1 April 2021
Pandora S1-2
Pandora is the good kind of sci-fi thriller –opening Pandora’s Box is like a lucky packet: you don’t know what you’re getting until you stick your hand in.
Priscilla Quintana plays lead character Jax (aka Pandora). She’s a cadet in the Space Training Academy and she’s looking for answers about who – or what – she really is. Her troubled past is something of a mystery and the more she looks for answers, the less she’s going to like what she finds.
Critics said “nay” but fans and its parent network say “yay”, and Season 2 is on the way. The CGI makes you feel at home in space and the year 2199. The script is cool, the storylines are solid and watching Jax learn about herself will keep you coming back to find out more.
Don’t think that because it’s a “sciency” sci-fi that it’s got some fantastical message, says Collider.com’s Lauren Thoman – the show’s message is simple: “Even amidst the overstuffed mystery-box plot, characters manage to speak about the importance of tolerance and diversity, and understanding those who are different before passing judgement.”
Original African stories by local talent
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
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.
The Winning Ticket, a Showmax Original
Youngins S1 episodes 1-20 recap
More Mzansi gold
Youngins Season 1 episodes 31-33 recap: Revelations
Amo and Mahlatse become a couple, Tumelo ditches Sefako, and Khaya sees both Sefako and Principal Mthembu in a new light in episodes 31-33 of Showmax Original Youngins.
Interview: Knock knock, it’s Youngins’ Tshepo!
Tshepo Matlala talks about how he brings class clown Tshepo’s jokes to life, and what’s behind the mask, in Showmax Original Youngins.
Siyabonga Thwala stars in action-packed Empini
Showmax announces new action-drama series Empini, starring three-times SAFTA winner Siyabonga Thwala. Premieres 23 May on Showmax.
The Mommy Club S2 episode 9 recap: Mrs Mops’ launch event
In episode 9 of The Mommy Club, Mrs Mops launches her skincare range and Barbra and Mantshi make amends. New episodes every Monday.