Channeling
Previewing the Best in Upcoming TV Fare
Written by Julio Martinez
March 12, 2026
ANIMATION: CARTOON NETWORK
‘Iyanu’ is an epic fantasy superhero series rooted in Nigerian culture and Yoruba mythology, following a teenage orphan who discovers divine powers and embarks on a remarkable journey to save her homeland. Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment and adapted from the award-winning graphic novel series by creator and executive producer Roye Okupe, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. Iyanu Season 2, subtitled “The War”, picks up as Iyanu’s growing powers pull her and Team Chosen into a conflict between Elu and a powerful new force: Queen Adura and her People of the Deep. Rival factions race to claim the resurfaced Set of Seven, a collection of ancient artifacts that could change everything. The battles are bigger, and nothing Team Chosen believes about their mission will survive what’s coming. Season 2 airs Saturday, March 21, 2026 (9:30am) on Cartoon Network, with a streaming release the next day on HBO Max.
PBS: NATURE
In the remote wilds of northern Kenya, follow the remarkable journey of orphaned elephants at Reteti, the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. Raised by Samburu keepers who act as surrogate parents, these elephants, many rescued from poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict, are nurtured back to health and prepared for life in the wild. From tiny calves taking their first bottle to older elephants practicing the skills needed for their release, the two-part series captures intimate moments of struggle, healing, transformation, and the deep bond between people and animals. Nature—Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti premieres Apr 8-15 (8/7c) on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/nature, YouTube and the PBS App.
HGTV
HGTV is debuting ‘Tropic Like It’s Hot,’ a 16-part HGTV unscripted series produced by Leopard USA, premiering on HGTV with two back-to-back episodes on Monday, April 6 (10 &10:30pm ET/PT. Each episode features a couple paired with a real estate agent local to the tropical hideaway in which they want to buy a home. Viewers will be treated to their tours of these properties, all while getting up-close-and-personal as these folks navigate their relationship, relocating to an unfamiliar place and making a massive home purchase all at the same time. The first two episodes feature house hunts in Tulum, Mexico, and Jacó, Costa Rica. The first season of Tropic Like It’s Hot will have 16 episodes, so you’ll have plenty of time to get cozy with the show’s concept.
GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Casey Elliott Shae Robins
Great American Media announces the World Premiere of ‘Blessings in Disguise,’ The Golden Thread Original film, starring Shae Robins and Casey Elliott. The film streams exclusively on Great American Pure Flix, Thursday, Mar 26, and premieres on Great American Family, and GFAM+, Sunday, Mar 28 (8p). Set against the contrast of New York’s high-fashion world and the warmth of small-town life, the film follows Katie (Robins), an ambitious designer facing a career-defining deadline. Seeking clarity and inspiration, she returns home and chooses an unexpected runway.