The best British series streaming on Showmax

How many of these gems have you watched? Discover a treasure trove of the best British series that are currently streaming, and embark on a binge-session that will leave you wanting more.

If you're looking for a British crime series, try Gangs of London or Red Eye; for a British drama, try Malpractice or Rain Dogs; if you're looking for a British comedy, try Smothered; and for a British thriller, try Insomnia or COBRA: Cyberwar. They are all ready for a bloody brilliant BAFTA-worthy binge-session on Showmax.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is on Showmax

Lockerbie: A Search For Truth S1

After losing his daughter in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Dr Jim Swire begins a quest for truth.

MobLand S1

Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.

Love Island UK S12

Gorgeous singles live in a luxury villa - with the added possibility of meeting their soul mate - in this fun and flirty reality series.

First

Everyone Else Burns S2

This hilarious comedy series, which has drama and heart, follows a family devoted to a religious cult as they navigate modern-day life and prepare for the world's end.

First

Mary & George S1

Mary Villiers moulds her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I, intending to gain riches and influence through outrageous schemes.

Funny Woman S1-2

Based on the Nick Hornby novel Funny Girl, this is the story of a Blackpool beauty queen who tries to make is a comedian in the 1960s.

First

Northern Lights S1

An emotional and funny drama series based on a stage play of the same name about two grieving strangers whose worlds collide on a rainy night in Dublin.

The Responder S2

An embattled first responder tackles a series of night shifts in Liverpool while trying to keep his head above water personally and professionally.

Insomnia S1

Emma fears losing her mind after suffering from sleep deprivation two weeks before turning 40. Only by confronting her past can she find the answers.

Smothered S1

Despite growing tired of the struggles of modern dating, Sammy meets mild-mannered Tom and proposes an unconventional relationship for set time frame before they go their separate ways.

Gangs of London S1-3

When a shipment of cocaine is spiked, rocking the Gangs and causing hundreds of deaths, the hunt is on for who is responsible in the third season of this British crime thriller.

First

A Very Royal Scandal

This compelling British miniseries driven by Michael Sheen explores Emily Maitlis's journey as a Newsnight journalist and Prince Andrew's disastrous interview with her.

Red Eye S1

A London police officer is escorting a man back to Beijing where he has been accused of a crime, when an escalating conspiracy unfolds on board flight 357.

Jack Barton as John Tonkin in SAS Rogue Heroes Season 2

SAS Rogue Heroes S1-2

Follow how the world's greatest Special Forces unit, was formed under extraordinary pressure in the darkest days of World War Two.

Love reality series?

A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2

Nosipho Pehlo talks about Nolwandle's final stand in Outlaws S2, now streaming on Showmax. New episodes land every Monday on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Crutch S1

Crutch, a Harlem widower, has his empty-nest plans put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.

First

Die Kantoor S1

A workplace mockumentary set at Deluxe Processed Meats, a polony distribution company in Klerksdorp, where outdated opinions, low ambition and misplaced leadership collide.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Copenhagen Test S1

An analyst realises his brain has been hacked, allowing access to his senses, leaving him stuck between the agency and hackers.

Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax

Director Baltasar Kormákur talks about bringing a personal touch to the romantic drama Touch, which was Iceland’s entry for the 2026 Oscars.

Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch

Antonie Marx talks about his reality show and why this first-of-its-kind series is a must-watch. Stream now with new episodes every Tuesday.

Original South Africa

Touch (2024)

A deeply moving love story. A man sets out to find his first love from 50 years ago before it's too late.

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Looking for something for the whole family?

A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2

Nosipho Pehlo talks about Nolwandle's final stand in Outlaws S2, now streaming on Showmax. New episodes land every Monday on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Crutch S1

Crutch, a Harlem widower, has his empty-nest plans put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.

First

Die Kantoor S1

A workplace mockumentary set at Deluxe Processed Meats, a polony distribution company in Klerksdorp, where outdated opinions, low ambition and misplaced leadership collide.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Copenhagen Test S1

An analyst realises his brain has been hacked, allowing access to his senses, leaving him stuck between the agency and hackers.

Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax

Director Baltasar Kormákur talks about bringing a personal touch to the romantic drama Touch, which was Iceland’s entry for the 2026 Oscars.

Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch

Antonie Marx talks about his reality show and why this first-of-its-kind series is a must-watch. Stream now with new episodes every Tuesday.

Original South Africa

Touch (2024)

A deeply moving love story. A man sets out to find his first love from 50 years ago before it's too late.

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.

Original South Africa

The best movies to stream

Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax

Director Baltasar Kormákur talks about bringing a personal touch to the romantic drama Touch, which was Iceland’s entry for the 2026 Oscars.

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning on Showmax

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts

Tom Cruise, director Christopher McQuarrie, and Durban-born stunt co-ordinator Wade Eastwood unpack the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s death-defying biplane stunts.

Made in South Africa

Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town

Nathan Caine stars in the US box office hit Novocaine, shot in SA and premiering this Sunday at 8PM on M-Net and on Showmax from 1 December.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim on Showmax

10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day

Get drawn into comedy, drama and fantasy where, if you can imagine it, you can bring it to life – from The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime, to The Wild Robot.