Editor's choice for documentaries
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.
Made in South Africa
A Very Royal Scandal: 5 downfall documentaries and drama series
What do Prince Andrew, King Juan Carlos I, Sean Combs, Alex Jones, and Markus Jooste have in common? In-depth documentaries more shocking than an Oscar-winning movie!
9 South African true-crime series, ranked
From Devilsdorp to Tracking Thabo Bester, these true-crime documentary series explore some of the darkest and most audacious acts – all available to stream on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Crazy-conspiracy documentary Shadowland and 8 more cult classics
Explore the secret world of how fringe movements manipulate facts to recruit their followers in series like Shadowland Season 1 on Showmax.
Love sport documentaries? Check these out.
The Hitman: Ricky Hatton
This 90-minute film offers extraordinary access to boxing hero Ricky Hatton, exploring his life in and outside of the ring.
False Glory
A true-crime docuseries about stories that rocked the sports world, from cheating at the Comrades to rigging South Africa’s 2010 FIFA World Cup warm-up games.
Made in South Africa
Edge of the Earth S1
Four groups of extreme athletes embark on four never-before-accomplished missions, including big wave surfing on Africa’s west coast.
Ukuwela: The Crossing
An inspiring story following Sibusiso Sizatu’s journey from a carefree herd boy to leading his crew on a gruelling Cape to Rio yacht race – the longest continent-to-continent race in the southern hemisphere
Made in South Africa
Love Undercover S1
Follow elite athletes in this modern-day fairytale meets buddy comedy series about a group of international soccer stars who go on a secret quest for true love.
Chasing the Sun 2
A five-part series about the 2023 Rugby World Cup, when all of South Africa was ‘Stronger Together’ towards a historic fourth Webb Ellis trophy.
Made in South Africa
The Fastest Woman on Earth (2022)
A fascinating and tragic documentary about Jessi Combs, a professional racer and TV personality who set out to break new records in racing.
Williams Sisters (2023)
Dominating the game of tennis for over three decades, winning every title imaginable – follow Serena and Venus’s journey in this biographical documentary.
Light entertainment to binge-watch
The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5
Three new faces join the OGs on The Real Housewives of Durban in Season 5, bringing luxury, glamour and drama to your screens. New episodes every Friday.
Made in South Africa
The Righteous Gemstones and 5 more Danny McBride hustles
As The Righteous Gemstones returns for its final season, we look at 5 of writer-creator-actor Danny McBride’s best side hustles, from Eastbound & Down, to Halloween.
The Cleaning Lady S1-4
Cambodian doctor Thony becomes a cleaning lady for an organised crime syndicate in the US to keep her ill son alive in this fan-favourite series.
Gangs of London S1-3
When a shipment of cocaine is spiked, rocking the Gangs and causing hundreds of deaths, the hunt is on for who is responsible in the third season of this British crime thriller.
Brilliant Minds S1
Follow a gifted neurologist with a rare condition and an unconventional approach to tackling puzzling psychological cases in this medical drama series.
The Righteous Gemstones S1-4
Danny McBride created this outlandish, star-studded HBO comedy about a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
Umkhokha: The Curse S1-2
The critically acclaimed series revolves around the ensuing fight to take over the leadership position of one of the biggest churches in KZN.
Made in South AfricaMade by Showmax, just for you
Showmax and Laugh Africa announce the 2025 Roast of Helen Zille
Get ready for the Roast of Helen Zille at this year’s Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, happening from 2 May to 4 May at Sandton Convention Centre.
Made in South Africa
Adam (2024)
In modern-day South Africa, 18-year-old Adam is sent to Prinsloo Bush School, where he faces brutal training from his militaristic teachers.
Made in South Africa
Lo Sithole on The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5
Lo Sithole opens up about joining The Real Housewives of Durban S5 and what viewers can expect from her. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.
South African
Women take control in Adulting S3, shaking the gents to their core
The women are shaking things up and embracing their power in Adulting S3, ensuring that the gents in their lives feel their presence. Catch new episodes every Saturday on Showmax.
South African