After captivating audiences for 23 years, SABC 2 and Danie Odendaal Productions have jointly announced the cancellation of the popular Afrikaans soap opera, ‘7de Laan.’
7de Laan last episode will air on this day
The final episode of the long-running series is set to air on the day after Christmas, on 26 December 2023.
While the SABC did not provide specific reasons for the show’s cancellation, the decision marks the end of an era for the cherished soapie that has become an integral part of South African television.
A Memorable Journey
RelatedPosts
‘7de Laan‘ made its debut on 4 April 2000, initially airing one episode a week before expanding to a daily broadcast, earning the devotion of millions of viewers across the country.
Set in the fictional Hillside suburb of Johannesburg, the show garnered a dedicated fan base and brought recognition to numerous actors who portrayed beloved characters within its narrative.
Over the years, ‘7de Laan‘ not only entertained but also connected with audiences, prompting the adoption of iconic catchphrases, such as Oubaas’ endearing malapropisms.
Fond Farewell
Lala Tuku, SABC’s head of content for video entertainment, expressed the network’s pride in its association with Danie Odendaal Productions and the significant contribution of ‘7de Laan‘ to the landscape of local Afrikaans soapies.
“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,” she said.
Tuku conveyed appreciation for the cast and crew, extending well wishes for their future endeavours.
Executive producer Thandi Ramathesele reflected on the honour and privilege of bringing the show to life, acknowledging the immense impact it had on South African society.
Ramathesele conveyed gratitude to the dedicated team, as well as the unwavering support of viewers and fans who made the series a 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,” Ramathesele added.
Unexpected but Not Surprising
While the news of the show’s cancellation saddened both the cast and crew, it was not entirely unforeseen due to the financial challenges faced by the SABC.
As reported by News24, negotiations between the SABC and Danie Odendaal Productions, as well as other local production companies, have been ongoing for several months.
Despite the inevitable end of ‘7de Laan,’ its legacy as a platform for addressing important social issues and promoting inclusivity will continue to resonate within South African television history.
