What does it really mean to be a father in today’s world? And why are fathers so often held to a different standard than mothers? Those thought-provoking questions lie at the heart of Beter as Gister, the brand-new kykNET drama series that premieres on Tuesday, 30 June at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).
The compelling 13-episode family drama follows four very different households, exploring the challenges, triumphs and emotional complexities of fatherhood through the lives of the men at the centre of each family. With relatable characters, heartfelt storytelling and conversations that resonate, Beter as Gister promises to be one of kykNET‘s must-watch local dramas this season.
Here are five reasons why you should watch Beter as Gister.
The creative team behind the series
The series is created, written and produced by award-winning filmmakers Corné and René van Rooyen, together with Tascha van der Westhuizen, who is also involved as a producer on all Red Letter Day Pictures productions. The production company is behind the success of previous family dramas such as Alles Malan (2019) on kykNET and Summertide (2024) on M-Net.
A refreshing take on modern fatherhood
Modern fatherhood takes centre stage: from a dedicated stay-at-home dad managing the household while his wife pursues her ambitions, to a businessman willing to do whatever it takes to succeed – even if his relationships with his wife and children suffer. There’s also a single father raising a daughter on the autism spectrum and a widower who unexpectedly has to care for his only grandchild.
A star-studded ensemble of established actors
A star-studded ensemble cast includes Neels van Jaarsveld, Frank Rautenbach, Edwin van der Walt and Elton Landrew, forming the lead cast. The supporting cast features Rolanda Marais, Hanna Grobler, Greteli de Swardt, Mila Guy, Danny Ross, June van Merch, Daneel van der Walt, Charlene Brouwer, André
Weideman and Melanie du Bois.
Talented young actors making their debut
A number of young actors take on their first television roles: Sebastian van Niekerk as Reynard, a 17-year-old troublemaker; Nina Strydom as the driven Jessica; Gerhard Conradie as 8-year-old Coenie; Sebastian La Cock as 6-year-old Luca; Eben Kotze as Benji; Luna Coetzer as Lilly; and Alexis Newman as 6-
year-old Katinka.
Personal and relatable storylines
Real families, real challenges and stories viewers will recognise. Beter as Gister shines a spotlight on four diverse family dynamics, highlighting both the personal and the universal. Why aren’t fathers’ part of school WhatsApp groups? What rights do fathers have in co-parenting? How does a grandfather build a relationship with his grandchild? And how do we view fathers who are no longer the primary breadwinners?
Beter as Gister premieres on Tuesday, 30 June at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). Episodes will also be available on Catch Up and DStv Stream.
