Competition Between 'Smoke and Mirrors' and 'Inimba' Heats Up, Both Shows Air During Same Time Slot

Competition Between 'Smoke and Mirrors' and 'Inimba' Heats Up, Both Shows Air During Same Time Slot

  • The 9pm time slot has caused division among TV lovers, as two big shows air at the same time
  • Smoke and Mirrors has introduced a popular actor, making it a must-see, however, a new telenovela is also shaking things up
  • Mzansi is conflicted on which show to watch as Smoke and Mirrors and Inimba air at 9pm at their respective channels
Siyabonga Thwala and Jabu MacDonald play on 'Smoke & Mirrors' and 'Inimba'.
Viewers wish they could watch 'Smoke and Mirrors' and 'Inimba'; however, their time slot is confusing. Image: Mzansi Magic, Loymacdonald
Source: Instagram

If only it were possible to watch two shows at the same time. However, it is not possible, but Mzansi viewers are itching for that opportunity.

Smoke and Mirrors has a new competitor, a telenovela called Inimba, which debuted on Monday, 14 April 2025.

Viewers want to watch 2 shows at the same time

The e.tv drama series Smoke and Mirrors has a star-studded cast, including Zolisa Xaluva, Lusanda Mbane and a new star, Siyabonga Thwala.

Read also

Sindi Dlathu joins Netflix thriller series ‘Unseen’ season 2, SA reacts: “Okay, this is good”

PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!

It airs on weeknights at 9 pm. However, a new show has debuted on Mzansi Magic called Inimba starring Loyiso MacDonald, which has sparked the interest of many TV lovers.

Now, peeps are conflicted about which show to watch as both of them air at the same time. Entertainment commentator Jabu MacDonald sparked this conversation on X with a post that reads:

"Now we must choose between these telenovelas. Smoke & Mirrors on etv and Inimba on Mzansi atgic on the 9 pm time lost. At this rate, I wish I could watch both at the same time."

What Mzansi has to say about the 2 shows

One thing about South African TV lovers is that they are very passionate about their shows. Many people are never afraid to air out their disappointments with shows should they take a different direction with their storylines.

Read also

Late seasoned veteran actor Sello Motloung to star in Netflix series 'Unseen' season 2

Some fans believe that Smoke and Mirrors lost its touch because of their redundant storyline. However, with Siyabonga Thwala returning, many are sure to watch it.

While Inimba is new and has taken over from Empini, the cast looks promising, so viewers are also drawn to it.

Lunathi Mampofu stars in 'Inimba'.
'Inimba' includes a star-studded cast including Lunathi Mampofu. Image: Mzansi Magic
Source: Instagram

Here are the reactions:

@truly_vikki stated:

"I'll watch Smoke and Mirrors at 9 pm. Then I'll watch Inimba on the DStv app."

@NzimakaKhondlo shared:

"Haaai bo Smoke and Mirrors now has uMpiyakhe. I might go back. If only the storyline was not all over the place and not making sense."

@beko_simnikiwe stated:

"Inimba can miss me. I’m gonna watch the repeat on the weekend."

@Iebzzzza joked:

"Inimba is new. I'm gonna give it a chance, but they have two weeks to sell the show to me. I am very strict with my time."

@Muntuzawakhe_ replied:

Read also

Netflix excitedly drops 'Unseen" Season 2 trailer, SA can't wait: "Gail is on another level"

"I watched the first episode of iNimba yesterday, and I’ll tell you for free, my 9 pm slot is booked for it."

Thuli Phongolo returns to Generations: The Legacy

In a previous report from Briefly News, DJ and actress Thulisile Phongolo made her return to acting.

SABC announced that the media personality will be returning to Generations: The Legacy to reprise her role as Namhla Diale.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jessica Gcaba avatar

Jessica Gcaba (Entertainment editor) Jessica Gcaba is an Entertainment Editor for Briefly News (joined in 2023). She is a Journalism graduate from the Durban University Of Technology (2019). She has 5 years of experience as an Entertainment and Lifestyle Journalist at Africa New Media Group writing for ZAlebs website. She passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. To reach her, contact: jessica.gcaba@briefly.co.za