E.tv’s prime time reshuffle gives way to Tshedza’s new telenovela

For nearly two decades, Scandal! dominated South African living rooms with storylines of betrayal, family feuds and explosive plot twists, becoming one of e.tv’s longest-running and most beloved productions.

Now, as the broadcaster prepares to usher in a new chapter with The Four of Us, the pressure on the new production team is enormous.

However, for Phathutshedzo Makwarela, co-founder of Tshedza Pictures alongside long-time creative partner Gwydion Beynon, the new telenovela represents more than simply filling a primetime slot – it is an opportunity to evolve South African storytelling.

“Multiple production companies were granted an opportunity to pitch to e.tv, and that opportunity was also granted to Tshedza. That became the genesis of where we are today,” said Makwarela.

Premiering on June 29 at 8pm, The Four of Us marks Tshedza Pictures’ first telenovela on e.tv after the company built a loyal following through productions including The River and The Republic.

However, Makwarela warned that viewers expecting a repeat of previous Tshedza formulas might be in for a surprise.

“With The Four of Us, we took all the storytelling lessons that we have learned in our various productions and elevated them to showcase our maturity and growth as storytellers,” he explained.

“The story explores the complex dynamics of family relationships. Central to our narrative is the way the patriarch’s decisions can create tension and conflict among family members.

“To further enhance the viewer’s experience, we’ve implemented a distinctive cinematic style and vibrant editing techniques designed to evoke a wide range of emotions. We believe this combination will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.”

Unlike many local dramas that revolve around parents and children, the new series shifts focus towards the complexities of adult sibling relationships – an emotional dynamic Makwarela believes has been largely overlooked in South African television.

He told Sunday World that viewers should expect emotionally layered characters, conflict, betrayal, loyalty, and difficult family choices, all wrapped in the kind of high-stakes storytelling that Tshedza has become known for.

“We are always intentional in creating moments that will get viewers engaged and reflecting,” he said. “That inevitably ends up becoming conversation on various platforms.”

The show also marks a major creative shift behind the scenes. Nearly 90% of the production was shot in a studio – something largely unfamiliar to the Tshedza team.

“It’s a risk that has turned out to be a blessing,” said Makwarela.

While the production house remains tight-lipped about certain plot details, industry insiders say the drama will centre around four siblings whose relationships are tested by ambition, secrets, betrayal and shifting family loyalties.

The cast itself is expected to be one of the show’s biggest talking points, particularly with acclaimed actress Sindiswa Dlathu attached to the project following her hugely successful run on The River.

Veteran actress Rami Chuene is also expected to bring emotional depth and star power to the production.

Makwarela believes the actors have elevated the material beyond what was initially written on paper. “Actors are the custodians of the characters. They are the people who breathe life into the words,” he said.

The launch of The Four of Us also signals a broader strategic direction for e.tv at a time when traditional broadcasters are competing against streaming platforms and changing audience habits.

According to Helga Palmer, the broadcaster sees the new production as part of a wider evolution of its primetime offering.

“We are excited to partner with the renowned, award-winning production house, whose expertise will help us craft narratives that authentically reflect the complexities of our societies,” said Palmer.

 

 

 

Mbalenhle Zuma