When it comes to entertainment options, viewers have the option of content on pay-TV, free-to-air channels as well as several streaming platforms.
And SABC is determined to get a piece of viewership action.
This week SABC1 kicked off with uBettina Wethu, a local version of the international hit series, Ugly Betty.
Using a successful international series as a blueprint for a local offering has been done before. The success lies in the execution. And it can go horribly wrong.
Having watched every episode of Ugly Betty, I was curious to see how the homegrown version would interpret the comedydrama, which saw a Plain Jane planted at the epicentre of vanity central as the newbie at a prominent fashion magazine.
Back to uBettina Wethu, I am far from being blown away.
The series revolves around Bettina (Betty) Sikhakhane (Farieda Metsileng) accidentally bagging a job at Nubia Magazine. She is employed as the personal assistant to the new editor-in-chief, Dingani Jiyane (Zweli Dube), who is a playboy of note. And she has her work cut out for her.
The writers play it very safe with the storytelling. Also, Betty fits in more than she stands out. This goes against the whole objective of the series.
Maybe this adaptation will redeem itself at some point. I just don't know if I have the patience or desire to wait it out.
