October 2025 is bringing a powerhouse line-up to DStv, with everything from local legends and award-winning dramas to reality show chaos and animated adventures.
Whether you’re after heartfelt storytelling, high-stakes crime, or a dose of nostalgia, this month’s slate has something for every mood – from Schuster and Dexter: Resurrection to The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Here’s what’s coming to your screens this month.
Here are 30 new hits to watch as DStv turns 30 in October 2025
1. Schuster – kykNET (DStv Channel 144) | 8PM on Wednesdays from 1 October
Mention the name Schuster and everyone knows who you’re talking about.
“Leon Schuster is a national treasure and probably, after Madiba, the most well-known South African across generations,” says producer Rian van Heerden.
Now, for the very first time, the prankster’s remarkable life story will be told. The five-part documentary series will explore his childhood in Bloemfontein, his early years as a radio presenter, and his phenomenal success with films like You Must Be Joking and Mama Jack.
But it’s not all laughs. In recent years, Leon has faced health challenges, particularly with his back, which has left him in near-constant pain. For the first time, he speaks candidly about these struggles, as well as the mistakes he has made in both his professional and personal life.
In August 2025, Leon received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Silwerskerm for his contribution to the entertainment industry in South Africa.
Watch the trailer below:
2. Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener Season 2 – History (DStv Channel 186) | 9:05PM on Fridays from 3 October
Step into the shadowy corridors of history and uncover the stories of two local crimes that captivated their time.
In Season 2, Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener revisits the case of the only Huguenot woman put to death for murder in the Cape Colony during the 18th century, and looks at the notorious case of an “insurance killer” in the early 1900s who is considered the country’s first documented serial killer.
Watch the trailer below:
3. Strictly Come Dancing S25 – BBC Brit (DStv Channel 120) | 7PM on Sundays (started 28 September)
Get ready for dazzling routines, sparkling sets and the glitziest of costumes as 15 new celebrities take to the Strictly Come Dancing floor.
This year’s contestants include former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston, and British Vogue cover model Ellie Goldstein, who will become the first-ever contestant with Down’s syndrome.
Two South Africans feature in prominent roles this year: judge Motsi Mabuse and professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
Watch the class of 2025 dance together for the first time below:
4. Kevin Costner’s The West – History (DStv Channel 186) | 8:15PM on Sundays from 5 October
Executive produced by Oscar winner Kevin Costner and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Kevin Costner’s The West is an eight-part series that provides a fresh look at the epic history of the American West by delving into the desperate struggle for the land itself – and how it still shapes the America we know today.
Decider says, “Kevin Costner’s The West isn’t the usual retelling of the United States’ western expansion, because it takes the viewpoint that the US settlers were treading on an already-occupied land… It definitely finds the nuance of both sides of the country’s push westward.”
Watch the trailer below:
5. The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball Season 1 – Cartoon Network (DStv Channel 301) | 4:15PM on weekdays from Monday, 6 October
From the creators of The Amazing World of Gumball comes a brand-new series that’s just a bit more weird and a little more wonderful.
Follow the misadventures of 12-year-old Gumball and his family in their weird and wonderful town of Elmore. Dad’s a six-foot stay-at-home pink rabbit; Mom works hard in the rainbow factory; and Gumball’s school friends include a tyrannosaurus rex, a cheerleading peanut and a banana.
The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.6/10 score on IMDb. Slate hails the animated series as “one of the best shows on television… like Bluey’s naughty cousin… as antic and inventive as ever.”
Watch the trailer (which has over three million views) below:
6. Phineas and Ferb S5 – Disney Channel SA (DStv Channel 303) | 4:30PM on weekdays from Monday, 6 October
Phineas and Ferb follows the inventive stepbrothers as they tackle another 104 days of summer. Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers, while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave Agent P, whose sole mission is to thwart Dr Doofenshmirtz from taking over the Tri-State Area.
After five seasons, Phineas and Ferb still has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb. Previous seasons won three Primetime Emmys and have been nominated at the Annies, BAFTAs and Kids Choice Awards, among others.
Watch the trailer (which has nearly ten million views) below:
7. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Season 2: Part 1 – Disney Channel SA (DStv Channel 303) | 5PM on Mondays-Thursdays from 6 October
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place follows an adult Justin Russo, who has chosen to lead a normal, mortal life with his family, Giada, Roman and Milo. When Justin’s sister Alex brings Billie to his home seeking help, Justin realises he must dust off his magical skills to mentor the wizard-in-training while also juggling his everyday responsibilities – and safeguarding the future of the Wizard World.
In S2, Billie grapples with the fact that being part of the Russo family might be more complicated than she thought – especially now that she’s not the only wizard in the house. Thanks to Roman and Milo’s new magical powers, Justin is now tasked with training three young wizards for the Family Wizard Competition. As the stakes rise inside and outside the family, a mysterious new threat emerges – one that could unravel the Russos forever.
At the 2025 Kids Choice Awards, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place was up for Favorite Kids Show, Favorite Male TV Star: Kids (David Henrie as Justin) and Favorite Female TV Star: Kids (Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie).
