Gqeberha: The Empire Officially Canceled
Well, folks, it’s time to grab your tissues because Gqeberha: The Empire, the much-discussed isiXhosa telenovela, has officially been canned. Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela broke the news on X, much to the dismay of fans who had been invested in the drama for the past two seasons and a solid 520 episodes. That’s right, after all the twists, turns, and family feuds, Mzansi Magic has decided to pull the plug on this series produced by Tshedza Pictures.
Now, if you’ve been following the ratings, the news shouldn’t exactly be a shocker. In July, Gqeberha: The Empire managed to pull in 620,154 viewers, which is respectable, but when you compare that to Umkhokha’s million-plus viewership, it’s clear that the show had some fierce competition. Adding to the mixed reception, the Broadcasters Complaints Commission of South Africa (BRCSA) reported a dip, with the series gathering just 570,793 viewers in August, narrowly trailing behind My Brothers Keeper.
Gqeberha‘s journey has been a roller coaster. A few months back, an actor from the show candidly expressed uncertainty about its future during an interview with ZiMoja. They mentioned, “Asazi (we don’t know), we doubt the show is returning.” The actor suggested that the decision to renew the series for its second season was forced, likely due to negative publicity. It seems that the higher-ups tried to course-correct, but perhaps the magic just wasn’t there anymore.
TV:
Gqeberha-The Empire cancelled
After 520 episodes and 2 seasons, the Mzansi Magic telenovela will be coming to an end.
The show is produced by Tshedza Pictures. #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/HS9hPP5yrK
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 16, 2024
Mzansi Magic had previously promised exciting changes for Season Two, hinting at new cast additions and storylines that would grip viewers. They even introduced award-winning actor Bongile Mantsai as Luzuko’s brother—talk about a massive shakeup! However, things took a turn when several key cast members exited the show, including the talented Zikhona Sodlaka, who played the lead role of Bulelwa Mxenge. It was a lot of change, and not all fans were on board.
As we say goodbye to Gqeberha: The Empire, it’s a bittersweet moment for many. While the ratings may not have been stellar, the show carved out a space in the hearts of its audience and opened up conversations about family, betrayal, and the complexities of life in the Eastern Cape.
So, here’s to all the incredible storylines, the stunning performances, and the loyal viewers who tuned in week after week. Although it’s disappointing that the curtain is coming down, who knows what’s next for the talented cast and crew behind Gqeberha: The Empire? Stay tuned—there are always new stories waiting to be told.
