
20 April 2018
Celebrating 420? What to watch when you’re high on life
Today is 20 April, 20/4 if you’re into the whole brevity thing. But on the other side of the Atlantic, for some reason best known to themselves, the Americans say 4/20. And that’s a magical date.
And with today being 4/20, you can bet your bottom Randela that millions of people around the world, and in Mzansi, are going to be getting, well, high (on life).
But what is 4/20, you may ask?
The 420 code has been around since the early 1970s and was created by a group of five students from California who called themselves the “Waldos”. They used the code “420” to refer to anything marijuana related. Now it has become a sacred time for smokers around the world who endeavour to light up at exactly 4:20pm if possible. And of course 20 April, or 4/20 as it’s now known, is a big day on the smokers’ calendar.
But you know what? You don’t have to be a pothead to enjoy good television. Which is why we’ve put together our high on life playlist, filled with uplifting, funny, out-of-this world entertainment.
What to watch when you’re high on life
Marvels Runaways S1-2
First and Only on Showmax. When six teenagers realise their parents are super villains and hiding dark secrets, they must band together to stop them – before it’s too late. Watch it now »
Westworld S1-3

Where do you draw the line between life and artificial intelligence? Prepare to have your mind blown in this incredible and unnerving show about man versus the machines we build. Season 2 is coming to DStv on Monday 23 April, so watch every episode of the first season to get ready. Watch it now »
High Maintenance S1-2
High Maintenance follows an NYC pot dealer with a list of clients with neuroses as diverse as the city, providing a glimpse into the private lives of customers – and how they light things up. Watch it now »
Animals S1-3
Explore unexpected tales of urban life as seen through the eyes of lovelorn rats, gender-questioning pigeons, and other downtrodden creatures in New York City. Watch it now »
Game of Thrones S1-8
Every single episode of HBO’s hit show is now streaming on Showmax. Watch it now »
The Magicians S1-4
Quentin Coldwater is a street magician who doesn’t realise he’s got real magic –the dark, powerful kind– at his fingertips until he finds himself at Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy. Watch it now »
Silicon Valley S1-6
Meet six young men who founded a startup company in Silicon Valley. In today’s high-tech gold rush, these geeks are the most qualified to strike success. Watch it now »
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.