The Sympathizer S1
Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer follows a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and into his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren't over.
Hoa Xuande (Cowboy Bebop) leads a largely Vietnamese cast, with Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr. earning an Emmy nomination for his multiple roles here. The supporting cast includes Golden Globe winners Sandra Oh (Killing Eve, Grey’s Anatomy) and David Duchovny (The X Files, Californication), as well as John Cho (from the Harold & Kumar and Star Trek franchises).
The HBO/A24 co-production is #9 on Metacritic’s round-up of the Best TV Shows (So Far) This Year and has an 88% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Time Magazine says it’s “ambitious, brilliant television,” and Rolling Stone calls it “wickedly funny [and] deeply moving,” saying, “The Sympathizer turns a bestseller adaptation into a TV tour de force.”
The Sympathizer is co-created by Cannes winners Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) and Don McKellar (Last Night), with Chan-wook, Oscar nominee Fernando Meirelles (City of God) and triple BAFTA winner Marc Munden (Utopia) each directing episodes.
More like this
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
Kenyan screen legend Godfrey Odhiambo talks about his role as Edward, the patriarch of the Sonoko family on Showmax Original crime drama Reckless.
Love Island Games S1-2
Former Islanders from across the globe return to Fiji for a chance at finding love and bagging $100 000.
Thelma (2024)
Scammers meet their match in Thelma, played by June Squibb: after getting duped, the 93-year-old sets out to reclaim what was taken from her.
Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love (2023)
Filmed in Boston, Emmy-winning comedian Sarah Silverman returns with her second comedy special for HBO since 2013.
Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger”
New mom Minne Kariuki is back for Single Kiasi S4! Catch new episodes of the fan-favourite drama on Showmax every Wednesday.
Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.
Single Kiasi S1-4
Sintamei, Mariah and Rebecca are three close friends living in Nairobi, each with their own troubles. Stream new episodes only on Showmax.
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
Expect “gorilla” war as Big Nick and Donnie team up in heist movie Den of Thieves 2: Pantera! “A silverback gorilla like Nick needs another silverback gorilla to wrestle with,” hints Gerard Butler.
Single Kiasi S4, now streaming
Reckless S1, now streaming
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in October 2025
Award-winning local content, hot new reality shows, The Office spinoff The Paper - it's all on Showmax in October.
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (2025)
When Meje, the living embodiment of the seven deadly sins, threatens the land, young warriors Dara and Ishe must prevent an age of darkness.
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
Kenyan screen legend Godfrey Odhiambo talks about his role as Edward, the patriarch of the Sonoko family on Showmax Original crime drama Reckless.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television
Take a journey through TV history, exploring Black representation, from early on-screen appearances to modern creators, revolutionising the industry.
Latest Stories
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Showmax presents September 5: A riveting look at a pivotal moment in news history
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running
Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax
Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window
What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025
Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog
Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2
First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4
Radio queen Cess Mutungi to host The Mommy Club NBO reunion
Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final
Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax
5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes
5 new reality shows on Showmax in August
The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure
Will anyone stop the champs? Booth on Downs' quest for a 9th title
The curtain rises: Wembley Showdown - LFC vs Crystal Palace
Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 1-5 October 2025
Showmax PL kicks off football fiesta with MTN8 quarter-finals
