Johannesburg, Wednesday, 19 February 2025 – S3 is pleased to introduce another documentary feature from the BBC slate titled, The Rise of The Murdoch Dynasty, which will broadcast at 22:00 from Thursday 20 February until Thursday 6 March 2025.

This dramatic three-part series tells the incredible story of Rupert Murdoch’s Empire and interweaving his behind-the-scenes influence on world events with the personal battle for power at the heart of his own family.

Over the last 50 years, Murdoch has played an unparalleled part in transforming the British society.

Feared and fêted by politicians, Murdoch has built the biggest media operation on the planet which has given him extraordinary power and influence.

The first episode titled The Kingmaker charts the growing relationship between Rupert Murdoch and the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, the Murdoch press and Blair’s Labour Party.

Episode two, The Rebel Alliance, explores some of Rupert’s alliances including that with actor Hugh Grant who was willing to take over the Murdoch Empire.  

The last installment, The Comeback, details the story of Rupert Murdoch’s remarkable journey from ‘The most humble day’ of his life to arguably his most powerful moment, and the final conclusion to the question of succession within his own family.

This film examines the source of his drive, determination and grit and the important influence of his father. It is an electrifying study of the Murdoch dynasty, charting the ups and downs of an empire, from the ambition that fuelled its success, to the criminality that led to the closure of the News of the World, and the Leveson Inquiry. Ultimately, the empire is broken up. But there’s a powerful new ally in the White House. 

Catch The Rise of The Murdoch Dynasty on Thursdays at 22:00, only on S3.

For media enquiries contact:

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis – This crime drama focuses on a cold case reopened after 39 years. When the body of a young man is discovered in a derelict building, DCI Cassie Stuart – one of the Met’s smartest detectives – is called in to investigate. There are four suspects: a clergyman, an eminent entrepreneur, a community worker and a wheelchair-bound husband caring for his wife. Each has a secret to hide. As their lies unravel, the people they love most begin to wonder what else they might be capable of. Nothing in this case is black and white. Can you ever really know the people closest to you? What secrets have they buried? 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Episode 1 – Tuesday, 25 February 2025

DCI Cassie Stuart and DS Sunny Khan investigate when a skeleton is found beneath a demolished house. The discovery of a car keys leads the pair on a trail to identify who the victim is, and they find a diary of a young man missing since 1976.

Episode 2 – Wednesday, 26 February 2025

After identifying the body in the cellar as Jimmy Sullivan, the hunt for his murderer begins. Cassie and Sunny begin the investigation by following up on the names written in Jimmy’s diary. In Liverpool, Cassie meets Jimmy’s mother, who is relieved at the prospect of finally finding out what happened to her son after he went missing. The name ‘Frankie C’ is identified as Sir Phillip Cross – a newly government appointed entrepreneurial czar. However, Sir Phillip denies that he ever met Jimmy. ‘Beth’ is revealed to be Lizzie Wilton, who lives in Croydon. She also denies knowing Jimmy, but it is clear she was a very different woman in the 70s, before her current marriage.

Episode 3 – Monday, 3 March 2025

Cassie and Sunny visit a priest who remembers Jimmy fondly, but unfortunately Father Robert Greaves is unable to identify ‘Jo-Jo’, the mysterious person who gave Jimmy the diary. The investigation also leads to another person who remembers Jimmy well, Eric Slater, who used to be a bookkeeper at Arlingham house.

Episode 4 – Tuesday, 4 March 2025

The investigation into Jimmy’s death continues, with the discovery of marks on his body consistent with known gangland torture methods. Cassie and Sunny question Sir Phillip to find out exactly what his involvement was with a prominent East End crime family and Eric and Claire’s anniversary party gets underway.

Episode 5 – Wednesday, 5 March 2025

Sir Phillip Cross makes a difficult decision in order to protect his family and salvage what is left of his reputation. Ray returns home to find Lizzie gone and a note that reads ‘I’m sorry’ and Father Robert comes clean to his family and the police

Episode 6 – Monday, 10 March 2025

Father Robert’s revelations have lasting repercussions. Things are especially difficult when Caroline goes into premature labor. Bella and Josh deliberate over how best to deal with their father and the search for Lizzie continues. Maureen is finally able to lay Jimmy to rest

Don’t miss Unforgotten on Mondays to Wednesdays at 21:00, starting on 25 February 2025,  only on S3.

