The best reality TV to stream this November on Showmax

From brand-new, never-before-seen reality series to the latest seasons of fan-favourites and award-nominated local shows, there’s so much to keep reality fans entertained in November on Showmax.

Queens Court S2 | Binge from Friday, 8 November on Showmax

In this season of Queens Court, celebrity queens LisaRaye, K Michelle and London “Deelishis” Charles embark on a journey to find their forever partners. Even with success, fame and fortune, the one area they have not ruled is matters of the heart. In this era of self-discovery, these queens are opening their hearts to find their kings among 22 confident, successful men. 

Hollywood power couple Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete return to guide the new queens as they let go of the past, embrace new connections, and look for their happily ever after.

Themba: My Inked World S2 | Binge from Sunday, 10 November on Showmax

The Ghost is back! Former Big Brother Mzansi Housemate Themba Broly is letting the public back into his life in Season 2 of Themba: My Inked Life. For Themba, this season is all about redemption, trying to be a better and more present parent, fulfilling his career goals, making things right with family, and reconnecting with his real friends.

Many things have unfolded in Themba’s life since Season 1, and a lot has changed. Firstly, Themba has a lot of fixing to do, and he is the first to admit it. And first on the list is Big Brother Mzansi S3 winner Mpho Wabadimo, Themba’s former girlfriend (and baby-mama). He has a lot of apologising to do to make up for past transgressions that left Mpho heartbroken and acting as a single mother to their son. Will this revive their relationship or is that door closed for good?

Season 2 will also see Themba trying to revive his dream of going into business and getting his music career to take off.

The Real Housewives of Dubai S2 | First on Showmax | Binge from Friday, 15 November

Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Dubai (RHOD) returns us to the glamorous, ultra-rich world of Sara Al Madani, Caroline Brooks, Lesa Milan, Caroline Stanbury and Kenyan-born, Somali and Ethiopian supermodel and entrepreneur, Chanel Ayan.

RHODubai’s second season kicks off with Caroline Stanbury’s marriage to former Real Madrid soccer player Sergio Carrallo taking strain amid home renovations, while Sara is ready to put her past behind her. Caroline Brooks brings her friend, singer Taleen Marie, to Lesa’s Good Weather Girls brunch … which could fill the gap left by Nina Ali’s departure.

The Daily Mail referred to the show as “explosive,” while Buzzfeed  dubbed it an “iconic Housewives series.”

Kwa Njomane S2 | Binge from Monday, 25 November on Showmax

Winner of Best Reality Show at the 2024 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards and nominated as Most Entertaining Reality TV Show at the Behind The Scenes Awards in November, Kwa Njomane S2 was the most-watched reality series on Mzansi Wethu in June 2024, according to The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa. 

Kwa Njomane follows the lives of the Mhlongo family, led by the strong matriarch Smangele, alongside her children and sister, who have long faced stigma from their community due to their unconventional way of life. The show explores deep themes of LGBTQI+ identity, the journey of finding love, and the quest for self-discovery – all while navigating the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations.

Izingane Zes’thembu S2 | Binge from Wednesday, 27 November om Showmax

Nominated as Most Entertaining Reality TV Show at the Behind The Scenes Awards in November, Izingane Zes’thembu was Mzansi Magic’s most-watched reality series in June 2024, according to The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa. 

A spinoff from Uthando neS’thembu, the reality series follows businessman Musa Mseleku’s children as they navigate life within a polygamous family. News24 calls the series “explosive.” 

In Season 2, the Mseleku eldest children continue their journey of transitioning to young adults and forging stronger bonds. Mpumelelo, the second eldest, continues to juggle his baby mamas Vuyokazi and Tirelo, but is he mimicking his dad’s life without the right resources, or is he just “delulu”?

Mpilo is turning 21, and can’t play dumb anymore, while Lwandle unveils his true character as he refuses to be in anyone’s shadow and sets out to find love. Abongwe continues to be adamant that they all need to be closer, but her time in Johannesburg has rebuilt her confidence in who she is, and it’s time her family tags along.

Ubuthe Uzobuya | New episodes on Tuesdays on Showmax

From the creative minds behind Shebeen Queens and The Bala Family, Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples who were torn apart when one partner abruptly disappeared without explanation. Hosted by actor Tshepo Maseko, the Showmax Original explores the heart-wrenching stories of those who were once deeply in love, only to be left in uncertainty.

“Ubuthe Uzobuya is profoundly emotional, and I’m grateful it isn’t trashy,” says Tshepo. “It feels genuine. It’s created with dignity, which I truly appreciate. I especially love that the participants must be married. This adds an important layer to the show. It serves as a form of therapy and is incredibly necessary. The nation needs this kind of dialogue.”

The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice | All episodes now streaming on Showmax

Produced by POP24, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the glamorous lives of mothers from Durban’s Indian community, showcasing women who seem to have it all. The series delves into the intricate relationships between these dynamic mothers and their colourful extended families, revealing the delicate balance they strike between managing personal empires and raising the next generation.

Hosted by Shahan Ramkissoon, the fiery reunion left viewers on the edge of their seats, especially after the explosive moment when Neetasha Singh Bugwandin suddenly walked off set. Her dramatic exit opened a floodgate of tension, exposing cracks in the relationships of women who were once inseparable. 

The conversation dug deep into the reasons behind their fractured friendships, exploring the root of their fallouts and whether reconciliation was still possible.

Shebeen Queens S1 | All episodes now streaming on Showmax

Shebeen Queens highlights the bold women behind some of Soweto’s most beloved shebeens, including Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern, and Rama Tavern.

Starring entrepreneurs Alina Sishange, Emily Thabang Leeuw – affectionately known as Big Mama – and Xoliswa Shwayimba, this Showmax Original captures their efforts to balance the demands of motherhood with the challenges of running their businesses in a fiercely competitive and round-the-clock environment traditionally dominated by men. 

Called a “massive hit” by IOL, Shebeen Queens is produced by Barkers Media, creators of the 2024 SAFTA-nominated How to Manifest a Man, and directed by Mpho Lengane of Isencane Lengane and Ubuthe Uzobuya.  

Awards watch

The National Film and TV Awards (NFTAs), and Behind The Scenes (BTS) are tomorrow, Saturday, 9 November 2024, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that some of our shows take home the big prizes!

In addition to Kwa Njomane and Izingane Zes’thembu above, nominees to watch on Showmax include:

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa S1

Produced by G.O.A.T, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa S1 is up for  five awards at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa: Best Reality TV Show, Non-Scripted TV Show, and Female TV Personality for Christall Kay, Lethabo LeJoy, and Nonku Williams. Set in Jamaica, the Showmax Original is also nominated for Most Entertaining Reality TV Show at The Behind The Scenes Awards. 

The Mommy Club S1

Produced by POP24, The Mommy Club is up for Best Reality TV Show and Non-Scripted TV Show at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa. 

Bae Beyond Borders

Produced by POP24, SA-Nigeria dating show Bae Beyond Borders is up for Best Reality TV Show at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa. 

Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam

Produced by Homebrew Films, kykNET’s SAFTA-winning cooking show Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam is up for Best Competition TV Show at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa.