Missing BBN? Here’s what to watch next

Big Brother Naija may be over, but there are several brand new and returning shows to look out for on Showmax in October, from comedy to drama and reality TV.

Local series

Ghana Jollof | Showmax Original | Starts 22 October, new episodes drop every week

In Ghana Jollof, Showmax’s first West African comedy, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA) winner Funnybone and Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) nominee Akah Nnani star as two Nigerians who move to Ghana in search of greener pastures. 

The all-star Nigerian cast includes multi-award-winning comedian Basketmouth, who also executive produces; comedian/actor Buchi; and Uzor Arukwe, who starred as dreaded crime boss Knight in Sugar Rush.

The equally impressive Ghanaian cast includes AMAA nominee Joselyn Dumas; heartthrobs Mawuli Gavor (Chief Daddy) and James Gardiner, who currently stars in Ghana’s popular telenovela Dede; the uncontested ‘Queen of Ghana comedy’, Jacinta Ocansey; popular reality star Portia Freelove; model and actress Brihanna Kinte; veteran actor Jackson Albert Davies (Beasts of No Nation); actress Korkor Oyeba Mensah; and multiple award-winning comedian/actor Kalybos.

Shot in Lagos and Accra, Ghana Jollof is directed by AMVCA nominee Diji Aderogba (About A Boy). 

Venge | New episodes every week

Africa Magic returns with a brand new telenovela, Venge, which tells the story of Bibi, a young woman who runs her own bistro and is engaged to be married. However, things take a turn when she becomes wrapped up in money laundering and murder.

Venge stars veteran Nigerian actress Uche Mac-Auley (Checkmate, Thunderbolt: Magun), Michelle Dede (E.V.E, Hush), Uzoamaka Aniunoh (MTV Shuga), Obehi Aburime and Ian Wordi.

The show is produced by AMVCA award winner, Tosin Igho (Seven, Nneka the Pretty Serpent). Speaking on the show, Igho said: “Venge is a fresh take on the telenovela genre. It contains many of the same elements that audiences are used to but adds its own unique brand of action, paired with a stunning visual style”.

Look out for new episodes of Venge on Showmax every weekday – and if you missed a few episodes, fear not, you can binge it from the beginning.

Dilemma | New episodes every week

Africa Magic’s new telenovela follows the lives of two estranged lovers – Kaineto and Kanan – who find their way back to each other after many years of separation. However, while love leads them back together, will it be enough to conquer all the challenges they will have to face?

Dilemma stars veteran Nollywood actors Shan George and Bob Manuel-Udokwu, and new faces like Treasure Obasi and Vine Ogulu. It also features BBNaija stars Neo Akpofure and Daniel ‘Sir Dee’ Atteh.

Speaking on the show, series producer Uche Ikejimba (Big Brother Naija) said: ​​“Dilemma is set in two-time jumps; 1998 and 2021. Viewers will have the luxury of experiencing the story in the 90s, bringing back many nostalgic moments. This time jump gets to see characters grow as viewers experience their journey together”.

Look out for new episodes of Dilemma on Showmax every weekday – and if you missed a few episodes, fear not, you can binge it from the beginning.

Mercy What Next | October 10th; new episodes every week

Lambo is back! But this time, she’s single and living her best life.

The Big Brother Naija Season 4 winner returns to our screens for a new season of her reality show in Mercy What Next.

Following her breakup with her ex-boyfriend and former fellow BBNaija housemate Ike, the BBNaija season 4 winner opens up on what really happened and the aftermath of the breakup. She also takes us through her life as a businesswoman. And what’s a show on Lambo without some glitz and glam?

Mercy What Next will also air on Africa Magic Showcase. Need to relieve all the Mercy and Ike moments from the first season? Binge all episodes of Mercy and Ike on Showmax.

International series

Succession S3 | First on Showmax | Mondays from 18 October 2021

Succession, winner of Best Drama at both the Emmys and Golden Globes in 2020, follows four very rich siblings behaving very badly while trying to win their father’s approval – and control of his company, a global media and entertainment empire.

Jeremy Strong won the 2020 Best Actor Emmy as Kendall Roy, while Brian Cox won the 2020 Best Actor Golden Globe as his father, Logan. In Season 3, the already impressive cast is adding Oscar winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist), Emmy winner Alexander Skarsgård (Big Little Lies) and more.

Ambushed by Kendall at the end of Season 2, Logan begins Season 3 in a perilous position, scrambling to secure alliances. Tensions rise as a bitter corporate battle threatens to turn into a family civil war. 

The Hollywood Reporter calls Succession “one of television’s best dramas, a searing, funny and painfully true look at wealth, power and family.” Catch up on Succession S1-2 here.

Delilah S1 | Binge now

Not all superheroes wear capes. In OWN Original legal drama series Delilah, title character Delilah is played by Maahra Hill and she prefers to pair up her trench coats with stilettoes. All while she juggles running her small law firm and keep her family afloat as a single mother following a messy divorce.

The real challenge though begins when Delilah takes on a case against North Carolina’s most reputable law firm where her best friend Tamara (Jill Marie Jones) is running for partner. The stakes are high and the claws are out as both women compromise their friendship to win. Delilah and Tamara’s rivalry is at the heart of the storyline and viewers will find themselves at the edge of their seats and siding with one or the other.

Delilah is produced by the same team behind the family drama series Greenleaf, with powerhouse talk show host Oprah Winfrey (and owner of OWN) serving as executive producer in both shows. Like a typical OWN show, Delilah is characterised by strong-willed, ambitious yet flawed African-American lead characters with plenty of cliff-hangers.