For media enquiries contact:-

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis: Dr Nikki Alexander, Dr Thomas Chamberlain and Dr Jack Hodgson form a dedicated team of forensic pathologists who try to work out how and why the victim died. This series sees Nikki investigate a murder that’s a carbon copy of a case from her past. She soon suspects that the killings are personal to her. But who will believe her? Jack creates tension when he finds himself aligned with a police complaints investigator over the accidental shooting of a girl by armed police. And a seemingly random killing in the remote countryside leads Nikki and Jack into the dangerous underbelly of a criminal world. 

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Friday, 21 February 2025

(After The Fall – Part 1)

The apparent suicide of a DJ leads Nikki to question her judgement on a strikingly similar case from her past. The similarities between the cases reveal that a copycat killer is out there – someone who is forensically aware and possibly medically trained. As further lines are drawn between the murders and Nikki’s past, she soon suspects that the killings are personal to her. Meanwhile Tony, a family man recently released from prison for an attempted murder he supposedly did not commit, struggles to come to terms with his new life. The links between Tony’s incarceration and Nikki’s past become apparent as she goes in search of an old rival, who may hold the answers to the current murders.

Episode 2 – Thursday, 27 February 2025

(After The Fall – Part 2)

Nikki is arrested after a senior pathologist that she previously came to blows with is murdered. Meanwhile Tony learns of the pathologist’s death. Recognizing the name from his own trial years ago, Tony begins to fear that his son David is involved. As Nikki is released from custody, she has her own doubts and can’t help but suspect the timing of Scott’s reappearance in her life. As the team move closer toward the truth, Nikki finds the killer drawing closer, but this time she’s the one in his sights. Meanwhile Tony’s past finally catches up with him when the truth about his attempted murder conviction comes out, and the reality is dangerously linked to Nikki’s own investigation.

Episode 3 – Friday, 28 February 2025

(Flight – Part 1)

The murder of a well-known anti-fundamentalist Muslim, Amir Aziz, leads the Lyell team to question who would kill this peaceful but outspoken man. Suspicion quickly falls on a local taxi driver revealed as a member of the English Defence League whose son was killed by a Taliban IED. The team is joined in the investigation by DI Nina Ryman. Ryman knew Aziz and believed him to be a good man, but her faith in him is called into question when it is discovered that he was in correspondence with a drug smuggler. Soon it is revealed that the smuggler is actually a British jihadist, who may be planning a series of attacks in the UK.

Episode 4 – Thursday, 6 March 2025

(Flight – Part 2)

The team races to stop Begovic before she strikes again but it soon becomes clear that she isn’t working alone. Meanwhile, Begovic begins to doubt her actions and the motives of her allies, questioning her plans. Yet events quickly run out of her hands and it’s too late for her to stop as another body is left in the terrorist cell’s wake. As they follow the trail of bodies, the team learns new revelations about Begovic and her compatriots, even as the extremist herself becomes torn between her fundamentalist faith and her son.

Episode 5 – Friday, 7 March 2025

(Life Licence– Part 1)

An ex-convict is killed and suspicion lands on a recently released child killer. As other former long term prisoners out on a life license come under scrutiny, the team learn how fragile their freedom is. Working with Sasha Blackburn, a forensic psychologist specializing in convicts released on life licenses, the team try to ensure these damaged men are treated fairly despite their past crimes.

Episode 6 – Thursday, 13 March 2025

(Life Licence – Part 2)

The team revisit a 15-year old case when they discover that Paul may have lied about his identity so far. Their investigation re-opens old wounds for the victim’s family, however. Further bodies are discovered and a killer with a distinctive, sadistic modus operandi is clearly on the loose. The team turns to Sasha for advice on the killer, but she may be too close to the suspects to help. Can a murderer truly be rehabilitated?

Episode 7 – Friday, 14 March 2025

(In Plain Sight – Part 1)

The Firearms Division comes under fire when a Polish teenager is accidentally killed during an armed police operation. Soon after the inquest clears the officer, the mutilated body of a Turkish man is found in close proximity to the original incident. IPCC investigator Vicky Sharpe suspects a link and approaches the Lyell for help in reviewing the evidence. Nikki and Thomas distrust Sharpe’s motives, but Jack is increasingly convinced by her theories. As the investigation uncovers more details, further bodies are discovered and the team cross paths with Turkish gangsters, a family determined to get justice and a firearms unit desperate to move past the troubles of the past.

