Emmy Awards, ‘1917’ and more on DStv this week

It’s a big week for TV lovers – from the premiere of M-Net’s new high-production telenovela, Legacy, to the first-ever socially-distanced Emmy Awards. Here’s just a glimpse of what you can look forward to from 18 to 24 September on DStv.

Legacy

Be warned, this is not your mother’s telenovela… Following years of planning, and some COVID-19 delays, Legacy premieres on Monday 21 September. An opulent, fast-paced and intense telenovela, the show is jam-packed with twists and betrayals. In the words of the co-writer Phathu Makwarela, “When the credits roll, people are going to say, ‘Oh my! Did a South African show really go that far?”

Legacy follows the lives of two families: the fantastically rich and successful Price family and the rather less successful Potgieter household. With a multi-million empire up for grabs, underhanded dealings and sneaky alliances are par for the course in a race to take over the leadership of Legacy Asset Management.

Watch the trailer here.

Mondays – Thursdays, from 21 September on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 19:00

Photo: Supplied

1917

This epic 110-minute movie was filmed in just two continuous scenes with the use of longer shots by cinematographer Roger Deakins, earning it 10 Oscar nominations and three wins.

Partially inspired by the stories of his paternal grandfather, director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Jarhead) took exceptional filmmaking to another level with this WW1-era drama. Two British soldiers are ordered to deliver an important message to call off a doomed offensive attack by their side. When the duo realise that one of their brothers is part of the 1600-man troop, they urgently need to fulfil their mission and save their loved one.

According to Outtake magazine’s James Hanton, “The single take is no gimmick, but a way of forcing you to sit through every minute of wartime, with all of its horror and false hope”.

Thursday, 24 September on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 22:30

World on Fire Season 1

For British TV lovers, this series is a gripping new offering. Set in World War II, it shares perspectives of the war from people living very different lives in France, Britain, Germany and Poland. The cast includes Bafta-winners Sean Bean (Game of Thrones), Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners) and Arthur Darvill (Dr Who) as well as Oscar-nominated Helen Hunt (The Sessions).

In the premiere, British troops are fighting for their lives against the German invasion in the Belgian town of Louvain. A young translator is struggling to keep a promise to his sweetheart who has been waiting for him at home in Manchester, England, while trying to get his Polish lover out of Warsaw. Meanwhile, an American journalist bears witness to the start of the German Invasion of Poland and a French-African jazz musician finds forbidden love in Paris. This series highlights the strength of the human spirit to endure anything.

Thursday, 24 September on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 22:30 or on Catch Up

72nd Emmy Awards

The 72^nd Primetime Emmy Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, but to maintain social distancing, will be broadcast from actors’ homes across the United States. Watchmen has an astonishing 11 nominees this year with many other DStv shows holding strong. (Mrs. America, The Good Place, Better Call Saul, Killing Eve, Little Fires Everywhere, Ramy, Insecure).

The awards will be broadcast live at 02:00 and re-broadcast at 21:00.

Monday, 21 September on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 02:00 (LIVE) or 21:00 (re-broadcast)

E! Live from the Red Carpet: Emmy Awards 2020

There may not be a red carpet, but there will always be fashionable celebrity looks to love. Join the E! team as they review all the outfits – worn by the stars in their homes – at this year’s Emmy Awards.

Monday, 21 September on E! Entertainment (DStv Channel 124) at 00:01 or 21:30 (re-broadcast)

Single Wives SA, Episode 4

TGIT – Thank Goodness It’s Thursday! With a back-to-back line-up of local shows, you might feel like the weekend starts a day earlier. First up, is Single Wives SA, a reality, dating show with a difference. This week, a girls’ night-in takes a turn as underlying issues and tension bubble to the surface.

Thursday, 24 September on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 19:30 or on Catch Up

Inconceivable, Episode 4

The second local production is perfect for fans of dark, cleverly written series like Big Little Lies, Inconceivable makes for intense viewing. The four main characters, who have known each other since university, are each struggling with a problem that affects one of their closest friends. This show is well worth the binge on Catch Up if you haven’t already started watching it.

Marieke (Anel Alexander) and Rachel (Carine Rous) find themselves in a game of chicken as they run out of time to undo a crime. Busi’s (Refilwe Madumo) good intentions might backfire on her as she volunteers her husband to help a friend. Natalie’s (Nina Hastie) lust for another man continues to grow as her own marriage takes strain.

Thursday, 24 September on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 20:30 or on Catch Up

There’s sport for days on DStv’s new look Sport Channels, including: