The TV from around the world on DStv Family this April

Whether you’re feeling like a homebody, or you’re longing for a wild adventure or some international flavour, DStv Family has something special lined up for you this April.

There are 11 brand-new dramas and comedies, including addictive new series from India and South Korea, and you can be the first in South Africa to see a brand-new season of animated comedy Bob’s Burgers, the Ted Danson comedy series Mr. Mayor, and sci-fi series Two Sentence Horror Stories.

If you’re suffering from itchy feet, you can join Bear Grylls on a globetrotting adventure. And there are big reality shows filled with dazzling personalities like Survivor and The Masked Singer, too.

There are 5 new dating and romance reality series that are here to steal your heart, including local shows Lovey Dovey Millionaire and Eendag. And our local talk, cooking, gardening and lifestyle change series with the likes of Jo Black, Herman Lensing, Alvin Bruinders and Gerhard Steyn will have you falling in love with your TV all over again.

See what’s coming for grownups and kids, too this holiday and happy day filled April on DStv Family…

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Epic stories in international series

From Korea to India, to the USA, DStv brings you intriguing drama and comedy series, many of which are making their premiere on DStv Family. Be the first to see 4 new K-dramas on tVN (DStv channel 134), a brand-new season of animated comedy Bob’s Burgers, and for the first time ever in South Africa, the Ted Danson comedy series Mr. Mayor, and eerie sci-fi anthology series Two Sentence Horror Stories.

Melting Me Softly S1

Celebrity Ma Dong-chan (Ji Chang-wook) and KoMi-ran (Won Jin-ah) agree to take part in a new TV show, during which they will be frozen in a cryogenic chamber for 24 hours. Unfortunately, something goes wrong and instead of being frozen for 24 hours, it winds up being 20 years. Now not only do they have to get to grips with a changed world, they also have to maintain an average body temperature of 31.5°C in order to stay alive. Dubbed into English. Watch from Wednesday, 14 April on tVN (DStv channel 134) at 21:45

Watch tVN

Familiar Wife S1

In this romantic fantasy series, Cha Joo-hyuk (Ji Sung) and Seo Woo-jin (Han Ji-min) have settled into a dreary marriage, drained by constant tension over their careers and home responsibilities. Then Joo-hyuk stumbles across the chance to change 1 fateful decision he made in his past, and suddenly everything is different, including the life of his best friend, Yoon Joong-hoo (Jang Seung-jo). Now living a completely different life, Joo-hyuk will have the opportunity to try reconnect with Woo-jin, or try to win his first love, Lee Hye-won (Kang Han-na). Watch from Wednesday, 14 April on tVN (DStv channel 134) at 20:00

Watch tVN

100 Days My Prince S1

Prince Lee Yul (Do Kyung-soo, with Jung Ji-hoon playing the younger version of the character) survives an assassination attempt by the skin of his teeth, but loses his memory and stumbles into the identity of a commoner named Na Won-deuk. For 100 days, he lives a humble life and he’s even forced to abide by his own laws and marry Hong-sim (Nam Ji-hyun, with Heo Jung-eun playing the younger version of the character) the village spinster – unaware that she’s hiding a secret identity of her own. Watch from Monday, 12 April on tVN (DStv channel 134) at 18:45

Watch tVN

Lawless Lawyer S1

Gangster-turned-lawyer, Bong Sang-pil (Lee Joon-gi) combines a use of intimidating street tactics, threats of violence, and a tricky knowledge of legal loopholes to win his cases. But once he opens his own law firm and hires idealistic young lawyer Ha Jae-yi (Seo Yea-ji), he will have to develop new strategies for tackling this ally who has integrity, a relentless devotion to the law, and passionate intensity. Once they fix their issues with each other, they’ll make an unstoppable team to fight corruption. Watch Mondays-Fridays from Friday, 16 April on tVN (DStv channel 134) at 22:30

Watch tVN

Jodha & Akbar S1

This epic Indian historical romantic drama series is dubbed with a Zulu soundtrack. Fiery Rajput Princess Jodha Bai (Paridhi Sharma) is forced to marry Mughal emperor Akbar (Rajit Tokas), the hard-hearted king who conquered her father's kingdom. But when she arrives at his palace, she finds that she’s just 1 of his many trophy wives. The series shows us the inner workings of the court and politics at the time, as well as how Jodha slowly got Akbar to value things other and conquest, to become a true leader. Watch from Monday, 12 April on Zee World (DStv channel 166) at 20:00