Episode 8 – Thursday, 20 March 2025

(In Plain Sight – Part 2)

The body of an armed officer is found, and a manhunt begins for the suspected killer, Bruno. Jack thinks he may be able to talk Bruno into handing himself in and sets off on his own. His search leads him to London’s gun trade – a small business with a massive impact on the lives of those it touches. Meanwhile, the surviving firearms officers become paranoid following their colleague’s murder. As more people are killed, the team discover that the killer must be a highly trained individual.

Episode 9 – Friday, 21 March 2025

(River’s Edge– Part 1)

A family is coldly murdered during a picnic by the River Malt, clinically and methodically shot by their murderer. The Lyell team’s investigation soon points towards the mother’s estranged husband. One of the detectives working on the case believes the case is as good as closed, but another is haunted by an unsolved case from the past and is determined to exhaust every lead before closing the case. All is not what it seems in this case and Nikki and Jack are thrown into mortal danger.

Episode 10 – Thursday, 27 March 2025

(River’s Edge – Part 2)

Amy’s past begins to catch up with her, risking her medical career and everything else. Meanwhile DCI Butcher continues to pursue the estranged husband single-mindedly, whilst Nicki and Jack help DS Guillam search for the truth. Soon however they are thrust into an unexpected and depraved world where their lives are in danger, even as more murders are discovered. As events progress, Amy’s personal nightmare and the Lyell investigation begin to converge – and the crimes may link to people in very high places. Can the rich and powerful be brought to justice?

Catch Silent Witness S19 on Thursdays and Fridays at 21:00, only on S3.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment 072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis – From executive producer Michael Mann comes the explosive, groundbreaking detective show that redefined the word “cool.” Emmy Nominee Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas are Crockett and Tubbs, two mismatched vice detectives who team up to catch drug smugglers in Miami. Set against the seamy and steamy South Florida underworld, “Miami Vice” is an iconic Emmy-winning series that set the standard for style and sophistication for all future crime dramas. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Episode 1 – Monday, 17 February 2025

(Brother’s keeper)

Miami detective Sonny Crockett reluctantly teams with New York City cop Rico Tubbs when both of them end up pursuing a drug dealer who killed their respective partners.

Episode 2 – Tuesday, 18 February 2025

(Heart of Darkness)

Crockett and Tubbs break up a powerful pornography operation while dealing with an over-the-edge FBI operative.

Episode 3 – Tuesday, 18 February 2025

(Cool Running)

Crockett and Tubbs must enlist the help of an unreliable petty thief to bust a drug operation run by a trio of homicidal Jamaicans.

Episode 4 – Wednesday, 19 February 2025

(Calderone’s Return, Part 1)

Sonny becomes the target of an Argentine hit man working for cocaine dealer Calderon.

Episode 5 – Friday, 21 February 2025

(Calderone’s Return, Part 2)

The vice detectives track Calderone to the Bahamas, where Tubbs becomes involved with the drug lord’s daughter.

Episode 6 – Monday, 24 February 2025

(One Eyed Jack)

Crockett is accused of accepting a bribe while attempting to help an old friend settle her gambling debts with a racketeer.

Episode 7 – Tuesday, 25 February 2025

(No Exit)

Crockett and Tubbs reluctantly help government agents in their pursuit of a dangerous arms dealer.

Episode 8 – Wednesday, 26 February 2025

(The Great McCarthy)

The detectives use information from a small-time hood to go after a major drug trader.

Episode 9 – Thursday, 27 February 2025

(Glades)

Crockett and Tubbs travel to the Everglades to retrieve a witness in a smuggling case.

Episode 10 – Friday, 28 February 2025

(Give a Little, Take a Little)

Sonny is jailed for refusing to divulge the identity of an informant; Gina’s undercover operation nearly killed her.

Episode 11 – Monday, 3 March 2025

(Little Prince)

A wealthy young addict leads Crockett and Tubbs into a major operation run by his father.

