7 April 2020
OJ: Made in America
From the dizzying heights of footballing fame, to a car chase seen around the world, a trial, THAT glove, acquittal, and finally, prison time, the story of OJ Simpson is the ultimate American dream gone wrong.
Examining his 1995 trial, this four-part documentary series puts Simpson’s time in the courtroom, and the outcome of the trial, in the context of racial tensions in the United States.
Widely acclaimed for its balance and thoroughness, the docuseries looks at the murder of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in her home in 1994, and the media sensation that OJ’s subsequent trial became.
But that’s not all – it also shows how this trial had a unique trajectory, and wouldn’t have played out in any other country on Earth or in any other era as it did in the United States of America in the mid-90s. Entertainment Weekly says, “Extraordinary on so many levels, OJ: Made In America transcends its stated subjects and themes. It’s a withering critique of self-creation, culture making, and idolatry that speaks to everyone, regardless of race.”
Globe and Mail wrote, “It can blow your mind, this thorough series, as it digs deeper and deeper” – so settle in for a four-part revelation on one of the most high-profile trials in modern history.
The series earned 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.9/10 on IMDb.
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.