Renowned television personality Steve Harvey is set to make waves in Botswana’s film and television industry, promising a transformative journey with a list of exciting productions. At the forefront of his plans is the internationally acclaimed daytime TV show, Family Feud, which will feature Batswana contestants. However, the filming of the show will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, due to space constraints at the newly revamped BTV Studio 4 in Botswana.
Harvey, during the launch of the new channel BTV 4 dedicated to the creative industry, expressed his optimism about eventually relocating the production to Botswana. He explained that the current studio lacks the necessary dimensions, requiring higher ceilings and more space for the production.
“I got a tour of the studio earlier, and it won’t work because we need about 40 feet high ceilings and a wider space. Hopefully, with time, we will move it here,” he stated.
Family Feud, a captivating game show where two families compete to guess the results of audience survey questions, holds the promise of being a game-changer for Botswana’s entertainment scene. Despite the initial filming location in South Africa, Harvey envisions significant contributions to the local industry.
“I make hits, and I am here to teach the youth how to also make shows that sell,” he asserted. Harvey’s company, Steve Harvey Global Productions, will collaborate with the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) for new TV productions on the BTV 4 channel.
In addition to Family Feud, Harvey revealed plans to bring Africa’s version of America’s Funniest Home Videos and several other undisclosed shows to Botswana. While a specific timeline for the airing of these shows remains uncertain, Harvey emphasized that building a successful entertainment platform takes time.
His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi expressed excitement about the joint venture, recognizing BTV Studio 4 as a vital piece in the creative sector’s puzzle. Encouraging young talents to utilize the resources provided by the government through the studio, President Masisi sees this collaboration as a monumental step in shaping Botswana’s entertainment landscape.
