Cancel Entertainment Weekly: The Right Way

How to cancel Entertainment Weekly in south africa and recover your refund

Why you might cancel Entertainment Weekly

Entertainment Weekly is a global magazine covering film, television, music and celebrity culture through reviews, interviews and industry reporting. South African readers access the publication in print, digital or app formats, depending on where they purchase their subscription.

Many subscribers eventually decide to cancel. Cost increases, format changes, shifts in reading habits, or simply losing interest in the content are common reasons. Whatever your reason, you have the right to cancel without penalty and to claim a pro-rata refund for unused portions of your prepaid subscription. Tocancel understands that cancelling can feel frustrating when the process is unclear, which is why we walk you through every step of the process so you can recover what you are owed.

Common reasons subscribers cancel Entertainment Weekly

Unwanted renewals often trigger cancellations, especially when subscribers are not given clear reminders before their subscription renews. Format changes, such as a shift from weekly to monthly publication, can leave readers feeling their subscription no longer matches what they paid for. Billing disputes, unclear terms or simply outgrowing the content are equally valid reasons to walk away.

Your decision to cancel is valid regardless of the reason, and South African consumer law protects your right to do so without jumping through unnecessary hoops.

Subscription formats and where you may have purchased

Entertainment Weekly offers multiple subscription paths. You may have purchased a print subscription directly from the publisher, signed up for digital editions through their website, or subscribed via the Apple App Store or Google Play. Each format has different cancellation processes and refund policies, so identifying where you subscribed is your first critical step.

Your cancellation method depends entirely on your purchase location, which is why we provide separate instructions for each platform later in this guide.

Your consumer rights in south africa

South African consumer law gives you concrete protections when you purchase subscriptions through local platforms or from South Africa-based sellers. Understanding these rights strengthens your position if Entertainment Weekly or the seller refuses to cancel or honour a refund claim.

The consumer protection act and your cooling-off period

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 is your strongest legal lever. It grants you a 7-day cooling-off period to cancel distance contracts (online, postal and phone purchases) without penalty and without giving a reason. If you purchased your Entertainment Weekly subscription online, by post or through a South African seller, you almost certainly qualify for this protection.

This means you can cancel within 7 days of purchase, even if you have already accessed the content, and demand a full refund. The seller must process this refund within 15 business days. Keep your order confirmation and all communications as proof of your purchase date.

Clear disclosure of cancellation terms

The Consumer Protection Act also requires sellers to provide clear, upfront information about cancellation procedures, billing frequency and renewal terms before you pay. If Entertainment Weekly or the seller failed to disclose these terms clearly, or buried them in fine print, you have grounds to dispute charges and demand a full refund regardless of the purchase date.

Request this disclosure in writing from the seller. If they cannot produce clear evidence they informed you, your case for a refund strengthens significantly.

Pro-rata refunds for prepaid subscriptions

If you cancel after the 7-day cooling-off period, you are entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused portions of your subscription. Pro-rata means you get back a fair share of what you paid, calculated by the number of days or issues you have not yet received. For example, if you paid R1200 for 12 months and cancel after 3 months of use, you are entitled to a refund of approximately R900 (9 months of unused service), minus any reasonable administration fee agreed in your contract.

Always calculate this figure yourself and include it in your cancellation request. Do not rely on the seller to offer what they think is fair.

Escalation to the national consumer commission

If Entertainment Weekly or the seller refuses to honour your cancellation request or refund claim, you can lodge a formal complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC enforces the Consumer Protection Act across South Africa and has the power to compel companies to refund you, pay penalties and amend their practices. Your complaint costs nothing and the process is straightforward. Tocancel recommends keeping copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, payment confirmations) before you escalate to the NCC, as you will need these to support your case.

Your legal position is strong if you follow these steps and document everything in writing.

How to cancel Entertainment Weekly by method

Your cancellation process depends on where and how you purchased your subscription. Use the correct method below to avoid delays and protect your refund eligibility.

Cancelling a direct publisher subscription via the Entertainment Weekly website

If you subscribed directly through Entertainment Weekly's website or customer portal, this is the fastest path to cancellation.

1. Visit the Entertainment Weekly website and log in to your subscriber account using your email address and password.
   • If you cannot remember your login details, click "Forgot password" and follow the recovery email sent to your inbox.
   • If you do not have an account login and paid by other means, contact Entertainment Weekly customer service directly at the address listed at the end of this guide.
2. Navigate to "Manage Subscription," "Account Settings" or "Billing" in your account dashboard.
   • This section label varies depending on the platform design, but it always appears in your main account menu.
3. Locate the "Cancel Subscription" or "End Subscription" button and click it.
   • The system will ask you to confirm your cancellation and may offer a retention discount. You are under no obligation to accept this offer.
4. Complete the cancellation process and take a screenshot of your confirmation page.
   • This screenshot is your proof of cancellation and essential if you later need to dispute a charge or claim a refund with your bank.
5. Request your pro-rata refund in writing if your subscription was not yet due to expire.
   • Email Entertainment Weekly customer service with your confirmation screenshot, the purchase date, cancellation date and your calculated pro-rata refund amount.

