Showmax is an online subscription video on demand (SVOD) service that launched[2] in South Africa on 19 August 2015.[3] Its majority owner is MultiChoice, which owns 70% of the Showmax group, while American conglomerate NBCUniversal owns 30% in all territories except Nigeria, where NBCUniversal holds an indirect 23.7% stake in the local subsidiary.[4] In 2023, Showmax announced a partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky. The new Showmax launched in February 2024, with a brand-new app and streaming platform, as well as an unprecedented content slate.[5]
Showmax uses a localisation strategy[6] to take on established video on demand competitors with a focus on local content and partnerships with mobile telcos.[7][8] It has a customer base of 2.1 million subscribers Africa-wide first place in the continent's market overtaking Netflix's 1.8 million by November 2023.[9]
Showmax's engineering team was originally based in Czechia, but has since merged with Sky UK’s Global Streaming team.[10]
History
In December 2015, Showmax expanded its reach to audiences in Europe, Oceania and North America, with lineups tailored for African expats.[11]
In May 2016, Showmax expanded to 36 countries in Africa, taking the total number of countries in which Showmax is available to 65.[12] In July of the same year, Showmax passed the 10 million views milestone.[13]
In August 2016, the Showmax logo was changed from framed black and white logotype using camel case to an all lower-case logotype with added dark magenta and teal stripes.[14] In October of the same year, Showmax launched Showmax Select and Showmax Premium in Kenya.[15]
In January 2017, Showmax partnered with SEACOM to put caching servers in Nairobi, Kenya.[16] A month later, Showmax launched in Poland.[17]
On 31 January 2019, Showmax was closed in Poland due to slow growth.[19]
On 7 July 2020, Showmax Pro was launched. The new service bundled the existing Showmax entertainment service with music channels, news, and live sport streaming from SuperSport.[20]
In March 2023, MultiChoice and Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky announced that they would partner with Showmax in Africa, with NBCU owning 30% of the new entity and MultiChoice owning 70%. The joint venture now harnesses Peacock technology and includes content from Peacock and Sky, as well as African content, such as Showmax Originals and local content from MultiChoice's proprietary channels, including Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and Maisha Magic at re-launch.[21]
On 15 November 2023, Showmax announced plans for a relaunch with a brand-new app in February 2024, after the announcement of the partnership between Showmax and international media heavyweight Comcast's NBCUniversal and Sky in March.[22] With the relaunch, Showmax introduced a new sports plan called Showmax Premier League, giving subscribers live-stream access to all Premier League games, courtesy of SuperSport, on mobile devices. Other plans on offer post-launch include Showmax Entertainment, available on up to five devices with two concurrent streams, providing unlimited access to all the local and international series, movies, documentaries and kids' shows in the Showmax catalogue; and Showmax Entertainment Mobile, which includes access to the same entertainment catalogue, but only on one mobile device, with one stream.
With the announcement of the relaunch, Showmax also unveiled a brand-new logo, and explained how migration onto the global, robust Peacock streaming platform allows the service to scale fast.[23] The content slate that hit Showmax after the launch in February 2024 includes a record number of African Originals, as well as a massive line-up of international hit series and blockbuster movies.[24]
Features
Downloads
Showmax's download feature allows users to download up to 25 shows or movies at a time and watch them offline on Android and iOS tablets and smartphones. There are four different quality settings to reduce the amount of data required to download.[25]
Bandwidth capping
In January 2024, Showmax released their new bandwidth caps, which include a low cap that uses only 60 MB per hour on mobile, with three other bandwidth caps that use up to 240 MB/hour, 330 MB/hour and 1.6 GB/hour respectively on mobile, allowing subscribers to manage their data usage while streaming.[26]
Multiple profiles
In August 2016, Showmax added a multiple profile feature including the ability to set up child-friendly profiles[27] with three age settings.
Mobile plan
In October 2019, Showmax introduced a mobile-only plan.[28] According to Showmax,[29] "Smartphones and tablets are, for many in Africa, the primary, if not only, window to the internet, and up until now none of the most popular SVoD services has designed a product specifically for mobile usage."
Showmax Pro
In July 2020, Showmax launched live sport streaming service Showmax Pro and began roll out across 40 countries in Africa. In June 2019, Showmax began testing sport live-streaming, and by 2022, the Showmax Pro service was available across 50 African countries in sub-Saharan Africa.[30]
On 1 October 2023, Showmax announced that Showmax Pro would no longer be available for subscription ahead of the relaunch of Showmax.[31] By 30 November 2023, Showmax Pro was phased out to make way for Showmax's new sports-streaming product, Showmax Premier League, which gives subscribers access to all 380 games of the Premier League, all available to live stream on their mobile devices.[32]
On 13 June 2017, Showmax announced that filming of its first original series Tali's Wedding Diary, a mockumentary featuring Julia Anastasopoulos, had begun.[34][35][36]
On 16 November 2017, Showmax released a trailer for Tali's Wedding Diary.[37] It was announced that it would be available on Showmax on 14 December 2017.[38][39][40]
In November 2020, shooting for the follow-up series, Tali's Baby Diary, was announced,[42] and all 10 episodes landed on Showmax in March 2021, with critics calling it "the best South African TV show of 2021 so far".[43] The main cast returned for the follow-up, which followed Tali and her husband Darren as they prepared for the birth of their first child. Julia Anastasopoulos returned as Tali, with Anton Taylor reprising his role as Darren, Glen Biderman-Pam as Darren's business partner Rael, and Lara Toselli as Tali's frenemy, Gabi. New faces included Siv Ngesi as Rael and Darren's corporate nemesis and Kate Pinchuk as their new receptionist.[44]
In August 2022, Showmax announced that filming on the third instalment of the show, Tali's Joburg Diary, had started.[45] New weekly episodes of Tali's Joburg Diary landed on Showmax in November 2022. All episodes are now streaming.
Showmax's first original drama series The Girl From St Agnes was released on 31 January 2019.[46] In the eight-part murder mystery, the mysterious death of a schoolgirl at an elite boarding school sets off a desperate hunt for the truth.[47] The series was filmed on location in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.[48]
Trippin with Skhumba
In February 2019, Showmax announced its first original travel show, Trippin with Skhumba,[49] hosted by South African comedian Skhumba Hlope. The theme music used for the series is the hit record "Spirit" by Kwesta.[50] The series launched on 28 February. Guests on the first season include South African comedians such as Celeste Ntuli,[51][52] Siya Seya,[53] Salesman,[54] Mashabela Galane,[55] Tumi Morake[56][57] and Schalk Bezuidenhout.[58][59]
Somizi & Mohale: The Union
In February 2020, Showmax premiered Somizi & Mohale: The Union. The four-part wedding special featuring Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung broke viewing records on Showmax.[60]
Lebo M: Coming Home
Follow legendary musician Lebo M as he reunites his family on South African shores and rediscovers his roots.[61] All 10 episodes of Lebo M: Coming Home are streaming.
Rage
In March 2020, Showmax launched its first original horror movie.[62] In Rage, a group of school-leavers goes to a tiny coastal town to celebrate the end of their school careers.
Famous
In the music industry in Kenya, where fame equals success, some will do whatever it takes to make it to the top. In this Kenyan Showmax Original,[63] the music world comes alive in a 10-part drama series. All episodes of Famous are streaming on Showmax.
Life With Kelly Khumalo
In August 2020, Showmax premiered reality show Life With Kelly Khumalo,[64] starring award-winning South African singer Kelly Khumalo.
Season 3 of Life With Kelly Khumalo launched on 5 July 2022, with new episodes every Tuesday until 27 September 2022. The third season follows the star at the pinnacle of her career and the height of her fame.[66]
In September 2021, Showmax announced that the second season of The Real Housewives of Durban, as well as the first season of The Real Housewives of Lagos, would premiere in early 2022.[67]
In January 2022, the cast of The Real Housewives of Durban Season 2 was announced:[68] Sorisha Naidoo, Annie Mthembu, Nonku Williams and LaConco would be returning for the second season, joined by Jojo Robinson, Londie London and Thobile MaKhumalo Mseleku. The Real Housewives of Durban Season 2 started on 28 January 2022, with new weekly episodes landing on Showmax every Friday until 15 April 2022.[69]
On 6 May 2022, Showmax released the first of the two-part season reunion, with the second part of the reunion landing on 13 May 2022.[70]
In January 2023, Showmax announced the return of The Real Housewives of Durban, and Season 3 landed on 1 February 2023.[71] Returning to the new season are cast members Annie Mthembu, Jojo Robinson, Nonku Williams and Sorisha Naidoo, with Maria Valaskatzis, Mbali Ngiba and Slindile Wendy Ndlovu joined for the first time.
In January 2024, the fourth season of The Real Housewives of Durban was announced, featuring Nonku Williams, Sorisha Naidoo, Jojo Robinson, and Slindile Wendy Ndlovu, alongside newcomers Nqobile “Angel” Ndlela and Zamaswazi Ngcobo. The new series is set to stream on Showmax from 9 February 2024.[72]
This police procedural and legal drama, consisting of 8 episodes, was both Kenya's first Showmax Original and Showmax's first co-production with Canal+. The episodes are based on Kenyan true crime stories, and stars Sarah Hassan and Alfred Munyua as two detectives with the Nairobi Metropol Police. The first season premiered on Showmax in February 2020, and the series has since been nominated for three Kalasha Awards, including Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actress and Best Lead Actor. In November 2021, Showmax announced[73] that filming had begun on a second season of Crime and Justice.
New episodes of Season 2 of Crime and Justice landed on Showmax from 21 February 2022.[74]
The Nigerian spin-off, Crime and Justice Lagos, launched on Showmax in December 2022. All episodes are now streaming.[75]
Showmax announced in November 2020 that filming had wrapped on the psychological thriller DAM,[76] which landed on Showmax in February 2021, drawing comparisons to HBO's The Outsider.[77]
DAM is an eight-episode Showmax Original made in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the Amathole District Municipality and Picture Tree, shot on location in the towns of Bedford and Adelaide in the Eastern Cape.
Lea Vivier stars as Yola Fischer, who returns to the small town where she grew up after the death of her father. Pallance Dladla plays the biker Themba, who arrives in town after fleeing secrets of his own, and Faniswa Yisa plays his aunt Lindiwe. Other cast members include Natasha Loring as Yola's sister, Sienna, and Antoinette Louw as their aunt Dora.[78]
DAM was the most nominated drama at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in September 2022, with 11 nominations. Natasha Loring won her first SAFTA for her role as Sienna, and Sue Steele won for Best Art Directing.[79]
In September 2022, Showmax announced that filming on Season 2 had begun in the Eastern Cape.[80] Season 2 landed on 16 February 2023, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.[81]
Skemerdans
In March 2021, Showmax released the first trailer for the Cape Flats neo-noir series Skemerdans, created and directed by Amy Jephta with Ephrahim Gordon co-directing.[82]
The 13-episode mystery series landed on Showmax in April 2021, with Kevin Smith, llse Klink, Vinette Ebrahim, Brendon Daniels and Trudy van Rooy starring as the members of the Fortune family, who find themselves at the centre of an investigation after a murder is committed at the Oasis Jazz Club, which their family have owned for decades.[83]
Showmax announced in February 2021 that it had licensed its first international reality format and would be bringing Temptation Island to South African shores.[84]Temptation Island South Africa premiered on 26 August 2021, with the trailer dropping on 26 July 2021, introducing the four couples who would be putting their relationships to the test by living in a men's and women's villa with hot singles looking for love.
Temptation Island South Africa was produced by Afrokaans Film & Television and hosted by Phat Joe. Distributed by Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay, Temptation Island is a Teen Choice-nominated pop culture phenomenon, which has been adapted 25 times and counting.
The explosive two-part reunion of Temptation Island South Africa brought the couples and singles back to screens on 25 November 2021, marking the end of the 14-episode season.
Ghana Jollof
In August 2021, the cast for the first Showmax Original comedy series in West Africa, Ghana Jollof, was revealed. Directed by Diji Aderogba (About A Boy) and produced by Nigerian comedian Basketmouth, the 13-episode series includes an ensemble Nigerian and Ghanaian cast.
The Wife
In August 2021,[85] Showmax announced a new slate of Original series that included an adaptation of the best-selling novel Hlomu The Wife, self-published by South Africa author Dudu Busani-Dube. Billed as Showmax's first Original telenovela, The Wife is produced by Stained Glass, the same production company behind eHostela and Uzalo, the latter being the most-watched soap opera in South Africa.
