Steamy sex scenes, action and topical issues are what the youth drama Gaz'lam is known for. And now it's back with a brand-new look and two sizzling stars.
Tumisho Masha and Hlomla Dandala - who made their names on the popular local soapie Isidingo - are part of the new cast.
The latest season starts on February 18 at 8.30pm on SABC1. This time around the Gaz'lam scriptwriters have decided to make it about spiritual journeys and to portray modern mythology.
According to Charlie Sapadin, producer and headwriter, Gaz'lam is not only about the fears people face on the outside, but also about dealing with their inner conflicts.
"In South Africa, spirituality is very important among young people. That is why we could not let this just pass. We aim to teach and not to preach.
"And we do that by raising questions that people face in life. We may not have all the answers but at least this will get the public talking," he says.
Sapadin says the new cast members are strong actors and will add weight to the show.
"They were not chosen for their popularity, but because they are good at what they do."
After being absent from the TV scene for a while, Dandala - who is also one of the directors of this series - returns to play the character Coltrane, a club owner and ex-flame of Thuli's.
Masha plays Monde, a successful businessman who sweeps Thuli off her feet. Masha went to Los Angeles recently to audition for a movie being made by the same producers of the film The Bone Collectors. (He is still waiting to hear if he got the part.)
This season will also introduce TV newcomer Hlengiwe Lushaba.
"Hlengiwe is a young and fresh face on the TV scene. The good thing about her is that she really is from KwaZulu Natal which makes her even more in touch with her character," the producer adds.
More good news is that Manaka Ranaka - who appeared in the first series - is back playing the part of Portia.
This character was played by Bonnie Mbuli in the last season.
Other old faces include Bubu Mazibuko, who plays Thuli, and Siyabonga Shibe, who plays Sifiso.
Here is what you can look forward to: Sifiso has to balance his desire for fame with his devotion to his ancestors; Khetiwe is facing a tough decision about her unborn child; Portia is slowly accepting her HIV status and Thuli wants to start a new relationship.
Hlomla Dandala
Dandala has his honours in theatre, and has directed a few theatre productions, such as One Over Flow Of The Cuckoo's Nest and The Death of Bessie Smith. He blossomed in the world of TV when he joined Isidingo in the role of mine manager, Derick Nyathi. Dandala has directed the TV shows Generations, Isidingo and Scout Safari, and presented All You Need Is Love. He has joined Gaz'lam as a director and actor.
Tumisho Masha
Masha grew up in Mamelodi, a township in Pretoria. He has a BA degree in dramatic arts from Wits University. Like most actors, he started out in theatre. He then appeared on the small screen as a presenter on the music channel Channel O. He gained popularity
when he acted in Isidingo as spoilt and power-hungry Dumisani. Masha was nominated twice for a Vita.