Watching
Every film and series South African radio reviewed, recommended or argued about this month, with what was said and the audio of it.
92 titles · 115 airings · 6 stations · last 30 days
Series · drama · South African
Season two of the South African series Blood Legacy is coming to Netflix, with an actress joining the cast in a role linked to the character from season one. Listeners are urged to watch the new season.
“So please make sure you check out season two of Blood Legacy on Netflix and you'll be able to check that out.”
What a host, guest or caller told listeners to watch.
Film · drama
Danielle Brooks
A drama set in Los Angeles about a 12-year-old boy who idolizes his father after the man returns from prison, exploring black fatherhood, masculinity and generational trauma. The presenter recommends it as a tear-jerker and says it is available to rent on several platforms.
“And I think that this might be something to add to your watch list.”
Series · crime
Kerry Washington
A legal crime drama about Jack Stewart, a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, with messy court battles and relationship drama. The host says the newest season is very good, was number one on Disney's streaming app for three weeks, and recommends it to legal drama fans.
“Actually, the newest season dropped this month and it is really, really good.”
Film · children's
2022
A listener finally watched Lyle, Lyle Crocodile after two failed attempts and found it a cute movie with a singing crocodile. She tells listeners to watch it.
“So please watch it. It's a vibe.”
Film · drama
The host recommends this film as a way to think about how people behave when they are given a little power. He suggests that power may reveal what is already in people rather than change their values.
“the Stanford jail prison experiment, which is now on Netflix, must watch it.”
Series · reality
Gordon Ramsay
A host says they have been glued to this Apple TV series, which follows elite chefs at celebrated restaurants as they try to keep or win a Michelin star. Gordon Ramsay is credited as executive producer. The host urges listeners to watch it.
“for the past couple of weeks, I've been glued to a series on Apple TV.”
Series · drama
Russell Crowe
A dramatised account of the Unabomber manhunt, covering his Harvard years as a prodigy and the FBI hunt that ended with his capture through his manifesto. The guest says it is short and sharp, a good way to get to know the story, though it leaves many questions unanswered.
“So this film is you'll like this because it's quite a short film.”
Directors, producers and cast talking about their own work.
Film · drama · South African
Ross Devenish · 1980
Ross Devenish recalls making Marigolds in August with Athol Fugard on a very small budget, with no lights, costumes or sets beyond what was available. The filmmakers' choices under those limits are discussed.
“the film that we'd made, Marigolds in August, was made because the money for it was so limited that Athel and I took the decision in making the film.”
Film · drama · South African
Ross Devenish · 1970
A restored version of the 1970 film adaptation of Athol Fugard's play Boesman and Lena, starring Yvonne Bryceland, is to be screened at the Mask Theatre in Muizenberg. The filmmaker recalls the difficulties of making it under apartheid-era security scrutiny.
“And Yvonne's performance is stunning.”
Film · drama
Kevin Costner · 1992
A 1992 film that became one of the highest-grossing films in movie history, with a soundtrack by Whitney Houston that became the best-selling movie soundtrack album of all time. The presenter recalls queuing to see it as a teenager and crying at the end.
“I clearly remember queuing up to see the film and being desperately worried that they weren't going to let me in because I was actually 15”
A performer rewatched The Bodyguard while preparing for the stage musical version. They found it enjoyed more on a second viewing than the Kevin Costner films they usually love, and took lessons from its performances.
Series · drama · South African
Kyle Clark
A South African Netflix series, premiering on 30 October, with Kyle Clark in his first lead role. The cast and shoot are praised, and the guest hopes for a second season.
“This show is, like you're saying, incredible.”
A new South African Netflix series, a fresh chapter in the How to Ruin franchise, follows a couple from different cultures whose families come together for a Diwali celebration, and the chaos that follows. Lead actor Kyle Clark joins the show to talk about his career and the series.
A three-part South African comedy miniseries from production company Burnt Onion, set in a complicated interracial family story. The speaker praises its complex characters and says it resonates with South African audiences.
