Watch: After six years on our screen, The River 1Magic has officially come to an end.
After six drama-filled seasons, viewers say goodbye to 1Magic’s multi-award-winning telenovela “The River,” which has finally ended.
Having made its debut in 2018, “The River” spread beyond the South African borders, being adapted in several other African countries, including Nigeria and Angola.
“At M-Net Local Entertainment Channels we would like to extend our most sincere gratitude to the cast and crew of ‘The River’ for a memorable five years,” said Shirley Adonisi, director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net, in a press statement shared with IOL Entertainment.
After 6 years on our #TheRiver1Magic has officially come to an end. pic.twitter.com/WSePWrcR0O
— Jabulani Macdonald (Joy’s husband)⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) February 2, 2024
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With several impressive milestones including clean sweeps at prestigious awards shows and over 1 200 episodes aired, the Tshedza Pictures telenovela has been a “game-changer” in South African television.
The show has scooped 26 South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) out of 31 nominations, and with one 47th International Emmy Award nomination to its name, it remains the most-awarded telenovela in South Africa.
“When we created ‘The River’ seven years ago, we knew that we wanted to tell a story that will have a definite ending,” said Phathu Makwarela, executive producer at Tshedza Pictures.
Actors like Lawrence Maleka, Thembinkosi Mthembu, Lunga Shabalala, and Lunathi Mampofu’s careers grew even further due to the prominent characters they played on the show.Hlomla Dandala made for a formidable protagonist alongside Sindi Dlathu, who became the ultimate leading star, winning two Saftas for Best Actress and becoming the series co-executive producer.