If you complete these steps and receive no confirmation within 48 hours, contact Entertainment Weekly immediately to verify your cancellation went through.

Cancelling a subscription purchased through apple app store

If you subscribed via Apple App Store on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, you must cancel through Apple, not through Entertainment Weekly.

1. Open the App Store app on your Apple device and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
   • On Mac, click your name in the App Store sidebar instead.
2. Tap "Subscriptions" and locate Entertainment Weekly in your active subscriptions list.
   • If you do not see it, scroll down or swipe left to view all subscriptions.
3. Tap Entertainment Weekly and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription."
   • Apple will confirm your cancellation immediately and send you an email receipt.
4. Take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation for your records.
   • Save this image in a dedicated folder so you can retrieve it if needed for refund disputes.
5. If you purchased within the last 7 days and wish to cancel under South Africa's cooling-off period, also contact Apple Support to request a refund.
   • Apple is required to honour South African consumer law when dealing with South African customers.

Apple typically stops charging you immediately after cancellation, but your access to the app may continue until your current billing period ends.

Cancelling a subscription purchased through google play

If you subscribed via Google Play on an Android device, cancellation happens through your Google Account, not directly with Entertainment Weekly.

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android device and tap your profile icon.
   • On a computer, visit play.google.com and sign in to your Google Account.
2. Navigate to "Payments and subscriptions" and tap "Manage subscriptions."
   • You will see a list of all your active subscriptions across all Google Play apps.
3. Select Entertainment Weekly and tap "Cancel subscription."
   • Google will ask you to confirm and may display a retention offer. You do not need to accept it.
4. Screenshot your cancellation confirmation immediately.
   • Google sends a confirmation email, but having a visual record is valuable backup.
5. If you purchased within 7 days, contact Google Play customer support to request a refund under South Africa's cooling-off period.
   • Include your order date, cancellation date and your South African address as proof of jurisdiction.

Google Play cancellations are processed within 24 hours and you will stop being charged at your next billing date.

Cancelling a print subscription by post or direct mail

If you subscribed to the print edition of Entertainment Weekly by post or direct mail, you will need to send written cancellation notice to the publisher's South African address.

1. Write a formal letter or email to Entertainment Weekly's subscription department at the contact address provided at the end of this guide.
   • Include your full name, subscription number (found on your mailing label or invoice), current address and email address.
   • State the date you wish your cancellation to take effect (ideally immediately).
   • Request confirmation of cancellation and a pro-rata refund calculation if you have not used your full subscription period.
2. Send your letter via registered mail (if posting) or email (if available) so you have proof of delivery.
   • Registered mail costs a small fee but provides an official record that Entertainment Weekly received your request.
   • If emailing, use a subject line such as "Subscription Cancellation Request - [Your Name] - [Subscription Number]."
3. Allow 5 to 10 business days for Entertainment Weekly to respond with a cancellation confirmation.
   • Keep a copy of your sent letter and the delivery receipt for your records.
4. Once you receive confirmation, monitor your bank account or credit card to verify that no further charges appear.
   • If a charge appears after cancellation confirmation, contact your bank immediately and dispute it with a copy of the cancellation letter.

Print subscription cancellations take longer than digital cancellations but are just as legally binding once confirmed in writing.

Timing, refunds and what to expect after cancellation

Understanding the timeline after you cancel helps you track your refund and spot any billing errors that need correcting.

When your access ends

In most cases, your access to Entertainment Weekly content ends immediately after you confirm cancellation online. However, print subscribers may receive their final issue up to 4 weeks after cancellation, depending on when their last payment covered through to. Check your cancellation confirmation to see the exact date your access or delivery will stop.

If you are charged after your cancellation date, this is a billing error and you are entitled to dispute it with your bank or the payment processor.

Refund processing timelines

If you cancelled within 7 days of purchase (cooling-off period), the seller is required to process your full refund within 15 business days. If you are claiming a pro-rata refund for a mid-subscription cancellation, processing times vary but should not exceed 30 business days. Tocancel recommends checking your bank statement 20 business days after your cancellation to confirm the refund has appeared. If it has not, follow up immediately with Entertainment Weekly or your payment processor.

Refunds are processed back to the original payment method (credit card, debit card or digital wallet). You may see a credit on your statement within 3 to 5 business days of processing, but it can take up to 10 business days for some banks to complete the transaction.

What to do if you remain charged after cancellation

If a charge appears on your bank statement after your cancellation confirmation date, act immediately. Email Entertainment Weekly with your cancellation confirmation, the date of the unwanted charge and a clear request for a refund. Include a screenshot of the charge and your cancellation confirmation. If Entertainment Weekly does not respond within 10 business days, contact your bank and dispute the charge using your cancellation evidence as proof that the company was not authorised to bill you further.

You have the right to dispute unauthorised charges and banks treat post-cancellation billing as exactly that.