Series · comedy · South African
Kyle Clark
A new chapter in the How to Ruin franchise, set around an interracial romance between a Zulu family and a traditional Indian family during Diwali. Kyle Clark, who plays the male lead, describes its comedy and cast, and says overseas audiences have responded to it.
“we are getting such incredible feedback, not from South Africa, but from around the world.”
Film · comedy · South African
Tumi Morake
A sequel to the 2020 Netflix film Seriously Single, following best friends Dineo and Noni as one friend's marriage proposal changes their friendship. The presenter describes it as more emotional and in-depth than the first film, and says it is getting great reviews.
“And that's already out on Netflix and it's been doing really well. It's been getting great reviews.”
A romantic comedy sequel whose lead character clings to a ring and struggles to let go of hurt. The cast discusses its themes of self-awareness, mental health and emotional healing, and what it was like to film it.
A romantic comedy sequel returning to Noni and Dineo, with a marriage proposal, friendship drama and a bachelorette trip to Joburg. The lead actress, who plays Noni, says the film is very close to her heart and that it is her first big film role in a while.
A sequel following best friends Noni and Dineo six years on, as Noni prepares to marry Max and Dineo plans a bachelorette trip to Cape Town. The maker calls it a fun movie that newcomers can watch without having seen the first.
Newest airing first: everything a host, guest or caller named with something to say about it.
Series · comedy
The host recalls Sex and the City as a cult-popular TV series that portrayed women as equal to men, independent and driven, while its underlying theme was the quest for love. The host names the nonchalant tempter character as a favourite.
Film · drama · South African
Ross Devenish · 1980
Ross Devenish recalls making Marigolds in August with Athol Fugard on a very small budget, with no lights, costumes or sets beyond what was available. The filmmakers' choices under those limits are discussed.
Film · drama
Danielle Brooks
A drama set in Los Angeles about a 12-year-old boy who idolizes his father after the man returns from prison, exploring black fatherhood, masculinity and generational trauma. The presenter recommends it as a tear-jerker and says it is available to rent on several platforms.
Film · drama · South African
Ross Devenish · 1970
A restored version of the 1970 film adaptation of Athol Fugard's play Boesman and Lena, starring Yvonne Bryceland, is to be screened at the Mask Theatre in Muizenberg. The filmmaker recalls the difficulties of making it under apartheid-era security scrutiny.
Series · comedy
Callers recall the animated series and its voiceover, and one says they would like the character back in some new series.
Series · comedy · South African
A caller says the South African sitcom blew his mind and was really fun, and he would like a continuation showing the characters raising their kids.
Series · drama · South African
A listener recalls Yizo Yizo as a show that had the whole country talking and says nothing has come close to it since. Their parents did not allow them to watch it, and they only saw it on Netflix years later.
Series · crime
Kerry Washington
A legal crime drama about Jack Stewart, a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, with messy court battles and relationship drama. The host says the newest season is very good, was number one on Disney's streaming app for three weeks, and recommends it to legal drama fans.
Film · drama
Kevin Costner · 1992
A 1992 film that became one of the highest-grossing films in movie history, with a soundtrack by Whitney Houston that became the best-selling movie soundtrack album of all time. The presenter recalls queuing to see it as a teenager and crying at the end.
2 airings · Cape Talk
Film · children's
2022
A listener finally watched Lyle, Lyle Crocodile after two failed attempts and found it a cute movie with a singing crocodile. She tells listeners to watch it.
Film · drama
The host recommends this film as a way to think about how people behave when they are given a little power. He suggests that power may reveal what is already in people rather than change their values.
Film
The host says the film surprised him with a lead performance he found pleasantly unexpected. He calls the actress thoroughly enjoyable as an actor in the series.
Film · science fiction
James Cameron · 1984
Recalled as an anniversary of the 1984 release of The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a cyborg assassin sent back from the future. Its famous line "I'll be back" is discussed, including Schwarzenegger's account of how it came about.
