17 May 2020
Why do shows leave Showmax?
It’s frustrating when a series or movie you’ve been watching on Showmax isn’t available any more. So why does this happen?
Like other streaming services (and like TV channels), Showmax licenses movies and series from studios and distributors. These licences comes with certain conditions, including how long we’re allowed to have the content on Showmax.
If a show you’re watching is marked “Last Chance”, it means the show will be expiring and leaving the platform shortly. Our contract with the content provider is at an end, and unfortunately we’re no longer able to stream this show. We typically try to give two weeks’ notice for expiring content.
So why don’t we just renew all the most popular shows? Sometimes the supplier doesn’t want to renew the deal, or we can’t reach terms that make sense. Other times, we make the call that in order to bring on board fresh new shows we need to let others go. Often it’s a combination of all these factors.
Choosing content for Showmax is a delicate balance and we recognise we can’t always make everyone happy. But generally, if something is popular we’ll do our best to bring it back. It may take a little time, but we’ll keep working at it.
Original African stories by local talent
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream on Showmax from 5 December.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Made in South Africa
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Made in South Africa
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Made in Kenya
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Nigeria
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaYoungins S2, now streaming
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
More Mzansi gold
5 shocking scenes from Themba: My Inked World S2
Reality series Themba: My Inked World takes us back into the chaos that follows every move made by tattoo artist, musician and ex-Big Brother star Themba Broly.
Made in South Africa
Rising star Joshwin Dyson is hunting for ghosts in Spooksoeker
Rising star Joshwin Dyson talks about starring in his first Showmax Original series, Spooksoeker, coming to Showmax on 5 December 2024.
South African
Helen Zille on her drag transformation on Showmax
Helen Zille takes on a quickfire round, offering insights into her time in drag on Die Tollie & Manila Show. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Rising star Katleho Mabote on Youngins’ tearjerker start
Rising star Katleho Mabote talks about his role as Tokollo in the new season of Youngins, his third Showmax Original role. New episodes land every Friday!
South African