Iyanu S1
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, Iyanu follows a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life – until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi and Toye, as well as a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.
The animated series is adapted from Nigerian creator Roy Okupe’s popular graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind the likes of The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics.
Award-winner Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as Iyanu, alongside African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner and Vogue US cover star Adesua Etomi-Wellington, three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award-winner Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello from The Black Book, described by Wired as “Nigeria’s first runaway Netflix hit.”
Iyanu is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy-winning company behind the Oscar®-winning Hair Love. Story editor Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron; Marvel’s Agent Carter) headed the Iyanu writers' room, which also featured Emmy winner Kerri Grant (Doc McStuffins; Ada Twist, Scientist).
Screenrant hails it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed.”
Since its US launch in April 2025, Iyanu ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network and in the top 10 kids and family series on Max.
More like this
Smurfs (2025)
When Papa Smurf is abducted by the evil wizard siblings, Smurfette and the other Smurfs travel to the real world to rescue him.
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
Mason Thames and Nico Parker talk about playing the leads in the 2025 live-action adaptation of the fantasy classic How To Train Your Dragon.
How To Train Your Dragon (2025)
In this live-action adaptation, Hiccup's friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future for dragons and Vikings.
Dear Santa (2024)
When a boy mistakenly writes to Satan instead of Santa Claus, he summons the devil (Jack Black), who offers him three wishes for his soul.
The King of Kings (2025)
A devoted father vividly recalls Jesus' life through storytelling while guiding his son on a transformative journey.
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (2024)
A starry holiday animation with an Alice in Wonderland twist. St Nick goes to Wonderland to save Christmas after the Queen of Hearts outlaws it.
Piece By Piece (2024)
Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams's life gets a bold LEGO twist. It is a vibrant mix of music, a celebration of creativity, and storytelling that will captivate you.
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
Get drawn into comedy, drama and fantasy where, if you can imagine it, you can bring it to life – from The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim anime, to The Wild Robot.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
Showmax Originals you'll enjoy
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Nhlanhla Kunene confirmed for Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2
See Nhlanhla Kunene in Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2 as Mondli Gumede, from 8PM on 8 March on Mzansi Magic, and streaming from 9 March on Showmax.
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Christall Kay on the drama of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and what it was like to reunite with Evodia. All episodes on Showmax.
Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
Watch the hard-hitting trailer for the two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, premiering on Showmax on Friday, 20 February 2026.
Latest Stories
Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor
A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
What to watch on Showmax in January 2026
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
Die Kwiksilwers (2024)
Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