2 airings · 702, Power FM
Series · drama · South African
Season two of the South African series Blood Legacy is coming to Netflix, with an actress joining the cast in a role linked to the character from season one. Listeners are urged to watch the new season.
5 airings · 947, 702
Series · comedy
Ricky Gervais
An animated Netflix series written and directed by Ricky Gervais, who also voices Gus, the alpha cat of a scraggly group of alley cats who mix with a posh, spoiled domestic cat. The commentator praises Gervais's humour and fearless take on the human condition.
Series · reality
Gordon Ramsay
A host says they have been glued to this Apple TV series, which follows elite chefs at celebrated restaurants as they try to keep or win a Michelin star. Gordon Ramsay is credited as executive producer. The host urges listeners to watch it.
Film · drama
Described as an Oscar-winning film starring Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson that is devastating and one of the most disturbing films the speaker has seen. The guest says they never got over it.
Series · drama
Russell Crowe
A dramatised account of the Unabomber manhunt, covering his Harvard years as a prodigy and the FBI hunt that ended with his capture through his manifesto. The guest says it is short and sharp, a good way to get to know the story, though it leaves many questions unanswered.
Film · adventure
Brad Pitt
A new film in which Brad Pitt and his dog Odin struggle through the wilderness to get back to safety, with very little dialogue. The host found it striking and wondered whether dogs in service can suffer PTSD as the dog in the film does.
3 airings · Cape Talk, 702
Film · comedy
Walter Matthau · 1993
The host names Dennis the Menace, starring Walter Matthau as Mr. Wilson, as his number one film from 1993 and one of his all-time favourites.
Film · action
Sylvester Stallone · 1993
The host includes Demolition Man, starring Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes, in his top five films from 1993 and recalls the Sting song from its soundtrack.
Film · drama
John Singleton · 1993
The host includes Poetic Justice in his list of top five films from 1993, starring Tupac and Janet Jackson and directed by John Singleton.
Film · drama
Jason Scott Lee · 1993
The host calls Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story an amazing biopic, with Jason Scott Lee portraying his father Bruce Lee. It ranks fourth on his list of top 1993 films.
Series · drama
Jane Seymour
An American Western drama series starring Jane Seymour as a Boston physician who settles in Colorado Springs in the Old West. The show aired in over 100 countries, and a caller remembers it fondly from the 1990s.
Series · comedy
A celebrated German dark comedy returns for a second season on Apple TV. The Klutz family, who searched for their missing daughter Wanda in season one, find her caught standing over a dead body.
Series · drama
The medical drama has returned to Disney Plus with season 23. The latest premiere had the team dealing with a runway collision that brings new emergencies to the OR.
Film · romantic comedy
Zoe Kazan
A quirky romantic comedy that turns darker, subverting the manic pixie dream girl trope, written by and starring Zoe Kazan with Paul Dano. The critic gives it a solid seven and says it is well worth watching this weekend.
Film · drama
Charlie Kaufman
A surreal, unsettling road-trip-to-meet-the-parents puzzle about memory and identity, led by Jesse Buckley and Jesse Plemons. The critic calls it uncompromising and gives it a solid seven. It is streaming on Netflix.
Film · romantic comedy
Kyle Allen
A time-loop fantasy romantic comedy in the spirit of Groundhog Day, with chemistry between its two teen leads. The critic gives it a solid seven and says it is sweet-natured and charming. It is available on Prime Video.
Film · horror
A horror film about a B-list actor who injects himself with a substance to stay relevant and then discovers he can reshape his face and body into living clay. It opens in cinemas today.
2 airings · Cape Talk, 702
Series · drama · South African
Kyle Clark
A South African Netflix series, premiering on 30 October, with Kyle Clark in his first lead role. The cast and shoot are praised, and the guest hopes for a second season.
