Zara’s rise in Princess on a Hill, Nollywood’s new corporate drama

Princess on a Hill delivers suspense, drama, and intrigue right from the first scene, pulling viewers into a world where ambition, betrayal, and power struggles lurk around every corner.

The series follows Zara Osara (Onyinye Odokoro), a young woman with big dreams who unexpectedly rises to the pinnacle of corporate power through a reality show competition. 

Watch the trailer for Princess on a Hill

Episode 1 sets the stage for an epic clash of egos, as Zara claims victory in a high-stakes reality show called Leading Ladies, securing a top position at Nigeria’s most influential company, the Lawson Group. However, just as Zara’s win seems like the start of a fairy tale, a shocking twist follows a plane crash involving Moyosore Lawson (Bimbo Manuel).

The aftermath of Mr Lawson’s plane crash sets off a chain of events that thrust Zara deeper into a world of corporate intrigue and high-stakes manipulation. With Mr Lawson now in a coma, the question of who will take over the Lawson Group looms large, and the power struggle within the company intensifies.

Zara, now an intern at the Lawson Group, quickly finds herself at the centre of it all, but not everyone is happy to see her rise.

Her first day at the office is anything but welcoming. Her colleagues are cold and dismissive, and the glamorous victory she thought she had won suddenly feels like a trap. Zara is left questioning everything – was she truly chosen because of her talent, or has she been placed in the Lawson Group for more sinister reasons?

Adding to the tension are whispers of shady business dealings within the Lawson Group; rumours circulate about the company’s mysterious interest in the telecommunications industry, an area that seems far removed from their usual ventures.

The suspense heightens when Zara is unexpectedly taken to a secret location by Mr Saheed, a driver for the Lawson Group. Alone and confused, she meets with a man whose voice is unmistakable – it’s Mr Lawson.

Mr Lawson needs Zara’s help to uncover the traitors in his midst, but he warns her that the enemies she faces are powerful and ruthless.

Zara’s journey into the world of power and deception begins in earnest as she accepts Mr Lawson’s offer. 

Back home, Zara’s family, who once struggled to make ends meet, now sees a glimmer of hope. Her mother, overjoyed by Zara’s success, believes her daughter is finally on the path to greatness. But Zara knows better, that every step she takes deeper into the Lawson Group’s inner circle puts her at greater risk.

Quickly, things take a dark turn when Zara’s “new friend” at work, Rolly, is abruptly fired. Zara soon learns that it was Mr Lawson himself who orchestrated Rolly’s dismissal, paving the way for Zara to take her place. 

As the episode draws to a close, Mr Lawson asks Zara a question that will define her future: “What do you truly want in life?” With chilling determination, Zara answers, “Power”. At that moment, it is clear that Zara is no longer the naive girl from the competition. She’s ready to play the game, no matter the cost. 

With every episode, the stakes get higher, and the dangers become more intense. 

Princess on a Hill is now streaming on Showmax. New episodes drop on Thursdays.