
4 March 2024
Your guide to Showmax and the DStv Explora
The Showmax app is available on the Explora Ultra and Streama.
What do I need to get Showmax on my DStv Explora?
- You need to live in South Africa, Kenya or Nigeria.
- Your Explora Ultra needs to be connected to the internet.
- You need an uncapped connection of at least 2Mbps, but 4MBps is recommended.
- You need a DStv subscription as well as a Showmax subscription.
If you are a DStv subscriber without a Showmax subscription, sign up on the MyDStv website or app. Find out more about how to sign up on the Showmax website.
How do I get Showmax on my DStv Explora Ultra?
Simply press the Showmax button on your Explora Ultra remote.
How to sign in to Showmax on your Explora Ultra
There are three ways to sign into Showmax on your Explora: by using the email, link, or by scanning the QR code.
Using the email
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
- Use your email address and password for preview.showmax.com.
- Click Continue.
- Get streaming!
Using the link
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app. Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone.
- Use your smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop to go directly to showmax.com/activate in your browser.
- Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
- Get streaming!
Using the QR code
- Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
- Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone.
- Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to open the website.
- Sign in to Showmax.
- Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
- Get streaming!
Original African stories by local talent

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 1-5 now, with part one of the reunion now streaming and part 2 landing on 11 July 2025.
The Real Housewives of Lagos S5, now streaming
Cheta M, now streaming
The best of West Africa

Super Falcons kick off WAFCON against Tunisia on Sunday
The Super Falcons of Nigeria kick off 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia this Sunday, 6 July, live on Showmax Premier League.

Big Brother Naija S9: No Loose Guard
Relive all the exciting moments of BBNaija S9: No Loose Guard on Showmax, plus catch the reunion show, streaming from 24 June 2025.

Power, passion and legacy: binge Cheta M S2 on Showmax
Executive producer and showrunner James Omokwe talks about Cheta M S2 and its dramatic finale. All the episodes are now available to binge-watch on Showmax.

Iyanu S1
When a teenage orphan discovers she has magical powers, she embarks on a remarkable journey with her friends to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.