Common mistakes that delay or block your refund

Cancelling should be simple, but many subscribers inadvertently damage their refund claim by making avoidable errors. Avoid these pitfalls to protect your money.

Not requesting your refund in writing

Cancelling your subscription and requesting a refund are two separate actions. Simply hitting "Cancel" on a website does not automatically trigger a pro-rata refund. You must send a formal written request (email is acceptable) that clearly states your subscription number, cancellation date and the refund amount you are claiming. Without this written record, you have no proof of your request if the company later claims you never asked for a refund. Tocancel strongly advises keeping all cancellation and refund correspondence in a dedicated email folder for 12 months after cancellation.

Always send your refund request separately, even if the cancellation confirmation mentions refund eligibility.

Cancelling through the wrong method

If you subscribed through Apple App Store but you email Entertainment Weekly asking them to cancel, your request may be lost or delayed because they do not control your app subscription. Always cancel through the platform where you purchased. Cross-platform cancellations create confusion and reduce your chances of a timely refund. Check your first invoice or confirmation email to see exactly where you purchased, then follow the method that matches your platform.

Cancelling through the wrong channel wastes time and weakens your evidence of cancellation.

Delaying your refund request

Do not assume Entertainment Weekly will automatically process a pro-rata refund. You must request it proactively, in writing, within 30 days of cancellation. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to trace your original payment and subscription terms. If you wait 6 months to request a refund, the company may claim your request is outside their refund window or that they have no record of your subscription. Act within weeks, not months.

Submit your refund request as soon as you cancel to preserve your legal claim.

Not keeping proof of payment and cancellation

Your invoice, order confirmation, cancellation screenshot and refund correspondence are your legal evidence. Without them, Entertainment Weekly can deny they received your cancellation or refund request. Save everything in a folder on your computer and take screenshots of important pages before companies update or delete them. These documents are your shield if you need to escalate to your bank or the National Consumer Commission.

Screenshots and saved emails are free and take 30 seconds to create but are priceless if a dispute arises.

Comparison of subscription formats and refund policies

Different subscription methods have different refund timelines and processes. This table summarises the key differences so you know what to expect.

Your refund timeline is fastest if you cancel online within 7 days of purchase. Print cancellations and post-purchase claims take longer because the company processes these manually.

Escalating your complaint to the national consumer commission

If Entertainment Weekly refuses to honour your cancellation request or refund claim after you have followed the steps in this guide, the National Consumer Commission is your enforcement agency.

When to escalate to the NCC

Escalate to the NCC if Entertainment Weekly fails to respond to your cancellation request within 10 business days, refuses to process a pro-rata refund you are legally entitled to, or disputes your cooling-off period claim without valid reason. The NCC can compel the company to refund you, pay penalties and amend their practices. There is no cost to lodge a complaint and the process is designed to be accessible to consumers without legal representation.

What to submit to the NCC

Gather the following documents before you lodge your complaint. A clear complaint is more likely to be resolved in your favour. Include your original order confirmation, all emails and letters exchanged with Entertainment Weekly, your cancellation confirmation, your pro-rata refund calculation, and a timeline of key dates (purchase date, cancellation date, refund request date, and dates of any follow-up attempts). Write a brief statement describing what happened and why you believe Entertainment Weekly violated the Consumer Protection Act. The NCC will assess your evidence and contact Entertainment Weekly for their response, then make a determination on your complaint.

Tocancel recommends organizing these documents chronologically so the NCC can easily follow the sequence of events and understand exactly where Entertainment Weekly failed to meet their legal obligations.

Key steps to take right now

Do not delay. Follow this checklist to protect your cancellation and refund claim.

Summary and next steps

Cancelling Entertainment Weekly in South Africa is straightforward once you understand your rights and follow the correct method for your subscription type. The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 is your legal foundation: you have a 7-day cooling-off period for any distance purchase and the right to a pro-rata refund for unused service. Always cancel through the platform where you purchased (website, Apple App Store or Google Play), take screenshots of your confirmation, and request your refund in writing. If Entertainment Weekly refuses to honour these rights, you can lodge a free complaint with the National Consumer Commission and compel them to refund you.

Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions like Entertainment Weekly and recover refunds they believed were lost. You are not powerless in this situation, and you do not need a lawyer to protect your rights. Document everything, follow the steps in this guide, and escalate to the NCC if the company refuses to cooperate. Your refund is legally yours if you follow the process correctly.

Entertainment Weekly cancellation contact details

If you need to cancel by post or contact customer service directly, use the following address:

Customer Service Department
Entertainment Weekly
South Africa

For digital cancellations, use the methods described earlier in this guide (website, Apple App Store or Google Play). For all written correspondence regarding cancellation or refunds, reference your full subscription number, the date you wish your cancellation to take effect, and include your current contact details.

Tocancel is here whenever you need clear guidance on cancelling services and protecting your consumer rights. Visit tocancel.com for more guides and step-by-step cancellation advice for hundreds of services across South Africa.