Second Family Season 1 episodes 1-3 recap: Tragic death and a shocking reveal
In the first gripping episodes of Second Family, we follow the story of Sinde, a small-town girl whose perfect life is shattered when she discovers her father has a shocking secret.
Agri-billionaire Leo Lang’at (played by Ian Mbugua from Single Kiasi) has been leading a double life, with two families – the Gatehis and the Lang’ats. The Gatehis are Leo's flashy city family, headed by his controlling wife Evangeline and include his three children, playboy Tehi (Nick Ndeda), spoiled socialite Gigi (Stephanie Muchiri), and ambitious Shei (Serah Wanjiru).
The Lang’ats, on the other hand, live on a remote farm in Uasin Gishu, and are made up of Leo's devoted wife Sophia (Helen Keli), his son Bett (Lewis Leshan), and Sinde (Vanessa Okeyo) – a young woman who dreams of leaving the farm behind and making it in Nairobi.
Watch the trailer for Second Family
Leo’s car crash
Things start to unravel when Leo is involved in a serious car accident, and his families deal with the aftermath in very different ways. Evangeline (Dora Nyaboke) takes control of the situation, while Gigi starts flirting with family friend Cyrus (Brian Ogola) and family employee Joel. Shei won’t leave her bedroom, and Tehi drowns his sorrows in booze and drugs.
Meanwhile, it's revealed that Leo has been hiding another secret – his company is in serious financial trouble, and he's been covering it up. Cyrus steps in as acting CEO and has to deal with auditors who are sniffing around for evidence of Leo's shady dealings.
Sinde in search for her father
But the real drama unfolds when Sinde travels to Nairobi to find her father, only to be denied entry to his workplace because nobody recognises her.
It’s only when Sophia travels to the city in the hopes of viewing Leo’s body to pay her final respects, that Sinde discovers why nobody knows who she is: she is her father’s secret child from his secret marriage!
With Leo’s double life exposed, what will become of his two families? Catch new episodes of Second Family, every Wednesday to Friday, only on Showmax.
More like this
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City S5-6
Follow the hidden social circle made up of successful Utah women who have created their own paradise filled with luxury homes and shopping sprees.
RSVP for a Showmax wedding: 40+ celebrations to enjoy
From surprise vows to family feuds, Showmax is serving up over 40 wedding-themed movies and series. We’re saying I Do to non-stop entertainment!
Thabiso Ramotshela on the heart-wrenching Youngins Season 3
Thabiso Ramotshela talks about his heart-wrenching performance as Mahlatse in Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax. Watch new episodes every Friday.
31 top shows & movies to watch with Pride
While we held space for our friends in the US in June, South Africa celebrates Pride in October, so here are 31 shows that fly the Pride flag high.
Wie Word 'n Miljoenêr? S2-5
The world's biggest game show - in Afrikaans! Contestants must answer general knowledge questions correctly to win R1 million in cash.
Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special
Married at First Sight S3 wraps with a two-hour reunion special, hosted by Relebogile Mabotja, on Sunday, 5 October on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.
South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations
Stream all four International Emmy-nominated series Koek, School Ties, Chasing the Sun 2, and Catch Me a Killer on Showmax.
Love Island Games S1-2
Former Islanders from across the globe return to Fiji for a chance at finding love and bagging $100 000.
Watch the new Kenyan drama series A Better Life
Single Kiasi: Hot dating tips in Nairobi
More Kenyan excellence
Life coach Ofentse represents Mzansi in The Mommy Club NBO
South African Ofentse Tsipa talks motherhood, marriage and being part of Kenya's edition of The Mommy Club, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Friday.
Missed the 11th AMVCAs? Watch the awards on Showmax
Showmax will stream the full broadcast of the 11th Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards from 14 May 2025.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
International Women's Month: Powerful storytelling on Showmax
In celebration of International Women's Month, here are must-see shows with strong women, available to stream on Showmax.
Latest Stories
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
Showmax presents September 5: A riveting look at a pivotal moment in news history
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running
Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax
Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants
Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom
The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window
SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival
Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins
Christopher Jaftha gets top billing in raunchy Khaki Fever
Nkululeko Mahlangu on Makoto, marriage and more
Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog
What to watch on Showmax in September 2025
Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2
Tshepo Miya talks about being on Married at First Sight
Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final
Khaki Fever and more sexy Afrikaans movies and series
Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax
