18 July 2020
Find Me in Paris S1-3
If you love ballet and/or time travel, you’ll love Find Me in Paris. This sweet series follows Lena Grisky, a Russian princess who’s transported from the Opéra de Paris ballet school in 1905 to the same spot in 2018, courtesy of a magical necklace.
Her boyfriend, Henri, will stop at nothing to save her from the sinister trio of Time Collectors, and bring her back to 1905. But meanwhile, in the modern world, Lena is learning to love cellphones, the internet, hip-hop dancing – and her alluring and mysterious dance partner, Max.
The longer Lena spends in 2018, the bigger the question: does she even want to go back to 1905?
In the third and final season, Thea finds herself in a very dangerous position and Lena has been forced to take a risk and spill her secret.
Margaret Lyons had this to say about the show in the New York Times:
“How are there so many cop shows but, as far as I can tell, only this one time-traveling teen princess ballerina show? This is a cultural deficit we must claw our way out of; just follow the earnest light of Find Me in Paris. Jessica Lord stars as Lena, who, thanks to a surprisingly powerful necklace from her boyfriend, is transported from her Parisian dance school in 1905 to the same school in the present day. If you like Netflix’s ‘Backstage’ but wish it had time portals, diet Draco Malfoy villains and time-bending secret mailboxes where teenage couples can exchange love notes across eras, try this.”
The series has a 100% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has a four-star rating on Common Sense Media, which recommends the series for ages 10+, praising its “international flair and a welcome wholesome feel”.
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
The Hot Seat, now streaming
Nairobi Bachelor, now on Showmax
The best movies to stream
The Grinch list: 10 movies and series for the “bah humbug!” crowd
There comes a point in all the jolly holly festive fun when even the merriest of gentlemen need to blow off some silly season steam.
11 Christmas movies with love, sugar and spice from Africa
These 11 festive films from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria will remind you of the joys of home during the holidays.
12 days of Christmas movies
Grinches, elves, kids, lovers and fighters unite! It’s time for 12 days of jolly holly movie action to get you in the holiday spirit.
10 book-to-screen adaptations for kids
These series and movies for kids of all ages bring imagination to life as characters step off the page and onto the screen in Wonka, Tabby McTat, His Dark Materials and more.