6 May 2019
Love Shonda Rhimes? Watch these.
Feminism and female empowerment have become the holy grail of modern-day entertainment, with a number of TV shows and movies featuring, for the first time, strong female characters who challenge the status quo and prove that representation matters, even in the world of fiction – from Arya Stark’s kick-ass fierceness in Game of Thrones to June Osborne’s defiance in The Handmaid’s Tale to Annalise Keating’s gutsy brilliance in How to Get Away with Murder.
It’s certainly a great time to be alive, not only because of the empowerment we see on our screens, but because behind these great stories are female storytellers like Shonda Rhimes. Through her TV empire Shondaland, Rhimes has continued to create inspiring and complex female leads who are their own heroes, and who want nothing less than to dominate the world they live in. Through her powerful characters and bold storylines, Rhimes has taught us over and over that women don’t have to be saved to achieve what they want.
Love Shonda Rhimes? Watch these empowered women.
Original African stories by local talent
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 Africa
The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in South Africa
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. Stream S3 now, with new episodes every Saturday.
Made in South Africa
Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. S3 is now streaming, with new episodes landing every Saturday.
Made in South Africa
The Chocolate Empire S1
The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, who was recently released from prison, as he rebuilds his life. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Breekpunt
Breekpunt is a tennis drama about a gutsy teenager fighting for the chance to compete in international tennis. Stream now, with new episodes on Mondays.
Made in South AfricaThe Mommy Club Tanzania, coming soon
Stream new episodes of The Chocolate Empire
The best movies to stream
Boy Kills World and 5 more deliciously deadly action flicks
Looking for some blood-soaked action, gun-fu, laughs and hit-the-replay fight scenes? We’ve got you. Come try Boy Kills World and 5 more films that are just killing it!
An easy guide to 10 alien invasions
From Teacup’s Assassins and Harbingers, to A Quiet Place’s Death Angels, we break down what to expect when aliens take an interplanetary holiday to raise hell on Earth.
10 inspiring villain origin stories on Showmax
If you want to become a superhero just get bitten by a spider or find some tacky magic jewellery, loser! If you want to become a villain, though, that takes hard work – just ask Knull in Venom: The Last Dance.
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, plus 10 real-life revolutionaries
Discover the origins of The Hunger Games in The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, and then stream 10 more shows and movies about real-life revolutionaries.