Second Family Season 1 episodes 1-3 recap: Tragic death and a shocking reveal
In the first gripping episodes of Second Family, we follow the story of Sinde, a small-town girl whose perfect life is shattered when she discovers her father has a shocking secret.
Agri-billionaire Leo Lang’at (played by Ian Mbugua from Single Kiasi) has been leading a double life, with two families – the Gatehis and the Lang’ats. The Gatehis are Leo's flashy city family, headed by his controlling wife Evangeline and include his three children, playboy Tehi (Nick Ndeda), spoiled socialite Gigi (Stephanie Muchiri), and ambitious Shei (Serah Wanjiru).
The Lang’ats, on the other hand, live on a remote farm in Uasin Gishu, and are made up of Leo's devoted wife Sophia (Helen Keli), his son Bett (Lewis Leshan), and Sinde (Vanessa Okeyo) – a young woman who dreams of leaving the farm behind and making it in Nairobi.
Watch the trailer for Second Family
Leo’s car crash
Things start to unravel when Leo is involved in a serious car accident, and his families deal with the aftermath in very different ways. Evangeline (Dora Nyaboke) takes control of the situation, while Gigi starts flirting with family friend Cyrus (Brian Ogola) and family employee Joel. Shei won’t leave her bedroom, and Tehi drowns his sorrows in booze and drugs.
Meanwhile, it's revealed that Leo has been hiding another secret – his company is in serious financial trouble, and he's been covering it up. Cyrus steps in as acting CEO and has to deal with auditors who are sniffing around for evidence of Leo's shady dealings.
Sinde in search for her father
But the real drama unfolds when Sinde travels to Nairobi to find her father, only to be denied entry to his workplace because nobody recognises her.
It’s only when Sophia travels to the city in the hopes of viewing Leo’s body to pay her final respects, that Sinde discovers why nobody knows who she is: she is her father’s secret child from his secret marriage!
With Leo’s double life exposed, what will become of his two families? Catch new episodes of Second Family, every Wednesday to Friday, only on Showmax.
More like this
Marya Okoth opens up on motherhood, fame & Showmax’s Adam to Eve
Actress Marya Okoth reflects on fame, motherhood, personal growth, and her latest role in Showmax’s Adam to Eve.
Celestine Gachuhi: From Selina stardom to her powerful Showmax return in Adam to Eve
Exclusive: Kenyan actress Celestine Gachuhi opens up about life after Selina, motherhood, advocacy, and her powerful Showmax return in Adam to Eve.
Dennis Humphrey on fame, Mizani, and telling Kenya’s Untold Stories
From Sultana to Mizani, Dennis Humphrey opens up about fame, Kalasha wins, African storytelling, and his journey as a filmmaker and actor.
The Neighborhood S1-8
When Dave Johnson and his family arrive from Michigan, they're unfazed that their new dream home is located in a community quite different from their previous small town.
The ‘Burbs S1
In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Daudi Anguka on Mizani, organ trafficking and why the coast is finally taking centre stage in Kenya's film industry
Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka opens up about his first Showmax original, tackling organ trafficking and the rise of Kenyan coastal cinema.
Landman S1-2
Taylor Sheridan's Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton. In the heart of Texas, roughnecks and billionaires collide in the get-rich-quick oil industry.
Watch the new Kenyan drama series A Better Life
Single Kiasi: Hot dating tips in Nairobi
More Kenyan excellence
Marya Okoth opens up on motherhood, fame & Showmax’s Adam to Eve
Actress Marya Okoth reflects on fame, motherhood, personal growth, and her latest role in Showmax’s Adam to Eve.
Celestine Gachuhi: From Selina stardom to her powerful Showmax return in Adam to Eve
Exclusive: Kenyan actress Celestine Gachuhi opens up about life after Selina, motherhood, advocacy, and her powerful Showmax return in Adam to Eve.
Dennis Humphrey on fame, Mizani, and telling Kenya’s Untold Stories
From Sultana to Mizani, Dennis Humphrey opens up about fame, Kalasha wins, African storytelling, and his journey as a filmmaker and actor.
Daudi Anguka on Mizani, organ trafficking and why the coast is finally taking centre stage in Kenya's film industry
Award-winning filmmaker Daudi Anguka opens up about his first Showmax original, tackling organ trafficking and the rise of Kenyan coastal cinema.
Latest Stories
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
%2520(1)-1.jpg&w=2560&q=80)
Lenana Kariba speaks on returning for Single Kiasi Season 4
Veteran actor Helen Keli spills on playing Delilah on Single Kiasi S4
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
New seasons of your favourite series, now streaming
The best romantic series on Showmax
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in November 2025
17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 18-23 February
