Building on the global success of its hit franchise, The Real Housewives, NBCUniversal International Formats has signed its 13th international deal for the reality show with leading broadcaster M-Net in South Africa.
Produced by independent production company RHOSA, the 12×60’ series will mark the first official version of the show across South Africa and will premiere on M-Net’s newly rebranded channel, 1 Magic (formerly Vuzu Amp) in August 2018. It will focus on six affluent, Johannesburg-based women and their lavish lifestyles. From their luxurious homes, to their prestigious families and friends; the series will follow the highs and lows of the fiery characters, as they open the doors on their lives for the first time.
The Real Housewives of Johannesburg is the latest addition to the award-winning franchise, which launched in 2006 with The Real Housewives of Orange County. To date, there have been nine US versions of the series, including Beverley Hills, New York, Atlanta and Miami, and international versions include Cheshire, which is in its seventh series on ITVBe in the UK and Melbourne, which is in its fourth season on ABC’s Arena in Australia.
Ana Langenberg, SVP, Format Sales & Production, NBCUniversal International Formats said: “The Real Housewives franchise is a global brand, which seamlessly lends itself to localisation. We are so proud of its global success, and have built a vast production knowledge and marketing power to generate a noisy show, which always cuts through. For years M-Net has brought other international versions of the show to audiences across South Africa, so it is the perfect partner to launch the first official South African version. Johannesburg also makes for the perfect setting, with its rich history and vibrant culture. We can’t wait for what we hope will be another successful series full of entertainment, drama and extravagance.”
Reneilwe Sema, director of Local Entertainment Channels, M-Net added: “We are excited to be able to bring our viewers a South African version of The Real Housewives, a great franchise that has done so well internationally. The Real Housewives of Johannesburg will be a great treat for 1Magic viewers.”