The South African television industry has been thrown into intense public debate following the sudden news surrounding the future of SABC 2’s flagship Afrikaans telenovela, Paradys.
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Produced by Black Brain Pictures and featuring screen legends like Lorcia Cooper, Chantal Stanfield, and Zane Meas, the multi-generational family drama was hailed as a groundbreaking step forward for authentic representation on free-to-air public broadcasting.
However, reports revealing that production is being brought to a swift close after just a single season have sparked widespread frustration across social media and media advocacy groups.
Sudden news leaves Paradys cast and industry reeling
The announcement came as a devastating blow to the show’s cast and crew, who were reportedly given days’ notice that filming would wrap up in late October.
Designed to anchor SABC 2’s 19:00 prime-time slot following the iconic departure of 7de Laan, Paradys was positioned as a cornerstone of the public broadcaster’s campaign to rebuild its audience base and highlight stories within South Africa’s Coloured community.
While the SABC confirmed the series will run its full 260-episode order through to February 2027, it cited low viewership ratings and revenue targets as the driving factors behind the decision not to renew the show for a second season.
Industry commentators and crew members have voiced deep concern over the abrupt notice, pointing out that hundreds of local creative workers now face sudden job insecurity during an already challenging economic period for the local film and television sector.
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📺 The SABC abruptly cancels ‘Paradys’ leaving cast and crew with 10 days to wrap up shooting season 1. https://t.co/QmSBRGxfnH
— Ta Hlumza 🕴🏾 (@Ta_Hlumza) October 19, 2026
The broader debate over public broadcasting and representation
The axing of Paradys has reignited a broader, heated national conversation regarding the role and mandates of public broadcasting.
Critics and devoted viewers argue that public television should prioritise cultural preservation, language diversity, and community representation over commercial metrics.
With Paradys coming to an end, viewers express growing worry over the shrinking availability of non-English, free-to-air drama, leaving a noticeable gap for audiences who rely on public television rather than paid satellite or streaming platforms.
As discussions continue across industry forums and social platforms, the situation underscores the delicate balance South African broadcasters must strike between commercial viability and fulfilling their civic duty to tell every South African story.
Featured image: Instagram/@lorcia1cooper
Also see: Vuyo Ngcukana to join Afrikaans drama series ‘Paradys’
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