20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream

Showmax has tonnes of local reality shows and there’s one thing they’ve got in common: drama! Here are some of the titles in the collection, plus some extras to give you a taste of the homegrown reality series on Showmax.

Die Tollie & Manila Show | Stream now, with new episodes every Monday

Drag superstars Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez host a talk show like you have never seen before. South African celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for a bold and unfiltered conversation. The all-star guests include Helen Zille, Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance, actors Celeste Loots, Francois Jacobs, Frank Opperman, Jarrid Geduld, and Rob van Vuuren; television personality Soli Philander, and musicians Craig Lucas, Jack Parow, Loki Rothman, and Valiant Swart, as well as online personalities Aletta Francina de Kock and Rynhardt Schoeman – all as you’ve never seen them before. Watch now »

Shebeen Queens | Binge now

Shebeen Queens is a reality show about three self-made female entrepreneurs: Alina Sishange, Big Mama, and Xoliswa Shwayimba. An all-access look into the lives of the women behind some of the most infamous shebeens in Soweto – Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern, and Rama Tavern.

The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice | Binge now

In the first spinoff of the smash hit Showmax Original The Mommy Club, we bring you the glamorous and stylish mothers within Durban’s Indian community as they take parenting to a whole new level.

The cast includes Abigail Nepaul, Asharia Parsad, Christina Devraj, Devina Knowles, Kim Jones, Lenore Goss-Matjie, Neetasha Singh Bugwandin, and twins Losh and Resh Naidoo. The two-part reunion special is also available to stream on Showmax. Watch now »

Die Ondernemers | Binge now

Most people think of death as the end, but for Cape Town’s quirkiest undertakers it’s the start of their work week. Join three unique undertakers as they navigate the absurdities of the world of life and death.

The cast includes Candice Austin, owner of Goodall & Bourne Funeral Undertakers; Jano van der Berg, owner of Van der Berg Funeral Services; and former Stormers rugby player Ramone Samuels, managing director of SamWill Funeral Services, co-owned by his brother, Springbok fullback Damian Willemse. Watch now »

Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap | Binge now

Peak into the vibrant lives of seven renowned drag queens in Cape Town. We witness their daily trials, triumphs, and intimate moments as they navigate the good, the bad, and the drag of it all.

The larger-than-life cast members include multi-pageant winner Emogan Moore, Miss Sovereign Western Cape winner Ina Propriette, Miss Cape Town Pride winner Kat Gilardi, SA’s Got Talent runner-up Manila von Teez, Miss Gay Western Cape winner Maxine Wilde, and rival house mothers BB Vahlour and television personality Madison Scarr. Watch now »

Born Into Fame | Binge now

Meet Shamiso Mosaka, Tank ‘The Rockstar’ Khathi, Phila Madlingozi, Robbie Malinga Jnr, AJ and Owami Mafokate as they unpack the pressures of fame and the daily struggle of walking in the shadows of their well-known parents. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesdays. Watch now »

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa | Binge now

The Showmax Original The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa brings together some of South Africa’s most iconic and memorable Housewives in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Jamaica.

During this luxury journey, these formidable women will form unexpected friendships and face fresh new challenges with the aim to make this trip an unforgettable one. 

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa cast members are as follows: LaConco (The Real Housewives of Durban S1-S2); Beverly Steyn (The Real Housewives of Cape Town S1); Londie London (The Real Housewives of Durban S2); Christall Kay (The Real Housewives of Johannesburg S1-S2); Liz Prins (The Real Housewives of Gqeberha S1); Melany Viljoen (The Real Housewives of Pretoria S1); Nonku Williams (The Real Housewives of Durban S1-S4) and Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho (The Real Housewives of Johannesburg S2-S3). Stream now, with new episodes on Mondays.

The Real Housewives of Durban Season 1-4 | Binge now

Durbs is the place to be when you’ve got cash to splash – and we’re talking serious cheese. Millions and in the case of RHOD’s Sorisha Naidoo, billions. The glitz and glam is on a whole other level, there’s fab fashion to die for and more in the lifestyles of these very very rich and very very famous Housewives. And if you think they’re sitting at home all day making sarmies for their kids, you’re very mistaken! It’s party party party time… with a lot of heated arguments on the side. Watch now »

Plus – look out for The Real Housewives of Lagos, The Real Housewives of Abuja and The Real Housewives of Nairobi.

The Mommy Club S1-2 | Binge now

The Mommy Club is a reality show that sees five glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the challenges of parenting – and the cutthroat world of “it moms.” 

