Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Three reasons to binge gritty Cape Town cop drama, 'Die Byl'

17/07/2019

17 July, 2019 - 08:02

Cape Town is the South African city with the highest murder and robbery rate, so its the logical setting for Season 2 of Die Byl, the gritty Afrikaans cop drama that is now available to binge, first on Showmax, ahead of its run on kykNET in December 2019.

Piet van der Bijl (Waldemar Schultz) is a brilliant detective who specialises in serial killers - and a workaholic who will do anything for those closest to him.

In Season 2, which is set five years later, Byls relationship with Advocate Nicky Swanepoel (2018 Tempo Awards Actress of the Year nominee Milan Murray from Waterfront) is on the rocks, while his ex-wife Carien (Fiesta, Kanna, Vita and ATKV winner Rolanda Marais from Johnny Is Nie Dood Nie), is back in his life.

But as usual, Byls more preoccupied with his cases, as he comes up against increasingly sophisticated serial killers who target Cape Flats gang members, senior citizens at a retirement home, inmates at a maximum security prison, and first responders at emergency sites, among others.

While these cases are episodic, the tension builds throughout the season as someone starts targeting those closest to Byl, and the hunters become the hunted...

Here are three reasons to add Die Byl to your watchlist, whether you speak Afrikaans or not:

1. Its inspired by South Africas very own super sleuth

While the cases are fictional, Die Byl is inspired by the real life South African cop Piet Byleveld, who solved some of South Africas most talked-about cases, like the murders of Leigh Matthews, Sheldean Human and Sibille Zanner, and caught infamous serial killers like Lazarus Mazingane, the Nasrec killer, and Cedric Maake, the Wemmer Pan Killer.

According to Daily Maverick, Byleveld - or Piet Byl as he was known - was one of the best detectives ever to have the job. He had a 99% success rate in a career that spanned almost 40 years - and assisted the FBI, Mossad and Scotland Yard in investigations.

Byleveld consulted on Season 1 of Die Byl shortly before he passed away in 2017. He was widely mourned, with News24 calling him a top cop; Daily Maverick hailing him as South Africas very own super sleuth; and IOL describing him as a serial killer hunter with a gentle side.

2. Its the best cast weve seen in ages

Waldemar Schultz (7de Laan) and Lika Berning (Liefling) won the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in 2017 for their roles in the first season as the brooding colonel Piet van der Bijl and his profiler, Captain Lena Evans, respectively.

Theyre supported by an exceptional cast that also includes Marvin-Lee Beukes (Waterfront, Die Boland Moorde) as captain Juan Stuurman, who has moved from Byls team into IT; Vita award winner Eric Nobbs as pathologist Dr Fritz Barnard and Trudy van Rooy as his new lab assistant, Dr Shani van Rooi; Avanti winner Barbara-Marie Immelman as Ellie Bonthuys, once a journalist only looking for sensationalism, now the police units spokesperson; and Vita award winner Tertius Meintjes as general Neels van As, whose relationship with Byl is improving now that the detective is no longer dating his ex-wife Nicky.

Other key cast include aKING lead vocalist Laudo Liebenberg (Kanarie, Black Sails); SAFTA winner Deon Lotz (Skoonheid, Shepherds and Butchers); and Jessie Berning as the young son of Captain Lena Evans (played by his real-life mother, Lika Berning).

There are also guest appearances in each 70-minute episode, from the likes of 2018 Tempo Awards Actor of the Year Marlo Minnaar (Sara Se Geheim); Silwerskerm winners Cintaine Schutte (Die Seemeeu) and Albert Pretorius (Johnny Is Nie Dood Nie); and three-time ATKV Best Actress winner Jana Kruger (Swartwater), not to mention SAFTA winners Denise Newman (Shirley Adams, Suidooster), Marius Weyers (Dis Ek, Anna), and Jody Abrahams (Hard Copy, Arendsvlei), among many other faces youll recognise.

3. Its made by Marche Media, with Quentin Krog as one of the directors

The nail-biting crime series is being produced by Marche Media - the current darlings of the Afrikaans production industry - responsible for award-winning films like Kanarie and Johnny Is Nie Dood Nie; documentaries like Nobodys Died Laughing: A Journey With Pieter-Dirk Uys; and hit series like Die Spreeus, Dwaalster, and the multi-award-winning Boer Soek n Vrou.

Quentin Krog (Die Boekklub, Vir Die Voels, Ballade Vir n Enkeling, Thys & Trix) directs the first episode. Hes one of three directors on the second season, alongside Liezl Spies (Tempo Awards TV Series Of The Year Sara Se Geheim) and Leon Kruger, head writer on Season 1 and 2 of Die Byl and hit shows like Waterfront.

All 14 episodes of Die Byl S2 are now streaming, with English subtitles, on Showmax at https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/bmqni498-die-byl.

Embedded video for Three reasons to binge gritty Cape Town cop drama, 'Die Byl'

Television

Africa South Africa
LINK: http://www.filmcontact.com/news/south-africa/three-reasons-binge-gritt...
See more stories from filmcontact

Africa Stories

19/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Smoke and Mirrors: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Afric...

19/03/2024

Umkhokha: The Curse - Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Umkhokha: The Curse - Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Af...

19/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South A...

19/03/2024

Muvhango: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...

19/03/2024

Uzalo: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [video]

Uzalo: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African website. ...

19/03/2024

Generations: The Legacy - Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Generations: The Legacy - Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...

19/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 18 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...

18/03/2024

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Nomusa leaves Moketsi's house in a rush

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Nomusa leaves Moketsi's house in a rushDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie My...

18/03/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Zola discovers she's pregnant

Tonight on House of Zwide: Zola discovers she's pregnantDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on e.t...

18/03/2024

Big Brother Mzansi 4: Papa Ghost secures back-to-back Head of House wins

Big Brother Mzansi 4: Papa Ghost secures back-to-back Head of House winsPapa Ghost has clinched consecutive victories as Head of the House in the latest edition...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Uzalo: Nkunzi takes a drastic decision

Tonight on Uzalo: Nkunzi takes a drastic decisionDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Uzalo on SABC 1 on DStv channel ...

18/03/2024

Streaming today: Vida the Vet' on Netflix - 18 March 2024

Streaming today: Vida the Vet' on Netflix - 18 March 2024Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your fav...

18/03/2024

Skeem Saam': Is Tobias Maswahla Evelyn's son?

Skeem Saam': Is Tobias Maswahla Evelyn's son?Is actor Sicelo Buthelezi's character Tobias Maswahla related to Deputy Principal Evelyn Maswahla in S...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Generations: Khensani tries to mend his friendship with Sphe

Tonight on Generations: Khensani tries to mend his friendship with SpheDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Generation...

18/03/2024

Question: Did George Lucas rip off Dune?

Question: Did George Lucas rip off Dune?Miles Phillips explores Dune's Legacy and its echo in Star Wars, claiming that the former is among the best science ...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Jacobeth kicks Bullet to the curb

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Jacobeth kicks Bullet to the curbDon't miss Monday, 16 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Saam on SABC 1 on D...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Muvhango: Matshidiso finds incriminating information on Nkele

Tonight on Muvhango: Matshidiso finds incriminating information on NkeleDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhango ...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: In a haze of alcohol, Sakhile knocks down Fanyana

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: In a haze of alcohol, Sakhile knocks down FanyanaDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Sm...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Scandal: Jojo's bad PR costs him more than he can afford

Tonight on Scandal: Jojo's bad PR costs him more than he can affordDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! o...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Champions: Lebo's family are tearing him apart

Tonight on Champions: Lebo's family are tearing him apartDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Champions on Mzansi ...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Gqeberha: Msimelelo lays down the rules at the Tshisa Nyama

Tonight on Gqeberha: Msimelelo lays down the rules at the Tshisa NyamaDon't miss Monday, 18 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Gqeberha: T...

18/03/2024

Tonight on Umkhokha: Zisebenzele makes a bet with Khululiwe that Siphamandla will do it within a week

Tonight on Umkhokha: Zisebenzele makes a bet with Khululiwe that Siphamandla wil...

17/03/2024

WATCH: Highlights from the 2024 Cape Town Carnival [video]

WATCH: Highlights from the 2024 Cape Town Carnival [video]The Mother City's biggest annual street parade returned to Green Point on Saturday with the Cape T...

