Donkerbos

Made in South Africa

A small South African town hides some chilling secrets in this twisty crime drama that's already being called a "masterpiece".

When the bodies of six children are found in the backwater forests of Donkerbos, Limpopo, an ostracised detective (multi-award-winner Erica Wessels from Dwaalster and i am ALL GIRLS) must wrestle with her dark past, her family and a distrustful community to catch the killer before another child is taken.

Written and directed by Nico Scheepers (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap), the 18LSVN series is produced by Nagvlug Films (2022 SAFTA winner Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, 2022 SAFTA nominee Skemerdans, and 2022 Oscar entry Barakat).

The series also stars Sanda Shandu, Thoko Ntshinga as cops assisting on the headline-grabbing case, as well as Silwerskermfees winners Jacques Bessenger (Fynskrif), Stian Bam (The Story of Racheltjie de Beer), Aphiwe Sithole (Poppie Nongena), Carel Nel (Gaia) and Rolanda Marais (Trackers), multi-award winners Wilhelm van der Walt (Fynskrif) and Leandie Du Randt (Meisies Wat Fluit), Fleur du Cap winner Nicole Holm (Fynskrif), along with Nicola Hanekom (Faan se Trein), Caleb Payne (Good Life), Edwin van der Walt (Troukoors) and newcomers Steph van der Merwe and Marko Vorster.

All eight episodes are ready to binge-watch, exclusive to Showmax.

Watch full episodesORBrowse all series

Tagged Online
Slick, edgy and absolutely thrilling
An Afrikaans murder mystery set in Limpopo might have you thinking, “nah, not for me”, but Donkerbos will pull you in and grab a tight hold before you’ve finished half of the first episode.
News24
Donkerbos lifts the veil on a horror we try very hard not to think about
Fantastic writing and gorgeously macabre cinematography… on par with any international art film… High quality and some of the best South Africa has produced.
TVPlus
A cinematic masterpiece
It will keep viewers on the edge of their seat and shock them with twists, turns and red herrings. It’s a dark story with real truths that is sometimes hard to digest, but it’s one of the best Afrikaans series we have ever come across.

More crime drama

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa on Showmax

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more

Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

Original South Africa

Billy Joel: And So It Goes is on Showmax

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)

An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

First

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay on Showmax

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1

Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

First

Heart Eyes (2025)

In this whodunit horror slasher, Valentine's Day is turned into a battle for survival as a masked serial killer goes after couples.

Bride Hard (2025)

When a mercenary team hijacks a wedding, a secret agent bridesmaid fights to save the day in this chaotic action comedy.

Friendship (2024)

Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd lead this dark comedy about an awkward man trying to be friends with his charismatic neighbour.

The ‘Burbs S1

In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.

First

Sweethearts (2024)

Two college freshmen make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts during the "Drunksgiving" holiday break, but their plan goes awry.

More Showmax Originals

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more

Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

Original South Africa

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)

An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

First

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1

Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

First

Heart Eyes (2025)

In this whodunit horror slasher, Valentine's Day is turned into a battle for survival as a masked serial killer goes after couples.

Bride Hard (2025)

When a mercenary team hijacks a wedding, a secret agent bridesmaid fights to save the day in this chaotic action comedy.

Friendship (2024)

Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd lead this dark comedy about an awkward man trying to be friends with his charismatic neighbour.

The ‘Burbs S1

In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.

First

Sweethearts (2024)

Two college freshmen make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts during the "Drunksgiving" holiday break, but their plan goes awry.

The best series to binge now

Landman S1-2

Taylor Sheridan's Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton. In the heart of Texas, roughnecks and billionaires collide in the get-rich-quick oil industry.

I Love LA S1

Toxic friendships are taken to a whole new level in this off-the-wall comedy, as a co-dependent friend group navigates life and love in Los Angeles.

First

The Mindy Project S1-6

Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S15 on Showmax

Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online

Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!

Original