This is a spinoff from Wizards of Waverly Place, which won Emmys, BAFTAs, Kids Choice and Teen Choice awards – and launched the career of Selena Gomez, who exec produces and guest stars here.
Watch the trailer below:
8. Fathers and Sons S1 – Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) | 8PM on Mondays from 6 October
Fathers and Sons follows three generations of Mphahlele men trying (and failing) to live in harmony under one roof.
Khutso, a control-freak single dad, is doing his best to raise his teenage son Gopolang with military precision – until his father Madimetja shows up with nothing but a suitcase full of regrets and wild schemes. He crashes into Khutso’s life like a kasi taxi with no brakes.
Makwela Lekalakala stars as Madimetja, with Paul Maila as Khutso and child star Omhle Tshabalala (Christmas Clothes, Unseen) as Gopolang.
Also look out for fan favourites like DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice winner Sana Mchunu (Gomora), Londeka Sishi (Adulting), and SAFTA winners Linda Sokhulu (Unmarried) and Thabo Malema (Scandal!).
9. Ngicel’iVisa S1 – Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) | 8PM on Tuesdays from 7 October
Ngicel’iVisa is a reality show that creates a platform for open-minded couples in committed relationships to grant each other permission to put their relationship’s trust and loyalty to the ultimate test.
They want to make sure that they do not have feelings for their ex’s or crush before they make a big commitment to each other, like moving in together or getting engaged or married. Both partners go away for one night with their crush or ex and, based on the outcomes, decide if they can continue with their relationship or end it.
Watch the trailer below:
10. Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 – M-Net (DStv 101) | Tuesdays, 9PM from 7 October
He’s back… and still lethal. Currently #5 on IMDb’s Most Popular TV Shows with a 9.2/10, a 95% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a second season already lined up, Dexter: Resurrection sees Michael C. Hall return as the iconic serial killer. Weeks after taking a bullet from his own son in Dexter: New Blood, Dexter wakes from a coma to find Harrison missing. His hunt for answers quickly collides with his dark past.
Joining Hall are Emmy winner Peter Dinklage, Oscar nominee Uma Thurman, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Krysten Ritter, David Dastmalchian, Neil Patrick Harris, and John Lithgow.
Watch the trailer below:
You can binge the original Dexter and Dexter: Original Sin on Showmax.
11. Waar Daar ‘n Wil Is Season 2 – kykNET (DStv 144) | Tuesdays, 9PM from 7 October
Hosted by Lee-Ann van Rooi, this series shares honest, intimate conversations with South Africans who’ve overcome challenges and proven that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Season 2 features John Steenhuisen, Rayno Nel, Kallie Kriel, Professor Debra Meyer, Cedwyn Joel, and Susan Coetzer.
Watch the trailer below:
12. Lockerbie: A Search for Truth – M-Net (DStv 101) | Wednesdays, 9PM from 8 October
Oscar winner Colin Firth stars in this gripping retelling of one of history’s worst airline disasters. On 21 December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 259 passengers and crew plus 11 on the ground.
Directed by BAFTA winner Otto Bathurst, this series follows a father risking everything for justice.
Watch the trailer below:
Also watch Lockerbie, BAFTA Best Factual Series 2024, Thursdays at 10PM from 30 October.
13. Inside Melbourne Airport – National Geographic (DStv 181) | Thursdays, 6:50PM from 9 October
Go behind the scenes of Australia’s busiest 24-hour airport, where a team handles flight delays, emergencies, and baggage chaos, keeping over 35M passengers moving safely each year.
Watch the trailer below:
14. Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent Season 2 – M-Net (DStv 101) | Thursdays, 8PM from 9 October
Follow Toronto’s elite Specialised Criminal Investigations Unit as they tackle high-profile crimes. This Canadian adaptation of Dick Wolf’s hit franchise launched as the #1 prime-time drama and racked up 20 Canadian Screen Award nominations, winning three.
Stars Kathleen Munroe and Aden Young. Season 3 already in production.
Watch the trailer below:
15. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim – MM1 (DStv 104) | Saturday 11 October, 12:45PM
Set 183 years before the original films, follow Helm Hammerhand and the Rohirrim as they defend the Hornburg against a vengeful lord. Executive produced by Peter Jackson, with voices from Brian Cox, Miranda Otto, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan.
Watch the trailer below:
You can binge the trilogy on Showmax.
16. Dating #NoFilter: South Africa Season 2 – BRAVO (DStv 124) | Saturdays, 6PM from 11 October
Singles meet in Cape Town and Johannesburg while local celebs provide hilarious, real-time commentary. Season 2 features Anele Zondo, Bontle Modiselle Moloi, Nadia Nakai, and more.
17. Isizwe Sakwa Dlamuka Season 1 – Moja Love (DStv 157) | Saturdays, 8:30PM from 11 October
Follow Mthadeni Dlamuka, a man with five wives and 27 children, in this vibrant reality series offering an intimate look into one of South Africa’s most unique families.
