BBC Studios Africa October Highlights

BBC Brit (DStv Ch. 120)

October is packed with mystery, intrigue and unforgettable characters on BBC BRIT as Jenna Colemanstars in gripping thriller The Jetty. Elsewhere, Stratford-upon-Avon’s favourite sleuths return in Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators, House of Kardashian explores the rise of one of the world’s most famous families, and Halloween brings a chilling adaptation of Ghost Stories: The Room in the Tower. Plus, The World’s Deadliest Weather returns with more astonishing stories of survival.

The Jetty

SERIES 1 – TERRITORY PREMIERE / DOUBLE BILL

FROM TUESDAY 15 OCTOBER AT 8PM AND 9.15PM

Jenna Coleman leads a gripping four-part thriller beginning Thursday 15 October at 8pm

A fire tears through a property in a scenic Lancashire lake town, forcing Detective Ember Manning (Jenna Coleman – Doctor Who,Victoria) to investigate a mystery that connects a missing persons cold case, a podcast journalist, and a series of long-buried secrets.

As Ember gets closer to the truth, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her town, her past and the people closest to her. Combining psychological drama with a compelling detective story, The Jetty explores identity, memory and the consequences of hidden truths.

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators

SERIES 6 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM MONDAY 19 OCTOBER AT 8PM

Mark Benton and Jo Joyner return for a sixth series of the much-loved detective drama from Monday 19 October at 8pm

The oddball Stratford-upon-Avon sleuthing duo are back as Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton – Waterloo Road) and Luella Shakespeare (Jo Joyner – EastEnders) take on more charming and eccentric mysteries.

This season sees Lu investigating a dating agency while searching for a wedding plus-one, while another case leaves the detectives caught up in a hypnotism show with unexpected consequences. Expect more quirky cases, colourful characters and plenty of humour along the way.

House of Kardashian

SERIES 1 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER AT 9PM

A revealing three-part documentary series explores the rise of the Kardashian dynasty from Wednesday 21 October at 9pm

Focusing on Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, this documentary looks beyond the headlines to examine how the family built one of the most influential brands in popular culture.

From Kris Jenner’s early ambitions and the events that launched Kim into the global spotlight, to Kylie Jenner’s life under intense public scrutiny, the series explores the opportunities, pressures and personal costs of extraordinary fame.

The World’s Deadliest Weather

SERIES 5 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER AT 10PM

Extraordinary stories of survival return in a new series beginning Friday 2 October at 10pm

Using news archive footage and eyewitness recordings, The World’s Deadliest Weather places viewers in the heart of some of the planet’s most extreme weather events.

This season features Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact on Louisiana, dangerous storms at sea off the coast of Norway and dramatic rescue stories from locations across the globe, all told through the experiences of those who lived through them

Ghost Stories: The Room in the Tower

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER AT 11.35PM

Mark Gatiss adapts EF Benson’s classic ghost story in a chilling Halloween special airing Saturday 31 October at 11.35pm

For many years, Roger Winstanley (Tobias Menzies – The Crown, Outlander) has been haunted by a recurring nightmare involving a mysterious house and an unseen presence lurking within a room in its tower.

Set against the backdrop of wartime Britain, this atmospheric adaptation of the 1912 story builds towards a terrifying encounter. Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous) and Polly Walker (Bridgerton, Bookish) also star.

BBC Lifestyle (DStv Ch. 174)

October celebrates creativity, adventure and unforgettable experiences on BBC Lifestyle. Oti Mabuse returns home for a heartfelt South African journey with Richard Coles in Oti and Richard’s South African Odyssey, while Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark follow in the footsteps of historic Grand Tourists through Italy. Elsewhere, aspiring potters, bakers and chefs put their skills to the test in The Great Pottery Throw Down, The Great American Baking Show and Kitchen Nightmares USA.

Oti & Richard’s South African Odyssey

SERIES 1 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER AT 8PM

Oti Mabuse takes Rev. Richard Coles on a heartfelt journey through her homeland from Wednesday 21 October at 8pm

Dancer and presenter Oti Mabuse invites her close friend, writer and broadcaster Richard Coles, to experience the people, places and culture that shaped her life.

Their journey takes them from Johannesburg and Soweto to Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast, where they explore local traditions, discover South Africa’s rich heritage and meet people with remarkable stories to tell.

The Great Pottery Throw Down

SERIES 9 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER AT 8PM

Ten talented home potters return to the wheel in a new series beginning Tuesday 6 October at 8pm

Presented by Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls), the much-loved competition returns as ten passionate amateur potters take on a new series of creative challenges and ambitious builds.

Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Richard Miller assess each creation as the competition intensifies, challenging the potters to combine technical skill with creativity across a series of ambitious builds.

