4 December 2023
Shining Vale S1-2
In Shining Vale, a dysfunctional family moves to a small town, not realising their new house has a terrible history. No one seems to notice anything weird except for Pat (Emmy nominee Courteney Cox from Friends, who also produces). The celebrated author of a raunchy female empowerment novel, Pat is convinced she’s either depressed or possessed – turns out, the symptoms are exactly the same.
The horror comedy series also stars Oscar nominee Greg Kinnear (As Good As It Gets, Little Miss Sunshine) and four-time Emmy nominee Judith Light (tick, tick…BOOM!, Transparent, Ugly Betty, Who’s the Boss?), along with the likes of Oscar winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion) and Emmy nominee Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks).
Season 2 of Shining Vale promises a Phelps family reunion like no other. The story picks up four months later, with Pat trying to pick up the pieces after the events of Season 1.
To make things worse, she has a new neighbour who looks eerily familiar, and the house is starting to reveal the shocking secrets of its dark past …
Four-time Emmy nominee Judith Light (tick, tick…BOOM!, Transparent, Ugly Betty, and Who’s the Boss?) returns as Pat’s mom, Joan, with Screen Actors’ Guild Award nominee Merrin Dungey (Big Little Lies, Alias) as her editor, Kam. Emmy nominees Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks) and Allison Tolman (Why Women Kill, Fargo) are also among the cast this season.
Shining Vale won the 2022 Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Television Series, with nominations for Best Actress and Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Cox and Birney respectively. Cox was also named Best Actress in a Comedy at last year’s Women’s Image Network Awards, where the show won Outstanding Comedy Series.
Created by Emmy-nominated writer and executive producer Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters) and Writers Guild of America Award nominee Jeff Astrof (Trial & Error, The New Adventures of Old Christine), Shining Vale is once again helmed by an all-female line-up of directors, with Cox producing.
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in South Africa
What Will People Say? Ghana
This reality series puts love in the spotlight as hopeful romantics step into the dating arena, guided by charismatic host Sika Osei.
Made in Ghana
Take Me Home S2
Take Me Home is a Kenyan reality series that follows the lives of three young couples on the brink of breaking up as they confront their pasts. Premieres 31 January 2025.
Made in Kenya
Under the Influence
Under the Influence follows Dami, a fresh university graduate whose life takes an unexpected turn after an argument with his brother. Stream now, with new episodes released every Friday.
Made in Nigeria
Reënboogrant
Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Made in South Africa
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South AfricaMore binge-worthy series to stream
7 edgy R-rated movies and series for adults only
Looking for a winter warmer? Here are seven sets of adults-only, NSFW series and movies on Showmax that’ll hit the hot button.
Bringing sexy back: 10+ risqué shows to stream
These series have all the steamy scenes you’ll ever need – and they’re all available on Showmax.
5 series for your Yellowstone drought
Yellowstone Season 5B brings the Duttons’ efforts to hold onto their ranch to a close. With a new spinoff series in production, we’ve rounded up 5 shows to watch while we wait.
Back to school: 7 top hook-up institutions
As the 2025 school year begins, we’re expanding our education with extra-curriculars. Call it life orientation or call it sex education, here’s where to go to be top of the class.