
Shadowland S1
Inspired by reporting in The Atlantic magazine, legendary documentary filmmaker Joe Berlinger sends documentary teams across America to embed with subjects who have rejected mainstream narratives. These include a beloved rural Pennsylvania pizza shop owner facing twenty years in prison for her role in the January 6th riots, an anti-vaccine activist pushing a dangerous fake cure for Covid-19, and a mother divorcing her husband because she fears his beliefs put their children’s lives in danger.
A deeply immersive six-part docu-series, Shadowland reveals how conspiracy theories have moved from the margins to the mainstream, exploring how people come to their beliefs, and what makes these theories so alluring.
Shadowland was named Best Documentary Series at the 2023 Telly Awards, with Time calling it “terrifying” and Decider hailing it as “fascinating, upsetting, sometimes depressing, sometimes revelatory journalism.”
Berlinger was nominated for an Oscar and Emmy for Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory and won the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award for Brother’s Keeper, the SXSW Audience Award for Under African Skies, the True Vision Award at True/False for Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, and the Critics’ Choice Real TV awards for Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes and Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, among many other awards.
More like this

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)
An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1
Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
The two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, by Rian van Heerden and Provoco, will premiere soon on Showmax.

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)
This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.

Helderberg S1
South Africa suffered its worst air disaster in 1987. The hunt for the truth about what happened to SAA Flight 295 is still on almost 40 years later.

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)
This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Jackie Phamotse opens up about her role on Slay Queens, her experiences and why the documentary should be required viewing. Stream now on Showmax.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
Latest Stories

Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor

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

Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax

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

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

Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream

Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online

How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life

What to watch on Showmax in January 2026

7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi

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

Die Kwiksilwers (2024)

Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax

Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more

Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back

Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town

Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch

Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV







