6 best on-screen couples on Showmax Originals to stream this Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! Looking for a love story that’ll make your heart race and keep your eyes glued to the screen? We've rounded up the best couples from Showmax Originals that’ll have you swooning, laughing, and even questioning your own relationship goals. Get ready for passion, drama, and a whole lot of chemistry. 

Here are 6 couples to watch this Valentine's Month.

1. Bonga and Nkanyezi | Adulting

In Adulting, Bonga’s transformation from a playboy to a devoted one-woman man is truly heartwarming. Portrayed by SAFTA winner Thembinkosi Mthembu, Bonga is a successful tenderpreneur and project manager overseeing a multi-million-rand construction empire. Despite his high-flying career, his heart is firmly set on Nkanyezi, a powerhouse corporate woman played by Londeka Sishi. Their relationship begins with a memorable encounter at a club, where Bonga flaunts his luxurious Mercedes G-Wagon, only for Nkanyezi to casually shut him down with the reveal of her own Porsche Cayenne. This initial brush-off sets the stage for their captivating love story, which soon takes a turn when they reconnect at a business partner's mansion, sparking an undeniable connection.

By Season 2, they've tied the knot, and in Season 3, Bonga is dreaming of starting a family. However, Nkanyezi, being fiercely independent and career-driven, faces a tough choice between motherhood and continuing her corporate ascent. 

Bonga and Nkanyezi’s journey is one that will make you root for them all the way through, especially this Valentine’s Day. Gents, take a lesson from Bonga - when you want something, don’t hesitate to go for it.

Watch Bonga and Nkanyezi now in Adulting »

2. Owami and Siv | Soft Life

In Soft Life, Owami and Siv’s relationship is a beautiful blend of patience, understanding, and love that defies the odds. Owami (Zizipho Buti), a township girl who’s entered the secretive world of high-society companionship to pay off her mother’s medical bills, lives a double life, torn between her past and the future she hopes to build. Siv (Ayanda Daweti), a passionate and driven young lawyer, comes from a well-off academic family, but he’s not deterred by their differences. 

Despite his mother’s objections and pressure to date someone “more suitable,” Siv chooses to follow his heart. His unwavering patience and love for Owami show that true commitment isn’t about background or status - it’s about understanding each other’s struggles and supporting one another through the hardest choices. 

Sometimes love means sticking by your partner through tough times and defying expectations, even when the world tells you otherwise. Ready to feel all the feels? All the 13 episodes for Soft Life are available to binge-watch now on Showmax.

Watch Owami and Siv now in Soft Life »

3. Khaya and Buhle | Youngins

Khaya (Toka Mtabane) is the handsome, popular high school heartthrob, and Buhle (Kealeboga Masango) is the glamorous, headstrong head girl with an aura of confidence only a preacher’s daughter could pull off. Together, they were once the “it” couple at Olifantsfontein, the school's very own Beyoncé and Jay Z. But love isn’t always sunshine and roses, and after Khaya’s betrayal, when Buhle found out he kissed Amo, everything changed.

So, will they make up, or will Buhle keep growing solo? Watch their relationship evolve in Youngins—a perfect Valentine’s binge with a lesson about self-love. Youngins S2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Friday on Showmax.

Watch Khaya and Buhle now in Youngins »

4. Eric and Minkie | Adulting

Eric and Minkie’s relationship in Adulting is undeniably electric, like the kind of love you’d find in gangster movies. Their chemistry? Unmatched. Their fights? Explosive. But no matter how much drama surrounds them, there’s a raw and untamed love between them that keeps them going. The lesson here? Love a little wild, but always stay loyal. Want your heart to race this Valentine’s Day? Watch their story unfold.

Eric (Nhanhla Kunene) is drawn to Minkie, the wild and unpredictable woman who can start with kisses and end up with a gun in her hand - her drama and fiery spirit only fuelling his affection. Their bond is special, a mix of deep understanding and chaotic passion. 

In Adulting S3, now streaming on Showmax, Tsiki-Tsiki finds himself stuck between two women: Mampho, his “Halle Berry,” and Minkie, his Sarafina. Watch his story unfold, as new episodes land on Showmax every Saturday.

