1 March 2022
PEN15 S1-2
PEN15 is an R-rated traumedy set in middle school as it really happened in the year 2000. Real-life 30-somethings Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine play versions of themselves as 13-year-old outcasts, surrounded by actual 13-year-olds.
Season 2 is an even bigger hit than its Emmy-nominated first season, with a 93% rating on Metacritic, where it’s #1 on the top-scoring TV shows of 2020. Season 2 also has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where made #3 on their list of the best TV shows of 2020.
As The Washington Post put it, “If one has to choose only one millennial-made TV series that ventures into adolescent angst in the AOL era, please make it this one. PEN15… could be almost considered an act of communal therapy. In their unflinching and even brave willingness to re-enact the range of hair-trigger emotions that turn teenagers into the worst kind of people, Erskine and Konkle (along with co-creator Sam Zvibleman) are offering a kind of catharsis to the rest of us: Yes, you were as awful as you remember being, but guess what? You were in the throes of becoming you. PEN15 is both an exquisite wallow in hormonal chaos and a belated act of forgiveness.”
Stream the final episodes on Showmax – “It is bowing out at the peak of its powers,” says The Guardian, while AV Club says, “PEN15 leaves behind an indelible legacy in the genre.”
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
Youngins Season 1 episodes 22-24 recap: Valentine’s Ball
Buhle fights back when Principal Mthembu cancels the Valentine’s Ball, Tshepi stakes a claim on Mahlatse, and Khaya invites Buhle to the ball in the most epic way in episodes 22-24 of Showmax Original Youngins.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip South Africa cast revealed
Get ready for a lavish adventure on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa, uniting renowned cast members from each of the South African franchises for a trip to Jamaica.
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.