New key characters and nerve-wrecking puzzles in the new season of Die Byl

Four characters we have come to know over the years. A character who returns in an attempt to make peace with her past. Two new team members joining the unit. Various serial killers pushing Byl and his team to the limit and one who keeps eluding them and increasingly defies them with macabre acts of violence.

That’s what awaits viewers in the fifth season of the ever-popular series Die Byl, which will be airing from Tuesday, 16 January 2024, at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Byl (Waldemar Schultz) finally enjoys autonomy over the unit, but the new members in the team – and especially the psychologist appointed to monitor the team’s psychological well-being – don’t make it easy.

Byl’s stalwarts – Juan (Marvin-Lee Beukes), Nicki (Milan Murray) and Lena (Lika Berning) – are still there, but the sniper Jo Verwey (Amalia Uys) now consults as a weapons expert, helping Byl and his team wherever she can.

Captain William Miller is the new profiler appointed in Lena’s place – a quiet and attractive guy, but indifferent to his appearance. He is highly skilled and can turn on the charm, when necessary, but he is burdened by the weight of his past.

William comes from a wealthy family. His father, a psychiatrist, had hoped he would follow in his footsteps, but he chose forensic profiling and studied further in Ireland. There, he married an Irish woman, but after she lost her battle against depression, William returned to South Africa. He approaches Byl, who immediately sees his potential and appoints him in Lena’s place.

Tyrone Keogh, who plays the role of William, has been working in the entertainment industry since a young age, appearing in various advertisements before becoming a director of music videos and commercials. His father is the actor Danny Keogh, and his mother, Debbie, is a film producer. He is known for roles in The Wild, Dominion, Black Sails and The Girl from St. Agnes.

Dr Anton Fourie (Marcel van Heerden) is the new pathologist on the team. Anton is a sought-after specialist in his field. He and Dr Fritz knew each other well but were in competition for years to prove who is the best. Anton, previously married and father of two, is a seasoned chess player and a worthy opponent for Byl.

Other recurring players include Ira Blanckenberg as the psychologist Dr Mia Labuschagne, Jacques Bessenger as the journalist Alex Kruger, and Anrich Herbst as Captain Buks Botha.

On the production side, this season of Die Byl is driven by a strong team of talented women at the reins. The series was written by Elmarie Botha, Berdene Burger, Lorraine Burger, Igna Botha and Tina Kruger, with Elmarie as the story planner and producer. Berdene is the overall series director, but Nina Swart and Liezl Spies were in the director’s chair for some episodes.

“Herman Binge and Leon Kruger massively contributed to the success of Die Byl,” says Elmarie. “Their passing, both in 2021, left a huge void. It motivated the creative and technical teams to put absolutely everything they had into the new season. We would like to believe they would have been proud of what we have accomplished.”

Die Byl starts on Tuesday, 16 January 2024, at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and will also be available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.

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