Editor's choice for documentaries
9 South African true-crime series, ranked
From Devilsdorp to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of the darkest and most audacious acts – all available to stream on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Crazy-conspiracy documentary Shadowland and 8 more cult classics
Explore the secret world of how fringe movements manipulate facts to recruit their followers in series like Shadowland Season 1 on Showmax.
The sound of Donna Summer on Showmax
What’s a summer soundtrack without Donna Summer? Watch HBO documentary Love to Love You, Donna Summer and see the series and movies that keep her music alive today.
Two documentaries to stream after HBO’s Succession
Succession had us enthralled. From Made of Money with Brian Cox to The Murdochs: Empire of Influence, here’s what to watch after Succession on Showmax.
Love sport documentaries? Check these out.
The Hitman: Ricky Hatton
This 90-minute film offers extraordinary access to boxing hero Ricky Hatton, exploring his life in and outside of the ring.
False Glory
A true-crime docuseries about stories that rocked the sports world, from cheating at the Comrades to rigging South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup warm-up games.
Made in South Africa
Edge of the Earth S1
Four groups of extreme athletes embark on four never-before-accomplished missions, including big wave surfing on Africa’s west coast.
Ukuwela: The Crossing
An inspiring story following Sibusiso Sizatu’s journey from a carefree herd boy to leading his crew on a gruelling Cape to Rio yacht race – the longest continent-to-continent race in the southern hemisphere
Made in South Africa
Love Undercover S1
Follow elite athletes in this modern-day fairytale meets buddy comedy series about a group of international soccer stars who go on a secret quest for true love.
Chasing the Sun 2
A five-part series about the 2023 Rugby World Cup, when all of South Africa was ‘Stronger Together’ towards a historic fourth Webb Ellis trophy.
Made in South Africa
The Fastest Woman on Earth (2022)
A fascinating and tragic documentary about Jessi Combs, a professional racer and TV personality who set out to break new records in racing.
Williams Sisters (2023)
Dominating the game of tennis for over three decades, winning every title imaginable – follow Serena and Venus’s journey in this biographical documentary.
Light entertainment to binge-watch
The Bachelorette S21
A single bachelorette dates multiple men over several weeks, narrowing them down to hopefully find her one true love. On this journey, she gets to know the bachelors, meets their families and gets to know herself better.
Colin from Accounts S1-2
Ashley and Gordon are two single-ish, complex humans brought together by a car accident and an injured dog in this hilarious series.
Love Island UK S11
Gorgeous singles live in a luxury villa – with the added possibility of meeting their soul mate – in this fun and flirty reality series.
Love Island USA S6
The American version of the hit show moves the action to Las Vegas, but the premise remains: the most beloved couple will sashay away with $100 000.
Younger S1-7
Liza Miller is a single mother turning 40 who poses as a 26-year-old to reboot her career and her love life – with hilarious consequences. All 7 seasons are ready to binge.
Lose yourself on Love Island this Valentine’s Day
Showmax is bringing new seasons of Love Island USA and Love Island UK, along with the exciting spin-offs Love Island: All Stars and Love Island Games, all on Valentine’s Day.
SWAT S1-7
Follow a SWAT sergeant and his team of highly-trained men and women as they solve crimes in Los Angeles in this fan-favourite crime series.
The Bala Family S1-2
Explore the true making of South Africa’s most beloved musical family – from controversial media scandals to some long-awaited happy news.
Made in South AfricaMade by Showmax, just for you
Watch the trailer for The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad
The mommies spill the tea on what to expect on The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, what they are bringing, and so much more. Premiering on Showmax on 14 March 2025.
Made in South Africa
5 moments from Tiek Tok Boem! that will leave you speechless
The new Showmax Original documentary Tiek Tok Boem! premieres with shocking and terrifying extremes of TikTok culture that will leave you speechless.
Made in South Africa
Tiek Tok Boem! (2025)
An explosive and in-depth 90-minute documentary exploring the good, the bad, and the outrageous side of South Africa’s Afrikaans TikTok.
Made in South Africa
The Mommy Club S1-3
Meet the glamorous ladies of the Mommy Club, the Jozi mothers who show us how they navigate their luxurious lifestyles and family commitments. New episodes land every Saturday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa