E.tv’s telenovela landscape is experiencing a shakeup, with Smoke and Mirrors making a surprising surge in popularity. According to the latest Broadcasting Research Council of South Africa (BRCSA) figures, Smoke and Mirrors has secured the coveted third position for most-watched shows on the channel, surpassing the long-dominant soapie Scandal!
Smoke and Mirrors Sizzles
May viewership figures reveal that Smoke and Mirrors pulled in over 3.6 million viewers, pushing Scandal! down to fourth place with 3.5 million viewers. This impressive feat cements Smoke and Mirrors’ position as the third most-watched show on e.tv, following the ongoing reign of House of Zwide (4.5 million viewers) and Isitha: The Enemy (4 million viewers).
Scandal! Fades from the Spotlight
Scandal!, a mainstay in the top spots for years, seems to be losing its grip on viewers. The soapie witnessed a decline in viewership, dropping from 3.8 million viewers in April to 3.5 million viewers in May. This downward trend suggests a potential shift in viewer preferences.
Isiphetho: Destiny Loses Momentum
Black Brain Pictures’ latest show, Isiphetho: Destiny, also encountered a setback in the ratings. Debuting in April at number three, the show has fallen two places to fifth in May. Isiphetho garnered 3.95 million viewers in its premiere month but only managed to retain 3.2 million viewers in May. The show stars Kope Makgae (formerly of Generations: The Legacy) and Mbalenhle Mavimbela (The Wife).
Skeem Saam on an Upward Trajectory
Meanwhile, on SABC1, the educational soapie Skeem Saam is experiencing a steady rise in viewership. The show’s strategic placement in the 7:30 pm timeslot since March seems to be paying off. Skeem Saam has climbed the ranks, reaching 4 million viewers in April and further increasing its audience to 4.43 million viewers in May. This impressive growth positions Skeem Saam comfortably in third place on SABC1, following the long-reigning Uzalo (5.2 million viewers) and Generations: The Legacy (4.45 million viewers).
Smoke and Mirrors Fans Yearn for Zolisa Xaluva’s Return
In other news, award-winning actor Zolisa Xaluva, who previously played the captivating role of Caesar on Smoke and Mirrors, expressed his awareness of the fervent desire among fans for his return to the show. Xaluva was replaced by Hlomla Dandala (formerly of The River).
Xaluva shared with TshisaLIVE the overwhelming requests from fans he encounters “every day, either in person or on social media.” He acknowledges the impact his portrayal had on the show’s success and appreciates the continued support from the audience. While his departure stemmed from business and contractual reasons, Xaluva’s openness to a possible return leaves a glimmer of hope for fans. The future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Smoke and Mirrors is making a name for itself, and viewers are eager to see what drama unfolds next.