10 January 2019
Celebrating 20 years of The Sopranos
In its eight years on the air, HBO’s The Sopranos, about New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (played by the late James Gandolfini), redefined what television drama could be.
As the New York Times writes, “By the time the writer and producer David Chase brought The Sopranos to a close on June 10, 2007, he had helped establish HBO as a cultural force and make literary symbolism, cinematic style, long-form storytelling and complicated antiheroes the norm for high-end TV dramas.”
Today, 20 years after its premiere, and 13 after its finale, fans continue to debate what the show’s ending meant: “Humming Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ is all it takes in certain circles to trigger a cascade of ferocious arguments over the show’s anti-ending,” says Vanity Fair.
The Writers Guild of America named The Sopranos “the best-written television series of all time”, and it won a whopping 21 Emmy Awards. So if you’ve never watched The Sopranos, you’re missing out on one of the most influential stream TV series every made.
You can remedy that right now by streaming every episode of the groundbreaking series on Showmax.
And if you’ve already seen it, and don’t have the 86 hours on your hands required to relive every moment, these are some of the best episodes to rewatch, according to the New York Times.
Season 1, episode 1: Pilot/The Sopranos
Season 2, episode 12: The Knight in White Satin Armor
Season 3, episode 4: Employee of the Month
Season 3, episode 6: University
Season 3, episode 11: Pine Barrens
Season 5, episode 12: Long Term Parking
Season 6: episode 21: Made In America
Original African stories by local talent
Vaal Riviera
Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Stream from 22 August, with new episodes on Tuesdays.
Made in South Africa
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in Kenya
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.
Made in Kenya
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.
Made in South Africa
Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Made in South AfricaThe Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream
Here, and 15 more great movies to cry about
Whether you’re looking to shed happy tears or shed part of your soul, we have movies centred on love in all its forms to help you, starting with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s Here.
The best kids’ shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in June/July 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.
Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.
Twisters and 5 other man-versus-nature nail biters
Tornado alert! A category F5 spin on the blockbuster 1996 movie Twister has just touched ground to sweep us up in the terrifying power of nature. Find out about how it was made, and what to watch next.