SABC 3's new format stemmed largely from a 1997 decision to commercialise the broadacaster, reducing the amount of documentary content that it previously broadcast since the days of NNTV.

[7] The channel's HD broadcasts began on 11 June 2018, in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, alongside SABC 1.

SABC 3 has deals with studio companies in the US and various television networks in the UK to air some series with a few months' delay from their international airdates.

The channel currently offers international dramas such as Knightfall, NCIS, House of Cards, MotherFatherSon, Line of Duty, El Chapo, and Killing Eve.

In April 2021, the channel introduced a new local drama The Estate and new telenovelas Orphans Of A Nation, The Bay and The Red Room.

The channel has local children's content such as Challenge SOS, Talent on Track, Yum.Me and Hectic on 3, along with and international catalogue of kids and teens entertainment from Disney and Nickelodeon.

This includes kids shows such as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Go Jetters and My Friends Tigger & Pooh, as well as teen shows such as Victorious, iCarly, Wizards of Waverly Place, Shake It Up, Cory in the House, Girl Meets World, Sam & Cat, Winx Club, Violetta, Polly Pocket, Kuu Kuu Harajuku, Sanjay and Craig, Henry Danger, Nowhere Boys, Noah & Saskia, Spellbinder, Spellbinder: Land of the Dragon Lord, Mortified, Legacy of the Silver Shadow, Crash Zone and Hectic on 3.

SABC 3 used to license and produce local versions of international series like The Apprentice, The Weakest Link, and Top Chef.

SABC 3 has a heavy focus on local and international talk and magazines such as the breakfast show Expresso, Afternoon Express, The Real, The Scoop and Harry.

The channel provides action, horror, drama, comedy, sci-fi, adventure, thriller, romance and fantasy movies during primetime.