Universal Channel gets a facelift!

NBC Universal International Networks refreshes flagship brand to UNIVERSAL TV on DStv channel 117.

The refreshed brand for The NBC Universal‘s flagship channel has been unveiled in Africa.  In evolving from Universal Channel to UNIVERSAL TV, the refresh delivers a bold, new, contemporary brand identity across all linear, digital and social platforms – including a new logo, typeface and a fresh colour palette.

Continuing to draw on the strength, recognition and heritage of the “Universal” name – that’s long been synonymous with quality entertainment – the evolved proposition for the new-look brand continues to highlight that characters are at the heart of great storytelling.   In Africa, character-driven programming has generated outstanding results for the brand and in 2017 the channel had its strongest year in viewers.

“UNIVERSAL TV’s reinvigorated identity best positions the brand into the future as a relevant, compelling destination for fans of character-driven programming in Africa,” said Lee Raftery, Chief Marketing & Content Officer and Managing Director UK & Emerging Markets, NBCUniversal International. “In making this latest investment in UNIVERSAL – combined with the raft of top-quality shows we have recently acquired in Africa such as The Detail – we’re reinforcing our commitment to delivering a must-watch destination for affiliate partners and viewers, alike.”

Key upcoming launches on UNIVERSAL TV include:

Colony Season 2 – premieres May 14 at 20:00
Will (Josh Holloway – Lost) and Katie (Sarah Wayne Callies – The Walking Dead) struggle to keep their family together as they encounter unexpected challenges, coming face-to-face with the new Resistance and searching for a way out of the Colony.  In an effort to get their son back, Will has been co-operating with the Collaborators and knows about Katie’s alliance with the Resistance.  With her secret out, now finding themselves on opposite sides of the battle, have they jeopardised any hope of reuniting their family?

The Detail – premieres June 5 at 20:00
Angela Griffin (Coronation Street, Holby City, Waterloo Road), Shenae Grimes-Beech (90210, Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Wendy Crewson (Revenge, 24, Room), star in The Detail, following three fiercely talented, female homicide investigators who work tirelessly to solve crimes while navigating the complicated demands of their personal lives.  Detective Stevie Hall (Griffin) is a sharp, quick-witted interrogator – even while balancing the demands of work and her complicated family life – who mentors street smart Detective Jacqueline ‘Jack’ Cooper (Grimes-Beech). Jack is a street smart Detective, with keen investigative skills, but a messy personal life. Joining them is Staff Inspector Fiona Currie (Crewson), the homicide unit’s formidable boss, who works overtime to secure justice, no matter what the cost.

The Outpost – coming soon
The Outpost follows Talon, played by Jessica Green (Roman Empire, Ash vs Evil Dead) a strong female hero and the lone survivor of a race called “Blackbloods.”  Years after her entire village is destroyed by a gang of brutal mercenaries, Talon travels to a lawless fortress on the edge of the civilised world, as she tracks the killers of her family.  On her journey to this outpost, Talon discovers she possesses a mysterious power that she must learn to control in order to save herself, and defend the world against a fanatical religious dictator.  The Outpost also stars Jake Stormoen (Extinct, Mythica), Andrew Howard (Hatfields and McCoys, Hell on Wheels), Anand Desai-Barochia (Emmerdale, Lake Mead), Robyn Malcolm (Top of the Lake, Hostiles) and Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones, Mythica).

The UNIVERSAL TV brand refresh was developed via a collaboration between NBCUniversal International Networks’ Central Marketing team, the award-winning creative agency Red Bee – who established the brand positioning, brand logo and creative concept – and world-renowned brand consultant Lee Hunt. Specialist contributions were provided by Dalton Maag (typeface design studio), Future Deluxe (directed and produced brand idents motion) and Zelig Sound (music and sound design).