Watch Eric and Minkie now in Adulting »

5. Fana and Lihle | One Weeks

Fana (Zakhele Mabasa-Mokone), the charming Soweto guy, wins over Lihle (Sihle Ndaba), the successful lawyer, with humour, patience, and a little help from Lihle's 10-year-old daughter. What starts as a hilarious, somewhat sneaky romance turns into a full-blown love story. Sometimes, you just need one more week to prove that love is worth fighting for - just ask Fana. 

By the end of it all, they get married, showing that when you’re in love, there’s no stopping you - even when life’s full of curveballs. Want to see a love story that proves patience and humour go a long way? Check out One Weeks for your Valentine’s binge. 

Watch Fana and Lihle now in One Weeks »

6. Tlali and Nyakallo | Outlaws

In Outlaws, the dynamic between Tlali (Keketso Mpitso) and Nyakallo (Seipati Mahamu) is pure ride or die. Nyakallo, once in a relationship with Tlali's cousin Leruo, falls in love with Tlali after Leruo leaves her for a Zulu girl. 

Nyakallo’s sharp mind and knack for manipulation make her a formidable force, and her cunning strategies push Tlali to new heights. She’s not just a partner in crime - she’s the mastermind, advising him on everything from business to family politics, all while keeping her true motives under wraps.

With Outlaws S2 coming to Showmax in 2025, get ready to  see what happens when two people build an empire together.

Watch Tlali and Nyakallo now in Outlaws »

Want more? See unforgettable couples from Showmax’s record-breaking telenovela

Hlomu and Mqhele | The Wife

From a taxi to a wedding, Hlomu and Mqhele's love story in The Wife is a whirlwind. Mqhele (Bonko Khoza) is the charming taxi driver who sweeps Hlomu (Mbalenhle Mavimbela) off her feet, giving her a life of luxury. Sure, it’s filled with danger, secrets, and more drama, but it’s also the stuff love stories are made of. Whether it's ice cream dates or proposals that shut down entire taxi ranks, this couple shows us what true love and a few lavish gifts look like. So, why not binge all three seasons this Valentine’s Day and see if you’re ready for the love ride of a lifetime?

The Wife is not only Showmax's first telenovela but also a record-breaker that became a South African TV phenomenon. 

Watch Hlomu and Mqhele now on The Wife »

Zandile and Nkosana | The Wife

Zandile and Nkosana from The Wife gave us a love story unlike any other and a deep connection that had viewers hooked from the start. Viewers couldn’t stop talking about the sex scene between the couple, but it’s their bond that really stole the spotlight. From Zandile’s release from prison to their journey of rebuilding trust, family, and power in a dangerous criminal underworld, their love was always at the heart of it all. 

If you’re in the mood to binge, all three seasons for The Wife are available on Showmax, ready to sweep you off your feet.

Watch Zandile and Nkosana now on The Wife »

Nqoba and Mandisa | The Wife

Nqoba (Abdul Khoza) and Mandisa (Zikhona Sodlaka) are the ultimate ride-or-die couple in The Wife. Even after Mandisa burns millions in a high-stakes betrayal, Nqoba’s love for her never wavers. Their bond is one of loyalty, sacrifice, and passion. Whether they’re fighting together or against the world, their love never falters. This Valentine’s Day, let Nqoba and Mandisa remind you that sometimes, love means standing by each other - no matter the odds. It’s time to binge their explosive love story on The Wife, all three seasons are ready to binge on Showmax.

Watch Nqoba and Mandisa now on The Wife »

Qhawe and Naledi | The Wife

Qhawe and Naledi’s love story in The Wife S3 is one for the books. From the moment they met under the most unusual circumstances, their chemistry was undeniable, leaving social media buzzing with every scene. Qhawe, the sweetest of all the Zulu brothers, found himself captivated by Naledi, a strong-willed doctor and the princess daughter of the chief of Royal Thabeng. Despite her family’s wishes for her to marry a Tswana man, Naledi chose Qhawe. Their relationship was nothing short of a fairy tale, from private jet steamy scenes and lavish gifts to romantic dates. 

Yet, like any great love story, their journey wasn’t without its challenges. They’d break up, only to find their way back to each other, proving that true love isn’t always smooth sailing. This Valentine’s season, binge The Wife and get swept away in the sweet whirlwind of Qhawe and Naledi’s star-crossed romance.

Watch Qhawe and Naledi now on The Wife »

Ready to binge these unforgettable couples? Fire up Showmax this Valentine’s Day and get ready for love, drama, and all the feels. More Showmax romantic picks for the month of love and all year round here.