17/03/2024

WATCH: Highlights from the 2024 Cape Town Carnival

WATCH: Highlights from the 2024 Cape Town CarnivalThe Mother City's biggest annual street parade returned to Green Point on Saturday with the Cape Town Carn...

17/03/2024

Young Papi leaves Big Brother Mzansi'

Young Papi leaves Big Brother Mzansi'Young Papi was the thirteenth housemate to get evicted from the Big Brother Mzansi' reality TV show on Sunday, 17...

17/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors': Why Thandiswa might dump Caesar

Smoke and Mirrors': Why Thandiswa might dump Caesar Smoke and Mirrors' spoilers reveal that Caesar will propose marriage to Thandiswa. Will she stay wit...

16/03/2024

What an honour': Uzalo' bids farewell to Baby Cele

What an honour': Uzalo' bids farewell to Baby CeleSABC1's most-watched soapie, Uzalo' bids farewell to actress Baby Cele, who portrays the rol...

16/03/2024

Must-watch true-crime trailer: Original Sin: My Son The Killer'

Must-watch true-crime trailer: Original Sin: My Son The Killer' Original Sin: My Son The Killer' follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen ...

16/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper' renewed for another season

My Brother's Keeper' renewed for another seasonMzansi Magic's hit telenovela My Brother's Keeper' which replaced Gomora' has been rene...

15/03/2024

Call for entries is now open for the 18th Annual South African Film and Television Awards SAFTAs18

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...

15/03/2024

Generations: The Legacy - Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Generations: The Legacy - Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...

15/03/2024

Uzalo: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [video]

Uzalo: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African website. ...

15/03/2024

Big Brother Mzansi 4: Yolanda has been disqualified

Big Brother Mzansi 4: Yolanda has been disqualifiedYolanda has been disqualified from the Big Brother Mzansi game following controversy stemming from remarks ma...

15/03/2024

It's not easy': Former defence minister's wife on Widows Unveiled'

It's not easy': Former defence minister's wife on Widows Unveiled&#...

15/03/2024

House of Zwide: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African w...

15/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...

15/03/2024

Scandal!: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Scandal!: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...

15/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Friday's episode, 15 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...

15/03/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: John drops charges against Bullet, but it comes with a condition

Tonight on Skeem Saam: John drops charges against Bullet, but it comes with a co...

15/03/2024

Tonight on Generations: Nkosiyabo is furious to hear what Ayanda did behind his back

Tonight on Generations: Nkosiyabo is furious to hear what Ayanda did behind his ...

15/03/2024

Dutch art fair reports record' prices for Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso works

Dutch art fair reports record' prices for Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso w...

15/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Thursday's episode, 14 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Thursday's episode, 14 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sou...

15/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 14 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 14 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African s...

15/03/2024

House of Zwide: Thursday's episode, 14 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Thursday's episode, 14 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African...

15/03/2024

Streaming today: Chicken Nugget' on Netflix - 15 March 2024

Streaming today: Chicken Nugget' on Netflix - 15 March 2024Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your f...

15/03/2024

Prison Journalism: Being a Frans'

Prison Journalism: Being a Frans'Dean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2016 un...

15/03/2024

The Fall Guy' smashes Guinness World Record for epic stunt

The Fall Guy' smashes Guinness World Record for epic stunt The Fall Guy has shattered records and redefined the limits of action cinema stunt driver Logan H...

15/03/2024

Izangane zeS'thembu': Mseleku siblings return for season two

Izangane zeS'thembu': Mseleku siblings return for season twoThe second season of Izingane zeS'thembu is expected to launch soon as the Mseleku child...

15/03/2024

Tonight on Uzalo: MaMlambo's attempts to save Nomkhosi are in vain

Tonight on Uzalo: MaMlambo's attempts to save Nomkhosi are in vainDon't miss Friday, 15 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Uzalo on SA...

15/03/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Maria encourages Mampho to support Busi

Tonight on House of Zwide: Maria encourages Mampho to support BusiDon't miss Friday, 15 March's riveting episode of South African soapie House of Zwide ...