The Cultural Binge Guide: Must-Watch Series & Films on DStv This August

From biographical dramas starring Oscar winners to riveting reality that peels back the layers of human ambition and desire, Business Today has curated a collection of cinematic marvels and compelling series on DStv for the most discerning cultural connoisseurs.

Here’s your essential guide to the television events of the season.

A-List Dramas & Must-See Films:

1. Leading the charge this month is Lee on M-Net (DStv channel 101), premiering at 8:30 PM on Sunday, August 10. 

Starring the inimitable Oscar winner Kate Winslet, this true story unveils the remarkable life of photographer Elizabeth “Lee” Miller, who transitioned from a captivating fashion model to an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue during World War II. 

Directed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Ellen Kuras, the film also features a constellation of stars, including Oscar winners Marion Cotillard and Andrea Riseborough, and Emmy winners Alexander Skarsgård, Andy Samberg, and Josh O’Connor. 

Nominated for Outstanding British Film at this year’s BAFTAs, Lee is a testament to extraordinary storytelling and powerful performances. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmFYkiUAAA8

2. Following a dramatic turn, M-Net also offers Mr Loverman (DStv channel 101) at 9 PM on Wednesdays from August 20. 

Based on Bernardine Evaristo’s Booker Prize-winning novel, this series delves into the secret life of Barrington Jedidiah Walker, a 74-year-old Hackney personality navigating a hidden, passionate affair. 

Lennie James and Ariyon Bakare clinched 2025 BAFTAs for their roles, and with a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Guardian hails it as “magnificent TV that will tear your heart open.” 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyWbytuCwDo

3. For those drawn to gripping medical dramas, The Pitt S1 arrives on M-Net (DStv channel 101) and Showmax at 9 PM on Mondays from August 11. 

This Max series brings ER favorite Noah Wyle back to the emergency room, facing grueling shifts at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. 

Hailed by IMDb as “an emotional roller coaster,” The Pitt is up for a staggering 13 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor for Wyle. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufR_08V38sQ

4. Prepare for a return to the whimsical and macabre with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on MM1 (DStv channel 104) at 3 PM on Saturday, August 9. Tim Burton’s latest directorial masterpiece, and last year’s best-reviewed fantasy movie on Rotten Tomatoes, sees Michael Keaton reprise his iconic role alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara. Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega joins the cast in this much-anticipated sequel. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoZqL9N6Rx4

5. Other cinematic highlights include Babes (M-Net, 9 PM on Friday, August 8), a comedy of the year contender starring Ilana Glazer, Joker: Folie a Deux (M-Net, 8:05 PM on Sunday, August 17) with Lady Gaga, and Flight Risk (M-Net, 8:05 PM on Sunday, August 25) starring Mark Wahlberg. 

For animated delights, Dog Man (MM1, 2:43 PM on Saturday, August 30) is a must-see, while horror aficionados can indulge in Maxxxine (MM1, 10:53 PM on Thursday, August 7), the bloody finale to Ti West’s X trilogy.

Unscripted Narratives & Compelling Documentaries:

1. Dive into the complex world of chimpanzees with Chimp Crazy S1 on M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 10 PM on Thursdays from August 7. 

From Tiger King director-producer Eric Goode, this documentary explores the controversial practice of raising chimpanzees, drawing attention from animal rights groups and even actor Alan Cumming. 

With an 86% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Emmy nominations for Writing and Editing, The New York Times calls it a “jaw-dropping look at monkey love.” 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIemK8COf3Q

2. For heartwarming animal tales, Critter Fixers 4 returns to National Geographic Wild (DStv channel 182) at 6 PM on Mondays from August 4. Join Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson as they tackle everything from a ferret with a fractured pelvis to a goose undergoing tough surgery. 

A recipient of the 2024 Vision Award for Reality Series, this show is a captivating look at dedicated veterinary care. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbYh-AKGAL8

3. Discover the secrets of the deep with Deadliest Catch S21 on Discovery Channel (DStv channel 121) at 8:05 PM on Tuesdays from August 19. 

A new “gold rush” for monster king crab ignites a dangerous race, with crews braving treacherous conditions in the western Bering Sea. 

This 16-time Emmy-winning series continues to thrill. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD2TpwC6eIo

4. E! Entertainment (DStv channel 124) brings Plastic Surgery Rewind S1 at 7:05 PM on Sundays from August 17, where Dr. Terry Dubrow, Michelle Visage, and Dr. Spirit guide nine surgery-obsessed celebrities contemplating a return to a more natural look. 

