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
Northern Lights S1
An emotional and funny drama series based on a stage play of the same name about two grieving strangers whose worlds collide on a rainy night in Dublin.
Crime Scene Kitchen S2
Joel McHale hosts this outrageous culinary guessing game where bakers must decode what type of dessert was made when all that’s left are the crumbs, flour trails, and a few elusive clues.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S1-4
Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.
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!
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.
Made by Showmax, just for you
Faizon Love joins Laugh Africa Comedy Festival as new headliner
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival announces Faizon Love as the festival’s new international headliner, following Deon Cole’s withdrawal due to an unforeseen medical emergency.
Showmax and Laugh Africa reveal the panel for the Roast of Helen Zille
The star-studded lineup of panelists at the Showmax Roast of Helen Zille includes Patricia de Lille, Loyiso Gola, Zwai Bala, JJ Tabane and more.
Made in South Africa
Kites (2024)
On a night when Sihle is driving his DJ friends to their gig, things turn upside down when they get a call about a body in an apartment.
Made in South Africa
The Mommy Club Tanzania
One of Showmax’s biggest Original reality shows, The Mommy Club, heads to Tanzania where five celebrated actresses balance motherhood, careers, and friendships.