It’s OVER for Isiphetho-Destiny

The drama series Isiphetho – Destiny, which premiered in April 2024, has officially been canceled and will not be renewed for a second season, e.tv confirmed on Tuesday, 22 October.

The show, produced by Black Brain Pictures and starring a talented ensemble cast including Gugu Gumede, Linda Sokhulu, Peter Mashigo, Mjosti Mbhele, Kope “Tswyza” Makgae, and Mbalenhle Mavimbela, seemed to resonate with viewers but did not secure its place in the channel’s future lineup.

End of the road for Isiphetho
The announcement came as a surprise to many, especially considering that the show had only been on air for a few months. Although the show had sparked conversations and drawn interest from its audience with its tale of friendship, community, and second chances set in Mzimhlope, the decision was made to end it after just one season.

Vuyelwa Booi, the channel’s manager of Local Programming, did not provide specific reasons for the show’s cancellation. Instead, she expressed the channel’s gratitude to Black Brain Pictures for their work on the series. “The channel would like to express its sincere gratitude to Black Brain Pictures for their dedication to bringing this story of community, friendship, and second chances to life,” Booi said.

She also highlighted the impact the show had on viewers, saying, “The captivating tale of four friends in Mzimhlope resonated with viewers, sparking conversations and keeping them glued to their screens.”

Despite the positive response to the story, the decision not to renew Isiphetho was made, and Booi reassured viewers that e.tv remains committed to delivering a diverse and engaging primetime lineup.

“While a second season is not currently planned, e.tv is committed to offering viewers a diverse and engaging primetime line-up,” she added.

Mpumelelo Nhlapo, the executive producer at Black Brain Pictures, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to produce the show in such a coveted timeslot.

“Taking on the coveted 6:30 p.m. slot has been an honour and, most importantly, a learning curve for us. We’d like to thank the channel for their continuous support and for letting us take on this pivotal role,” he stated.

Mandla N, the director of the series, also expressed his appreciation for the production team’s hard work. “It has been a privilege to create the show, and we would also like to thank the entire production team for their hard work and dedication in helping us bring Isiphetho – Destiny to life,” Mandla said.

The cancellation of Isiphetho – Destiny marks the third time in recent memory that e.tv has cut a primetime drama series. In January 2023, the channel pulled the plug on Durban Gen, followed by the cancellation of Nikiwe in January 2024.

At the time of those cancellations, e.tv cited the shows’ failure to deliver the anticipated ratings for the 6:30 p.m. timeslot as the primary reason for ending them.

A statement from e.tv regarding Nikiwe read: “The local primetime drama on e.tv will come to an end this year. Unfortunately, the show has not continued to deliver the anticipated ratings. The channel continually reviews programmes and storylines to ensure we give viewers the best local entertainment.”

In an effort to reclaim ratings in that timeslot, e.tv brought in Black Brain Pictures, a production company with a reputation for delivering high-performing shows. Earlier in 2024, Mandla N expressed confidence in their ability to meet the challenge.

“We’ve done this on Mzansi Magic and the SABC. We’re currently doing it on e.tv at 9:30 p.m. for Isitha: The Enemy. We come to rescue timeslots and do that well,” Mandla said in an interview with Daily Sun in March 2024.

While Isiphetho may not have achieved the ratings needed to secure a second season, it remains a testament to the hard work and creativity of the cast and production team. Fans of the show will have to wait and see what new programming will take its place as e.tv continues to rework its primetime offerings in the months ahead.