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SABC cancels ‘Top Billing’ after 23 years and South Africa can’t believe it
The SABC is cancelling Top Billing after the lifestyle show’s 23-year run on South African TV.
According to a report by Sowetan Live, sources revealed that the SABC took the decision because the show was becoming too “expensive” to produce.
In fact, the broadcast service reportedly stopped renewing Top Billing’s contract four months ago.
The show was a favourite among South Africans, who got to witness local celebrity weddings, enter lavish houses and visit international destinations through its lens.
The news of Top Billing’s cancellation was a blow to those who believed the show inspired wealth in the country.
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
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
My dream was to one day say “our architect and interior decorator thought it’ll be a good idea to…….”
on Top Billing
— Culprit (@CulpritEnter) October 17, 2019
Top billing was one of the few shows that actually showed a positive version of a successful black person. Not just in the entertainment industry or sports but academically and in other careers as well. Inspired many to work hard, if not harder. Sad to hear this. https://t.co/GzhFNUbUBb
— Ntandoyenkosi (@ntandoXimba1) October 17, 2019
Other South Africans, however, felt that the show was “pretentious”.
Top Billing has been canned. Have watched it a couple of times in all the years it has been on TV. Can’t recall ever watching a full show. If there is a show on South African TV that is pretentious, fake and out of touch with reality and the man on the street, it is #TopBilling.
— Craig Nuttley (@CraigNuttley) October 17, 2019
Rugby players and their 1652 girlfriends when they heard that top billing got cancelled: pic.twitter.com/K9cpkK5QRo
— 🕶️𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙩𝙚,𝙞 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙚 (@TALLCHIHUAHUA) October 17, 2019
Top Billing wasn’t a true reflection of our society. That shit should’ve been shut down long ago. Bring back Soul Buddyz.
— Breakfast (@UnDEANiable) October 17, 2019
Things you say when watching Top Billing:
“I never see this guy actually play for the Proteas”
“The inside of that house is terrible”
“How does this person make their money again?”
“Another Springbok wedding!?”
“What? R100k for a mug?”
“Someone should run Jeannie D & Janez over”— Koshiek Karan (@iamkoshiek) October 16, 2019
The show’s final episode will reportedly air this Saturday.
Feature image: Shereesa Moodley/Memeburn
