The best drama series and movies to stream on Showmax
These tearjerking drama series and movies will bring on all the feels – stream them all on Showmax, but be sure to keep the tissues handy, and bring along your nerves of steel.
We’ve got heart-pounding crime dramas, psychological thrillers where we know things aren’t all going to be okay, romantic dramas that clutch at our hearts, and devastating stories that unfold in emergency rooms, on the streets, in troubled homes and in workplaces of all kinds.
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.
Made in Ghana
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S1-4
Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.
Happy Face S1
A young woman’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that her father is an infamous serial killer in this tense series.
Widow Clicquot (2023)
This extraordinary period drama tells the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, who, at the age of 20, became the head of the Veuve Clicquot champagne family.
The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies
Two very different women, Alice, a formidable PA, and Cheryl, a bestselling fantasy author, become trapped in a triangle of epic proportions.
The Responder S2
An embattled first responder tackles a series of night shifts in Liverpool while trying to keep his head above water personally and professionally.
Accused S2
An engrossing anthology courtroom drama based on the acclaimed BBC crime series. Each episode follows a new defendant as they await their verdict, while flashbacks reveal how they ended up in court.
A Very Royal Scandal
This compelling British miniseries driven by Michael Sheen explores Emily Maitlis’s journey as a Newsnight journalist and Prince Andrew’s disastrous interview with her.
It Ends With Us (2024)
In this compelling, emotional film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, a woman finds herself reliving her childhood trauma when she falls for a charming neurosurgeon.
Suits LA S1
Ted Black, a former New York prosecutor, moves to LA to build a new law firm specialising in criminal and entertainment law in this spin-off of Suits.
The White Lotus S1-3
Follow the outrageous exploits of the employees and guests of an exclusive resort in this buzz-worthy HBO comedy drama.
Kabiyesi S1
An epic story of betrayal, honour and duty. Can Princess Aderiyife become the ruler her kingdom deserves after her wedding day ends in tragedy? Binge Kabiyesi now.
Made in Nigeria
Under the Influence S1
After moving to Lagos, 21-year-old Dami’s life takes an unexpected turn after an argument with his brother. Now thrust into the limelight, Dami struggles to balance his newfound fame and find his purpose.
Made in Nigeria
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023)
The late Oscar-winning director William Friedkin adapts Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A young lieutenant is accused of a mutiny against his captain
Sullivan’s Crossing S1-2
A riveting and emotional romantic drama series based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novel. Follow Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan as her life is upended, leading her to return home to Sullivan’s Crossing.
The Last Rifleman (2023)
A WWII veteran escapes his nursing home in Northern Ireland to attend the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.
One Life (2023)
A London broker helps save hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis just before the start of WWII.
Cheta M S2
A young teenage couple, who found a once in a lifetime kind of love, have to fight against all odds to stay together.
Made in Nigeria
Back to Black (2024)
Marisa Abela becomes the musical titan in this extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and her tumultuous personal life.
The Color Purple (2023)
A woman faces hardships in her life, but finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Looking for something lighter?
Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking (2024)
Late Night host Seth Meyers ditches his political jokes and focuses on his family life and fatherhood in this refreshing and hilarious stand-up special.
Showmax brings the laughs, from Nikki Glaser to Ramy Youssef
Discover 5 of HBO’s recent stand-up comedy specials now available to stream on Showmax, from the likes of Seth Meyers, Nikki Glaser, Ramy Youssef and more.
Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die
In her hilarious, unapologetic, and brutally honest style, Nikki Glaser tackles a wide range of taboo topics, including why she doesn’t want kids.
Wicked Little Letters (2023)
Set in the 1920s, this witty comedy-drama is based on the true story of a rowdy Irishwoman who is accused of sending letters full of hilarious profanities to her English neighbours.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2024)
Bridget’s back, and ready to start dating again as a single mom and widow in her 50s. She finds herself pursued by a younger man, and (maybe?) her son’s science teacher.
Poppa’s House S1
Comedian Damon Wayans stars as a talk radio host who finds himself challenged when a new female co-host is hired and by still having to parent his adult son.
April’s fools: Catch 10 of SNL’s biggest stars on Showmax
Documentary series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night takes us behind the scenes of the longest-running sketch comedy series in the US. And while you might not know the show, you do know its stars!
My Flatmates S1-9
Four friends who share an apartment find themselves in chaotic and hilarious situations as they go about their daily lives in this Nigerian sitcom.
Made in NigeriaThese shows are out of this world
The Last of Us S1-2
Joel and Ellie, a pair connected through the harshness of the world they live in, are forced to endure brutal circumstances and ruthless killers on a trek across post-pandemic America.
The Last of Us co-creator on why we all feel so protective of Ellie
Emmy winner Craig Mazin, co-creator and executive producer of The Last of Us, discusses why audiences feel so protective of Ellie. The new season premieres on M-Net and Showmax from 14 April 2025.
Breathe (2024)
Air-supply is scarce in the near future, forcing a mother and daughter to fight to survive when two strangers arrive desperate for an oxygenated haven.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
The second instalment in an epic two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge.
Dune: Part Two – what lies ahead for Paul and Chani?
Dune: Part Two’s leads Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, and director Denis Villeneuve discuss their fates and the nitty-gritty of riding a sandworm across the desert.
Showrunner Alison Schapker on Dune: Prophecy
The Dune: Prophecy showrunner talks about creating the HBO series, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Monday until 23 December.
We rate 11 aliens from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is bringing wonder back to space exploration. But with each new alien encounter comes the possibility of getting eggs laid in you!
Meet the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crew
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is bringing wonder back to space exploration as a crew of familiar friends and new characters join a five-year mission to explore the universe.
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking (2024)
Late Night host Seth Meyers ditches his political jokes and focuses on his family life and fatherhood in this refreshing and hilarious stand-up special.
Showmax brings the laughs, from Nikki Glaser to Ramy Youssef
Discover 5 of HBO’s recent stand-up comedy specials now available to stream on Showmax, from the likes of Seth Meyers, Nikki Glaser, Ramy Youssef and more.
Trailer: Thuso Mbedu in HBO’s Task, coming to Showmax in 2025
See the first-look trailer of Thuso Mbedu in HBO’s Task, coming to Showmax in September. Plus, 5 more international must-watch shows dropping on Showmax in 2025.
South AfricanNikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die
In her hilarious, unapologetic, and brutally honest style, Nikki Glaser tackles a wide range of taboo topics, including why she doesn’t want kids.