The Illuminated S1 on Showmax
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.

More like this

Masinga: The Calling on Showmax

​Masinga - The Calling (2024)

Inspector Masinga is dispatched back to Africa on a sex-trafficking case, and once he's home, he tries to find justice for the killing of his brother.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Masinga: The Calling on Showmax

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

SAFTA winner Fana Mokoena talks about portraying a sangoma in the gripping crime thriller, Masinga - The Calling. Stream from 5 December on Showmax.

Original South Africa
Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy on Showmax

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.

First
Slay Queens on Showmax

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.

Original South Africa
High Horse: The Black Cowboy is on Showmax

High Horse: The Black Cowboy S1

Jordan Peele creates this vibrant, eye-opening three-part pop culture and historical documentary. It confronts and reclaims the Wild West while revealing the untold history of the Black cowboy.

You Were My First Boyfriend is on Showmax

You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)

In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1

This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.

Stand Up and Shout: Songs from a Philly High School is on Showmax

Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)

This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.

Tracking Thabo Bester, coming soon

Welcome to a world of endless entertainment!