The Mommy Club is a rare group of women. Their lives are over the top, dramatic and extremely luxurious. Settle in for another sparkling Showmax Original as we take a peek into the lives of media personalities Mrs Mopps, Tshego Manche, Majesty, Nunurai and Ratile. Watch now »

Widows Unveiled | Binge now

Widows Unveiled follows four widows of successful and prominent South African men as they navigate life after public loss and lift the veil of secrecy and scrutiny it entails. Watch now »

The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini | Binge now

Laugh Africa and Showmax present a star-studded line-up unleashing their wrath on media personality Minnie Dlamini. Tumi Morake and Jason Goliath serve as roastmasters. Panelists include Trevor Gumbi, Lasizwe and Robert Marawa. Watch now »

Sports Wives | Binge now

Sports Wives is a reality show that gives you a front-row seat into the lives of six women involved with South Africa’s sporting greats. The first reality show from Ndlovukazi Concepts, who have produced hits such as Cishe Ngafa and Abandoned for Mzansi Magic. Watch now »

Kwa Mam’Mkhize S1-2 | Binge now

In the first season, we followed Shauwn Mkhize as she readjusted to life as a single woman after her highly publicised divorce. A massive ratings hit for Mzansi Magic, the first season won Best Reality Show at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards and led to Shauwn Mkhize’s nomination as  Personality of the Year at the 2022 DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In Kwa Mam’Mkhize Season 2, we get an all-access inside look at the life of the businesswoman and her close family members, including her son Andile, her daughter Sbahle, and her daughter-in-law Tamia Mpisane. 

Bae Beyond Borders | Binge now

Bae Beyond Borders follows four South African women who are eager to find themselves a Nigerian man to date and hopefully marry. 

As they embark on this unique journey to find love, the women have their pick of 12 Nigerian bachelors from different walks of life. Through online speed dating, they collectively choose eight men who’ve impressed them the most. Watch now »

Unfollowed | Binge now

Unfollowed delves into the workings of cancel culture and social media through the real-life stories of media personalities, each shedding light on a unique aspect of the cancel culture phenomenon. Watch now »

Abo Auntie | Binge now

A first of its kind, this reality series focuses on the inter-relations between domestic workers and their employers by creating a platform where both parties can voice out their issues and find an amicable solution. Watch now »

Uthanda Bani? | Binge now

Uthanda Bani? looks at real relationships plagued by addictions that cause conflict between couples. The reality show steps in to help these warring lovers who are trying to sort out their addiction issues, and offers therapy and intervention. The show is hosted by social worker Basani Chauke.

It’s the third co-production between Showmax and popular channel Moja Love. Watch now »

KuRuff | Binge now

KuRuff is the first ever Showmax and Moja Love collaboration – a 13-part reality show that tackles the “burden” of being a sole breadwinner.

KuRuff is hosted by former child star Wright Ngubeni. In each episode, Ngubeni will hear from both the sole breadwinner and their dependents, before staging an intervention to try to improve the situation. Watch now »

This Body Works For Me S1-2 | Binge now

This Body Works For Me explores the lives of seven women in the South African adult entertainment industry, letting us in on their family dynamics, relationships, hustles and careers. Watch now »

Life With Kelly Khumalo Season 1-3 | Binge now

Multi-talented Kelly Khumalo does it all: singing, acting, motivational speaking, hosting, producing and directing… and that’s just her professional life. She’s also a daughter and mother and this fly-on-the-wall reality show takes us into the not-always-flashy life of Kelly. There’s happiness and joy, there’s tears and fights, there’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Kelly when she’s away from the spotlight. Watch now »

Mnakwethu S4 | Binge now

Musa Mseleku presents an emotional reality show that gives married men a chance to overcome the fear of introducing the idea of polygamy to their current wives. Watch now »

Uthando Nes’Thembu S1-7

A reality show about Musa Mseleku, a successful businessman, and his four wives. Watch as they try to navigate life, polygamous relationships, family dynamics, sisterhood and tradition within the modern world. Watch now »

The Bala Family S1 | Binge now

In Season 1 of Mzansi Magic’s reality series The Bala Family, fans of the famous sensational singing siblings the Bala Brothers will be able to get up close and personal with them and the rest of their family. 