Antiques Roadshow

SERIES 48 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER AT 7PM

The long-running favourite returns with more treasured finds and surprising valuations from Sunday 11 October at 7pm

Set against some of Britain’s most iconic locations, members of the public bring family heirlooms, unusual discoveries and mystery objects to be examined by the Roadshow experts.

From attic treasures to charity-shop bargains, each item has a story to tell, but will its value prove to be sentimental, historical or financial?

Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour

SERIES 1 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER AT 8PM

Rob Rinder and Rylan Clark follow in the footsteps of historic Grand Tourists in a new three-part travel series beginning Thursday 15 October at 8pm

Culture enthusiast Rob Rinder and architecture-loving Rylan Clark embark on an Italian adventure inspired by the journeys undertaken by 19th-century British travellers, including the poet Lord Byron.

Travelling through Venice, Florence and Rome, the pair immerse themselves in art, culture, food and the occasional misadventure as they discover the stories that shaped one of history’s most famous travel traditions.

The Great American Baking Show

SERIES 8 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM MONDAY 26 OCTOBER AT 8PM

A fresh batch of bakers enter the tent as the competition returns from Monday 26 October at 8pm

Eight amateur bakers face a series of Signature, Technical and Showstopper challenges as they compete to impress judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

Hosted by Casey Wilson and Zach Cherry, the series puts the contestants’ creativity, precision and nerves to the test as they battle to be crowned America’s Star Baker.

Kitchen Nightmares USA

SERIES 10 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM MONDAY 12 OCTOBER AT 9PM

Gordon Ramsay returns to rescue struggling restaurants in a new series beginning Monday 12 October at 9pm

Chef Gordon Ramsay travels across America to help restaurant owners facing failing businesses, difficult staff relationships and menus that are no longer working.

From family-run diners to struggling steakhouses, Gordon delivers tough truths, practical solutions and dramatic transformations as he attempts to turn fortunes around before it is too late.

BBC UKTV (DStv Ch. 134)

October brings mystery, adventure and extraordinary stories to BBC UKTV as travel series Fantastic Friendsreunites James and Oliver Phelps with famous friends around the world. Elsewhere, The Brokenwood Mysteries returns with more quirky New Zealand crime cases, Dara Ó Briain investigates the secrets of Egypt’s pyramids, and Bake Off: The Professionals puts talented pastry chefs to the ultimate test.

Fantastic Friends

SERIES 2 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM TUESDAY 6 OCTOBER AT 9PM

Harry Potter stars James and Oliver Phelps embark on more global adventures in a new series beginning Tuesday 6 October at 9pm

Twin brothers James and Oliver Phelps (Harry Potter) travel the world to meet famous friends, explore remarkable destinations and take on unforgettable challenges.

This season sees the pair discover Melbourne with Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story) and embark on a road trip around Lake Como with Stanislav Ianevski (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), with plenty of mischief along the way.

The Brokenwood Mysteries

SERIES 4 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER AT 8PM

The hit New Zealand crime drama returns with four new mysteries from Wednesday 7 October at 8pm

Detective Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) and Detective Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland) continue to solve complex murders in the seemingly peaceful town of Brokenwood, where old grudges and hidden secrets are never far below the surface.

This series begins when a birthday celebration is interrupted by a fatal skydiving accident involving Kristin’s former boyfriend, while another case sees the team investigate the death of a farmer found tied to a scarecrow in a field.

Pompeii’s Secret Underworld

SERIES 1 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM THURSDAY 8 OCTOBER AT 8.50PM

A fascinating new documentary uncovers the darker side of ancient Pompeii from Thursday 8 October at 8.50pm

Long regarded as a prosperous Roman city frozen in time, Pompeii is re-examined through new archaeological evidence that reveals a society marked by violence, inequality and unrest.

This two-part series pieces together discoveries from across the ancient city to paint a vivid picture of life in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Mysteries of the Pyramids with Dara Ó Briain

SERIES 1 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER AT 8.50PM

Dara Ó Briain explores one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries from Thursday 22 October at 8.50pm

Comedian, presenter and self-confessed sceptic Dara Ó Briain travels to Egypt to investigate how the pyramids were built and why they continue to fascinate historians, archaeologists and conspiracy theorists alike.

Joined by archaeologist Raksha Dave and Egyptologist Dr Chris Naunton, Dara examines the evidence behind some of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding these ancient wonders and separates historical fact from myth.

Bake Off: The Professionals

SERIES 7 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER AT 7PM

The search for Britain’s best pastry team returns in a new series beginning Tuesday 27 October at 7pm

Professional pastry chefs from hotels, pâtisseries and independent businesses across the UK compete in a series of demanding challenges that test their precision, creativity and technical expertise.

Hosts Liam Charles and Stacey Solomon guide the teams through the competition as expert judges Benoît Blin and Cherish Finden assess every detail. With elimination looming every week, only the very best will survive the competition and claim victory.