Watch Zee World

Mr. Mayor S1

Rich businessman Neil Bremer (Ted Danson) runs for mayor of Los Angeles as a way of earning his daughter's respect, only to end up actually winning the race and desperately scrambling to try to figure out how to take charge of the city and sort out everyone's issues, including the wild coyote problems. Co-produced by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitdt and Great News). The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run. Watch Mondays-Fridays from Monday, 19 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 18:00

Watch Vuzu

Bob’s Burgers S11

The season starts innocently enough with dad Bob looking for his daughter Tina’s birth certificate, but 2 episodes in, the Belchers are back in full chaotic form when son Gene contracts pinworms and starts scooting around the floor like a dog. There’s a family photo moment that’s hilarious and relatable, and the Valentine’s episode is a real classic. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run. Watch Mondays-Fridays from Friday, 30 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 18:00

Watch Vuzu

Two Sentence Horror Stories S1

This 9-episode horror anthology series tells a different twisted tale in each episode, which can be summed up in chilling phrases like, “She was stiff and cold in my arms. And then the doll blinked,” or "I didn't lock my door that night. It made it so much easier to catch my prey." The show covers many genres of horror and common fears, from straightforward home invasion thrillers and serial killers, to ghost stories, doppelgangers and body horror. Perfect for fans of The Twilight Zone. Watch Mondays-Fridays from Monday, 12 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 22:00

Watch Vuzu

Party of Five S1

Back in the ’90s coming of age family drama Party of Five centred on the Salinger family, whose older siblings found themselves raising their younger brothers and sisters following their parents’ deaths. This series reboot, from original series creators Amy Lippman and Christopher Keyser, centres on the Acosta children as they navigate a series of bureaucratic nightmares after their parents are both deported to Mexico. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run. Watch from Saturday, 10 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 21:00

Watch Vuzu

Council of Dads S1

Family comes in many forms. Some we're born into, and some we choose. If you’re a fan of This is Us, you’ll love this brand-new drama series about a dying father who enlists his best friends to become the Council of Dads to look after his family once he’s gone. As the Perry family navigate the news of their father’s cancer diagnosis, we watch the upheavals that follow. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run. Watch from Sunday, 11 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 20:00

Watch Vuzu

Reality TV with real personality!

Bear Grylls is back with a new season premiere on DStv Family, leading the likes of Terry Crews and Keegan-Michael Key on epic wilderness adventures. There’s the latest season of Survivor, and new seasons of The Real Housewives of Potomac and The Masked Singer. These are big, bold shows filled with exciting personalities.

Running With Bear Grylls S6

Survivalist Bear Grylls is back taking celebrities on crazy wilderness adventures in the most extreme environments in the world. Relying on Bear’s bushcraft skills, they’ll challenge their mental and physical limits, no stunt people, no special angles. We’ll see Anthony Mackie tackle the Italian Dolomites, Terry Crews in the Icelandic Highlands, and Keegan-Michael Key on an Icelandic lava field, Danica Patrick and Danny Trejo in the Moab Desert, Rainn Wilson in Utah in the La Sal Mountains, and Bobby Bones and Caitlin Parker in the Sierra Nevadas.

Watch from Wednesday, 21 April on National Geographic (DStv channel 181) at 21:00

Watch National Geographic

Survivor: Winners At War S40

As the big daddy of TV reality shows hits its 20th anniversary milestone, 20 winners from past Survivor seasons return to compete. This is 1 of the most fascinating seasons ever for fans, as it digs deeply into how the game is played and won, particularly with regards to how strategy worked in the earlier versus later seasons. Worth coming back to the show for if you’ve dropped it along the way. Cast includes the likes of Ethan Zohn, Rob and Amber Mariano, Parvati Shallow, and Tony Vlachos.

Watch from Wednesday, 28 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 20:00

Watch Vuzu

The Real Housewives of Potomac S5

Monique starts off the season all fancy, with her grey parrot, T’Challa, on a leash. Gizelle has the builders in and the cheating ex-husband back, which her kids are finding alarming. Candiace throws a dazzling first wedding anniversary party, and new mama Ashley has gone feral earth mother in her efforts to protect her baby, while Robyn is trying to yell Juan into marrying her. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run.

