Best series on Showmax
We’ve rounded up our pick of the best series to stream – whether it’s brand-new series that you’ve never seen before, fan favourites, original African series, the best of HBO, or Emmy and Golden-Globe winning titles. We update this list with our faves throughout the month, so keep it bookmarked.
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The Day of the Jackal
Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne stars as the unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, the Jackal, who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee.
The Real Housewives of Lagos S1-S3
Binge-watch The Real Housewives of Lagos S1-2, and catch new episodes on Showmax every Monday, express from the Africa Magic Showcase airing.
Made in Nigeria
Sullivan’s Crossing S1-2
A riveting and emotional romantic drama series based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novel. Follow Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan as her life is upended, leading her to return home to Sullivan’s Crossing.
Found S2
Found follows recovery specialist Gabi Mosely as she and her team work tirelessly to find missing people forgotten by the system.
Entangled S1-2
This rom-com drama series follows the trials and tribulations of a woman and her friends as they navigate the world of relationships and the complications that come with it.
Made in South Africa
White Lies S1
Natalie Dormer drives this thrilling crime drama set in the Mother City. When an investigative journalist’s estranged brother is murdered, she’s drawn into the underworld of Cape Town.
Made in South Africa
Son of a Critch S3
The executive producer of Schitt’s Creek delivers this heartfelt comedy that is a window into the life of an 11-year-old boy battling through middle school in the 80s.
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent S1
This spin-off of the hit crime drama franchise follows an elite squad investigating corruption and high-level criminality in the Greater Toronto.
Somebody Somewhere S1-3
Binge-watch the final season of this semi-autobiographical HBO dramedy about Sam, who finds an unlikely community in her small home town after the death of her sister.
Sweetpea S1
Rhiannon Lewis doesn’t make much of an impression – until she is pushed over the edge and loses control. Her life transforms, but can she keep her killer secret?
Chicago Med S9
Another compelling instalment of the pulse-pounding medical drama about the courageous team of doctors at a trauma centre in Chicago.
Emperor of Ocean Park S1
When a Black candidate for the Supreme Court dies of a heart attack, his daughter, a former journalist, believes his death was foul play.
Spooksoeker S1
When he is suddenly thrust into the supernatural realm, a teenage boy must quickly learn how to banish ghosts and save his town, friends, and family.
Made in South Africa
My Brilliant Friend S4
This gorgeous HBO series recounts a 60-year friendship between two women, which began in 1950s Naples, based on the bestselling novels.
Based On A True Story S2
A realtor, her ex-tennis star husband, and a plumber take advantage of people’s obsession with true crime in this dark comedy series.
Soft Life S1
An ordinary township girl enters the secretive world of high-society companionship to settle her mother’s medical bills in this Showmax Original drama.
Made in South Africa
Izingane Zes’thembu S1-2
A reality show that follows the lives of the polygamous businessman’s children as they navigate life within a polygamous family.
Made in South Africa
Kwa Njomane S1-2
A reality show that follows the controversial life of traditional healer Smangele Mhlongo and her three children as they face the challenges of life, relationships, and societal pressures.
Made in South Africa
Billy the Kid S2
An epic western adventure based on the life of Billy the Kid, from his humble roots to his days as a gunslinger to his role in the war.
Dune: Prophecy S1
Power lies in the shadows in this HBO sci-fi epic set 10 000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, following the creators of the female order, the Bene Gesserit.
How about a movie marathon?
Breathe (2024)
Air-supply is scarce in the near future, forcing a mother and daughter to fight to survive when two strangers arrive desperate for an oxygenated haven.
Your Lucky Day (2023)
The late Angus Cloud (Euphoria) drives this gritty, tension-filled heist thriller about a dispute over a winning lottery ticket.
Ramy Youssef: More Feelings
Ramy Youssef returns to the stage to offer his unique reflections on our divided world, the unexpected perils of charitable giving, and more.
The Last Rifleman (2023)
A WWII veteran escapes his nursing home in Northern Ireland to attend the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.
One Life (2023)
A London broker helps save hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis just before the start of WWII.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
The second instalment in an epic two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge.
Back to Black (2024)
Marisa Abela becomes the musical titan in this extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and her tumultuous personal life.
The Color Purple (2023)
A woman faces hardships in her life, but finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
The most binge-worthy series
Gqeberha: The Empire S2
A polygamist with a thriving business empire based in Gqeberha decides to take a fourth wife. Soon his wives and children turn against one another, leading to an epic battle for the throne.
Made in South Africa
Hightown S1-3
A hard-drinking woman’s journey to sobriety is overshadowed by an unfolding murder investigation. Her search for the truth entangles her with a dangerous organised crime syndicate.
Next Level Chef S2
Gordon Ramsay levels up cooking competitions with this multi-level culinary challenge that awards the best contestants the coveted title of Next Level Chef.
Law & Order S23
The original Law & Order resumes its classic two-part approach following both the police who investigate crimes and the DAs who prosecute them.
Money and murder in White Lies and more crime drama series
Natalie Dormer and Brendon Daniels are investigating what the old money elite get up to behind high walls in crime drama series White Lies. So we’ve picked out five series from our evidence files to help them.
Made in South AfricaLaw & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent S1
This spin-off of the hit crime drama franchise follows an elite squad investigating corruption and high-level criminality in the Greater Toronto.
30 Rock S1-7
Emmy winner Tina Fey stars as Liz Lemon, head writer of the fictional sketch-comedy show TGS with Tracy Jordan, who has to deal with an arrogant boss and a crazy […]
Meet the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crew
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is bringing wonder back to space exploration as a crew of familiar friends and new characters join a five-year mission to explore the universe.
More Mzansi gold
Showmax to adapt NBCUniversal’s Superstore for South Africa
Showmax orders a South African isiZulu adaptation of NBCUniversal’s hit US comedy Superstore on the 10th anniversary of the debut of the original series.
Made in South AfricaGqeberha: The Empire S2
A polygamist with a thriving business empire based in Gqeberha decides to take a fourth wife. Soon his wives and children turn against one another, leading to an epic battle for the throne.
Made in South Africa
Thabiso Rammusi on Mpho and adulting after divorce
Thabiso Rammusi reflects on Mpho and navigating divorce on the third and final season of Adulting, premiering 25 January on Showmax, with new episodes every Saturday.
South African
Showmax to stream Tyla’s historic concert
Showmax will live stream Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Tyla, live from her concert at the SunBet Arena, to 44 countries in Africa on 18 January 2025.
Made in South Africa