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.
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
Two very different women, Alice, a formidable PA, and Cheryl, a bestselling fantasy author, become trapped in a triangle of epic proportions.
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.
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.
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
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.
Made in Kenya
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 (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
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 S1-3
Follow the outrageous exploits of the employees and guests of an exclusive resort in this buzz-worthy HBO comedy drama.
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?
Made in Kenya
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
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 (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)
A London broker helps save hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis just before the start of WWII.
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 (2023)
A woman faces hardships in her life, but finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
Chicago Med S9
Another compelling instalment of the pulse-pounding medical drama about the courageous team of doctors at a trauma centre in Chicago.
Emperor of Ocean Park S1
When a Black candidate for the Supreme Court dies of a heart attack, his daughter, a former journalist, believes his death was foul play.
My Brilliant Friend S4
This gorgeous HBO series recounts a 60-year friendship between two women, which began in 1950s Naples, based on the bestselling novels.
Looking for something lighter?
Poppa’s House S1
Comedian Damon Wayans stars as a talk radio host who finds himself challenged when a new female co-host is hired and by still having to parent his adult son.
April’s fools: Catch 10 of SNL’s biggest stars on Showmax
Documentary series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night takes us behind the scenes of the longest-running sketch comedy series in the US. And while you might not know the show, you do know its stars!
Party Down S1-3
A group of struggling actors and dysfunctional dreamers wait for their big break while they are stuck working at a Hollywood catering company.
Party Down stars’ jobs before they were famous
Comedy series Party Down Seasons 1-3 takes us inside an LA-based catering company staffed by struggling entertainers. It was flashback time for stars like Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Megan Mullally, Jane Lynch and Jennifer Garner.
Frasier S1-11
The iconic comedy series that took the world by storm. After years spent at the Cheers bar, Frasier moves home to Seattle to become a radio psychiatrist.
Behind the headlines on It’s Florida, Man
Six unbelievable headlines, six even more shocking cases. Come meet the real-life men and women behind incredible Florida Man sightings in the comedy series It’s Florida, Man.
It’s Florida, Man S1
This outrageous HBO comedy is a love letter to the beaches, backwaters and people of a misunderstood yet magical American state.
Bookie S2
A veteran bookie struggles to survive the impending legalisation of sports gambling, increasingly unstable clients, family and co-workers.
These shows are out of this world
The Last of Us S1-2
Joel and Ellie, a pair connected through the harshness of the world they live in, are forced to endure brutal circumstances and ruthless killers on a trek across post-pandemic America.
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)
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)
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’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
The Dune: Prophecy showrunner talks about creating the HBO series, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Monday until 23 December.
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
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.
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
The Last of Us S1-2
Joel and Ellie, a pair connected through the harshness of the world they live in, are forced to endure brutal circumstances and ruthless killers on a trek across post-pandemic America.
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.
SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night S1
SNL creator Lorne Michaels commemorates the show’s 50th anniversary. Featuring a look into the audition and writing processes, a deep dive into the ‘More Cowbell’ sketch, and an exploration of SNL’s 11th season.
The Golden Boy: Oscar De La Hoya (2023)
This explosive two-part sports documentary peels back the layers of this celebrated yet complicated figure.