Multigenerational local family drama Summertide is set to air on 28 January 2024 – and the whole family is invited. Described as a drama made for all ages, the channel will launch the continuous 52-week local series in its prized 18:00 Sunday night slot. This will lead into Carte Blanche (19:00) and the Sunday night blockbuster movie (20:05).
Corné and René van Rooyen from Red Letter Day Pictures – the hitmakers behind Alles Malan – shared that they wanted to create something for the whole family: “We wanted to create something that invites the whole family to sit down together every Sunday evening and immerse themselves in our characters’ world. It’s a celebration of families and their sometimes complex dynamics.”
Faithful to its name, the ocean will play a central theme in the series, which is set in South Africa’s False Bay area. The sea serves as the unifying thread in Summertide, intertwining with the lives of each character, weaving a narrative in which their connections to the sea and its elements become intrinsic to their identities.
Martin, a devoted marine biologist, is on the front lines, championing the well-being of the oceans. Gavin finds solace and passion as a surfer, while Jack, having retired from the Navy, carries the indelible imprints of the ocean in his life's journey. Rebecca’s connection is to her family in the fisher community and the popular fish and chips restaurant Salties that she inherited from her father.
Yet, the ocean's influence goes beyond the characters' professions — it's embedded in the very fabric of the locations the show explores. When Rebecca seeks introspection, her gaze drifts toward the vast expanse of the ocean, a silent witness to her contemplations. Every character is bound by the threads of the ocean, underscoring the profound interconnections that shape their stories.
Starring in Summertide are Frank Rautenbach (Lioness), Amalia Uys (Desert Rose, Sy Klink Soos Lente) Monique Rockman (Suidooster, Die Spreeus, Binnelanders), veteran stage and screen actors Andre Jacobs (Invictus, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The Mauritanian, Hammarskjöld) and Terry Norton (Egoli), Jan Combrink (Moffie), Evangelina Hallock, Tyrone Keogh (The Wild, The Girl from St Agnes, Still Breathing), Ntombi Makhutshi (Cold Harbour, Disgrace), Cassiel Eatock-Winnik (Kite, The Dark Tower), Euodia Samson (Arendsvlei), Maurice Carpede (Chappie), and Morné Visser (Dis Ek, Anna).
About the show
Summertide tells the story of marine biologist and father of two children, Martin Field, who moves to False Bay to get away from a big secret – the death of his wife. There he starts a marine conservation trust for False Bay – but life isn’t as simple as it seems.
The series explores the lives of the Field family and the interesting characters who cross their paths – each one with their own secrets and desires. We meet Martin’s mother Wilma and father Jack Field – a retired naval commander who runs his household like a military operation.
Martin’s children Tristan and Lucy must cope with the loss of a parent and moving to a new town on top of the usual stresses of high school. Martin’s youngest brother Gavin Field is a retired pro surfer who’s running a small custom surfboard business and lives a carefree life of promiscuity. Rebecca Solomons worked as a famous Michelin star chef in New York. She’s currently dating Gavin, but was also Martin’s first love.
Summertide will broadcast every Sunday at 18:00 from 28 January 2024, will be live-streamed on DStv Stream, and will also be available on DStv Catch Up after broadcast. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #SummertideSA.