18. Date My Family Season 13 – Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) | Sundays, 6PM from 12 October
Families help singles meet potential partners before the actual date. Hilarious, awkward, and heartwarming moments guaranteed.
19. The Real Housewives of London Season 1 – BRAVO (DStv 124) | Sundays, 7PM from 12 October
Follow six glamorous, outspoken women navigating wealth, friendship, and family in London’s elite postcodes.
Watch the trailer below:
20. Black Bag – M-Net (DStv 101) | Sunday 12 October, 8:05PM
A spy drama from Steven Soderbergh starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. When Kathryn is suspected of betrayal, George faces the ultimate test: loyalty to his country… or his marriage.
Watch the trailer below:
21. The Rookie Season 7 – M-Net (DStv 101) | Tuesdays, 7PM from 14 October
Nathan Fillion returns as John Nolan, the oldest rookie in the LAPD, recovering from a gunshot wound while mentoring new recruits. Meanwhile, two escaped prisoners with personal vendettas put the team to the test.
Guest stars include Colton Dunn, Margaret Avery, and Noel Fisher. Nominated for two 2025 Emmys for stunts. Season 8 already confirmed.
Watch the trailer below:
22. Dikker As Water Season 1 – kykNET&kie (DStv 145) | Mon–Thu, 8PM from 14 October
Doğa, a dentistry student, falls pregnant after meeting Fatih. Her mother fears it will ruin her life, especially with Fatih’s devoutly religious family. This award-winning Turkish telenovela (aka Cranberry Sorbet) is dubbed in Afrikaans with top SA voice talent.
Watch the trailer below:
23. Jagriti Empowered – Zee World (DStv 166) | Weekdays, 5:30PM from 16 October
Jagriti fights for her marginalized Chitta community, challenging tradition and confronting a mafia-linked leader. Winner of Favourite Daughter and Favourite Villain at the 2025 Zee Rishtey Awards.
24. Fire Country Season 3 – M-Net (DStv 101) | Fridays, 7PM double-bill from 17 October
Max Thieriot stars as Bode Donovan, a young convict joining elite firefighters to battle California wildfires. This Emmy-nominated action series also features Jared Padalecki and Morena Baccarin, with Jerry Bruckheimer as exec producer. Season 4 already confirmed.
25. Appels en Tee Season 1 – kykNET (DStv 144) | Tuesdays, 8PM from 21 October
Lisa Rossouw’s perfect life unravels when a long-lost friend reappears after 27 years. Starring Diaan Lawrenson, Tinarie van Wyk Loots, Ivan Zimmermann, and Neels van Jaarsveld, this drama explores friendship, love, and past secrets in a picturesque tea garden.
Watch the trailer below:
26. Poppa’s House Season 1 – M-Net (DStv 101) | Wednesdays, 10PM from 22 October
Damon Wayans stars as Poppa, a legendary talk-radio host navigating a new female co-host at work and parenting his adult son at home. Critically acclaimed, with Wayans and Wayans Jr winning Image Awards.
Watch the trailer below:
27. Tyler Perry’s The Oval Season 6 – BET (DStv 129) | Wednesdays, 10PM from 22 October
Hunter and Victoria Franklin’s White House facade is cracking. Season 6 promises scandal, power plays, and drama on a whole new level. Season 7 already ordered.
Watch the trailer below:
28. Alone: South Africa – HISTORY (DStv 186) | Thursdays, 7:25PM from 30 October
Season 12 drops into the Great Karoo Desert, testing 10 survivalists against heat, storms, wildlife, and scarce resources. One of the most intense seasons yet.
Watch the trailer below:
29. The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 – BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) | Thursdays, 8PM from 30 October
Judith Potts, Becks Starling, and Suzie Harris return to solve unsettling crimes in the picturesque town of Marlow. Season 1 praised for its clever, funny, and quintessentially English approach.
30. The Monkey – MM1 (DStv 104) | Friday, 31 October, 8PM
A cursed wind-up monkey triggers a new killing spree, sending estranged twin brothers into chaos. Produced by James Wan, starring Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood. Perfect Halloween horror with dark comedy.
Watch the trailer below:
October 2025 also includes sporting highlights like:
- Betway Premiership
- Champions League action, including Barcelona vs PSG on 1 October, Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid on 21 October and Chelsea vs Ajax and Real Madrid vs Juventus on 22 October
- Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix from 3 October
- The Springboks vs Argentina on 4 October
- The Proteas vs Pakistan (12-16, 20-24, 28 and 31 October)
- In The Premier League, defending champions Liverpool will be tested by Chelsea on 4 October and Manchester United on 19 October
See the full schedule HERE. Miss an episode? No problem: binge on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
DStv Celebrates 30 Years in October 2025
On Monday, 6 October 2025, DStv will mark 30 years of shaping South Africa’s television landscape, connecting millions of households, and telling stories that have become part of the national conversation.
To celebrate this milestone, customers can look forward to amazing offers in November and December, to make sure as many South Africans can celebrate with us on our platforms as possible.
Watch this space for updates in the Television category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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