Documentaries
Former SAPS profiler on the murder that “stands out the most”
Former SAPS head profiler Dr Gérard Labuschagne discusses the true-crime documentary Original Sin: My Son The Killer, noting it as the most troubling case in his career.
Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches
Acclaimed actors bring to life the words of Frederick Douglass, an American anti-slavery activist, with readings from his autobiographies to illustrate how his words about racial injustice still resonate deeply today.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer (2024)
The chilling story of Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, told by his mother, who helped him flee South Africa after he murdered his girlfriend, Andrea Venter.
The best of South Africa in March 2024: 9 must-see Showmax Originals
Showmax’s local lineup is stronger than ever, with hits like Tracking Thabo Bester, Catch Me A Killer, Red Ink, Youngins, and more.
Tracking Thabo Bester
A documentary about the convicted murderer and rapist who did not die in Cell 35 but was instead seen shopping in Sandton City. Two episodes 15 March, final episodes 22 March on Showmax.
Stream Fever Pitch: The Rise of The Premier League on Showmax
Showmax releases an exciting documentary, Fever Pitch: The Rise of the Premier League, featuring stories of stars like Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Alan Shearer.
Carl Icahn – corporate raider or activist investor?
Explore the captivating story of Carl Icahn as he navigates the intricate world of finance in compelling HBO documentary Icahn: The Restless Billionaire, now streaming on Showmax.
Thabo Bester’s attempt to stop Showmax documentary to be heard by High Court
The four-part documentary Tracking Thabo Bester is due to start streaming on Showmax on 15 March, the same day that Thabo Bester and Nandipha Magadumana will be heard in the Johannesburg High Court.
Icahn: The Restless Billionaire
Explore the contradictions of billionaire Carl Icahn, who was at the forefront of some of the most legendary business deals of our times.
Must-watch trailer for Original Sin: My Son The Killer
See the trailer for the Showmax Original true-crime documentary Original Sin: My Son The Killer, about the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren. Lands 22 March.
The Illuminated
A behind-the-scenes look at non-mainstream religious organisations throughout South Africa, including their members, beliefs, structures and controversies surrounding them.
Must-watch trailer: Tracking Thabo Bester
Streaming on 15 and 22 March 2024, Showmax Original documentary series Tracking Thabo Bester is the documentary South Africa has been waiting for.
HBO and HBO Max shows and documentaries to stream
Showmax is the home of the best HBO and HBO Max content in Africa – from Full Circle to The White Lotus Barry, Game of Thrones and Succession.
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.
Must-watch trailer: Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated
Showmax drops the trailer for The Illuminated, a documentary series exploring South African religious movements that fall outside of the mainstream. Lands 6 March 2024.
HBO’s docuseries Savior Complex: Deadly delusions
HBO documentary series Savior Complex explores how an American evangelical missionary earned a reputation as a baby killer in Uganda.
Savior Complex
A hard-hitting documentary about controversial American missionary Renee Bach, who set up a charity for malnourished children in Uganda.
Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons
This riveting three-part documentary explores the rise and fall of the iconic lingerie brand and its former CEO.
Libby, Are You Home Yet?
This award-winning true-crime British series tells the story of a 21-year-old who was sent home alone in a taxi, from a nightclub – but never arrived.
My Name is Reeva
A first-hand account of what Barry and June are forced to deal with, Thomas Mollett’s investigation and Reeva’s life and defining moments.
How to do more in 2024: start by streaming How To With John Wilson
New year, new skills! As 2024 kicks off, let HBO series How To With John Wilson S3 take you on a rambling journey to learning something new. It’s a cheerfully chaotic journey that kicks sand in the face of perfectionism.
How to With John Wilson S3
An HBO comedy shot in a documentary style as you see New York through the lens of John Wilson as he travels through the iconic city.
“Compelling and riveting”: Convict Conman comes to Showmax
Stream the two-part true-crime documentary Convict Conman, about the bold investigations by journalists Jana Marx and Sasha Wein, only on Showmax.
Convict Conman
This Showmax Original true-crime series follows the investigations into Dawie de Villiers, a supposed model agency boss accused of multiple rapes, and shadowy publisher Michael O’Connor. Warning: contains descriptions of sexual abuse.