In January 2015, e.tv’s longest running soapie Scandal! completes 10 years of staying power.
Scandal! went on air for the first time on 10 January 2005 at 8pm to millions of eager viewers across South Africa.
The show has grown tremendously since then, now boasting at least 100 crew members from the producers, writing team, wardrobe, art department, casting department and in-studio creative; everyone plays an intricate role in putting together this soapie.
“Keeping millions of viewers captivated to one show for a decade is a phenomenon. Ten years later the show is growing in leaps and bounds. I think what sets Scandal! apart from other soapies is that it is not sleazy and irresponsible, despite the title. It shows the gritty reality and delicious drama and still remains credible, in typical e.tv style,” said Monde Twala, managing director for e.tv channels division.
The show boasts three of its original cast members in Sandy Mokoena (who plays Newspaper editor, Bra Eddie Khumalo), industry veteran Joyce Skefu (Maletsatsi, Eddie’s wife) and a young talent that has turned into a leading man, Kagiso Modupe (Mangaliso Nyathi).
“I would like to thank everyone involved with Scandal!, our cast, crew and e.tv team. Team work and collaboration has been at the heart of our success. I look forward to another 10 years of entertaining story lines and authentic drama that resonate widely,” said Twala.
Since 2005, the show has moved comfortably into the 7:30pm slot and commands just over three million viewers to date. Series producer Ilse van Hemert attributes this to the evolving storyline that constantly depicts the dynamics of a nation. “With Scandal! having been on air for a decade, we don’t just want to celebrate, we also want to take stock, reflect on the journey that got us here and formulate an exciting plan for the future. Scandal! is unique in that we must appeal to all of South Africa, all its cultures, all languages, all income groups, all age groups as well as world views. We are fiercely proud of the quality of work we have achieved over the last few years.”
