3 February 2020
The New Pope
This highly anticipated follow-up to the Emmy-nominated 2016 series, The Young Pope, sees Jude Law reprise his Golden Globe-nominated role as Pope Pius XIII, with Oscar nominee John Malkovich now leading the cast as Pope John Paul III (aka the The New Pope), who ascends to the throne while Pius is lying in a coma.
Silvio Orlando, Cécile de France, Javier Cámara and Ludivine Sagnier return in their roles from The Young Pope. Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee, The Black List) joins the cast this season, and look out for guest stars Sharon Stone and Marilyn Manson.
Once again helmed by legendary Italian director Paolo Sorrentino (writer/director of Oscar-winning foreign language film The Great Beauty), the series has already started collecting awards on the festival circuit, including at Venice, and made #3 on IMDB’s list of The Ten Most Anticipated TV shows of 2020.
The Guardian described the New Pope as “another deep dive into the hidden world of the Vatican City, marvelling at its mystique with agnostic fervour.”
Indiewire hailed it as “gorgeous and outrageous… one of the most unique, enigmatic, and exhilarating television experiences that you can watch for depth, for fun, or for a wild combination of both.”
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.
What Will People Say?
This reality series puts love in the spotlight as hopeful romantics step into the dating arena, guided by charismatic host Sika Osei. Stream from 24 January, with new weekly episodes.
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.
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.
Reënboogrant
Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
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.
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.
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.
Stream the final season of Adulting
The Mommy Club S3, coming soon
More Mzansi gold
Adulting S1-3
Adulting follows four varsity friends on their journey to find love and success in modern-day South Africa. New episodes land every Saturday on Showmax.
Boer Soek ‘n Vrou S16
Ten eligible farmers are looking for love. We travel across the country to visit them on their farms and to find out what they are looking for in a partner.
Mpumi Mpama makes the role of Khaya Bhodoza his own in Empini
Mpumi Mpama talks about his role as the new Khaya Bhodoza in Empini S2, premiering on 4 March on Showmax.
Tyla’s Showmax concert to reach millions more on DStv
Tyla’s sold-out concert, which streamed live on Showmax on 18 January, will be available on demand on Showmax from 30 January in celebration of Tyla’s birthday, and on DStv’s Mzansi Wethu from 1 February 2025.