Episode 12 – Tuesday, 4 March 2025

(Milk Run)

Crockett and Tubbs encounter two naive young men smuggling cocaine-filled statues for a murderous criminal.

Episode 13 – Wednesday, 5 March 2025

(Golden Triangle, Part1)

A routine hotel security assignment leads the detectives to an old enemy of Capt. Castillo’s.

Episode 14 – Thursday, 6 March 2025

(Golden Triangle, Part 2)

Lt. Castillo must bring down his old enemy, who has passed his organization to his grandsons. They have kidnapped Castillo’s long-lost wife to ensure their escape from prosecution.

Episode 15 – Friday, 7 March 2025

(Smuggler’s Blues)

Crockett and Tubbs pose as cocaine importers in Colombia to find out who has been ripping off drug smugglers. Guest star: Glenn Frey.

Episode 16 – Monday, 10 March 2025

(Rites of Passage)

An old flame of Castillo’s comes to Miami to search for her missing sister.

Episode 17 – Tuesday, 11 March 2025

(Maze, The)

A group of young punks kill a cop and then take hostages – including an undercover Tubbs – while negotiators try to end the situation without more bloodshed and a SWAT team closes in.

Episode 18 – Wednesday, 12 March 2025

(Made For Each Other)

Switek and Zito use two of their favorite informants to set up a transaction with a stolen goods dealer.

Episode 19 – Thursday, 13 March 2025

(The Home Invaders)

Crockett and Castillo track a sadistic gang of thugs running a home burglary operation.

Episode 20 – Friday, 14 March 2025

(Nobody Lives Forever)

Crockett’s new romance distracts him from the investigation of three doped-up teen-agers wreaking havoc in downtown Miami.

Episode 21 – Monday, 17 March 2025

(Evan)

Bad memories make Crockett reluctant to work on a case involving an undercover operative.

Episode 22 – Tuesday, 18 March 2025

(Lombard)

Crockett and Tubbs are assigned to protect a crime boss scheduled to testify against another mobster.

Don’t miss Miami Vice S1, weekdays at 12:00, starts 17 February 2025,  only on S3.

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za

Synopsis: – A convicted murderer on Death Row, a vicar in a quiet English town, and a maths teacher trapped in a cellar, cross paths in the most unexpected way. Jefferson Grieff is on Death Row in an American prison for brutally murdering his wife. But it turns out that Grieff has a gift. He can solve crimes from inside his cell. English journalist Beth Davenport needs Grieff’s help. Janice, a woman who recently helped Beth, has gone missing. Will Grieff crack the case in time? Exactly how is Janice’s local vicar involved? And is it really possible to solve a crime before it has been committed? 

Episode Highlights

Episode 1 – Monday, 17 February 2025

“Everyone’s a murderer. You just have to meet the right person.” In the US, a prisoner on death row is seeking atonement as he faces execution. On a train in England, a journalist is looking for a story. In a quiet little village, a vicar is picking up his son’s math tutor from the station. All four are about to become entangled in a dilemma that could lead one of them to murder.

Episode 2 – Tuesday, 18 February 2025

“How do you physically, on purpose, actually make someone die. Have you ever thought about that?” How far is math tutor Janice Fife willing to go to make her escape? On death row, journalist Beth Davenport finds herself running an errand for the wife killer Jefferson Grieff. And vicar Harry Watling confronts his verger about a dangerous secret.

Episode 3 – Wednesday, 19 February 2025

“People say they’re Christians, but you know what? You never see them nailed to anything.” As Harry’s dilemma worsens, the fate of his family hangs in the balance – but he’s determined to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Beth Davenport meets one of Jefferson Grieff’s helpers in the outside world, who delivers a chilling warning. In the cellar, Janice’s desperation grows. In her battle for survival, is there anything she isn’t prepared to do?

Episode 4 – Monday, 24 February 2025

“There are moments that make murderers of us all. No one is safe from the worst they can do.” As events spiral out of control, Jefferson Grieff prepares to face execution, and time is also running out for Janice Fife in the cellar. An increasingly desperate Harry Watling struggles to do the right thing, but can he stay on the side of the angels and still keep his wife and son safe

Don’t miss Inside Man, Mondays to Wednesdays at 21:00. Starting 17 February 2025, only on S3.  

For media enquiries

Caroline Phalakatshela

Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment

072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za