Watch from Saturday, 3 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 18:00 (double bill)

Watch Vuzu

The Masked Singer S3

18 performers in full-body silly costumes perform hit songs from past decades in front of a live audience and a panel of judges including Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken), Robin Thicke (singer), Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Doll and talent show judge) and Jenny McCarthy (The View). In a sing-off (for example) between a giant frog and a robot, the person inside the costume could be anyone from Beyoncé, to a baseball player. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run.

Watch from Sunday, 25 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 18:00

Watch Vuzu

Relationship reality!

If you like a blend of mischief, fun and romance, make yourself at home on DStv Family this April, with 5 new shows that’ll have you saying I Do to a full season. From a brand-new local series with a title to fall in love with – Lovey Dovey Millionaire – to more from the First Dates UK restaurant, the high-speed wedding show Eendag, and the absurd, head-shaking nonsense of The Bachelor In Paradise: Australia’s new season, it’s TV to talk about.

First Dates UK S8

Watch Mondays-Fridays from Friday, 23 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 22:00

Watch Vuzu

Bachelor In Paradise: Australia S2

Watch from Tuesday, 20 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 20:00

Watch Vuzu

Eendag S1

Watch from Wednesday, 21 April on VIA (DStv channel 147) at 20:00

Watch VIA

Marriage Bootcamp Reality Stars: Family Edition S15

Watch from Thursday, 22 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 20:00 (double bill)

Watch Vuzu

Best shows for homebodies

Whether you love to talk, cook, garden, or you’re looking for inspiration to take charge of your health, DStv Family has a show for you this April. And they’re filled with familiar friends like Jo Black, Herman Lensing, Alvin Bruinders and Gerhard Steyn, and Ellen.

Ellen S18

Doodgewone Jo S1

Jo Black the singing bearded butcher from Pretoria and founder of the “Be That Guy Braai” movement now has his very own talkshow! It’s time to learn more about Jo, and to see what he gets up to when he isn’t singing or writing new hits. Jo will invite his famous friends to sit down with him and discuss topics like sports, hunting, cross-fit, quad-biking, classic cars and technology while reflecting on his personal values, to try to redefine what it means to be a man. Watch from Tuesday, 20 April on VIA (DStv channel 147) at 20:30

Watch VIA

Herman Se Kortpaaie S1

We all love a good cooking show that steps us through how to make a magnificent molecular gastronomy banquet. Very pretty, and no pressure because there’s no way we’re doing that. But sometimes you have to whip up something fancy for real. TV chef Herman Lensing shows you how, as quickly and painlessly as possible. In each episode, Herman demonstrates how to make 3 easy, delicious dishes. Each dish can be prepared in 30 minutes or fewer, giving you more time out of the kitchen with the ones you love. Watch from Wednesday, 21 April on VIA (DStv channel 147) at 17:00

Watch VIA

Tuintoere/SA Se Mooiste Tuine S1

South Africa has so many different climates that make for fascinating and unique gardenscapes. Now we’re being invited around some of the country’s most beautiful private gardens to gawk. It’s everything from lush outdoor spaces and urban jungles, to the rugged beauty of rock gardens, and the serenity of zen gardens. You’ll be green with envy and full of garden plans at the end of each episode, and best of all, you won’t have to keep an eye on “that” friend whose purse is full of cuttings. Watch from Thursday, 22 April on VIA (DStv channel 147) at 16:30

Watch VIA

The new season opens with Ellen talking openly about the show's behind the scenes issues and attitudes that got the production labelled a toxic workplace. Then the celebrity guests are back in force, so look out for the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Kerry Washington, Orlando Bloom, Tig Notaro, Michael Che and Colin Jost, Justin Hartley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Marlon Wayans, ex-President Obama, Anthony Anderson, Adele, and Aubrey Plaza. The series will build to a box set, so episodes will stay up on Catch Up during the show’s run. Watch Mondays-Fridays from Monday, 5 April on Vuzu (DStv channel 116) at 17:00

Watch Vuzu

Gather round, kids

There’s a lot to celebrate this April, from Easter, to Family Day, to Freedom Day and Earth Day, and the kids shows have something for everyone. School holidays are happening… whenever, but it’s always time for some education fun on DStv’s School Of Laughter.

