TV show Top Billing LogoTV show Top Billing Logo. Picture: Supplied

The wait is finally over!

Top Billing, South Africa’s longest-running and most iconic lifestyle and entertainment show returns this month, with its new season premiering on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 19:00 on S3.

Viewers can also catch repeats on Sundays at 13:00 on S3, with a rebroadcast airing Tuesdays at 21:30 on SABC 1.

For close to three decades, Top Billing has set the standard for living well. From showcasing breathtaking homes and bucket-list travel destinations to spotlighting inspiring South African success stories and memorable celebrity moments, the show has become a true cultural mainstay — one that celebrates aspirational living and proudly puts local excellence in the spotlight.

Top Billing returns with a fresh new era of inspiration

Over an impressive 27-year run — followed by years of popular repeat broadcasts — Top Billing took viewers far beyond their living rooms, offering a glimpse into a world of possibility, ambition and achievement. More than just showcasing the finer things in life, it encouraged South Africans to dream bigger and go after it.

Now, the beloved brand makes its return with fresh energy, a modern perspective and a stylish new edge — ready to reconnect with longtime fans while drawing in a whole new generation of viewers.

A fresh look at South African life, culture and modern ambition

At its heart, Top Billing stays true to what it’s always done best: celebrating South Africa, its people and their achievements, while opening the door to broader lifestyle inspiration. The new season carries that legacy forward, offering an authentic, uplifting look at individuals who have turned passion into purpose and built meaningful, successful lives.

This time around, the spotlight shifts to a new wave of South Africans — young, urban, switched-on and culturally in tune — who are shaping the future through creativity, collaboration and innovation. Grounded in strong lifestyle themes, the show explores how people live, express themselves and engage with culture, capturing a way of life that feels both aspirational and refreshingly within reach.

From design and travel to entrepreneurship, innovation and culture, Top Billing continues to unpack how South Africans live, dream and connect — bringing viewers closer to a lifestyle that inspires without feeling out of touch.

What the team is saying about Top Billing’s return

Introducing the new chapter, Patience Stevens, Managing Director at Cardova Productions and Executive Producer of Top Billing, shared her thoughts on the show’s highly anticipated return:

“We are incredibly excited to bring Top Billing back to South African screens. This show has always been about celebrating what’s possible. Bringing it back now, at a time when inspiring local stories matter more than ever, feels incredibly special. We are honouring the legacy while creating something that feels fresh, relevant and deeply connected to today’s audience,” said Patience.

Adding to the excitement, Bradley Van Den Berg, Chief Operating Officer at Cardova Productions and Executive Producer of Top Billing, also weighed in on the show’s highly anticipated return:

“Top Billing has always stood for excellence, aspiration and storytelling at the highest level. This new chapter is about evolving that legacy for a modern audience, keeping the heart of what made the show iconic, while introducing a sharper, more dynamic take on the good life that resonates with South Africans today,” said Bradley.

To round things off, Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager at SABC Video Entertainment, added her voice of excitement ahead of the return of Top Billing:

“The return of Top Billing marks a defining moment for S3 as we continue to position the channel as a home of iconic South African storytelling, reimagined for today’s audience. This is not just about a comeback; it’s a cultural rest where legacy meets new generation of viewers who are shaping what aspiration looks like now. Top Billing remains a powerful expression of possibility, and we excited to bring that energy back in a way that feels unapologetically South African,” said Dichaba.

Partners revealed as Top Billing comeback builds anticipation

The return of Top Billing has been made possible through key partnerships with Pam Golding Properties, SPAR, Opel, Tanqueray and L’OR — names that align with the show’s celebration of the very best of “the good life.”

As excitement continues to build ahead of the premiere, one question is on everyone’s mind: who will be the new faces of Top Billing? The official presenter line-up will be revealed soon.

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By Asanda Mbayimbayi

Asanda Mbayimbayi is a multi-award-winning journalist, Lifestyle & Entertainment News Editor, and accomplished storyteller whose work spans digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Recognised with the prestigious Galliova People's Hero Award in both 2025 and 2026, she has established a distinctive presence in the media landscape through authentic storytelling, editorial excellence, and an ability to connect compelling narratives with the audiences they serve. With a keen instinct for identifying stories that matter and a deep understanding of the relationship between media, culture, and audience engagement, Asanda approaches journalism with a commitment to substance, accuracy, and impact. Her editorial perspective combines the curiosity of an investigative mind with the sensitivity of a storyteller, bringing clarity to complex subjects and depth to stories that shape conversations. Beyond the newsroom, Asanda's expertise extends across research, content creation, production, book editing, and motivational speaking. A qualified Bible teacher, she also draws on her faith and spiritual insight to encourage reflection, personal growth, and meaningful transformation through words. Multifaceted by experience and purpose-driven by conviction, Asanda continues to explore the power of storytelling across platforms and disciplines. Whether shaping editorial narratives, developing compelling content, researching ideas, or inspiring audiences, her work reflects a commitment to thoughtful communication, creative excellence, and stories that leave a lasting impression. At the heart of her work is a belief that storytelling is more than the art of communicating information; it is a powerful tool for informing perspectives, amplifying voices, and creating meaningful connections.