10 of the best local dramas to binge during lockdown

The Covid-19 pandemic has meant many of our favourite local productions had to take a break from filming. But that means it’s the perfect time to binge the dramas, soaps and telenovelas you may have missed, or are dying to enjoy from the beginning again. It’s all waiting to stream on Showmax. 

The River S1-3

The thrill-a-minute telenovela sees worlds collide in spectacular fashion. One side of the river is home to those who will go to any lengths to keep their wealth; the other by those who have little to show for their hard work. Binge all of The River now »

The Queen

There’s never a shortage of drama in this fast-paced telenovela. The Khoza family appears respectable, with a flourishing logistics company. But it’s all a front for the real source of their wealth: criminal activities including dealing drugs. Binge it from the beginning to the latest episodes now »

Ifalakhe S1

As King Khombindlela leads his warriors into a fateful battle, both his wives give birth to sons. But when a prophet declares that one son is his rightful heir and the other is evil, the king has an impossible decision to make.

The 2020 SAFTA winner for Best Wardrobe, Makeup and Hair, Ifalakhe has 13 episodes to binge-watch while you keep safe and stay home. Watch now »

The Republic S1

South Africa’s first female president is on a mission to make the country a corruption-free state. But as we all know, politics is a filthy game and she’ll need to get her hands dirty to get what she wants. 

Starring SAFTA winners Florence Masebe, Warren Masemola, Siyabonga Twala and more, The Republic is one local telenovela worth watching over and over again. Watch now »

Is’thunzi S1-2

Follow Winnie, Londi, Noxolo and Thishiwe as they pursue their dreams and form a bond that will not only push them over the edge but also grow them in ways they could never imagine. Watch now »

iGazi S1-2

The war for the kingdom continues as Nomarussia and her cousin Scotho conjure up evil spirits to win a throne that is not rightfully theirs. Will they succeed or will good triumph over their evil ways? Watch now »

Isikizi S1-2

Isikizi is the tragic story of an honourable but impulsive young man who runs away from his hometown in an attempt to escape a dreadful prophecy. But he soon realises that you can’t outrun your destiny. Watch now »

Impilo: The Scam S1

The drama series centres around a greedy opportunist who manipulates his naive and desperate son into scamming the community through a pyramid scheme called Impilo. What happens next is a turn of events that puts both their lives in danger.

Impilo: The Scam stars veteran actors Desmond Dube and Sthandiwe Kgoroge. Watch now »

Omen S1

A successful lawyer has his life turned upside down when he discovers that he comes from a bloodline of witches. His ancestors have ruled the supernatural world over five tribes and he is next in line – will he heed to his true calling? Watch now »

Housekeepers S1

Housekeepers features some of the country’s finest actors including Connie Chuime, Masasa Mbangeni and Zikhona Sodlaka. The wealthy like to keep their secrets – but there’s no hiding from the people who look after their homes. Watch now »