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
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers. All the episodes are now streaming.
Cheta M
Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.
Youngins S1
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week.
The Roast of Minnie Dlamini: The roast everyone's been waiting on
Empini, coming soon
More Mzansi gold
Youngins Season 1 Episodes 34-36: The heist
After Khaya reveals that he saw underaged photos in the principal’s messages, he and his friends plot revenge in episodes 34-36 of Showmax Original Youngins.
Laugh Africa Presents: The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini
The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini unleashes the wrath on the media personality, which sees a star-studded line-up with comedy heavyweights Tumi Morake and Jason Goliath as Roast Masters.
The Mommy Club Season 2 Episode 10 recap: Getting to the bottom of it
In episode 10 of The Mommy Club S2, Hermajesty and Mrs Sande go head-to-head and Nozipho confides in Mrs Mops. New episodes land every Monday on Showmax.
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: Nonku and Slee’s friendship is dead and buried
In the finale episode of The Real Housewives of Durban S4, all is laid on the table at the ladies’ dinner. All episodes are now streaming on Showmax.