Beter as Gister Challenges What It Really Means to Be a Father
For years, television has celebrated mothers as the emotional backbone of the family. But what happens when the spotlight shifts to fathers?
That’s the conversation at the heart of kykNET’s new drama, Beter as Gister—a series that asks difficult questions about parenting, masculinity and family in modern South Africa. Rather than presenting fathers as distant providers or occasional heroes, the show explores the everyday realities of men trying to be present, vulnerable and emotionally available.
It’s a timely story in a country where family structures continue to evolve.
Four Families, Four Different Realities
Instead of following a single household, Beter as Gister introduces viewers to four very different families.
One father stays at home while his wife builds her career. Another sacrifices family relationships in pursuit of business success. There’s also a single dad raising a daughter on the autism spectrum, alongside a grandfather unexpectedly becoming the primary caregiver for his grandchild.
These aren’t exaggerated television storylines—they reflect conversations taking place in many South African homes today.
The series tackles issues that often go unspoken, asking why fathers are still excluded from school WhatsApp groups, how co-parenting laws affect dads, and whether society has fully accepted men who aren’t the primary breadwinners.
A Story That Reflects Changing Times
What makes Beter as Gister particularly relevant is its willingness to question traditional gender roles without offering easy answers.
Modern families no longer fit into one mould, and audiences increasingly want stories that acknowledge this reality. By placing fathers at the emotional centre of the narrative, the series opens up conversations about responsibility, identity and the pressures men face behind closed doors.
For younger viewers especially, this feels less like a television drama and more like a reflection of changing South African society.
A Proven Creative Team Returns
The series is created by acclaimed filmmakers Corné and René van Rooyen alongside producer Tascha van der Westhuizen.
Audiences familiar with successful family dramas such as Alles Malan and Summertide will recognise the team’s ability to balance emotional storytelling with authentic characters. That experience is evident in a production that aims to entertain while encouraging meaningful discussion around parenting and relationships.
Fresh Faces Join Established Talent
The drama pairs respected South African actors—including Neels van Jaarsveld, Frank Rautenbach, Edwin van der Walt and Elton Landrew—with an exciting group of newcomers making their television debut.
This blend of experienced performers and emerging talent gives the series a fresh energy while creating opportunities for the next generation of South African actors.
More Than Entertainment
At its core, Beter as Gister isn’t simply asking whether fathers can do better than yesterday.
It’s asking whether society is finally ready to see fatherhood differently.
For viewers looking for a drama grounded in real-life challenges, honest emotions and changing family dynamics, this could become one of kykNET’s most conversation-starting series.
Beter as Gister airs on kykNET (DStv channel 144), with episodes also available on Catch Up and DStv Stream.
