"Top Billing" , the lifestyle TV show that's been on the air on SABC2 and then SABC3 for 25 years, has, reportedly, been cancelled.
According to the SowetanLIVE, the cash-strapped SABC, four months ago, did not renew the show's contract as it was too costly to produce. The SABC's money problems have led them to asking Parliament for a cash bailout.
The show was started by Patience Stevens, and became known for showing viewers "the best of the good life". Many "Top Billing" presenters became personalities.
One of them was Basetsana Kumalo, who also went on to co-executive produce the show.
Others presenters in its 25-year history include Lorna Maseko, Jo-Ann Strauss, Nico Panagio, Michael Mol, Maps Maponyane, Ayanda Thabethe, Bonang Matheba and Simba Mhere.
The show became so popular that many started referring to mansions as "a Top Billing house" or over-the-top weddings as a "Top Billing wedding" – this was in reference to the mansions and weddings the show screened.
Social media users expressed their disappointment over the show's cancellation.
I can’t believe Top Billing it’s cancelled before showing my future house 🏡 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/CWorxuNJvY
— Mmadikgosi Matshego (@Mmadikgosi_23) October 17, 2019
I’m sad my wedding won’t air on Top Billing. 😔
— Zama (@Zamathenjwa_) October 16, 2019
Top Billing influenced me so much towards my career choice. I redrew most of the houses I saw on Top Billing back in High School and I proceeded to study Architecture thereafter. Heck I got the job my dreams from a company that was and still is being FEATURED on Top Billing. 😭😭
— Lerato Ramolahloane (@Ms_Ramolahloane) October 17, 2019
My dream was to one day say “our architect and interior decorator thought it’ll be a good idea to.......”
— Culprit (@CulpritEnter) October 17, 2019
on Top Billing