
2 December 2019
Inside The Manson Cult: The Lost Tapes (2018)
Using archive footage of the Spahn Ranch in LA – where the Manson Family lived – and new interviews with various people close to Charles Manson, this documentary manages to shed new light on the much-publicised story.
With the use of hallucinogenic drugs, Manson kept his 100 or so followers completely under his control, and eventually convinced them to commit mass murder.
But this documentary focuses on the hippie disciples and what led them to join his cult, rather than on the leader. “Manson: The Lost Tapes had the distinction, to an extent, of keeping Charles Manson…largely out of the picture,” wrote Carol Midgely in The Times (UK).
Over 100 hours of footage, some of which is featured in this two-hour film, was lost for over 40 years, and gives an authentic, chilling look at what really went on in Manson’s sordid commune.
Original African stories by local talent

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.

What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, 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.
Kabiyesi, now on Showmax
Between Worlds, now streaming
The best of West Africa

Big Brother Naija S9: No Loose Guard
Relive all the exciting moments of BBNaija S9: No Loose Guard on Showmax, plus catch the reunion show, streaming from 24 June 2025.

Power, passion and legacy: binge Cheta M S2 on Showmax
Executive producer and showrunner James Omokwe talks about Cheta M S2 and its dramatic finale. All the episodes are now available to binge-watch on Showmax.

Iyanu S1
When a teenage orphan discovers she has magical powers, she embarks on a remarkable journey with her friends to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.

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.