9 January 2020
Mars S1-2
Two-season series Mars is part documentary, part science fiction drama. National Geographic has used real-life footage from NASA, astronaut and scientist interviews, as well as equipment to add a sense of reality to the story.
The 12 episodes can be streamed on Showmax, and follow mission commander Ben Sawyer (Ben Cotton) as he leads the race to land on Mars. It’s not an easy journey and the alien planet is particularly cruel.
The show has impressive special effects – you’ll feel giddy as the spacecraft lands, putting the astronauts through eye-bursting G-forces. You need to keep focused, though, because there’s a lot of scientific info in the script, which, unless you’re an astronaut, can be a little daunting.
Have no fear though: as Kevin Murnane from Forbes.com writes, Mars is a blasting good time: “I didn’t expect the show would be as compelling as it is. National Geographic has put together a portfolio about a manned mission to Mars that is deep, rich and educational in the best sense of the term if you are interested in planetary science, space technology, science fiction or an intriguing approach to filmed storytelling.”
Original African stories by local talent
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. Two episodes now streaming, and the remaining two episodes land on 22 March 2024 on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers, with new episodes every Thursday.
Cheta M
Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.
Youngins S1
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week.
Sadau Sisters S1
Rahma, Zainab, Aisha, and Fatima Sadau pull back the curtain on their family, fame, and lifestyle. Stream now on Showmax.
All episodes of Second family are now streaming
Single Kiasi S3: The girls are back
The best movies to stream
10 movies everyone’s watching on Showmax now
Stream these 10 fun, eye-popping movies that your fellow Showmax fans are loving, including Queen & Slim, Babylon, Equalizer 3 and more.
Transformers movies on Showmax: ranked
All seven Transformers movies are ready to stream on Showmax, including the 2007 original and the latest, Rise of the Beasts.
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See the ranked list of DC superhero movies now streaming on Showmax, including the feel-good Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
The best British movies to stream
From gangsters in bowler hats to wedding guests in feathered hats, comedy to drama, here are some of the best British movies streaming on Showmax now.