20 July 2017
18 years of Egoli at your fingertips
It’s officially the longest-running series on Showmax with 18 seasons, 4 686 episodes and over 2 300 hours of viewing. When Egoli started, the world was a very different place. We can talk about pre- and post-Egoli as a historical measure of time in South Africa. Just look at all these things that didn’t exist in SA when Egoli first aired in 1992.
1. Smartphones
Do you remember the old-school Pentiums running the early stages of Windows? Seems prehistoric now that we basically have computers in our pockets that are more powerful than the ones used to send Buzz Aldrin to the moon.
2. The internet
Okay, so this is a tricky one. A couple of universities in South Africa got the internet in 1991, but it wasn’t really available for consumers until the mid-90s. And every time you connected it sounded like you were communicating with an alien race through the dial tone. Do you remember that sound?
3. McDonalds
Ronald and the gang only touched base in SA in 1995, and now have over 200 stores across the country. And while we revelled in the Happy Meals we didn’t realise Ronald was fast-tracking us to sign up for the gym. Thanks Ron.
4. The Cronut
Behold the birth of possibly the greatest patisserie of the 21st century. You take a croissant, you combine it with a donut, and you have the cronut. ‘Nuff said.
5. Democracy
Egoli is truly a historical measure of time in South Africa as it pre-dates democracy by two years. So you can definitely talk about contemporary South Africa in the context of pre- or post-Egoli, and perhaps it should be the academic standard going forward.
Take an immense trip down memory lane with the full Egoli collection available right now on Showmax.
Original African stories by local talent
Empini S1
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 lands on 4 March 2025.
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.
Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. S3 is now streaming, with new episodes landing every Saturday.
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad introduces a bold cast of Afrikaans women who are redefining the art of parenting. Stream from 14 March on Showmax.
What Will People Say? Ghana
This reality series puts love in the spotlight as hopeful romantics step into the dating arena, guided by charismatic host Sika Osei. New episodes land on Fridays.
Take Me Home S2
Take Me Home is a Kenyan reality series that follows the lives of three young couples on the brink of breaking up as they confront their pasts. Premieres 31 January 2025.
Under the Influence
Under the Influence follows Dami, a fresh university graduate whose life takes an unexpected turn after an argument with his brother. Stream now, with new episodes released every Friday.
Reënboogrant
Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Stream the final season of Adulting
The Mommy Club S3, coming soon
More Mzansi gold
Ernest Ndlovu on Empini Season 2: The dark side of politics
Legendary actor Ernest Ndlovu talks about his role as Deputy President Enoch Mbatha in the new season of Showmax Original Empini. S2 lands on 4 March on Showmax.
See Pretoria’s powerhouses in The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad follows 5 dynamic and ambitious mothers from Pretoria’s Afrikaans community. Premiering on 14 March on Showmax.
Champions S1
Stakes are high in this fast-paced sports telenovela about Sne Modise as she battles life and work challenges while leading the Soshanguve Giants FC to success.
The Bala Family S1-2
Explore the true making of South Africa’s most beloved musical family – from controversial media scandals to some long-awaited happy news.