SABC Cancels Black Brain Pictures' Drama Paradys After Low Ratings on SABC2

SABC Cancels Black Brain Pictures' Drama Paradys After Low Ratings on SABC2

  • The SABC axed Paradys, a drama series that debuted on SABC2 in February 2026, confirming it will not return for a second season
  • The public broadcaster cited poor viewership numbers and insufficient revenue as the driving forces behind the decision
  • Paradys was produced by Mandla N's Black Brain Pictures, a production house behind several hit South African TV shows
The drama averaged approximately 275,000 viewers per episode between its February premiere and 9 October 2026
SABC2 confirmed that Paradys would not return for a second season, with the Afrikaans telenovela set to end in February 2027. Image: Mandla N
Source: Facebook

The South African Broadcasting Corporation has pulled the plug on Paradys, a drama series produced by Mandla N's Black Brain Pictures, confirming the show will not be renewed for a second season.

The series launched on SABC2 in February 2026, but it was unable to build a sustainable audience base throughout its run. The broadcaster has pointed squarely to disappointing viewership figures and the show's inability to generate adequate revenue as the reasons behind the cancellation.

Black Brain Pictures' high-profile miss

What makes the axing particularly notable is the pedigree behind the production. Black Brain Pictures has an established track record in South African television, having delivered multiple successful drama series over the years. Despite that reputation, Paradys never quite clicked with audiences in the way the broadcaster or producers had hoped.

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The decision signals that even well-resourced and experienced production houses are not immune to the pressures of audience performance, especially on a public broadcaster that has to justify its content investments against viewership returns.

SABC2 has not announced a replacement for the Paradys slot or shared details about what comes next for the channel in that time period. Paradys delves into complicated relationships and the secrets people keep from those closest to them. The storyline explores love, betrayal and the consequences of difficult choices. As tensions rise, characters are forced to confront personal struggles and unexpected challenges. The drama keeps viewers invested through its emotional twists and evolving relationships. It adds another layer of intrigue to South Africa’s growing television landscape.

Mandla N and Tumi Masemola made headlines

Popular entertainment creatives Mandla N and Tumi Masemola made headlines once again on social media.

This was after Mandla N proposed to former Miss Universe South Africa Melissa Neyimuli.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Gloria Masia avatar

Gloria Masia (Human interest editor) Gloria Masia is an Entertainment Writer at Briefly News. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations from UNISA and a Diploma in Journalism from Rosebank College. With over 8 years of experience, Gloria has worked in digital marketing, online TV production, and radio. Email:gloria.masia@briefly.co.za

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