17 May 2023

Why do shows leave Showmax?

It’s frustrating when a series or movie you’ve been watching on Showmax isn’t available any more. So why does this happen?

Like other streaming services (and like TV channels), Showmax licenses movies and series from studios and distributors. These licences comes with certain conditions, including how long we’re allowed to have the content on Showmax.

If a show you’re watching is marked "Last Chance", it means the show will be expiring and leaving the platform shortly. Our contract with the content provider is at an end, and unfortunately we’re no longer able to stream this show. We typically try to give two weeks’ notice for expiring content.

So why don’t we just renew all the most popular shows? Sometimes the supplier doesn’t want to renew the deal, or we can’t reach terms that make sense. Other times, we make the call that in order to bring on board fresh new shows we need to let others go. Often it’s a combination of all these factors.

Choosing content for Showmax is a delicate balance and we recognise we can’t always make everyone happy. But generally, if something is popular we’ll do our best to bring it back. It may take a little time, but we'll keep working at it.

Browse all series now

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together unforgettable Housewives from across the continent. Lands 28 November on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Unspoken War

Six-part docuseries Unspoken War, produced by IdeaCandy, lands on Showmax and M-Net on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Slay Queens

Slay Queens is a bold, no-holds-barred documentary series that dives straight into the glitzy, gritty world of Mzansi’s most talked-about women. Stream from 31 October, with new episodes every Friday.

OriginalMade in South Africa

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. Now streaming, with new episodes on Tuesdays.

Original South Africa

The ABC Killer

The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Collage of images from Showmax's new ad 'Watch Us'

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.

OriginalMade 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.

OriginalMade in Kenya