The Wife is divided into three seasons. Each season is based on one of Dudu Busani-Dube's books in the series: Hlomu The Wife, Zandile The Resolute, and Naledi His Love. The first three episodes premiered on Showmax on 11 November 2021, and broke the streaming platform's record for the most first-day views, which was previously held by controversial reality series Uthando Lodumo. The Wife also broke Showmax's record for the most hours watched within four days of launch, which was previously held by true crime documentary Devilsdorp.[86]
Season 1 of The Wife came to an end on 3 February 2022 and Season 2 started on 17 February 2022, starring Khanyi Mbau as Zandile.[87] Season 2 ended on 5 May 2022, with Season 3 slated to land on the platform late in 2022.
On 5 August 2022, Showmax launched The Wife: Behind the Veil, an eight-episode Original that tells the behind-the-scenes stories of The Wife Seasons 1-2.[88]
In September 2022, Showmax announced that Season 3 of The Wife had started being filmed, and that it would land on the platform in November 2023.[89] On 10 November 2022, the first three episodes of Season 3 landed, introducing Wiseman Mncube as the new star portraying Mqhele Zulu. Gaisang K Noge and Kwenzo Ngcobo return as Naledi and Qhawe respectively, the star-crossed lovers at the centre of the season.[90] All episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Baba Twins
In November 2021, Showmax announced its first Kenyan Showmax Original film, Baba Twins, a comedy-drama produced by Lucy Mwangi, known for her work on award-winning series Njoro wa Uba. Baba Twins follows young airline hostess Wamz, played by Violetta Ngina, and radio presenter Tony, played by Morris Mwangi, who unexpectedly become parents to twins. The movie was released on Showmax on 15 December 2021.
Troukoors (Wedding Fever)
In November 2021, Showmax released the trailer[91] for its first Original romcom, Troukoors (Wedding Fever), which landed on Showmax on 13 December 2021, and already renewed for a second season. The 14-episode first season followed wedding planner Jessica, played by Ilse-Lee van Niekerk, who is surrounded by love but struggling to find it for herself. Troukoors is created by SAFTA winner Louis Pretorius and SAFTA nominee Albert Snyman, with regular collaborator Nina Swart directing.
Blyde Smit stars as Jessica's sister Luca, and Bianca Flanders plays her best friend, Abi. Other stars in Season 1 include Lea Vivier, Armand Aucamp, Evan Hengst, Kevin Smith and Christiaan Schoombie.[92]
Season 2 of Troukoors was announced on 6 April 2022,[93] and the full boxset of Season 2 landed on 5 May 2022.
Single Kiasi
Adapted from the South African drama series Unmarried, Single Kiasi is a Kenyan Showmax Original about three women dealing with life, love, the daily hustle and their careers in Nairobi.[94]
Gathoni Mutua plays Sintamei, Minne Kariuki plays Mariah, and Faith Kibathi stars as Rebecca.
Single Kiasi (originally titled Single-ish) landed on Showmax on 20 January 2022, and all episodes are now available to stream.
Season 2 of Single Kiasi launched on Showmax on 16 January 2023, with new episodes landing every Monday.[95]
Season 3 of Single Kiasi is set to premier on the streaming platform on 5 March 2024, with new episodes being released every Tuesday.
Sex in Afrikaans
The six-part docuseries Sex in Afrikaans premiered on Showmax on 14 February 2022. Clinical psychologist Bradley R Daniels helps four Afrikaans couples and two singles to have candid conversations about their sex lives for the first time in public. All six episodes were made available as a boxset on the day of launch.
ENO
The First Showmax Original from Ghana, ENO follows a family of three sisters who are pushed by their mother, Abena Baafi the matriarch, into the path of wealthy suitors. But the girls all have minds of their own, and their mother's dream quickly turns into their worst nightmare.[96]
Gloria Osei-Sarfo plays Abena, Emelia Asieudu plays Tessa, the eldest daughter, Esi Hammond plays Safowaa, the bookish middle daughter, and Mariam Owusu Poku plays the lastborn, Kendall.
ENO premiered on 4 March 2022.