Easter Day Stunt

All the kids’ favourite toons are here with special Easter, egg and rabbit-themed episodes. See Peppa and her friends, including Rebecca Rabbit, speculate about the nature and appearance of the Easter Bunny. SpongeBob finds the sea bunny that’s laying waste to Squidward’s garden simply adorable. And both the chipmunks and the penguins are caring for mysterious eggs.

• Peppa Pig: S7 (episode 11), S4 (episode 7)
• Cats: S1 (episode 33)
• SpongeBob SquarePants: S11 (episode 23)
• Alvinnn!!!! And The Chipmunks: S2 (episode 1)
• The Penguins of Madagascar: S1 (episode 5)
• Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty: S1 (episode 18)
• Rabbids Invasion: S3 (episode 19C)

Watch on Sunday, 4 April on Nicktoons (DStv channel 308) from 16:00

Watch Nicktoons

Earth Day Stunts

Special episodes of kids shows focus on environmental issues, activism and the consequences on environmental imbalance. In Winx Club, for example, the fairies take on Tritannus, a triton who has been turned into a powerful monster by pollution, and is terrorising the ocean for his island made of trash. Meanwhile in The Penguins of Madagascar, Marlene’s fur is bleached white when Alice accidentally puts too many chlorine tablets into her habitat.

• Alvinnn!!!! And The Chipmunks: S1 (episodes 7B, 15A, 18A), S3 (episodes 1A, 11A)
• SpongeBob SquarePants: S7 (episode 34, 44)
• Cats: S1 (episode 41)
• Corn & Peg: S1 (episode 5A)
• Peppa Pig: S1 (episode 10, 12), S2 (episode 7, 12, 21, 39)
• Winx Club: S5 (episode 14)
• The Fairly OddParents: S10 (episode 16A&B)
• Chop Chop Ninja: S1 (episode 1, 17)
• Regal Academy: S1 (episode 18)
• The Penguins of Madagascar: S3 (episode 3)
• Rabbids Invasion: S2 (episode 2A), S3 (episode 26B, 26C)

Watch on Thursday, 22 April on Nicktoons (DStv channel 308) from 12:10

Watch Nicktoons

The Great ZooMoo Egg Hunt

Fluffy Bunny helps Junior the little orangutan to solve some head-scratching clues that will lead him to a great prize.

Watch on Sunday, 4 April on ZooMoo (DStv channel 314) at 12:00

Watch ZooMoo

Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes

In this animated movie, renowned Victorian-era detective Sherlock Holmes asks his assistant, Jerry the mouse, to help him to find out who’s behind a series of jewel heists that his client, Miss Red, is being blackmailed over. Jerry is meant to work hand-in-hand with Miss Red’s butler, Tom the cat. Unfortunately, though, the 2 are soon distracted by their game of 1-upmanship.

Watch on Friday, 2 April on Boomerang (DStv channel 302) at 09:55

Watch Boomerang

Tom and Jerry: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Tom and Jerry elbow their way into this animated musical comedy version of Roald Dahl’s 1964 book (largely based on the 1971 movie version). Charlie becomes 1 of 5 children from around the world to win a golden ticket that allows him into Willy Wonka’s mysterious sweet factory. During the tour, the other children are gradually eliminated until only Charlie is left to inherit the business.

Watch on Monday, 5 April on Boomerang (DStv channel 302) at 09:55

Watch Boomerang

LEGO Scooby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash

The Mystery, Inc. gang arrive at the beach for a massive party only to find that Ghost Pirates have ruined the mood and the party is off. But who is really behind the Ghost Pirates? Could it be a greedy local businessman? The local innkeeper’s meanspirited popular kids, or even actual pirates in search of treasure? The gang is determined to dig up the truth.

Watch on Saturday, 3 April on Boomerang (DStv channel 302) at 09:40

Watch Boomerang

NB! This is just the tip of your viewing iceberg. Check out the DStv Access highlights package to see what else will be coming your way this April. 

How to watch DStv online

Sign up with the DStv app, a free service for all DStv subscribers. With the DStv app, the same channels you watch on your decoder at home are available for you to stream online or on your mobile device wherever you are.

Download and watch later

Get the DStv app (Apple or Android) and download episodes to watch on your phone or tablet – just remember to connect to the Wi-Fi first so there are no surprise data costs.