Another popular local drama is preparing to bow out, as e.tv has confirmed that Smoke & Mirrors will come to an end next year.
The channel announced that the series, which first aired in 2023, will be taken off air in April. The decision marks yet another disappointment for the free-to-air broadcaster’s loyal viewers, coming shortly after the announcement that long-running and award-winning Scandal! will end in June next year, after 20 years on screen.
Smoke & Mirrors built a strong following not only because of its star-studded cast, but also due to its gripping and unpredictable storyline, which kept millions of viewers glued to their screens.
Speaking to Drum, the show’s senior publicist, Tshegofatso Kolotse, said the decision to end the series was purely driven by the story reaching its natural conclusion.
“The show has told the story that it wanted to tell, and it’s time to close the curtain on it. That’s really the only reason that it is pulled, there’s no other reason,” he says.
Kolotse added that some of the dramatic twists in recent episodes were clear signs that the end was approaching. The killing off of seasoned actor Hlomla Dandala’s character came as a shock to many viewers, but it was not done without purpose.
“The act that leads characters to be killed is indicative of the fact that the story has come to an end. There’s no more story to be told, it has been told,” he explains.
As the series heads towards its final months, cast members have begun reflecting on their time on the show. Veteran actor Melusi Yeni, who plays detective Phakathi, said the experience had been deeply rewarding.
“I had a great time working with some of the best actors in the industry, ones that I respect and admire. I’m also grateful for the outpouring of support from the viewers, who week in and week out tuned in to make the show a success,” he said.
Yeni, 49, spoke to Drum from his hometown of Durban, where he now lives full-time while filming SABC1’s Amalanga Awafani. In the series, he plays a security guard.
“It’s back to being home. I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be back home. I sometimes take for granted just how beautiful KZN is, and as I get older, I realise just how beautiful it is,” he said.
Despite his long career in the industry, Yeni said he still goes through the same casting process as everyone else and receives no special treatment.
“I still go to auditions, just like everyone else, and when a Zulu character is being cast, I know that the likes of Buyile Mdladla will be there, making the auditions even tougher,” he chuckles.
Meanwhile, Kolotse confirmed that Smoke & Mirrors will be replaced by a new production, details of which are still under wraps.
“The show, which is currently in production, will be announced in due course,” he concludes.
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