In January 2024, the second season of ENO was announced, set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.[97]
Living The Dream With Somizi Season 5
On 12 April 2022, Showmax announced that the fifth season of the reality show Living the Dream with Somizi would be landing first on Showmax on 4 May 2022, picking up after his split with Mohale.[98] The first four seasons are also available on Showmax to stream. The fifth season featured appearances from some of South Africa's most celebrated celebrities as well as Somizi's family, including his daughter Bahumi. The finale landed on 6 July 2022.
Igiza
On 5 May 2022, Showmax announced the upcoming Kenyan Original, Igiza.[99] The thriller series, set against the backdrop of Nairobi's fashion industry, landed on Showmax on 23 May 2022, starring Serah Ndanu playing the role of twin sisters. New episodes drop every Monday.
Pulse
The Showmax Original horror, Pulse, was announced on 23 May 2022, and all episodes dropped on Showmax on 23 June 2022. The series follows a group of video game developers who become trapped in a real-world version of their own creation when they're cornered in their high-rise office building by a madman who just wants to play.[100] Tarryn Wyngaard, Thapelo Mokoena, Sven Ruygrok and Carel Nel star, and Sallas de Jager directs.
Journey of the Beats
The Nigerian Showmax Original that tells the story of Afrobeats - from its origins in the backstreets of Lagos to global festivals, stadiums and the Grammy Awards - premiered on Showmax on 23 June 2022, and is now available to binge-watch. Journey of the Beats featured some of Nigeria's biggest artists, like 2Baba, P-Square, Onyeka Onwenu, Daddy Showkey, Flavour, and D'Banj.[101]
Mohale: On the Record
Mohale: On the Record, the Showmax Original tell-all special featuring Somizi's ex, Mohale Motaung, was announced on 13 June 2022. The interview landed on 4 August 2022.[102]
County 49
The Kenyan Showmax Original County 49 was announced on 4 August 2022, with the first episode landing on 25 August. The series follows the corruption and greed that threatens Kenya's fictional and flourishing 49th county.[103]
BBNaija S7: The Buzz
In August 2022, the seventh season of Big Brother Naija launched, streaming live on Showmax, along with the exclusive Showmax talk show The Buzz landing on Tuesdays and Saturdays, hosted by media personality Toke Makinwa.[104]
Somizi & Mohale: End of the Road
On 10 August 2022, Showmax announced the upcoming unauthorised documentary about Somizi and Mohale's high-profile wedding and separation, Somizi & Mohale: End of the Road. The documentary has been live on Showmax since 25 August 2022.
Uthando Lodumo
With Season 1 of the reality series about the lives of Gqom superstars Mampintsha and Babes Wodumo available to binge-watch, Showmax released Season 2 of Uthando Lodumo on 1 September 2022, and all episodes are available to stream.[105]
Steinheist
At the end of August 2022, Showmax released the trailer for upcoming Showmax Original docuseries Steinheist, by the creators of the smash-hit Showmax Original Devilsdorp. Steinheist examines the biggest corporate scandal in South Africa's history. It was directed by Richard Finn Gregory and edited by Nikki Comninos. All three episodes have been available since 6 October 2022.[106]
In August 2022, Showmax released the first-look trailer[107] for the African fantasy epic Blood Psalms. The first two episodes landed on 28 September, and new episodes land every Wednesday until the end of November 2022.[108]
The cast includes Bokang Phelane as Princess Zazi, Mothusi Magano as her father, mad king Letsha, and Zolisa Xaluva as General Toka, the head of her father's Akachi army.[109]
Created by Layla Swart and Jahmil X.T. Qubeka from Yellowbone Entertainment, Blood Psalms is set in Ancient Africa, where the young Princess Zazi must save herself and her people from the end of the world. She faces warring tribes, angry gods - and her own father.[110]
Diiche is the first Nigerian Showmax Original limited series. The psychological thriller about an A-list star implicated in the murder of her fiancé has been streaming since 29 September, and all episodes are now available to binge-watch.[111]
The first episode of the Showmax Original Nigerian drama series Flawsome landed on 10 November 2022. The series follows four close friends who navigate their careers, relationships and love lives as women in a man's world.[112] The series stars Bisola Aiyeola, Ini Dima-Okojie, Sharon Ooja, and Enado Odigie.
