MultiChoice Nigeria has officially unveiled Novelas+, a brand-new television channel dedicated exclusively to telenovelas, offering DStv and GOtv subscribers access to some of the world's most captivating drama series. The channel is set to launch on July 1, 2026, and will broadcast in both English and Portuguese, providing viewers with an exciting mix of romance, family conflict, betrayal, revenge, and suspense from major television markets including Latin America, Turkey, the United States, and Portugal.
New Channel Amid Subscriber Changes
The launch comes at a time when MultiChoice is navigating shifts in its subscriber base across Africa. By adding Novelas+ to its growing entertainment portfolio, the company reinforces its commitment to delivering premium content tailored to Nigerian audiences. The channel aims to attract both longtime telenovela enthusiasts and new viewers seeking compelling storytelling.
Lead Debut: Avenida Brasil
Headlining the channel's debut lineup is the award-winning Brazilian blockbuster Avenida Brasil, widely regarded as one of the most successful telenovelas ever produced. The series stars Débora Falabella as a young woman determined to avenge the betrayal she suffered after being abandoned as a child, while Adriana Esteves delivers a memorable performance as one of television's most iconic villains. This gripping story of revenge and redemption sets the tone for the channel's offerings.
Additional Premieres: Turkish and Mexican Hits
Viewers can also enjoy the Turkish romantic comedy Be My Sunshine, featuring Ayça Ayin Turan and Alp Navruz, alongside the highly anticipated 2025 remake of the Mexican classic Doménica Montero, headlined by renowned actress Angelique Boyer. Fans of Turkish dramas are equally in for a treat with Sin and Roses, starring Murat Yıldırım and Cemre Baysel in an emotionally charged story filled with family secrets, betrayal, and shattered relationships.
Weekly Programming Schedule
According to MultiChoice, Novelas+ will air four different telenovelas every weekday, with brand-new episodes scheduled from Monday through Friday. The programming promises a steady stream of gripping storylines centred on love, ambition, family struggles, jealousy, and revenge, giving fans something new to follow throughout the week. The company believes the carefully curated selection of international dramas will appeal to both longtime telenovela enthusiasts and new viewers.
Building on a Successful Legacy
The launch of Novelas+ follows the success of Novelas TV, which has now been rebranded as Novelas+. The channel has grown into the most-watched television channel across French-speaking Africa, highlighting the increasing popularity of telenovelas across the continent. This rebranding and expansion into Nigeria signal MultiChoice's confidence in the genre's appeal.
Executive Comments on Audience Passion
Speaking on the launch, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Atinuke Babatunde, said: "Nigerian audiences have long had a strong affinity for emotionally rich telenovelas. We are delighted to bring all the compelling flavours of these global series to viewers, carefully curated and localised for our Nigerian audiences." Her remarks underscore the company's strategy to cater to local tastes with global content.
Impact on Subscribers and Pricing Context
With the introduction of Novelas+, DStv and GOtv subscribers can expect an even richer entertainment experience as MultiChoice continues to expand its lineup with globally acclaimed content. This development comes shortly after MultiChoice announced it would not increase subscription prices for DStv and GOtv in April 2026, breaking from its tradition of annual price hikes. The decision, under new ownership by Canal+, is part of a broader strategy to stabilise the business and win back customers across Africa, offering a rare moment of relief for subscribers.
