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 Real Housewives of Orange County S18
In The Real Housewives OG series, we follow the lives of some of the wealthiest women and their families who live in Orange County, California.
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 Africa
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.
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 […]
Made by Showmax, just for you
Reënboogrant S1
Follow the Brink siblings as they navigate teenage drama, family conflicts, love, aspirations and fierce rivalries in this wholesome Afrikaans telenovela.
Made in South Africa10+ South African book adaptations on Showmax
Some of South Africa’s best-loved stories have inspired our favourite series and movies, from the new Reënboogrant and Spooksoeker, to The Wife, Red Ink, and those Deon Meyer crime thrillers.
Made in South Africa
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 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