Top Billing Returns in Style

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By: Venecia Valentine

It was a night of golden light, nostalgia, and celebration as Top Billing, South Africa’s most iconic lifestyle show, made a glamorous return to the spotlight.

The Top Billing Reunion Event, hosted at the breathtaking Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay, brought together familiar faces and new energy to mark the next chapter of a show that has defined elegance and aspiration for over two decades.

Set against the rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean, the evening celebrated both Top Billing’s legacy and its exciting rebirth. Fans can look forward to the Top Billing Reunion Special, airing on 27 November at 7pm on S3, followed by weekly episodes from March 2026.

A Celebration of Craftsmanship and Connection

Presented in partnership with Corona, the event was more than a reunion – it was a celebration of craftsmanship, beauty, and living meaningfully in harmony with nature.

As Corona marks its global centenary, 100 Years Under the Sun, the collaboration launched the new Corona Beach 100 campaign, spotlighting the world’s most breathtaking coastlines.

South Africa features proudly on this global list, with Nature’s Valley, Kraal Baai, Boulders Beach, and Camps Bay honoured among the most remarkable beaches worldwide.

These destinations will be showcased in the Top Billing Reunion Special as the presenters rediscover South Africa’s coastal magic – a fitting tribute to the show’s signature blend of travel, lifestyle, and inspiration.

Honouring a South African Legacy

“Top Billing has always celebrated the beauty of South Africa – its landscapes, its people, and its sense of possibility,” says Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand at Corona South Africa.

“As Corona celebrates 100 Years Under the Sun, this partnership perfectly reflects what we stand for: a return to nature, simplicity, and joy.”

The reunion united the new and the legendary faces of Top Billing: Ryle De Morny, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, and Fezile Mkhize – the hosts of the Reunion Special – alongside icons Basetsana Kumalo, Michael Mol, and Executive Producer Patience Stevens.

Reinventing an Icon for a New Era

For 27 years, until its final episode in 2019, Top Billing reigned as South Africa’s longest-running lifestyle and entertainment programme. It became synonymous with sophistication, aspirational living, and the belief that South Africans could dream and live beautifully.

“Top Billing came so far from that very first broadcast done in a tiny SABC edit suite to filming in some of the most magnificent houses in the country – and the world,” says Patience Stevens, Executive Producer and CEO at Cardova.

“The show reflected the best of South African talent in design, architecture, art, fashion, travel, and sport. It inspired audiences to dream bigger, and we often hear how it gave people the courage to make their dreams a reality. It’s wonderful to be back, once again showcasing the best of South Africa to the world.”

Bradley van den Berg, COO at Cardova, adds that the revival of Top Billing is both a celebration of its heritage and a reinvention for today’s media landscape:

“The return of Top Billing is about more than nostalgia – it’s about evolving with how South Africans engage with content. We’re expanding digitally, building on the show’s strong social media presence, and connecting with audiences wherever they consume media. The enthusiasm from brands and advertising partners has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to be working with Corona on this journey into 2026.”