The show takes us behind the scenes as the family tries to bury their differences and rebuild their relationships, opening up to Mzansi with vulnerability and honesty as Zwai, Loyiso, Phelo, Mama Veronica, and Pinky draw on their courage and love as a family to face their issues. Watch now »

Nganele S1-2 | Binge now

Mzansi Magic’s Nganele is a spinoff reality TV show that follows three of the couples who participated in Makoti, Are You The One?, which saw potential wives move into their potential mother-in-law’s homes for 21 days, with the hopes of earning their blessing to marry their son. Season 1 and 2 of Makoti, Are You The One? is also available to binge on Showmax. Watch now »

Dineo’s Diary Season 4-5 | Binge now

Radio celeb Dineo Ranaka has moguldom on the mind and inviting viewers into her world in this fly-on-the-wall doccie is just the start. Expect the usual – work, play and family time – but on a whole new level. Plus, the rest of her fab fam pop in for a holla-holla every couple of episodes. Watch now »

Our Perfect Wedding South Africa | Seasons 8-14 | Binge now

Who doesn’t love a fairytale wedding? Whether it’s the traditional white wedding, something with traditional colour or the full cultural experience, Showmax has the perfect solution with Our Perfect Wedding. But here’s the best bit: they’ve got five African franchises on their catalogue! The local version is our fave because, well, it’s our people and our cultures. And even a hop between hosts isn’t enough to turn us away as Nomsa Buthelezi takes over the latest seasons. Watch now »

There’s Our Perfect Wedding South Africa Seasons 8-12, Our Perfect Wedding Kenya Seasons 1-17, Our Perfect Wedding Uganda Seasons 1-6, Our Perfect Wedding Zambia Seasons 1-2 and Our Perfect Wedding Nigeria Season 2. Go behind the scenes with the bridal pair as they put together their big day, with everything from the décor and music playlist, to the flower arrangements and all-important cake testing taking place onscreen. I do, I do, I do!

The Real Housewives of Johannesburg Season 1-3 | Binge now

They love money. They love drama. Binge-watch both seasons of this riveting reality series about some of the richest women in Johannesburg.

Besides the drama, you can also expect a lot of champagne sipping and a whole lot of fabulous lunches, brunches and the occasional teary moment from Mzansi’s most glamorous ladies. Watch now »

Survivor SA Season 6-9 | Binge now

Nico Panagio is in top form hosting the game that’ll break contestants as they try to outwit, outplay and outlast each other through a mad month of surviving the elements. And when you’re done with Seasons 6 and 7, check out Survivor SA: Immunity Island – it was filmed during Covid lockdown, so instead of international travel, Nico took his castaways on a short-left to the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast for the season. Survivor SA S9: Return of the Outcasts saw the outcasts from the previous 8 seasons returning, with double the prize money up for grabs! Watch now »

Living The Dream With Somizi Season 1-5 | Binge now

Enter the fabulous life of choreographer and television personality Somizi Mhlongo. From Seasons 1 to 5, Somizi invites us into his world of busy schedules, industry parties, widespread fame and family reunions, tensions and conflicts. Watch now »

Watch: Living the Dream with Somizi Season 5

Being Bonang Season 1-3 | Binge now

Every episode of Being Bonang and the two-part special A Very Bonang Year are glamorous events filled with laughter, celebration, luxurious experiences and, of course, fashion and champagne. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Bonang Matheba is a national treasure who has set the bar high when it comes to reality shows. Watch now »

Date My Family South Africa Season 6-11 | Binge now

Dating usually means drama. And for these unlucky singles, it’s worse. Because they’re being put through the family ringer – their love interest’s nearest and dearest blood relations and very close friends are asking those uncomfy questions that need to be asked, like “how much money do you make?”, “what do you want with my child?”, “how many kids do you want… and how many do you already have?”. This reality show isn’t just taking the dating game out of the frying pan and into the fire… it’s straight-up torching it on a spitbraai until it’s burnt to bits! Watch now »

I Blew It Season 1-4 | Binge now

Got bucks and spending like there’s no tomorrow? You could end up here, telling your story as you’ve got from rags to riches… and then back again with nothing to show. It’s the guilty pleasure you never knew you needed, plus it’ll teach you what’s important in life: saving your money for a rainy day, because the storms are coming, Mzansi. Watch now »

Kwakhule Kwethu: Dineo & Solo’s Wedding | Binge now

Get a front-row seat at actor Dineo Moeketsi and rapper Solo’s jaw-dropping wedding, a star-studded day filled with love. Watch now »

Madam & Mercy Season 1 | Binge now

Evodia Mogase and her daughter Mercy have waved goodbye to The Real Housewives Of Johannesburg drama and hello to their own local reality show. Don’t expect anything different from the pair though – there are hoity-toity as ever, splashing cash on designer everything, working out together and most importantly, living their best lives as a close-knit mother and daughter team. If you want a recap of their Real Housewives stint, prepare for catty comments, nails coming out, loads of eye-rolling and backstabbing left, right and centre with fake smiles for the frenemies. Watch now »

Moja Love reality shows

Look out for fan-favourites from Moja Love, including X-Repo, the reality show that helps people get their possessions back when they’ve been wronged, weekly episodes of Mina Nawe House Season 2, where couples in trouble face their issues, Seasons 7 and 8 of Uyajola 99, the reality show that exposes cheaters, and You Promised To Marry Me, which does what it says on the tin.