Expect candid conversations and dramatic transformations. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tshrFmIDM8

5. A gripping and timely documentary, Trapped! What Is Happening To Wendy Williams? airs on TLC SA (DStv channel 135) at 9 PM on Sunday, August 31. 

This film explores the court-appointed guardianship of trailblazing talk show host Wendy Williams and the subsequent #FreeWendy movement. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5IyxMvQnCU

Intriguing Series & Local Flair:

1. Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) revs up with Gush’lyf S1, a new reality show premiering at 8 PM on Thursdays from August 7. 

It takes viewers into the thrilling world of car spinning, following four fearless spinners – Ngozi, Dankie Darlie (Queen of Smoke), Poroza, and Mzet (Moruti) – as they navigate life and prepare for the biggest national spinning showdown. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m__gswsWOko

The beloved matchmaking series Boer Soek ‘n Vrou S17 returns to kykNET (DStv channel 144) at 8 PM on Thursdays from August 7, with Reandi Grey taking the wheel as the new host. 

This season features eligible farmers aged 26 to 56, promising heartwarming journeys to find love. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD0Msznmwp0

2. History buffs will appreciate Secrets Declassified with David Duchovny on HISTORY (DStv channel 186) at 7:25 PM on Fridays from August 22. 

The X-Files star investigates newly declassified government files, pulling back the curtain on black ops and bizarre experiments. 

Watch a sneak peek: https://youtu.be/Ucr2fvNCMWM?si=bl4NAjJQP7jTRnyp

3. For thrilling competition, Destination X S1 graces M-Net (DStv channel 101) at 7 PM on Saturdays from August 23.

Hosted by Critics Choice winner Jeffrey Dean Morgan, this competition challenges players to determine “where in the world are they?” to win a $250,000 prize. 

Collider hailed it as “the best guessing game since The Masked Singer.” 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5SOe3XMEEQ

4. BET (DStv Channel 129) introduces Black Gold S1, a new daily drama airing at 6:30 PM from August 18, Monday to Thursday. 

Nomalanga Shozi takes her first lead role as Amandla Zungu, cast out of her home and forced into illegal mining in a quest to reclaim her legacy.

5. Don’t miss Diarra From Detroit on BET (DStv channel 129) at 7 PM on Sundays from August 31. Creator and star Diarra Kilpatrick shines in this witty detective story that Variety calls “refreshing, captivating and unapologetically Black,” boasting a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9jGOM2l3tY

6. The culinary world gets a competitive edge with Chef Grudge Match S1 on Food Network (DStv channel 175) at 5 PM on Tuesdays from August 19. Boxing champion Laila Ali hosts, as elite chefs settle disputes in a winner-takes-all battle.

More August Highlights:

• Antiques Roadshow S47 (BBC Lifestyle, 7 PM on Sundays from August 10): Now in its 47th season, this Emmy-nominated series continues to unveil hidden treasures and their fascinating stories.
• Ugliet House In America S6 (HGTV, 9 PM on Mondays from August 11): Join Retta as she tours the nation’s “ugliest” homes, vying for a spectacular $150,000 renovation.
• Spoorloos: Losprys S5 (kykNET, 8 PM on Tuesdays from August 26): The fifth season of this anthology series follows a gripping kidnapping during a murder trial.
• Survivor Australia: Australia vs The World (M-Net, 5:30 PM on Sundays from August 31): Australian players face off against international contenders from Survivor USA, New Zealand, Finland, and South Africa.
• Luxury Listings (Home Channel, 4 PM on Mondays from August 4): Explore South Africa’s most exclusive homes.
• Naming The Dead (National Geographic, 8:30 PM on Wednesdays from August 6): Follow the DNA Doe Project as they identify unnamed bodies and bring closure to families.
• The Secret Life of Trees (BBC Earth, 6 PM on Saturdays from August 9): Narrated by Michael Palin, this series explores the beauty and wonder of trees.
• Big Cats 24/7 S2 (BBC Earth, 8 PM on Mondays from August 11): Unparalleled access to the lives of lions, cheetahs, and leopards in the Okavango Delta.
• Fatal Destination S1 (ID, 9 PM on Tuesdays from August 12): Executive produced by Jessica Biel, this series looks at idyllic vacations that turn into chilling mysteries.
• 911: Did The Killer Call? (ID, 10 PM on Wednesdays from August 27): Three horrific murders, three 911 calls – one killer.

The broadcast satelite’s August watch-list is a testament to the power of storytelling, offering a diverse array of content that promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.