In January 2024, the second season of Flawsome was announced, set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.[113]
Donkerbos
South African crime thriller Donkerbos launched on Showmax in November 2022, and new episodes land every Tuesday until 17 January 2023. Set in Limpopo, the series is in English, Afrikaans and Venda, and follows troubled detective Fanie and her partner Tsedza, who are tasked with investigating the murder of multiple children in a small town.[114]
Erica Wessels stars as Fanie and Sanda Shandu as Tsedza, with Stian Bam, Edwin van der Walt, Thoko Tshinga, Carel Nel, Leandie du Randt and more in the cast.[115]
This reality show follows seven women who work in the South African adult entertainment industry, and launched in November on Showmax, with new episodes landing every week until 25 January 2023.[116]This Body Works For Me cast members Bubbly, Gina, Nelly, Primadonna, Samke, Wandi, and Xoli give viewers a first-hand look into their lives, careers and hustles. The explosive reunion landed in March 2023.
In July 2023, Season 2 of This Body Works For Me was announced. Returning cast members Bubbly, Gina, Primadonna and Wandi are joined by new cast members Diamond, Dione Xanthe and Lebo.[117]This Body Works For Me Season 2 launched on Showmax on 22 August 2023, with new episodes airing every Tuesday.
My Perfect Funeral
The Ghanaian Showmax Original reality show My Perfect Funeral follows the planning of extravagant funerals in Ghana. The 10-episode show seeks to answer the question - what does it take to pull off a Ghanaian funeral?[118]
Pepeta
The Kenyan drama series Pepeta follows four young footballers in Kenya - Junior, Dayo, Dimore and Ade - who are gearing up to make it professionally, but at what cost to their relationships, their families, and their happiness? Pepeta launched on Showmax in November 2022.[119]
In December 2022, Showmax announced that their first Original telenovela in Nigeria would land on 23 January 2023. Wura tells the story of a ruthless mine boss and loving mother, played by up-and-coming Nollywood star Scarlet Gomez.[120] In July 2023, the 100th episode of Wura landed on Showmax, marking the end of Season 1.[121]
Season 2 was announced in November 2023, and will land in weekly episode batches from 4 December 2023.[122]
The Real Housewives of Abuja
In January 2023, Showmax announced that the first instalment of The Real Housewives of Abuja hit the platform on 17 February 2023, with new episodes dropping every Friday thereafter.[123]
The new series follows the luxurious lives of six influential and successful women in Abuja. The women include Arafa, Comfort Booth, OJ Posharella, Princess Jecoco, Samantha Homossany and Tutupie as they navigate their opulent lives, relationships, family and businesses within the powerful city of Abuja and beyond.
All episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Real Housewives of Nairobi
Showmax announced that The Real Housewives of Nairobi was in production in September 2022,[124] and the cast was unveiled in February 2023.[125] The first episode lands on 23 February 2023, with new episodes every Thursday until 11 May 2023.
Sex and Pleasure
In February 2023, Showmax announced that a new documentary series exploring what South Africans get up to behind closed doors, Sex and Pleasure, was coming soon.[126] The docuseries is hosted by writer Kim Windvogel and journalist Romantha Botha. All episodes are now streaming.
Stella Murders
The team behind the Showmax Original Devilsdorp investigate the devastating and shocking deaths of two teenaged girls in their school hostel in the small town of Stella, North West, in 2018 in the true-crime documentary Stella Murders.[127]
New episodes of the Showmax Original drama series Adulting are landing on Showmax from 20 March 2023, with new episodes landing every Monday thereafter. The show follows four university friends who journey through life's ups and downs together, and stars Thembinkosi Mthembu as successful businessman Bonga, with Luthando BU Mthembu as toy-boy Vuyani, Thabiso Rammusi as cheating family man Mpho, and Nhanhla Kunene as hot-headed bad-boy Eric.[128]Adulting is produced by Tshedza Pictures, the team behind the International Emmy-nominated telenovela The River and more. All episodes are available to stream on Showmax.
