Is This the End of ‘Muvhango’?

Hey there, soapie lovers! If you’ve been keeping up with South African television, you might have heard the whispers about the future of Muvhango, the beloved Tshivenda soapie that has been a staple on SABC2 since 1997. Recently, it seems like the show has hit a rough patch, and the rumors of its demise are getting louder. So, is this really the end of Muvhango? Let’s dive into the details!

A Decline in Viewership

October was a particularly tough month for Muvhango, with the show reportedly attracting less than 1 million viewers for the first time in its 27-year history. Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela has shared that the sentiment in the industry suggests that the end might be near for this iconic series. According to TVSA, Muvhango has lost a staggering 4 million viewers over the past five years, which is no small feat for a show that once commanded a loyal audience.

New Season, Old Problems

Season 27 kicked off in August with some fresh faces and a revamped look, including a new logo and opening sequence. However, it seems that the changes didn’t resonate with viewers as hoped. Many fans took to social media, expressing their nostalgia for the old episodes that aired earlier this year. One fan, @Papi_Mphuthi, even shared, “I would wait for 9pm just to watch old seasons even record those episodes; that’s how dope it was back then.” Ouch! Talk about a harsh critique of the new direction.

The murmur in the industry is that the end is nigh for Muvhango.

Having haemorrhaged a staggering 4 million viewers since its inception and hey-days … coupled with its all-too-familiar financial issues, it looks like a cancellation is inevitable.

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The show has been beset by… pic.twitter.com/DEm0wNchKA

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) November 13, 2024

The New Characters

This season introduced actress Leleti Khumalo as Dr. Nonhlanhla Ximba, a character who transitions from medicine to the business world as the CEO of Siyabusa Construction. While her character is touted as a powerful figure aiming to empower women and shake things up in the Muvhango universe, it seems that the audience is still yearning for the charm and intrigue of the show’s earlier days.

What’s Next for Muvhango?

Despite the alarming drop in viewership and the chatter about its potential cancellation, neither SABC2 nor the production team has officially confirmed that Muvhango is on its last legs. Jacqui Hlongwane, the acting head of channel at SABC2, expressed excitement about the show’s transformation, stating that they are eager to see the fresh energy and captivating storytelling that Muvhango promises to bring.

The Bottom Line

So, is Muvhango really nearing its end? While it’s too soon to say for sure, the signs are certainly concerning. With a loyal fanbase that seems to be losing interest, the show will need to pull out all the stops to reclaim its former glory. Whether it’s through compelling storylines, beloved characters, or a return to its roots, Muvhango has a lot of work ahead to keep its place in the hearts of viewers.

As we wait to see what happens next, let’s keep our fingers crossed for a revival of this iconic soapie. After all, there’s nothing quite like the drama, romance, and intrigue that Muvhango has brought to our screens for nearly three decades! What do you think? Is it time for Muvhango to say goodbye, or do you believe it can make a comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments!

‘Muvhango’ saw a decline in viewership in August 2024 compared to July 2024. SABC’s longest-running soapie reached 1,084,399 viewers in August, a drop from the 1,325,878 viewers it had in July 2024. pic.twitter.com/PRPFZ3X9jw

— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) September 11, 2024