27 February 2020
False Flag
The only thing worse than committing a political coup is being framed for it. Like in fast-paced biographical action series False Flag (called Kfulim in its native Israel).
What you need to know is that this is a true story. A group of non-connected ordinary people wake up linked on TV reports for the kidnapping for Iran’s minister of defence during a trip to Russia – and worse, they’re also allegedly members of Islamist Palestinian group Hamas.
Unless you’re fluent in Hebrew, you’ll be reading subtitles to follow. But the drama onscreen isn’t totally foreign – there’s not a country in the world that doesn’t have some political drama. It’s also a look inside the brutal war being waged over the holy land and how being linked to political groups could literally cost you your life.
Mike Hale from nytimes.com is a fan and hints that fans of US political drama Homeland will love it too: “False Flag is less fancy and more naturalistic than its US counterparts, with a dry humour and a low-key efficiency in generating suspense. The tension is maintained through constant movement and the clash of personalities rather than bloodshed — there’s violence, but the body count is lower than it would be in an American series, at least until an awkwardly handled shootout in the finale.”
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.