Rebooting nostalgia: 'Friends Like These' and the rise of friendship vacations in South Africa
Image: Unsplash
A while back, there was a popular show on SABC1 called "Friends Like These".
It captivated audiences for 14 seasons by giving groups of friends a chance to compete in quizzes and various challenges, all for the ultimate prize: a vacation.
The show featured two teams, one of five guys and one of five girls, often culminating in exciting rewards like vacations and cruises.
Its fast-paced format and "battle of the sexes" theme made it a staple among viewers.
For countless fans, winning a spot on the show and emerging victorious felt like striking the vacation jackpot.
Because of its success, "Friends Like These" played a unique role in popularising friendship group holidays in South Africa.
Today, years after its final airing, nostalgia has sparked calls for a revival.
One user on X, @Nkulunkulu_God, recently tweeted: 'SABC1 needs to bring back 'Friends Like These'. We are grown up, and we also want the opportunity to go to Mauritius.'
This tweet quickly gained traction, and even radio presenter and TV personality Sizwe Dhlomo chimed in, reminiscing about his own time on the show.
'Guys! I'm here to solve a big mystery for anyone who doesn't believe that the 'Friends Like These' cruises really happened. I just found my itinerary from 2009!' he shared, eliciting waves of support from fellow users.
Many responded to Dhlomo's tweet with fond memories.
@Ms_Makhathini confirmed, 'We can definitely confirm that. In 2008, we also went on the 'Friends Like These' cruise with the girls.'
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Rebooting nostalgia: 'Friends Like These' and the rise of friendship vacations in South Africa
A group of friends enjoys a quad biking experience while on vacation. Image: Unsplash A while back, there was a popular show on SABC1 called "Friends Like These". It captivated audiences for 14 seasons by giving groups of friends a chance to compete in quizzes and various challenges, all for the ultimate prize: a vacation. The show featured two teams, one of five guys and one of five girls, often culminating in exciting rewards like vacations and cruises. Its fast-paced format and "battle of the sexes" theme made it a staple among viewers. For countless fans, winning a spot on the show and emerging victorious felt like striking the vacation jackpot. Because of its success, "Friends Like These" played a unique role in popularising friendship group holidays in South Africa. Today, years after its final airing, nostalgia has sparked calls for a revival. One user on X, @Nkulunkulu_God, recently tweeted: 'SABC1 needs to bring back 'Friends Like These'. We are grown up, and we also want the opportunity to go to Mauritius.' This tweet quickly gained traction, and even radio presenter and TV personality Sizwe Dhlomo chimed in, reminiscing about his own time on the show. 'Guys! I'm here to solve a big mystery for anyone who doesn't believe that the 'Friends Like These' cruises really happened. I just found my itinerary from 2009!' he shared, eliciting waves of support from fellow users. Many responded to Dhlomo's tweet with fond memories. @Ms_Makhathini confirmed, 'We can definitely confirm that. In 2008, we also went on the 'Friends Like These' cruise with the girls.'
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