The best drama series and movies to stream on Showmax

The best drama series and movies to stream on Showmax

These tearjerking drama series and movies will bring on all the feels – stream them all on Showmax, but be sure to keep the tissues handy, and bring along your nerves of steel. 

We’ve got heart-pounding crime dramas, psychological thrillers where we know things aren’t all going to be okay, romantic dramas that clutch at our hearts, and devastating stories that unfold in emergency rooms, on the streets, in troubled homes and in workplaces of all kinds.

BOBO on Showmax

BOBO (2024)

Bobo, an 18-year-old from Nairobi’s Mathare slum, must win a modelling competition to save her family. Starring newcomer Faith Muthoni.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S4 on Showmax

Power Book III: Raising Kanan S1-4

Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.

First
Happy Face on Showmax

Happy Face S1

A young woman’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that her father is an infamous serial killer in this tense series.

First
Widow Cliquot on Showmax

Widow Clicquot (2023)

This extraordinary period drama tells the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, who, at the age of 20, became the head of the Veuve Clicquot champagne family.

The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies S1 on Showmax

The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies

Two very different women, Alice, a formidable PA, and Cheryl, a bestselling fantasy author, become trapped in a triangle of epic proportions.

The Responder on Showmax

The Responder S2

An embattled first responder tackles a series of night shifts in Liverpool while trying to keep his head above water personally and professionally.

Accused S2

Accused S2

An engrossing anthology courtroom drama based on the acclaimed BBC crime series. Each episode follows a new defendant as they await their verdict, while flashbacks reveal how they ended up in court.

The Chocolate Empire S1

The Chocolate Empire S1

Jimmy Gathu plays a formerly successful businessman who is newly released from prison in this drama that uncovers the sacrifices and deception it takes to get to the top.

A Very Royal Scandal on Showmax

A Very Royal Scandal

This compelling British miniseries driven by Michael Sheen explores Emily Maitlis’s journey as a Newsnight journalist and Prince Andrew’s disastrous interview with her.

It Ends With Us on Showmax

It Ends With Us (2024)

In this compelling, emotional film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, a woman finds herself reliving her childhood trauma when she falls for a charming neurosurgeon.

Suits LA S1

Suits LA S1

Ted Black, a former New York prosecutor, moves to LA to build a new law firm specialising in criminal and entertainment law in this spin-off of Suits.

The White Lotus S3 on Showmax

The White Lotus S1-3

Follow the outrageous exploits of the employees and guests of an exclusive resort in this buzz-worthy HBO comedy drama.

First
Salaam Dar S1

Salaam Dar S1

Dancer Salima moves to Dar es Salaam, where she faces family tensions, harassment, and rivalry until a viral video propels her to fame. Can she hold onto her dreams?

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023)

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023)

The late Oscar-winning director William Friedkin adapts Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A young lieutenant is accused of a mutiny against his captain

Sullivan’s Crossing S1-2

Sullivan’s Crossing S1-2

A riveting and emotional romantic drama series based on Robyn Carr’s bestselling novel. Follow Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan as her life is upended, leading her to return home to Sullivan’s Crossing.

The Last Rifleman on Showmax

The Last Rifleman (2023)

A WWII veteran escapes his nursing home in Northern Ireland to attend the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.

One Life  (2023)

One Life  (2023)

A London broker helps save hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis just before the start of WWII.

Back to Black on Showmax

Back to Black (2024)

Marisa Abela becomes the musical titan in this extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame and her tumultuous personal life.

The Color Purple on Showmax

The Color Purple (2023)

A woman faces hardships in her life, but finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

Chicago Med S9

Chicago Med S9

Another compelling instalment of the pulse-pounding medical drama about the courageous team of doctors at a trauma centre in Chicago.

Looking for something lighter?

The American Society of Magical Negroes on Showmax

Would you join The American Society of Magical Negroes?

Writer-creator Kobi Libii cracks open his bag of tricks to reveal what’s really going on in The American Society of Magical Negroes. And we suggest 5 more Black comedies with culture.

The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)

The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)

In this satirical comedy, a man is recruited by a secret magical society of Black people. Their important cause? Making white people’s lives easier.

Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking on Showmax

Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking (2024)

Late Night host Seth Meyers ditches his political jokes and focuses on his family life and fatherhood in this refreshing and hilarious stand-up special.

First
Ramy Youssef: More Feelings on Showmax

Showmax brings the laughs, from Nikki Glaser to Ramy Youssef

Discover 5 of HBO’s recent stand-up comedy specials now available to stream on Showmax, from the likes of Seth Meyers, Nikki Glaser, Ramy Youssef and more.

Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die on Showmax

Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die

In her hilarious, unapologetic, and brutally honest style, Nikki Glaser tackles a wide range of taboo topics, including why she doesn’t want kids.

First
Wicked Little Letters (2023)

Wicked Little Letters (2023)

Set in the 1920s, this witty comedy-drama is based on the true story of a rowdy Irishwoman who is accused of sending letters full of hilarious profanities to her English neighbours.

Untying Kantai on Showmax

Showmax Original Untying Kantai shines at the 11th AMVCAs

Kenyan Showmax Original Untying Kantai wins Best Writing TV Series award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held in Lagos. 

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy on Showmax

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2024)

Bridget’s back, and ready to start dating again as a single mom and widow in her 50s. She finds herself pursued by a younger man, and (maybe?) her son’s science teacher.

These shows are out of this world

The Last of Us S2 is on Showmax

The Last of Us S1-2

Five years after the events of Season 1, Joel and Ellie are living a relatively peaceful life in Jackson, Wyoming – until the past comes calling. Stream The Last of Us S2, plus all of S1, on Showmax.

Bella Ramsey as Ellie in The Last Of US S2 on Showmax

The Last of Us co-creator on why we all feel so protective of Ellie

Emmy winner Craig Mazin, co-creator and executive producer of The Last of Us, discusses why audiences feel so protective of Ellie. The new season premieres on M-Net and Showmax from 14 April 2025.

Breathe (2024)

Breathe (2024)

Air-supply is scarce in the near future, forcing a mother and daughter to fight to survive when two strangers arrive desperate for an oxygenated haven.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Dune: Part Two (2024)

The second instalment in an epic two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge.

Dune: Part Two – what lies ahead for Paul and Chani?  

Dune: Part Two – what lies ahead for Paul and Chani?  

Dune: Part Two’s leads Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, and director Denis Villeneuve discuss their fates and the nitty-gritty of riding a sandworm across the desert.

Showrunner Alison Schapker on Dune: Prophecy

Showrunner Alison Schapker on Dune: Prophecy

The Dune: Prophecy showrunner talks about creating the HBO series, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Monday until 23 December.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Showmax

We rate 11 aliens from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is bringing wonder back to space exploration. But with each new alien encounter comes the possibility of getting eggs laid in you!

Meet the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crew

Meet the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds crew

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is bringing wonder back to space exploration as a crew of familiar friends and new characters join a five-year mission to explore the universe.