13 March 2019
TV characters we wish were real
There are some TV characters that you can’t help but become attached to. It could be the severely damaged Ray Donovan or the philandering James St Patrick, aka Ghost, in Power, or the overbearing Big Bang Theory’s resident nerd Sheldon Cooper. They’re all deeply flawed, sure, but we love them anyway.
Which of these characters would you most want to know in real life?
Largetha, Vikings
Lagertha is as fierce as she is independent – a shield maiden who doesn’t think twice about jumping onto the battlefield or fighting for her place in a male-dominated world. Despite terrible hardships in her life, from miscarriages to the plague, she remains strong and unbowed. She survives even when you think she doesn’t have a chance. And she doesn’t even need dragons to do it, unlike another strong female character we know.
Catch the shield maiden Largetha in Vikings S1-5 on Showmax. Watch now »
Selina Meyer, Veep
Selina Meyer would probably have no friends in real life but she is still the most hilarious character in Veep. She didn’t know how to do her job in her short run as Vice President and POTUS. But Veep is a political satire that thrives on making fun of powerful DC politicians and exposing them for the clowns that they are. It is those awkward, cringe-worthy moments with Selina that have us rolling on the floor and makes Veep a show worthy of the hype. After all, Julia Louis-Dreyfus didn’t win the Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy six times in a row for this role for nothing.
As you prep for the final season of Veep, S7, where Selina jumps back on the campaign trail in her last bid to become President, you can catch her on Veep S1-6 on Showmax. Watch now »
Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones
The Lannister’s black sheep Tyrion Lannister is a man in his own league when it comes to smarts in Westeros. He may not be good with the sword, as we saw in the Battle of the Blackwater but boy, can he give a great battle speech.
Tyrion’s sense of humour is unmatched in all the seven kingdoms, pampering us with witty lines like “You love your children. It’s your one redeeming quality, that and your cheekbones.” And God knows we need it in a world as bloody and as harrowing as Game of Thrones. Oh, and one more thing, he drinks and he knows things, what’s there not to love?
Get ready for Tyrion’s witty banter in Game of Thrones S8, due to drop on Showmax on 15 April, but before then, catch him in S1-7 on Showmax. Watch now »
Bobby Axelrod, Billions
While Paul Giamatti brings his reputable acting skills to his role as a ruthless US attorney who is obsessed with bringing down his arch-nemesis, you have to admit that Damian Lewis’ Bobby Axelrod “Axe” is the more interesting of the two.
From his skills in eluding Rhoades’ justice mission to his business acumen and kingpin mentality, Axe has succeeded in becoming a multi-billionaire in the high-stakes world of Wall Street. And he gives great insightful advice too, dropping quotes like, “You get one life – so do it all.”
Catch Axe in the S1-3 of Billions on Showmax. Watch now »
Original African stories by local talent
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. Landing 4 November.
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. Stream from 6 November.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, lands on 6 November, with new episode every Wednesday.
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream from 29 October.
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 from 7 November 2024 on Showmax.
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.
Soft Life
Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Landing on Showmax soon!
Style Magnate
Style Magnate is a Nigerian Showmax Original following 20 designers vying for a life-changing prize. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
My Brother’s Keeper S1 on Showmax
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Click, click, snap! Check out the glamour, and vibrant colours as Showmax stars shine on the red carpet at the SAFTAs.
Thembinkosi Mthembu named Best Actor at SAFTAs as King Dingiswayo in Shaka iLembe
Thembinkosi Mthembu wins Best Actor as King Dingiswayo in the epic drama series Shaka iLembe, the most awarded drama in the SAFTAs history.
How to Manifest a Man: The crazy lady watchlist
Dudu (Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa) brainwashes her man as part of her quest to “manifest” a perfect life. So we’ve found 10 women she can put on her vision board for inspiration.
Empini episodes 45-46: Thank you for your service, comrade
In episodes 45-46 of Empini, Ndoni numbs herself to the people around her following her outburst with Zenzele. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.