Popular soap opera 7de Laan will be discontinued after season 24. This comes after the soapie’s 23 long years of airing on the SABC 2 channel. SABC 2 and Danie Odendaal Productions made this announcement this Monday.
On the 26th of December 2023, the day after Christmas, the final episode of this soapie will be aired. In response to a media inquiry, the SABC informs media outlets that “7de Laan will not be recommissioned for another season when season 24 comes to an end in December 2023,” despite giving out any reason for the program’s ending.
The fictional Hillside suburb of Johannesburg was the setting of this television series. It debuted on April 4th, 2000 with just one episode per week before expanding to five. The show helped several performers and the characters they played become well-known actors.
Over the past 20 years, as South Africans began to paraphrase some of the characters’ lines, like as Oubaas’ mispronunciations, the programme that was intended to serve as a stand-in for the colourful real-life Melville in Johannesburg has inspired roadshows and cookbooks.
According to Lala Tuku, chief of programming for video entertainment at the SABC, “The SABC is proud to have worked with Danie Odendaal Productions and been part of the journey leading and producing the best Afrikaans soapie on local television for SABC 2. 7de Laan has penetrated the hearts of millions of South Africans.”
“After more than two decades on air, the award-winning 7de Laan leaves a lasting imprint on the SA television landscape. SABC wishes all the dedicated and talented cast and crew of 7de Laan all the best in their future endeavours”.
7de Laan executive producer, Thandi Ramathesele said, “It has been an honour and privilege to produce a show that has touched the lives of so many South Africans for over two decades. As we come to the end of this chapter, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated cast and crew who have poured their talent and passion into bringing the show to life.”
“We also extend our deepest appreciation to the viewers and fans whose unwavering support has been the driving force behind our success. It is bittersweet to say goodbye, but we are filled with pride for the impact that 7de Laan has had on our society; addressing important social issues and fostering inclusively, the show has made its mark on South African television.”
Insiders claim that the cast and crew were devastated to learn of the show’s ending. The SABC has been in financial difficulties and there has been talks over local shows with Danie Odendaal Productions and other production businesses for the past few months, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
