6 March 2024

The Illuminated

The Illuminated is a Showmax Original documentary series exploring different South African beliefs.

The series starts with Israelvisie and subsequent episodes focus on The Church of Scientology; Christ In Me Collective; network marketing businesses and corporate transformational coaching that has some similarities with religious groups; KwaSizabantu; new evangelical churches; Mancoba Seven Angels Ministries; and The Fellowship in Hermanus.

The series finale explores the story of Hardus and Nicolette Lotter, who were convicted of murdering their parents at the encouragement of Nicolette’s boyfriend, Matthew Naidoo. The court found he had manipulated the siblings into believing he was the third son of God.

The Illuminated is produced by POP24, the production company behind true-crime series like Imibuzo and Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas. POP24 also produced reality series like This Body Works For Me, The Mommy Club, and Bae Beyond Borders, which were in the top 10 most-watched local titles on Showmax in 2023.

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