3 airings · Cape Talk, Kaya 959
Series · comedy · South African
Kyle Clark
A new chapter in the How to Ruin franchise, set around an interracial romance between a Zulu family and a traditional Indian family during Diwali. Kyle Clark, who plays the male lead, describes its comedy and cast, and says overseas audiences have responded to it.
Series · drama
Florence Pugh
A historical drama set in late 19th century America, a remake of the earlier film based on John Steinbeck's novel, following a woman and her effect on the men in her life. The guest praises its production and cast and recommends it.
Series · political thriller
Kerry Russell
A political thriller about an ambassador caught in international crises, now in its fourth season. The guest praises its grounded storytelling despite extreme twists, and the show is recommended to listeners.
2 airings · Cape Talk
Film · documentary
The host recommends this documentary on Netflix as a way to understand how AI and social media products are designed. He says it explains how behavioural psychologists in Silicon Valley shape and harvest user behaviour.
Film · drama
1995
The host recalls Whitney Houston's role in the 1995 film Waiting to Exhale and her decision to curate its soundtrack with African-American female singers rather than record the whole album herself. The host praises the album and the duet Count On Me with CeCe Winans.
Film · biography
Michael Fassbender · 2015
A guest uses the film Steve Jobs, with Michael Fassbender in the lead role, as an example of intellectual ability without emotional intelligence. The film shows Jobs struggling with emotional intelligence despite his business success.
2 airings · Cape Talk, 702
Film · documentary · South African
A documentary about the song The Lion Sleeps Tonight, based on Solomon Linda's Mbube, that follows its journey and the injustice of how it earned money. The host recommends listeners watch it when they have time.
Series · reality
Speakers discuss Love is Blind, a reality show they found gripping and compelling despite not expecting to like it. They describe it as good mindless entertainment that they are fully hooked on.
Film
A guest says they loved Sinners and found it fantastic filmmaking, though they came to it late. They tell listeners they will enjoy it and be converted, and say watching it in a cinema was incredible.
Series · comedy
Seth Rogen
A guest describes The Studio as a satire about how big commercial studios make things, and calls it really good satire. They strongly recommend it to listeners.
Series · comedy
Tina Fey
A comedian says Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was a turning point in their decision to write comedy. They single out an episode that was a mockumentary as the moment it clicked for them.
Series · comedy
Michaela Coel
A comedian says Chewing Gum was the first comedy they watched that made them feel represented. They describe it as silly, and say its lead actress of African descent and her on-screen mother reminded them of their own mom.
Film · comedy · South African
Tumi Morake
A sequel to the 2020 Netflix film Seriously Single, following best friends Dineo and Noni as one friend's marriage proposal changes their friendship. The presenter describes it as more emotional and in-depth than the first film, and says it is getting great reviews.
4 airings · 702, Power FM, 947
Series · drama
A British period drama about Mary, the black sheep of five sisters, who discovers herself despite her family holding her back. The host says it is written extremely well and that people have overlooked it.
Series · crime
Guy Ritchie
A mob series starring Theo James, currently streaming on Netflix. The host says it is excellent for viewers who like heavy, story-centred mob dramas.
Series · documentary
A dinosaur documentary that presented the creatures as real animals rather than monsters, which is what first got the guest interested in paleontology as a child.
Film · drama
A film that came out a couple of years ago, with a cast of good actors. The host loved it and is working backwards through the list.
Film · drama
A film about the BlackBerry story, described as very good. It is part of a trend of films about how business ideas got off the ground.
Film · comedy
An animated Cat in the Hat film is due on the first day of the December school holidays. The host is hopeful because it keeps the look of the Dr. Seuss books, unlike the earlier live-action version, which he thought was awful.
Film
The host recalls the opening titles of the film, with its John Williams score and lovely graphics. He praises the titles as beautifully and tastefully done.
Series · drama
Kerry Washington
Listeners discuss watching Scandal, saying they watched one or two series before stopping. The speaker found the lead character intolerable by series eight, though they still love the show.
