2 February 2018
4 one-season wonders on Showmax
Some of these series were always intended to be one-offs, and others haven’t yet planned to release a second season, or were surprisingly and unexpectedly cancelled by their networks after Season 1. But they’re our favourite one-season wonders on Showmax, and they won’t demand too much of your time (because not everyone can clear their schedule long enough to binge on all 7 seasons of Game of Thrones – which, by the way are all on Showmax). But be warned – these series are so addictive that you might end up falling in love with them, commitment-phobia be damned.
1. HAPPYish
In this dark comedy, a veteran ad exec (Steve Coogan) has to get up to speed with the digital age if he wants to keep his job. But what about his happiness? Also starring the inimitable Kathryn Hahn and Bradley Whitford. Watch now »
2. HBO’s The Night Of
While fans are clamouring for Season 2 of this award-winning drama starring Riz Ahmed as a young New Yorker who’s convicted for a murder he didn’t commit (or did he?), the show creators don’t have any plans in the works for subsequent seasons. They’re keen, they say – if they find the right story. For now, there are 8 gripping episodes of Season 1 on Showmax for you to get hooked on. Watch now »
3. iNumber Number
In this Showmax-Mzansi Magic co-production, SAFTA-winner Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi) and SAFTA-nominee S’dumo Mtshali (Isibaya) reprise their roles as cops Shoes and Chilli from Donovan Marsh’s award-winning film of the same name (which is also on Showmax). In the gritty spinoff series, Chilli infiltrates an infamous crime family to bring down an untouchable patriarch, while criminals are trying to intimidate Shoes into withholding evidence. When these cases collide, the cops find themselves at a crossroads where their brotherhood bond will be tested. This is another series that fans are desperate to keep watching, even though it only premiered in October last year, but we’ll have to see what the future holds. In the meantime, Season 1 and the original movie are on Showmax for your time-pressed binge-watching pleasure. Watch now »
4. The Collection
This stylish period drama set in post-WWII Paris sees a pair of brothers trying to resuscitate their family’s fashion business amid scandal, betrayal, backstabbing and floundering loyalties. Can they put Paris back on the map before destroying each other? Neither Amazon nor BBC Worldwide have yet announced if there’ll be a second season yet, but Season 1 is brand-new to Showmax, so start watching it for yourself today. Watch now »
Don’t have Showmax yet?
Original African stories by local talent
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream from 10 December, with new episodes weekly.
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream from 6 December, with new episodes every week.
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream on Showmax from 5 December.
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
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. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
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. Now available to stream.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, 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 now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Youngins S2, now on Showmax
Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax
More Mzansi gold
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Zizipho Buti on her role in Showmax Original Soft Life
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