9 January 2020
Mars S1-2
Two-season series Mars is part documentary, part science fiction drama. National Geographic has used real-life footage from NASA, astronaut and scientist interviews, as well as equipment to add a sense of reality to the story.
The 12 episodes can be streamed on Showmax, and follow mission commander Ben Sawyer (Ben Cotton) as he leads the race to land on Mars. It’s not an easy journey and the alien planet is particularly cruel.
The show has impressive special effects – you’ll feel giddy as the spacecraft lands, putting the astronauts through eye-bursting G-forces. You need to keep focused, though, because there’s a lot of scientific info in the script, which, unless you’re an astronaut, can be a little daunting.
Have no fear though: as Kevin Murnane from Forbes.com writes, Mars is a blasting good time: “I didn’t expect the show would be as compelling as it is. National Geographic has put together a portfolio about a manned mission to Mars that is deep, rich and educational in the best sense of the term if you are interested in planetary science, space technology, science fiction or an intriguing approach to filmed storytelling.”
Original African stories by local talent
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. Two episodes now streaming, and the remaining two episodes land on 22 March 2024 on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers, with new episodes every Thursday.
Cheta M
Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.
Youngins S1
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week.
Sadau Sisters S1
Rahma, Zainab, Aisha, and Fatima Sadau pull back the curtain on their family, fame, and lifestyle. Stream now on Showmax.
Tracking Thabo Bester: coming soon to Showmax
Red Ink: how did Bonko become The Butcher?
More Mzansi gold
Lorcia Cooper Kumalo from Red Ink on her intentions when choosing roles
SAFTA winner Lorcia Cooper Kumalo talks about her role as Detective Morapedi in Red Ink and her intentions when choosing roles.
Red Ink Season 1 episode 8 recap: Till we meet again
In the finale of Red Ink, Lucy learns the shocking news about Napoleon, evoking complex emotions. All the episodes are now streaming.
The Mommy Club S2 episode 6 recap: How to keep hustling
In episode 6 of The Mommy Club, Nozipho and Nunurai discuss business, while Hermajesty treats her daughter to a car shopping spree. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Former SAPS profiler on the murder that “stands out the most”
Former SAPS head profiler Dr Gérard Labuschagne discusses the true-crime documentary Original Sin: My Son The Killer, noting it as the most troubling case in his career.