2 airings · Cape Talk
Film · drama
Matt Damon
Listeners discuss Good Will Hunting as an all-time favourite that they feel cannot be topped. It is praised as excellent and brilliant, with Robin Williams's performance singled out as marvelous.
Film · thriller
Ben Affleck
A thriller in which Ben Affleck plays a mayoral candidate in LA with a troubled family past. The reviewer finds it perfectly watchable and gripping, though some plot threads are left unresolved.
Film · comedy
Eddie Murphy · 1984
The host names Beverly Hills Cop at number two on his top five films of 1984.
Film · horror
1984
The host ranks Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter at number three on his list of 1984 films, recalling that it scared him as a child.
Film · action
Harrison Ford · 1984
The host counts Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as number five on his top five films of 1984 and recommends listeners check it out as a childhood favourite.
Film · comedy
Steve Guttenberg · 1984
The host places Police Academy at number four on his top five films of 1984, calling it a classic and recalling its popular characters.
Series · comedy
A listener says watching Emily in Paris made her want to move to Paris, dress better and reinvent her life. She admits her bank account kept her in Johannesburg, but the dream remains.
Series · reality
A listener says watching Shark Tank convinced him he had a million-rand business idea, though the plan never left his notepad. The host jokingly gives him 48 hours to act.
Series · drama
A caller says watching Suits made them want to study law, and that Harvey Specter makes them believe they can argue their way into any courtroom. The host agrees that Harvey is brilliant.
3 airings · 947
Series · crime
A WhatsApp listener named Steve says he became obsessed with this crime series. It led him to start learning Spanish so he could follow the characters without subtitles.
Film · documentary
A caller named Milton says this 1970s film about dirt biking, featuring Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen, inspired him. He raced for five years and still rides at 74.
Series · comedy
Owen Wilson
A caller says the series Stick, starring Owen Wilson, was well filmed and mixed comedy with plenty of golf, and it inspired them to return to the golf course.
Series · reality
A caller says watching The Great British Bake Off inspired her to try baking proper cakes, which grew into a custom cake business earning extra income.
Series · drama
A WhatsApp caller says watching Gray's Anatomy made him want to become a doctor. He admits he struggled to stay awake through a two-hour movie, so the idea did not last.
Film · drama
The host recalls Hotel Rwanda as a fantastic movie seen a couple of years ago, linking it to the country's turbulent political history.
Film · comedy · South African
Katleho Ramakela · 2020
An actress discusses the South African romantic comedy Seriously Single and its sequel, which were first planned for cinemas and then licensed to Netflix. She says the stories reach audiences overseas and that South African stories relate to everyone.
3 airings · Power FM, 702
Film · drama · South African
Sarah Blecher
An actress recalls Ayanda as her first feature film, a role that encouraged her to take emotional risks. She describes the film set's close framing and the cast and crew promotion that followed.
Film · sci-fi
1985
The host recalls watching the 1985 Hollywood film and says it promised flying cars, a promise he feels is now close to being realised. The film is raised as a nostalgic reference point.
Film · drama
A guest chooses Ennio Morricone's music from The Mission and praises the film's powerful narrative about colonial Europe's impact on indigenous communities. The guest says the film's emotional force is what draws them to the piece.
Film · horror
Zach Krager
A grounded survival-horror reboot of the franchise follows a courier caught in a snowy zombie outbreak, led by Austin Abrams. The reviewer praises its inventive set pieces and creature designs and gives it an excellent eight.
2 airings · Cape Talk, 702
Film · drama
A columnist who wrote a piece for the Maverick says the film left them filled with anger and disappointment. They highly recommend it to listeners.
Series · drama · South African
A South African historical series, here called Saga Ilembe, whose third season is awaited with no premiere date yet. The guest praises its cinematography and production, and says it is an interesting way to learn about local culture.
Series · drama · South African
An actor on air recalls auditioning for Blood and Water, a Netflix series, and being cast after initial doubts. She describes how the show lets the world see South African stories and how fans contact her from across the world.
