Sony Channel commissions first local show

Sony Channel has commissioned its first local South African television series, Gogglebox.

Gogglebox South Africa is based on the UK show and observes some of the country’s most opinionated and avid TV viewers as they comment freely on the best and worst television shows of the past week from the comfort of their own sofas. It captured the imagination of households around the globe when it first launched and now Gogglebox is coming to the Sony Channel (DStv Channel 127) early 2016.

On its debut in the UK Gogglebox, which went on to win a number of awards including a BAFTA, soon became a word-of-mouth hit that had the Twitter buzzing (perhaps in can rival Our Perfect Wedding?) and has resulted in numerous spin-offs in countries around the world.

The selected Gogglebox households are the experts when it comes to what’s on the box; they are entertaining, outspoken, emotional and irreverent and not only do they love to watch telly, they love to talk about it too.

Lyle Stewart, Senior Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa for Sony Pictures Television Networks says: “Gogglebox is a great show and we are confident that it will resonate with South African viewers. We feel that the timing is right for a local production to really cater for South African audiences and add to our already strong programming mix on the Sony Channel.”

The 10-part local version has been commissioned by the Sony Channel will be produced by partners Eject Media and Picture Tree.

Producer Gary King comments: “We are excited to see what South Africans really think of the television programmes they watch and those who appear on the box – be they celebrities or politicians.”

Executive Producer Stephan Le Roux says: “This is a brilliant format and we are excited to work on this. We feel that this is the show South African viewers have been waiting for.”

The show is expected to be on air soon.