How does Showmax work?

23 January 2024

How does Showmax work?

Find out how Showmax works, Showmax pricing and cost, the different Showmax packages, and how to pay for Showmax.


What is Showmax?

Showmax is not a TV channel.

Showmax is a video-on-demand service that brings you a wide array of series, movies, documentaries, Showmax Originals, kids’ shows, and Premier League games. With one low monthly price, you get unlimited access, new content added weekly, and the freedom to watch anytime. Plus, there are no contracts, so you can cancel whenever you wish.

All you need is a subscription and a device that can connect to the internet to watch Showmax.

The new Showmax is launching, and will be moving to a brand-new platform, powered by Peacock. Current subscribers should look out for an email with instructions on how to migrate, while new subscribers can download the new app from their app store soon.

Showmax packages and plans

Check out Showmax’s new packages and plans, including Showmax Premier League. Find out more.

  • Showmax Entertainment R99 per month Now R89 per month
    Watch Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids’ shows on TV & mobile devices.
  • Showmax Entertainment Mobile – R39 per month
    Watch Showmax Originals, hit international and local series, movies and kids’ shows on one mobile device only.
  • Showmax Premier League – R69 per month
    Watch the Premier League live from SuperSport, plus all-access content on your mobile device.

How much does Showmax cost? Here is the Showmax pricing for different packages

Pricing for new Showmax*

CountryShowmax EntertainmentShowmax Entertainment MobileShowmax Premier LeagueShowmax Entertainment + Premier LeagueShowmax Entertainment Mobile + Premier League
South AfricaZAR 89ZAR 39ZAR 69ZAR 140ZAR 99
NigeriaNGN 2500NGN 1200NGN 2900NGN 4600NGN 3200
Kenya KES 650KES 300KES 500KES 1000KES 700
NamibiaN$ 89N$ 39N$ 69N$ 140N$ 99
BotswanaBWP 70BWP 36BWP 55BWP 110BWP 80
GhanaGSH 59GSH 27GSH 55GSH 105GSH 75
TanzaniaTSH 12000TSH 7300TSH 9800TSH 19800TSH 15000
UgandaUGX 19000 UGX 11400UGX 15200UGX 31200UGX 24000
ZambiaZMW 90ZMW 60ZMW 80ZMW 155ZMW 125
Rest of AfricaUSD 5USD 3USD 4USD 8USD 6
* These prices are valid for the launch of the new Showmax.

How to sign up

  • Go to the Showmax website and select Sign Up. 
  • Choose your plan. 
  • Sign up with your email address and create a password.
  • Choose your payment method.
  • If you choose recurring billing, you will be billed once a month.
  • There is no contract and you can cancel at any time.

How can I pay for Showmax?

There are many convenient ways to pay for Showmax.

  • Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards 
  • Showmax vouchers 
  • DStv Add to Bill – available in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • In South Africa:
    • Vodacom Add to Bill
    • MTN Add to Bill
  • In Kenya:
    • M-Pesa via USSD

Until 31 March, Discovery Bank and Showmax are offering Discovery Bank customers great discounts on Showmax Premier League vouchers when purchased through Discovery Bank. (South Africa only.)

How to add Showmax to your DStv bill

DStv Add to Bill is available in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here’s how to add Showmax to your DStv bill.

Which devices support Showmax?

Showmax is available on a variety of smart TVs, mobile devices, web browsers, gaming consoles, the DStv Explora Ultra and Streama and more. For the full list of available devices, go to the Showmax FAQs. (Supported devices may differ from country to country.

Showmax Entertainment allows two streams at once, and multiple devices, while the mobile plans, including Showmax Entertainment Mobile and Showmax Premier League, allow one stream on one mobile device. 

The new Showmax app means better technology and a better experience, but it also means that some older devices won’t be able to support the new tech. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. Read more about alternative ways to connect.

How much data does Showmax use?

Get maximum entertainment for minimum data. Showmax has different settings for streaming on your smart TV or web, or on your mobile device, that go as low as 40MB/hr. That means a 2GB bundle will get you 50 hours of streaming entertainment. 

New Showmax data usage

Also, remember to download shows to watch offline. When you’re in a Wi-Fi zone, download episodes or movies on the Showmax app on your tablet or phone, and watch them offline later. Choose between four different download quality settings with specific file sizes – the lower the quality, the less data you will use for the download, and the less space the show will take up on your device.

How do I get help with Showmax?

If you have any problems with Showmax, please check Showmax Stories and the Showmax FAQ page for answers. If you don’t find the answers you need, there are a few ways to get in touch: 

  • The Showmax Help Site: Find troubleshooting articles, as well as Showmax Live Chat and other contact information. 
  • Showmax Live Chat: Chat live with a customer care agent for immediate assistance. Check if the FAQs answer your questions, and if not, scroll to Still Need Help? Clicking on Sign In or Problems Signing In will bring up the Live Chat box.
  • Email Showmax: help@showmax.com will get you help in all countries. 
  • Social media: Join the conversation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube and TikTok

What is there to watch on Showmax?

What sets Showmax apart is that you can watch whatever you like, whenever you like. There are no ads, no interruptions and no limits (except your self-control).

Now all you have to do is sign up to Showmax.

Original African stories by local talent

Original Sin: My Son The Killer on Showmax

Original Sin: My Son The Killer

Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil. Streaming from 22 March on Showmax.

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Tracking Thabo Bester on Showmax

Tracking Thabo Bester

From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. Two episodes now streaming, and the remaining two episodes land on 22 March 2024 on Showmax.

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The Illuminated S1 on Showmax

The Illuminated

The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.

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Koek S1 on Showmax

Koek S1

The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.

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Ekhaya Backpackers is on Showmax

Ekhaya Backpackers S1

Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers, with new episodes every Thursday.

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Cheta M on Showmax

Cheta M

Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.

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Youngins on Showmax

Youngins S1

Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week. 

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Sadau Sisters is on Showmax

Sadau Sisters S1

Rahma, Zainab, Aisha, and Fatima Sadau pull back the curtain on their family, fame, and lifestyle. Stream now on Showmax.

Original
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