Lifetime Africa channel to close next month

Lifetime Africa, an entertainment channel from US-based A+E Networks that provides scripted drama series, factual entertainment and feature-length movies, has confirmed reports of its imminent closure.

In a statement, the channel said: “We regret to inform you that on 31 May 2022, Lifetime Africa and Lifetime Play are closing across Africa. This follows the closure of Lifetime in Great Britain, Ireland and Malta and will coincide with the shutdown of the channel in Poland.

“Lifetime Africa has entertained audiences with international hit shows like the Little Women franchise, Surviving Jeffrey Epstein, Surviving R Kelly and Lifetime original movies.

“We are proud to have brought you local shows such as Married at First Sight, Love at Second Swipe and Four Weddings South Africa and to have worked with local celebrities like AKA and Pabi Moloi. We thank you, our loyal viewers, for your invaluable support over the years.”

Lifetime Africa, which airs on channel 131 on the MultiChoice-owned DStv platform, was launched by A+E Networks UK in 2014 in South Africa and across other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

A+E Networks’ African feed for its History channel is still available on DStv, and Crime+Investigation Play will remain active in the region, added the company. The news was announced by Nazarene Khan, regional manager of A+E Networks Africa.