
6 March 2018
6 reasons you should be watching High Maintenance
While HBO’s High Maintenance is a show that follows a bicycle-riding NYC pot dealer known only as the Guy, it is by no means a superficial stoner series. Most of the episodes focus more on clients than the dealer. And you’ll soon start to wonder what connects these strange characters and how the Guy really fits in?
Here are six reasons you should already be watching High Maintenance. Watch now »
1. Same same but different
The series is known as an anthology, in that the episodes don’t follow on from each other. So you won’t feel like you’ve missed out if you haven’t been watching with hawk-like precision. It’s an easy watch that doesn’t take away from the complex characters.
Instead, most episodes centre on the quirky and crazy clientele who buy weed from the Guy. From the very first episode you’ll realise that what you are expecting is turned on its head, which keeps you intrigued as you binge your way through this show. Watch now »
2. Gone viral
High Maintenance started off as a free web series, but it was soon picked up by HBO because of how awesome it was. Now the show has been renewed for a third season. So if you don’t know what the hype is about, start watching it from the beginning on Showmax right now. Watch now »
3. It’s unique

Image: HBO
The show is original. And while weed is the common thread that connects the characters, you wouldn’t say that this is a typical stoner series. High Maintenance is deeper and more nuanced than you expect, touching on themes like sexuality, tolerance and vulnerability, all delivered in a hilarious, easy-to-watch package. Watch now »
4. It’s unapologetic
High Maintenance has some graphic scenes. In the very first episode, there is an explicit sequence of two men having sex that could make conservative viewers feel uncomfortable. It’s in moments like this where the show stands its ground and explores themes that could be controversial without apology. Watch now »
5. No commitment
You’re not making a huge commitment when getting stuck into this show. The first season only has six episodes and each is between 20 to 30 minutes long. So it’s not like you’re gearing up for a 10-season marathon of, say, Friends.
In fact, by the time you get to the last episode of the first season you’ll wish there was more! Watch now »
6. High ratings
The show cleaned up with the critics and received brilliant ratings across the board. Check out IMDb, Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes’ ratings.
- 7.8/10 on IMDb
- 97% on Rotten Tomatoes
- 81 on Metacritic
So what are you waiting for? Start watching High Maintenance on Showmax right now! Watch now »
Don’t have Showmax yet?
Original African stories by local talent

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream from 30 May on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.

Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.

The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. Stream S3 now, with new episodes every Saturday.

Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. Binge-watch Adulting S1-3 now on Showmax.

The Chocolate Empire S1
The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, who was recently released from prison, as he rebuilds his life. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
More Mzansi gold

10 international movies and series shot in South Africa
From Boy Kills World, to Milli Vanilli exposé movie Girl You Know It’s True, to Yellowstone series 1923, we sent our location scouts to figure out where 10 international productions filmed some familiar scenes.

Pastor Wants A Wife S1-3
Pastor Wants A Wife follows South African pastors as they balance their family lives and their roles at church with finding love.

Glam pics: Inside the star-studded Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
A look at the unforgettable moments from the Showmax Roast of Helen Zille at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, streaming from 16 May on Showmax.

Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo to host The Mommy Club S3 reunion
TV presenter, actress and singer Ntombee Ngcobo-Mzolo to host The Mommy Club reunion for the second consecutive year. The two part reunion streams on Showmax on 17 and 24 May 2025.