In September 2023, Showmax announced that Adulting had been renewed for a second season.[129]
Season 2 of Adulting landed in December 2023, and new episodes land on Showmax until 26 February 2024.[130]
The Billionaire's Wife
The Ghanaian Showmax Original drama series The Billionaire's Wife landed on Showmax on 2 March 2023. The series consists of 10 episodes, which drop weekly on a Thursday, and follows 19-year-old Adepa, who marries a much older man in the hopes of changing her fortunes, only to discover that being a billionaire's wife may be the toughest thing she's ever done.[131] All episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Jay Jay: The Chosen One
In March 2023, Showmax announced an upcoming animated Showmax Original inspired by the life of Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okucha, called Jay Jay: The Chosen One. The series lands on 6 April 2023, and follows a football-crazy boy who is gifted with superpowers from his animal friends.[132]Jay Jay: The Chosen One marks the start of Showmax's adventures in animated Originals.
Second Family
The first Kenyan Showmax Original telenovela follows Sinde, a small-town girl whose perfect life is shattered when she finds out that it's all been a big lie. Her hero, the man she loves the most – her father – has concealed that she is actually from his second family.[133] After the first 40 episodes landed, Second Family went on a production break that started in July 2023.[134]Second Family Season 2 resumed in September 2023, with new episodes dropping on Thursdays and Fridays.
The Mommy Club
Following five Johannesburg-based "momfluencers", 11-part reality series The Mommy Club landed on 27 June 2023.[135]
See life through the eyes of media personalities Mrs Mops, Tshego Manche, Her Majesty, Nunurai and Ratile as they tackle demanding careers, flourishing businesses, and parenting, meet their indispensable nannies and their adorable kids.
In January 2024, The Mommy Club Season 2 was announced, set to stream on Showmax from 19 February 2024, featuring Nozipho Zulu and Jabulile Sande, along with returning cast members Her Majesty, Mrs Mops, Nunurai and Ratile.[136]
Landing on 6 July 2023, Kenyan Showmax Original crime drama Faithless follows four church-going women whose savings scheme gets turned into a money-laundering operation in the wake of a heist gone wrong.[137] Starring Rosemary Waweru, Avril Nyambura, Beatrice Mwai and Fatma Mohammed, all 10 episodes of Faithless are now available to stream.
Unfollowed
Exploring the growing phenomenon of cancel culture on social media, Showmax Original Unfollowed was announced on 27 July 2023.[138] Hosted by Thembekile Mrototo, the docu-series focuses on South African celebrities who have experienced being "cancelled" on social media, including singer Lady Zamar, presenter and musician Jub Jub, influencer Mihlali, presenter Nonhle Thema, poet and musician Ntsiki Mazwai, media personality Phat Joe, comedian Tol A$$ Mo, and actress Zoe Mthiyane.
Unfollowed launched on Showmax on 23 August 2023, with new episodes every Wednesday thereafter until 11 October 2023.
Outlaws
On 10 August 2023, Showmax released the first-look trailer of the upcoming contemporary Western series Outlaws.[139] Set in the lush, lawless lands of the border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, Outlaws follows two families at war: the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyela clan and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Tseoles. With a cast of South African stars including Nolwazi Shange and Thembinkosi Mthembu, and fresh-faced newcomers, Outlaws is produced by the multi-award-winning Tshedza Pictures, and landed on 6 September 2023, with two new episodes every Wednesday thereafter. All episodes are now streaming.
Boetie Boer: Inside The Mind Of A Killer
On 18 September 2023, Showmax announced the upcoming five-part true-crime docuseries Boetie Boer: Inside The Mind Of A Killer, to be released on 18 October 2023. The series is about serial killer Stewart Wilken, aka "Boetie Boer".[140] The documentary series is a co-production between Stage 5 Films and Howes' Fifth Floor Films.[141] Directed by Jasyn Howes, the series features interviews with Wilken himself, as well as the family of one of his victims, Georgina Zweni, and his own surviving children, Sonika and Sergius. Certain events are recreated by actors, with Wilken played by Raven Swart.[142]
In September 2021, Showmax announced that The Real Housewives of Lagos[143] would premiere in early 2022. On Friday, 8 April 2022, the first episode dropped on Showmax, featuring businesswoman Carolyna Hutchings, influencer Laura Ikeji-Kanu, lawyer and luxury hair brand owner Chioma Ikokwu, celebrity stylist Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo and PR expert Mariam Timmer.
All episodes of The Real Housewives of Lagos Season 1 are available on Showmax, including the explosive two-part reunion. Season 2 launched on Showmax on 29 September 2023, with returning cast members Laura Ikeji-Kanu, Chioma Ikokwu, Toyin Lawani Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo and Mariam Timmer being joined by Tania Omotayo and Faith Morey.[144] New episodes land every Friday.