Film · drama
2010
The 2010 film told the story of the founding of Facebook. It is named as the earlier film that the new follow-up builds on.
Film · thriller
A guest recalls a film about young people who induce near-death experiences and find the visions become increasingly disturbing. The guest says it is not for the faint-hearted, while remembering seeing it in the 80s.
Film · drama · South African
Speakers discuss Invictus, in which Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela. The guest feels Freeman's portrayal was almost too perfect, a facsimile built from over-detailed study of Mandela's walk and talk, and lacked Mandela's inner controlled passion.
Film · documentary
A Netflix documentary about boxer Mike Tyson, released the day before. The host expects it to offer a fuller, more interesting look at his life beyond boxing, including his turbulent personal life and public scandals.
Film · action
The host is excited about the new Street Fighter movie, which has cast members including Andrew Schultz, 50 Cent and Jason Momoa. The film is due out on 16 October, and the host has already seen the trailer.
Film · science fiction
Tom Cruise
The host recalls a film with Tom Cruise about a surveillance state that arrests people before they commit crimes. He uses it to question whether a state that punishes bad thoughts is one we would want.
Series · thriller
An Australian thriller about a police detective whose daughter has been missing for 11 years, who searches for a girl who calls in as a possible match. The guest calls it nail-biting and fun, and the host says they will check it out.
Film · drama
Iñárritu
A layered, intelligent film full of lies and deceptions that leaves viewers with questions to debate afterwards. Its box office was poor, but the reviewer urges listeners to see it, ideally in IMAX.
Film · animation
Tat Wolfen watched Toy Story 5 on a flight and found it an absolute joy. Listeners are told to watch it rather than spend hours on films they will not remember.
Film · animation
An animated film about children wondering what happens to their dogs when they die, with the message that all good dogs go to heaven. The host calls it a cute movie and notes a sad moment where a girl talks with a dog about going to heaven.
Series · crime
Catherine Zeta-Jones
A reviewer binge-watched this eight-episode series about a former cocaine dealer turned artist hunted by the seven demons, a group of assassins. They found it uneven and slow to start but very enjoyable, and advise listeners to give it a couple of episodes.
Series · drama · South African
Rosemary Zemguni
A South African Netflix series led by actress Rosemary Zemguni. The presenter praises its acting, and the actress discusses the pressure of leading the show and the freedom she found in shaving her head.
Film · drama
A new film from the team behind The Social Network, starring Mikey Madison and Jeremy Strong. It follows a young Facebook engineer who works with a Wall Street Journal reporter to expose the company's guarded secrets. The host says it is a movie listeners need to see.
Series · crime
Don Johnson
The host calls Miami Vice one of his favourite TV shows and plays audio from it on air. He recalls the undercover Metro Dade detectives, the cars and the soundtrack, and listeners debate which year it came out.
Film · action
Guy Ritchie
A rowdy World War II action comic book about a squad of rogues led by Henry Cavill fighting Axis forces. The critic says it lacks real peril but is raucous popcorn fun, tilting a solid seven.
Series · thriller · South African
Deon Meyer
An MNET series adapted from Deon Meyer's novel Blood Safari, updated to contemporary South African politics. Deon Meyer says he is delighted with the production and the South African crew and cast.
2 airings · Cape Talk
Film · drama
Olivia Rodrigo has named this film as one that shaped her and inspired her songwriting. The host relays that she calls it a perfect watch for anyone feeling confused or stuck, praising its lead actress.
locl transcribes six South African radio stations as they air. Every hour a model reads the stretches that name a book, film or series and records each titled work that was discussed, reviewed or recommended, with the verdict and who gave it. Quiz clues, name-drops and the stations’ own programmes are left out. Titles and names are as the transcript heard them, so a spelling can be off. Opinions belong to the speakers. Press play to hear the opening window of the conversation; the transcript link has the rest. Only conversations whose audio is still held are listed, so a title leaves the page with its audio.
Updated Wednesday, 28 October at 12:01 SAST. Showing 30 days.