BBC EARTH (DStv Ch. 184)

October is packed with adventure, exploration and extraordinary journeys on BBC Earth. Ben Fogle returns to meet people living far from modern society in a new series of Where the Wild Men Are, while Professor Alice Roberts traces the rise of one of history’s greatest civilisations in Roman Empire By Train. Elsewhere, Bill Bailey embarks on a colourful adventure through Vietnam, and Cape Carnage: Killer Catch follows a family battling the elements in pursuit of one of Australia’s most valuable catches.

Where the Wild Men Are with Ben Fogle

SERIES 12 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER AT 7PM

Ben Fogle meets more people who have chosen life far from the modern world from Wednesday 7 October at 7pm

Explorer Ben Fogle travels to some of the world’s most remote locations to meet individuals who have turned their backs on conventional life and forged their own path.

This series takes Ben from a remote island in Lake Victoria to the forests of Norway, where he meets people living extraordinary lives in challenging environments and discovers the motivations behind their unconventional lifestyles.

Roman Empire by Train

SERIES 1 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER AT 7PM

Professor Alice Roberts embarks on an ambitious journey through the heart of the Roman Empire from Thursday 8 October at 7pm

Historian and broadcaster Alice Roberts travels more than 1,300 miles across Italy, France and Spain to uncover the origins of Rome’s remarkable success and lasting legacy.

From Naples and Pompeii to the Alps and the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Alice explores ancient engineering, forgotten cultures and the people who helped build one of the greatest empires in history.

Cape Carnage: Killer Catch

SERIES 1 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER AT 7PM

A high-stakes fishing season unfolds in a new documentary series beginning Sunday 18 October at 7pm

The Davey family and their crew aboard the 20-metre vessel Wildcard set out to catch 45 tonnes of Spanish mackerel in just four months, hoping to secure the fishing season of a lifetime.

Battling rough seas, mechanical problems and dangerous wildlife, the crew face constant challenges as they pursue one of Australia’s most valuable catches.

Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure

SERIES 1 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER AT 8PM

Comedian and musician Bill Bailey explores the people, culture and landscapes of Vietnam from Friday 23 October at 8pm

Beginning in the historic trading port of Hoi An, comedian and Strictly champion, Bill Bailey travels the length of Vietnam, experiencing its traditions, landscapes and extraordinary contrasts.

Along the way he discovers local food, explores mountain communities and encounters the characters and cultures that make Vietnam one of Asia’s most fascinating destinations.

CBeebies (DStv Ch. 306)

October brings fun, learning and adventure for preschool audiences across CBeebies. Favourite friend Yakka Dee returns in two interactive series designed to build language skills, while globally loved animation Octonauts dives into action-packed ocean adventures. Young explorers can also join the globe-trotting heroes of Go Jetters as they discover some of the world’s most fascinating landmarks and environments.

Yakka Dee! What Can You See?

SERIES 1 – TERRITORY PREMIERE

FROM MONDAY 5 OCTOBER AT 4.50PM

A brand-new spin-off invites children to spot everyday objects and join Dee on interactive adventures from Monday 5 October at 4.40pm

Each episode begins with Dee spinning a wheel to choose a location before setting a fun visual challenge, encouraging children to identify featured objects on screen.

There are also bonus surprises hidden in every episode, helping build observation, vocabulary and participation skills through play.

Go Jetters

SERIES 1 & 2

DOUBLE EPISODES DAILY FROM THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER AT 6AM

The Go Jetters take young viewers on an adventure around the world with double episodes every day throughout October

Join Xuli, Kyan, Lars and Foz as they travel the globe with their mentor Ubercorn, exploring famous landmarks and learning fascinating geographical facts along the way.

From Table Mountain and Stonehenge to the Great Wall of China and the Sydney Opera House, every episode combines action, humour and discovery.

Yakka Dee

SERIES 7 – CHANNEL PREMIERE

FROM THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER AT 4.45PM

Dee returns with a colourful new series designed to get children talking and learning new sounds

Energetic chatterbox Dee introduces preschoolers to phonics, helping them explore letters, sounds and words through playful adventures and repetition.

Each episode focuses on a different letter, encouraging children to recognise sounds and build confidence in early language development.

Octonauts

SERIES 1, PART 1

FROM MONDAY 5 OCTOBER AT 5PM

One of the world’s most successful preschool franchises arrives on CBeebies from Monday 5 October at 5pm

Led by Captain Barnacles, alongside adventurous Kwazii and medic Peso, the Octonauts travel the oceans rescuing marine creatures, solving problems and exploring underwater habitats.

Combining action, humour and STEM learning, the series encourages curiosity about the natural world while teaching teamwork, empathy and environmental awareness.

BBC Studios Africa October Highlights

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