1 April 2022
Small Axe
A collection of five films by Oscar winner Steve McQueen (12 Years A Slave), Small Axe is based on the real-life experiences of London’s West Indian community between 1969 and 1982.
The anthology has won over 24 international awards, including a Critics Choice Award for John Boyega, a BAFTA for Malachi Kirby, and a Royal Television Society Award for Shaun Parkes in 2021, with Letitia Wright and Micheal Wright also nominated for a BAFTA. The series was also nominated for an Emmy for its cinematography and won five BAFTA craft awards, with McQueen taking home the Innovative Storytelling European Film Award.
The second film, Lovers Rock, was named the best film of 2020 by Sight & Sound in its poll of over 100 critics globally. Set over a single evening at a house party in 1980s West London, Lover Rocks follows intertwined relationships against a background of violence, romance and music. The film has a 98% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics consensus calls it “a lovingly crafted ode to Black joy.”
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
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.
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: No apology for Ameigh
In episode 11 of The Real Housewives of Durban Season 4, wounds are opened when Ameigh finally hears the infamous Zama recording.
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.