5 Nigerian TV series that held us spellbound this decade

The 2010s have been a great decade for Nigerian television shows. From the scripting to the quality of production, Nigerian television has come a long way since the days of New Masquerade.

As we bid farewell to the decade that gave us unforgettable characters like Achelonu and Spiff, we shed the spotlight on Nigerian television shows that not only delivered on quality but also had social media buzzing.

Here are five series that held us spellbound this decade and are all currently available for streaming on Showmax.

1. Ajoche

Fondly dubbed Nigeria’s Game of Thrones by fans of the show, Ajoche aired on Africa Magic Showcase from April 2018 to May 2019.

Ajoche is set in 1918 when the Idoma emerged from the middle belt of Nigeria at a time when culture and tradition were celebrated. The hit show is a tale of war and duty, revenge and honour, love and lust as the people of Ocholuje embrace their destiny, uncovering some bitter truths and harsh realities as they fight for survival.

Ajoche earned a City People Movie Award nomination for Best TV Series of the Year (English) and frequently made it to the top of Twitter in Nigeria while it aired.

Produced by James Omokwe, the show stars the likes of Hilda Dokubo, Femi Branch, William Benson, Lota Chukwu, Akah Nani, Efa Iwara, Tokunbo Idowu (T-Boss), Lilian Afegbai and Big Brother alumni Bassey Ekpenyong. Watch it here.

2. Battleground

Battleground is a family drama series centred around the Badmus’, a wealthy Nigerian family, and the often questionable lengths its patriarch goes to hold on to power, wealth and even family. The show gave us one of the most unforgettable moments in Nigerian television history – Adaora flogging Onajite – and had social media buzzing while it aired. From the plot to the acting and even costumes, Battleground held its audience spellbound from start to finish.

It even featured a crossover episode with another Africa Magic series, Hush, reminiscent of the How To Get Away With Murder/Scandal crossover. The show stars Gbenga Titiloye, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Coker, Joke Silva, Okey Uzoeshi, Ini Dima-Okojie, Ozzy Agu, and Yinka Davies. Watch it here.

3. Hush

Hush marked the return of Nollywood legend Richard Mofe-Damijo to the small screen, thrilling viewers with the delivery of drama and suspense.

Fashion, politics and power is the central theme of the show. A governorship aspirant’s noble mission is tainted by the ambitions of an exclusive men’s club and her personal life.

The show earned a Best Drama nomination in the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) and stars Thelma Okoduwa, Mawuli Gavor, Ade Laoye, Chris Okagbue and Baaj Adebule, amongst others. In the wake of the show’s finale, fans applauded the ending, describing it on social media as one of the best Nigerian television shows ever written. Watch it here.

4. The Johnsons

Family drama The Johnsons chronicles the lives of an average Nigerian family and the everyday challenges they navigate, told from the perspective of their special 15-year-old son, Efe Johnson.

Showing since 2014 on Africa Magic, the show quickly became a household name thanks to the antics of the characters. The Johnsons has earned several awards, including the 2017 City People Movie Award for Best TV Series of the Year (English) and 2017 AMVCA for Best Comedy.

The Johnsons stars Charles Inojie, Chinedu Ihedieze, Ada Ameh, and Olumide Owuru, among others. Watch it here.

5. Hustle

Starring Sola Sobowale, Seyi Law, Seun Ajayi, Afeez Ayetoro aka Saka, Uzo Osimkpa and most recently Tobi Bakre from Big Brother Naija, Hustle tells the story of Dayo, a gullible but optimistic young man who moves to Lagos with dreams of making it big.

The show earned Deborah Anugwa a 2017 AMVCA Best Actress In A Comedy Award and frequently emerges as one of the most-watched Nigerian shows on Showmax. Watch it here.