Netflix signs deal with E-tv in South Africa
South African entertainment company eMedia has announced a content licensing partnership between free-to-air broadcaster E-tv and Netflix.
This collaboration will make select E-tv original productions available to Netflix audiences across Africa, extending the reach of local shows beyond traditional linear television.
The partnership will launch with E-tv’s new daily drama, The Four of Us. The group noted that additional opportunities will be explored in the future.
Episodes will be available on Netflix within 24 hours of their E-tv premiere, “giving viewers even more ways to enjoy the series.”
The Four of Us, produced by Tshedza Pictures, premiered on E-tv on June 29, 2026, and launched on Netflix on June 30.
It takes over the prime 20h00 weeknight slot previously occupied by the long-running soap opera Scandal!, which aired for 23 years. This also marks Tshedza Pictures’ first project for E-tv.
Under the agreement with Netflix, new episodes of The Four of Us will be available the day after they broadcast on E-tv.
The series will air daily at 20h00 on E-tv, with episodes becoming available on Netflix at 09h00 the following day.
“The arrangement gives audiences greater flexibility to watch on demand, while significantly extending the visibility of one of eMedia’s landmark local productions,” said eMedia.
The broadcaster said the agreement highlights a significant change in the way content is distributed across Africa.
The group explained that free-to-air broadcasting and global streaming are becoming increasingly complementary rather than competing.
It said that a broadcaster focused on free-to-air services can develop new distribution models that enhance the longevity and commercial appeal of local content, while still catering to its core audience.
More accessibility for the rest of the country
For Netflix, this represents an effort to strengthen partnerships with established African broadcasters, creating a sustainable flow of locally-owned and produced content that can cross borders.
“This is an important milestone for eMedia as we continue to evolve our content strategy and meet audiences wherever they choose to watch,” said eMedia Chief Content Officer Marlon Davids.
“Working with Netflix enables us to take our content further, while continuing to deliver strong local entertainment to the free-to-air audiences at the centre of what we do,” he said.
Netflix VP of Content for the Middle East & Africa, Ben Amadasun, said that the licensing agreement with eMedia marks an exciting new chapter in their commitment to bringing the best of South African storytelling to our members.
“As we celebrate 10 years in Mzansi, we believe that E-tv’s creative ambition and Netflix’s passion for African stories can open a new era for South African content—one that resonates across the continent and beyond for generations to come,” said Amadasun.
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