Spinners
Spinners is the third collaboration between Showmax and Canal+. It became the first African series selected in competition at Canneseries; won three awards at Dakar Series, including Best TV Series; received a standing ovation from its sold-out South African premiere at Silwerskerm; and was the opening night screening at MIP Africa, generating rave reviews. Following Ethan, a 17-year-old driver working for a local gang, Spinners is set and filmed on the Cape Flats and stars Cantona James and Chelsea Thomas. New episodes of Spinners land every Wednesday on Showmax.[145]
On 9 October 2023, Showmax announced an upcoming South African-Nigerian dating reality show called Bae Beyond Borders, where four South African single women, on a quest for love, date 12 men from Nigeria in the hopes of finding The One. All episodes are now streaming.[146]
Twende
Twende is the first-ever Showmax Original 2D animated series, premiering on 1 December 2023.
Set in the bustling fictional East African city of Milima, Twende follows a boda-boda-driving pangolin, whose belief that, 'Life is about the journey, not the destination' is constantly at odds with his job.[147]
Kwa Mam'Mkhize Season 2
South Africa's fave bougie mom, Shauwn Mkhize, is back in the second season of her hit reality show, landing on Showmax on 14 December 2023.[148]
Cheta M
On 8 January 2024 Showmax announced[149] the upcoming Nigerian Original Cheta M,[150] a long-running epic drama series from Producer-director James Omokwe, set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.
The series follows young lovers Adanna, played by Oluchi Amajuoyi, and Nnanna, played by Kingsley Nwachukwu, who face challenges from political drama between the kingdoms of Mgberi and Ajaani, along with a spell that makes them lose their memories. With Ruby Okezie, Nnenna, and Nonso Odogwu.[151]
Sadau Sisters
On 8 January 2024 Showmax announced[149] the upcoming Nigerian Original reality series Sadau Sisters,[152] set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.
Actress Rahama Sadau and her three sisters – Aisha, Fatima, and Zainab – reunite in a new home and a new city, then take viewers along to explore their personal lives, fame, family and business, as they strive to heal from family trauma and controversies.[153]
Red Ink
On 8 January 2024 Showmax announced[149] the upcoming South African Original Red Ink,[154] a crime drama series set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.
Author Angela Makholwa-Moabelo co-wrote this adaptation of her bestselling debut novel Red Ink with Thishiwe Ziqubu, and executive produced the series through her company Britespark Films – in collaboration with Shaka iLembe’s producers, Bomb Productions.
In the series, imprisoned serial killer Napoleon “The Butcher” Dingiswayo, played by Bonko Khoza, approaches journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, played by Nqobile “Nunu” Khumalo, to tell his story.[155]
Youngins
On 8 January 2024 Showmax announced[149] the upcoming South African Original Youngins,[156] a long-running Tshedza Pictures young adult drama series set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.
On 8 January 2024 Showmax announced[149] the upcoming South African Original Wyfie,[158] a long-running Afrikaans young adult drama series produced by Homebrew Films, creators of Trompoppie, and set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.
In the series four mismatched roommates in residence at the fictional Eike university in Stellenbosch take the leap into “adult” life and choices. With Beata Bena Green, Celeste Loots, Kristen Raath, and Mienke Ehlers. The soundtrack by SAFTA-winner Peach van Pletzen includes the last song that Afrikaans mumble rapper Angie Oeh recorded before her death in August 2023.[159]
On 8 January 2024 Showmax announced[149] the upcoming South African Original Widows Unveiled,[165] a reality series from Passionlane Productions (Uthando Nes'thembu), set to stream on Showmax from 12 February 2024.
The series follows five widows who’re navigating life in the spotlight and their private grief following the deaths of their high profile husbands. With marketing professional Lerato Sengadi (widow of Motswako legend Hip Hop Pantsula); businesswoman Mpho Tshabalala (widow of kwaito legend Mandoza); businesswoman Sikelelwa Ngubane (widow of actor Menzi Ngubane); businesswoman Fundiswa Molefe (widow of businessman John Molefe); and businesswoman Lerato Maphatsoe (widow of former South African Defence Minister Kebby Maphatsoe).[166]
