19 December 2018
Royal rumble: The White Princess is now streaming
Update: The White Princess is no longer on Showmax. Find your next binge in the full series catalogue here.
Don’t worry about the kings, their knights, their horses and all their men – they’re not the real power-players in historical drama series The White Princess.
Instead, it’s the women behind the kings who’re controlling things, whether it’s secretly manipulating their ruling lovers behind the scenes, delivering veiled threats under their breaths or even out-right in-your-face malicious words to their counterparts. It’s the sequel to The White Queen (2013, also on Showmax) and while there is seemingly peace, it’s fragile to say the least.
Executive producer Emma Frost tells vanityfaire.com that “to create a show with female protagonists who are driving all the narrative from their own point of view is irresistible. In a historical drama, it’s especially exciting because usually women are the chattel – they’re the wives, mistresses and sex objects. This feels like a real opportunity to chart new ground and reclaim history for the people who were excluded from it.”
In this sequel series, Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer) has married King Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy) and their holy union in the eyes of the Church of England have united the previously warring princesses (and by default, their counties of York and Lancaster).
But what’s this? Peace is simply a cover and behind the scenes the women are secretly conspiring against one another? Jodie tells collider.com that “they come to this realisation that this situation isn’t going to change and we either make it work or we all fall to pieces”.
Who is this “they” she’s speaking of and how do they fit into this royal brawl?
Elizabeth of York: She’s the current Queen of England, wed in an arranged marriage to Henry VII. Her job is to keep the peace but when no one is looking, she’s slyly egging her hubby to grab as much land for himself (read: them) as possible. And we’re not talking a field here or there – whole villages, acres of farmland… what Henry wants, Henry gets, if he wants to keep his missus happy.
Lady Margaret Beaufort (Michelle Fairley): She’s Queen Lizzie’s mother-in-law. She had more power than the rest because her son is king. What he says is holy law. Therefore annoying Lady Margaret is one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make. And while she is satisfied with her son’s “choice” in wife, don’t be fooled into thinking that the pair are besties.
Dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville (Essie Davis): The Queen’s mom who has used her influence to not only worm her way into the royal court, she also has pull with the King of England by using her daughter Elizabeth as a tool. She’s the king’s mother-in-law, which means it’s in his best interests to keep her happy. You know how horrible family dinners can be if the mother-in-law turns into a monster-in-law…
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.
The Winning Ticket, a Showmax Original
Youngins S1 episodes 1-20 recap
More Mzansi gold
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, Sports Wives, Widows Unveiled and more of South Africa’s best reality shows on Showmax.
Youngins Season 1 episodes 28-30 recap: Liars and fighters
Khaya dumps Buhle via text, Amo tells Mahlatse how she feels, Mahlatse punches Sefako, and Amo figures out that Khaya is a rat in episodes 28-30 of Showmax Original Youngins.
Simphiwe Ngema talks The Winning Ticket, and staying grounded
Actress Simphiwe Ngema discusses her new Showmax film The Winning Ticket, embracing love and staying grounded. Now streaming on Showmax.