15 October 2019
Wayward Pines S1-2
There’s something strange happening in the mountain town of Wayward Pines. It’s up to FBI agent Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) to find two colleagues who have mysteriously vanished, leaving no trace. The strangest thing about the town isn’t even the disappearances – it’s that Wayward Pines is surrounded by an electrified fence and everyone follows the rules religiously … or they disappear.
The strict sheriff and enforcer is played by Terrence Howard, who also appears in all five seasons of Empire.
Season 1 is based on the Wayward Pines trilogy by author Blake Crouch and the 10 episodes follow it faithfully.
The show was originally meant to be one season, so the second instalment has a new line-up and new storyline based on specially created material (showrunner Chad Hodge left and most of the Season 1 cast had committed to other projects). That doesn’t take away from the uneasy feeling that everyone in town is lying about something top-secret and dangerous.
It’s a proper thriller, with the theguardian.com calling it “totally original with puzzles and clues that suck you in and reveals that illuminate a bit of the truth but only make the rest of the mystery murkier. This is what an addictive viewing experience should be like.”
Original African stories by local talent
Vaal Riviera
Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Stream from 22 August, with new episodes on Tuesdays.
Made in South Africa
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.
Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
Made in Kenya
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Made in South AfricaThe Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream
Here, and 15 more great movies to cry about
Whether you’re looking to shed happy tears or shed part of your soul, we have movies centred on love in all its forms to help you, starting with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright’s Here.
The best kids’ shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in June/July 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.
Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.
Twisters and 5 other man-versus-nature nail biters
Tornado alert! A category F5 spin on the blockbuster 1996 movie Twister has just touched ground to sweep us up in the terrifying power of nature. Find out about how it was made, and what to watch next.