Popular TV show Top Billing is ending its 25-year run on SABC, as the broadcasting casting corporation strugglings to make ends meet.
The travel, celebrity, home and lifestyle show, produced by Tswelopele Production, will come to an end with its final episode this Saturday after it was rumoured to cost the corporation too much to air.
SABC spokesperson Vuyo Mthembu told members of the media that a statement would be released regarding the cancellation on October 17, 2019 but nothing has yet been released.
Along with the expense related to making the show, the ratings have also reportedly dipped since their broadcasting slot changed from a weekend slot to Thursday night.
Basetsana Kumalo, Executive Producer & Chairman of Tswelopele Productions, released a touching statement following the news.
“It’s been an exceptional 25 years from where I come from as a producer and co-owner of Tswelopele Productions. The privilege of producing an incredible show that has captivated South Africans and international audiences is one that warms my heart every day when I think of my very first day as a young presenter on Top Billing,” she said. “This show exemplifies excellence and sophistication in arts, design, decor, fashion and broadcasting, creating countless jobs in its many years on air. It has been quite a ride and it is fitting that after 25 years, we salute this season as our final one. Every show has a beginning and end and I must admit a quarter of a century is one great feat. Patience Stevens and I are so proud of the work and marvel this show has been in our lives and careers.”
“We’ve enjoyed many accolades, experiencing its Longevity and watching audiences embrace living The Top Billing life gives us goosebumps every day. It is a wonderful chapter neither of us will ever forget. We trust that the show has served audiences by inspiring them to dream big, embrace their inner creative genius and dare to live the life they deserve,” she added. “From the presenters, producers and all crew, Top Billing wraps up this season as a series finale that will hopefully open the door for new opportunities and encourage young creative talent to trust in creating concepts that stand the test of time and style. Thank you for the journey, and the journey of Hope continues.”
Many fans on Twitter are sharing their responses to the news too. It is definitely sad to see one of the shows that helped us all dream and inspired us to strive for the luxuries in life, go:
I invite to join me and my family as we celebrate #BassiesBook #MyJourneyOfHope at home. Don’t miss the show on Saturday on @SABC3 https://t.co/M6HpDiHkDj
— Basetsana Kumalo (@basetsanakumalo) October 16, 2019
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
What’s the point of being rich if Top Billing can’t confirm it to the world?
Mxim. Ngcono re no tlogela.
— Piano Man (@KMalatji) October 17, 2019
Bathooong ? what the hell is going to motivate us to dream cause we all grew up with this idea I’ll have the most beautiful house and you’ll see it on top billing ???
— Lebohang (@Lebo_Qumza) October 16, 2019
Rugby players and their 1652 girlfriends when they heard that top billing got cancelled: pic.twitter.com/K9cpkK5QRo
— ?️??? ?????,? ?????? (@TALLCHIHUAHUA) October 17, 2019
But all in all Top Billing did a lot of motivation to a lot of people. We need that kind of show. It also did show black excellence in a positive way. Our current shows are all about entertainment and showing us in a negative way. Hope Mzansi Magic can adopt a similar show.
— ukhanki (@TboozeSA) October 17, 2019
This woman was the only reason I watched Top Billing. #topbilling pic.twitter.com/tsi4mgeENn
— Siphephelo Dandalaza (@SiphepheloDanda) October 17, 2019
Top Billing is one of the best shows on the SABC…can’t believe its cancelled just like that ? pic.twitter.com/4Vsy9WZsKz
— Lecron JJ™️ (@Lecron) October 16, 2019
Top billing inspired most of us to dream beyond our current environments.
— Makopano Ratlou (@FarajiInvestor) October 17, 2019
Going through my Top Billing memories and found this one from 2005. It was on my birthday in fact ? grateful to have been part of an incredible team. #TopBilling pic.twitter.com/Wrnf6LvFHS
— Jo-Ann Strauss (@jo_annstrauss) October 17, 2019
Top Billing turned 25 in 2017 … #TopBilling pic.twitter.com/fKojgvtbCh
— Jo-Ann Strauss (@jo_annstrauss) October 17, 2019
Thank you #TopBilling for giving me the best of the good life for so many years and for inspiring me to work harder and smarter. What an incredible journey it has been with the team and I am eternally grateful to… https://t.co/LdxDNAM2mP
— Jo-Ann Strauss (@jo_annstrauss) October 17, 2019
Picture: Twitter