The brand new DStv Premium channel M-Net Edge, which will take television connoisseurs to the edge of entertainment from 20 October at 7pm will be the future home of HBO in Africa.
M-Net has signed a milestone agreement with the renowned US television network to screen all first-run HBO series, as well as its iconic library material, exclusively on M-Net Edge.
When M-Net Edge launches on DStv’s channel 102, the HBO classic The Sopranos will be a fixture on the schedule on weekdays at 10pm while viewers will also be able to enjoy the fifth and final season of the highly acclaimed Boardwalk Empire, the period drama starring Steve Buscemi, which has garnered a long list of prestigious awards over the years.
In a revolutionary move, M-Net Edge has furthermore created weekend binge-sessions of drama series that previously only occupied late-night slots on M-Net. All prior spectacular seasons of Game of Thrones will be screened on Saturdays from 9pm before the latest venomous power struggles of Westeros hit screens world wide in Season 5.
Among the other HBO shows that will premiere on M-Net Edge at a later stage are new seasons of The Newsroom, Veep, Girls, Silicon Valley and The Leftovers. But that’s not where the good news ends. Anyone who has been waiting for the chance to watch gut-wrenching or hard-hitting masterpieces like Rome, Banshee and The Wire again, will love M-Net Edge’s plans for 2015.
“The deal with HBO is a great coup for us,” said Victor Eckard, director of M-Net and M-Net Edge. “Throughout the world, HBO is well-known for its groundbreaking, cutting-edge and superior quality productions. Their shows are a perfect fit for the bold new M-Net Edge which aims to delight discerning viewers with risque, yet classy series.”
“It is great to see M-Net Edge adopt the home of HBO model. It has proven to be successful in many other countries around the world,” said Charles Schreger, president programme sales for HBO.
Schreger also noted that they are thrilled to have such a valuable partner like M-Net embrace the HBO brand.
As part of its promotional campaign to launch M-Net Edge, the legendary Iron Throne from Game of Thrones was brought to South Africa.