6 January 2020
Dawn of Humanity (2014)
In a deep and narrow cave in South Africa in 2013, a collection of ancient fossils were discovered and then excavated. They were revealed to belong to an early species of hominin – one of Homo sapiens’ earliest ancestors.
The discovery rocked the scientific world, as it uncovered a previously unknown branch of our hominin family tree. Homo naledi was incredibly human-like – and yet not exactly like us.
To date, the fossils of more than 15 individuals have been excavated from the Rising Star Cave system in the Cradle of Humankind. This documentary is a two-hour thrill ride as it follows the excavation team as they descend into the almost inaccessible caves to retrieve the rare remains.
Didn’t think doccies about archaeology could be this exciting? The New York Times wrote, “Documentaries about prehistory and paleoanthropology are usually interesting, sometimes even thought-provoking. But you don’t often encounter one that’s thrilling. Yet that is a fitting adjective for Dawn of Humanity, a program… that brings an aura of breaking news to a field that can often seem musty.”
Original African stories by local talent
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream from 21 November, with new episodes every Thursday.
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Soft Life
Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Landing on Showmax soon!
Youngins S2, now streaming
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
More Mzansi gold
Empini episodes 51-52: A picture is worth a thousand bullets
In Empini Season 1 finale, Ndoni confronts Khaya and Zenzele is alerted about General’s impeding doom. All the episodes are ready to binge on Showmax.
Law, Love and Betrayal Season 1, episode 11: Damage
In episode 11 of Law, Love and Betrayal, Gatsha gets charged with driving under the influence. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
4 unmissable moments that kick off Youngins Season 2
A dorm room drug fire, a teacher-beating school bully, and a child in a bodybag! Here are our top “gasp” moments from the Youngins Season 2 premiere.
Youngins S1-2
When a teen flees from a family tragedy in rural KZN to a boarding school in Jozi, she gets entangled in a scandal of epic proportions.