After being on-air for 23 years, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has cancelled the popular lifestyle and leisure TV show, Top Billing.
A (Very) Brief History
Top Billing first aired in 1992 on SABC 3. The show highlighted glitz and glamour in South Africa and abroad, giving us a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. For many South Africans, what was shown on the TV show was aspirational and inspiring. From lavish holidays to luxury living in South Africa. From the latest in entertainment to upcoming trends in fashion. Top Billing has highlighted the life we all wish had.
The news of the SABC cancelling Top Billing has sparked a mix of emotions on Twitter. The majority of people have expressed how upset they are, many joking that they’ll never be featured on the show.
Before IG and Pinterest, Top Billing was my go-to for design and lifestyle inspiration. In fact, my decision to study Architecture was largely influenced by the show… sad to hear it’s coming to an end.
— Altjozi (@altjozi) October 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/Lecron/status/1184577712138211334?s=20
There is no point in getting married anymore. My wedding won’t be shown on Top Billing.
— iCherry 2.0 (@BiKeR626) October 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/Mmadikgosi_23/status/1184675427241152517?s=20
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
Some have joked about how Top Billing could downscale to stay on-air.
https://twitter.com/sandile_collin/status/1184599822701072387
Others have remineced about key themes the show had.
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
Springbok girlfriends are crying in a corner right now. Imagine the thought of never having your wedding on Top Billing.
— iCherry 2.0 (@BiKeR626) October 17, 2019
Rugby players and their 1652 girlfriends when they heard that top billing got cancelled: pic.twitter.com/K9cpkK5QRo
— ՁθθЧ (@TALLCHIHUAHUA) October 17, 2019
But not everyone is sad to see Top Billing come to an end.
Top Billing kinda juta’d me into becoming a CA. They would show a mansion and say the owner is a CA but not mention that he also inherited millions
— Onlyfans millionaire (@Yared_TheGuy) October 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/sandile_collin/status/1184599822701072387?s=20
https://twitter.com/Siya_Speaks/status/1184685741659566081?s=20
Final Thoughts
Personally, I’m disappointed that the show will no longer be aired. Top Billing has focused on positivity and an aspirational lifestyle. It highlighted beautiful destinations not just across the world but right here in South Africa, which made me appreciate our remarkable country. It also featured local artists and designers, which not only boosts their credibility but inspires other to chase their dreams. The talent search competitions to become a Top Billing presenter was also a big driver of excitement for many.
It’s sad to see an iconic show with such a high production value like this go, especially when it has inspired South Africans for 2 decades. While SABC may find that it makes more financial sense to cancel the show, I hope that it is replaced with something that can continue to enrich and inspire South Africans.
Have Your Say
What are your thoughts? Are you sad to see Top Billing go or is it good riddence? Join the conversation on Twitter and have your say.
Don’t miss the final episode of Top Billing on SABC 3 this Saturday, 19 October 2019 at 6pm.
References and Additional Reading
- SABC cancels popular TV show Top Billing after 23 years – SowetanLIVE
- SABC cancels ‘Top Billing’ after 23 years – Channel24
- Say what? ‘Top Billing’ cancelled after 23 years – East Coast Radio
Great article! Thank you!
Thank you