
4 March 2024
Your guide to Showmax and the DStv Explora
The Showmax app is available on the Explora Ultra and Streama.
What do I need to get Showmax on my DStv Explora?
- You need to live in South Africa, Kenya or Nigeria.
- Your Explora Ultra needs to be connected to the internet.
- You need an uncapped connection of at least 2Mbps, but 4MBps is recommended.
- You need a DStv subscription as well as a Showmax subscription.
If you are a DStv subscriber without a Showmax subscription, sign up on the MyDStv website or app. Find out more about how to sign up on the Showmax website.
How do I get Showmax on my DStv Explora Ultra?
Simply press the Showmax button on your Explora Ultra remote.
How to sign in to Showmax on your Explora Ultra
There are three ways to sign into Showmax on your Explora: by using the email, link, or by scanning the QR code.
Using the email
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
- Use your email address and password for preview.showmax.com.
- Click Continue.
- Get streaming!
Using the link
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app. Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone.
- Use your smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop to go directly to showmax.com/activate in your browser.
- Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
- Get streaming!
Using the QR code
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
- Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone.
- Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to open the website.
- Sign in to Showmax.
- Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
- Get streaming!
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.

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now 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 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.