2 January 2020
Tyrant S1-3
While Tyrant is almost seven years old, it’s worth the watch as dictators continue to fall to this day. It’s a story of hope despite the war and villainy at the centre as Bassam Al-Fayeed (Adam Rayner) returns to the fictional Middle East country of Abuddin and tries to undo the reign of terror led by his family for decades.
The landscape is pretty – it was shot in Israel and Morocco, with the palace being CGI. What stands out is the authenticity onscreen – from reluctant hero Bassam, to his evil but oddly loveable tyrant brother Jamal (Ashraf Barhom), whose cruelty and dark humour was based on Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein’s son Uday.
Tim Goodman from thehollywoodreporter.com is clear about the starting point: “It’s strong and entertaining but not immediately a knockout. The first episode ends in a place that will make viewers want to tune in to see where it goes. And where Tyrant goes will be crucial. It’s certainly provocative and complex, given its ambition and scope, not to mention the foreign location and politically-charged backdrop for the Godfather-style premise.”
Original African stories by local talent
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
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.
The Roast of Minnie Dlamini: The roast everyone's been waiting on
Empini, coming soon
More Mzansi gold
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi stars in Showmax Original Empini
Multi-award winner Nambitha Ben-Mazwi leads new Showmax Original Empini. The action-packed drama series premieres on Showmax 23 May 2024.
Youngins Season 1 episodes 31-33 recap: Revelations
Amo and Mahlatse become a couple, Tumelo ditches Sefako, and Khaya sees both Sefako and Principal Mthembu in a new light in episodes 31-33 of Showmax Original Youngins.
Interview: Knock knock, it’s Youngins’ Tshepo!
Tshepo Matlala talks about how he brings class clown Tshepo’s jokes to life, and what’s behind the mask, in Showmax Original Youngins.
Siyabonga Thwala stars in action-packed Empini
Showmax announces new action-drama series Empini, starring three-times SAFTA winner Siyabonga Thwala. Premieres 23 May on Showmax.