
4 March 2024
Your guide to Showmax and the DStv Explora
The Showmax app is available on the Explora Ultra and Streama.
What do I need to get Showmax on my DStv Explora?
- You need to live in South Africa, Kenya or Nigeria.
- Your Explora Ultra needs to be connected to the internet.
- You need an uncapped connection of at least 2Mbps, but 4MBps is recommended.
- You need a DStv subscription as well as a Showmax subscription.
If you are a DStv subscriber without a Showmax subscription, sign up on the MyDStv website or app. Find out more about how to sign up on the Showmax website.
How do I get Showmax on my DStv Explora Ultra?
Simply press the Showmax button on your Explora Ultra remote.
How to sign in to Showmax on your Explora Ultra
There are three ways to sign into Showmax on your Explora: by using the email, link, or by scanning the QR code.
Using the email
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
- Use your email address and password for preview.showmax.com.
- Click Continue.
- Get streaming!
Using the link
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app. Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone.
- Use your smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop to go directly to showmax.com/activate in your browser.
- Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
- Get streaming!
Using the QR code
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
- Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone.
- Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to open the website.
- Sign in to Showmax.
- Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
- Get streaming!
Original African stories by local talent

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream from 24 June on Showmax.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream from 23 June, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.

Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.

The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. All episodes, including both reunion episodes, are streaming on Showmax.
Kabiyesi, now on Showmax
Between Worlds, now streaming
The best of West Africa

Cheta M Season 2: The story so far
Plot, betrayals and major twists on Cheta M Season 2, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Iyanu comes to Showmax in June with an all-Nigerian voice cast
Iyanu, led by Serah Johnson, alongside Okey Jude, and Samuel Kugbiyi, arrives fresh off its success as the number-one show on Cartoon Network. Premiering on Showmax 13 June.

Nigerian Idol 10 live shows begin!
The highly anticipated Nigerian Idol Season 10 premiered its live shows on Sunday, 25 May. Live shows stream every week, at 7pm on Sundays.

Kwame’s Gambit (2024)
Kwame, a family man battling gambling addiction, loses his family’s savings and joins a drug cartel. Desperate to protect his family, he seeks redemption and escape.