Die Byl bows out after six seasons
Die Byl, which premiered on Tuesday 14 January at 20:00 on kykNET, is the drama series with the most seasons in kykNET’s history. In its sixth season, serial killers remain a challenge for Byl and his team, with a merciless murderer determined to make their lives a living hell. At the same time, Byl and his team are battling their own demons too.
Waldemar Schultz says:
“You never know, while pouring your heart and soul into a production, whether it will resonate with viewers, the talented actor who has portrayed the brilliant detective Die Byl from the very first episode of the first season. Now, after six seasons, it’s time to say goodbye. It was a very special experience. We didn’t know back then that we, the cast, were joining a family that would work together for ten years. The people and the camaraderie will stay with me forever.”
“The fact that, for the first time, I could tackle a production where I collaborated closely with the directors, producers, writers and fellow actors to develop the characters and the story was incredibly fulfilling, creatively rewarding and at times daunting. You’re always racing against time (and budget), and it was vitally important to me that the stories were told with credibility and integrity. Sometimes it was a struggle to keep all the ducks in a row, but there was always fantastic collaboration and support from the entire team.”
What were his personal highlights over the six seasons?
“Every season underwent some transformation, bringing new questions, mysteries and challenges,” he says. “There were so many exceptional memories, moments, relationships and magical spells – too many to list. At times, I’d step onto set for a scene I’d only perform once with another actor, and it would lead to unexpected creative choices and a chemical cocktail that just worked. Many of those experiences were highlights for me. But also: sharing the creative journey of these six seasons with the teams, cast and crew was undoubtedly a career highlight.”
Waldemar says viewers will have to buckle up for the wild ride of the sixth season.
“It’s dark, complex and hopefully both chilling and gripping. I won’t reveal any storylines, but I hope and believe there will be plenty of nail-biting moments. Some of my favourite reactions on social media are when people say, ‘I couldn’t watch anymore, but I couldn’t stop watching either!’ So, grab someone’s arm and peek through your fingers.”
Seasons 5 and 6 were produced without Leon Kruger (head writer) and Herman Binge (executive producer), who both passed away in 2021.
Waldemar says:
“Seasons 5 and 6 are our tributes to them. Also to our Dr Fritz, Eric Nobbs, who passed away in 2022. But I think it’s a good time to wrap up. I’m ten years older now than when we started, and poor Van der Bijl has been through so much violence, murder and tragedy in his long career. Perhaps he’ll welcome a bit of peace and quiet.”
What would Waldemar’s parting words to Byl be?
“I’m not so sure I want to say goodbye. Maybe I’m still holding out hope for a feature film,” Waldemar muses.
The series was written by Elmarie Botha, Berdene Burger and Lorraine Burger. Directors include Berdene Burger, Liezl Spies and Nina Swart. The cinematographer was Jay Marais, and the sound head was Juan Kindo. Mary-Sue Morris led wardrobe, and Stefan Benade handled production design. Sulanie Saayman was responsible for makeup, including wounds and special effects. The series was produced by Elmarie Botha for Wolflight Films.
The sixth season of Die Byl premiered on 14 January at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144) and is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
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