but behind the scenes she operates as The Equalizer — an anonymous force for justice, stepping in to protect those who have nowhere else to turn. As her clandestine work intensifies, the divide between her personal life and vigilante mission continues to blur, placing strain on her family and those closest to her.

    THE EQUALIZER — “Sacrifice” Episode 504 — Pictured: (l-r) Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall and Tory Kittles as Detective Marcus Dante — (Photo by: Michael Greenberg/CBS)

    Returning alongside Latifah is a strong ensemble cast including Tory Kittles, Adam Goldberg, Liza Lapira, Laya DeLeon Hayes and Lorraine Toussaint, whose characters each bring their own complexity to McCall’s world. Together, they navigate a landscape of high-stakes decisions, moral ambiguity and personal battles, all while supporting her pursuit of justice.

    As the series reaches its conclusion, the final season promises heightened tension, emotional depth and a closer look at the cost of living a life defined by secrecy and sacrifice. Themes of redemption and loyalty remain at its core, building towards what is set to be a gripping and meaningful farewell.

    The Equalizer Season 5 premieres on 3 April at 20:00 on Universal TV, available on DStv Channel 117 across Africa.

  • Disney+ debuts official trailer and key art for original limited series “Washington Black”

    Disney+ debuts official trailer and key art for original limited series “Washington Black”

    All Eight Episodes Premiere 23 July Exclusively on Disney+. Starring and Executive Produced by Sterling K. Brown

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa –Disney+ debut the official trailer and key art for the Original limited series “Washington Black,” based on the bestselling novel of the same name and starring Sterling K. Brown, who also serves as an executive producer. The series will premiere with all eight episodes on Wednesday, 23 July on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.

    “Washington Black” follows the 19th-century odyssey of George Washington “Wash” Black, an eleven-year-old boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation, whose prodigious scientific mind sets him on a path of unexpected destiny. When a harrowing incident forces Wash to flee, he is thrust into a globe-spanning adventure that challenges and reshapes his understanding of family, freedom and love. As he navigates uncharted lands and impossible odds, Wash finds the courage to imagine a future beyond the confines of the society he was born into.

    The series stars Ernest Kingsley Jr., Rupert Graves, Iola Evans, Edward Bluemel, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Eddie Karanja, Tom Ellis and Sterling K. Brown.

    “Washington Black” is produced by 20th Television Production in association with Indian Meadows Productions and The Gotham Group and executive produced by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, Kimberly Ann Harrison, Sterling K. Brown, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wanuri Kahiu, Mo Marable, Rob Seidenglanz, Jeremy Bell, Lindsay Williams, D.J. Goldberg, Jennifer Johnson and Anthony Hemingway. Hinds and Harrison are also showrunners for the series. Esi Edugyan is co-producer.

    Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.