
Under the Influence starts with chaos, comedy and family drama
The debut episode of Showmax’s latest Nigerian Original series, Under the Influence, wastes no time setting the stage for an electric sibling rivalry and a deep dive into the hustle culture of Lagos.
Fresh out of university, Dami (Iremide Adeoye) moves to Lagos to stay with his older brother, Ayo (Bobby Ekpe), a decision spearheaded by their mother with hopes that he will be more grounded and ditch his "frivolous dreams" for a steady career.

To Dami, Lagos is a playground of endless opportunities. To Ayo, it’s a jungle where survival depends on playing it safe. The brothers’ opposing worldviews collide, creating a storm of drama and laughter.

In Lagos, Dami reconnects with his street-savvy friend, Oye (Isioma Okey-Nwosu), who offers him a glimpse into the gritty realities of the entertainment industry. Together, they hatch plans to break into the spotlight - navigating skits, PR gigs, and high-profile events. But their first big attempt at stardom - crashing an exclusive movie premiere - goes hilariously wrong.

After the failed event, Dami returns home and gets into a heated argument with Ayomide over his decision to reject the traditional 9-5 job and pursue a social media career. The night ends with Dami venting his frustrations on social media.

Will Dami’s dreams survive the harsh realities of Lagos, or will his brother’s practicality bring him crashing back to earth?
Catch new episodes of Under the Influence every Friday on Showmax.
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