27 January 2022
6/10 of the most-watched titles on Showmax in 2021 in Kenya are local
Crime and Justice, Njoro wa Uba, This Love and three more Kenyan shows were among the ten most-watched titles overall on Showmax in 2021 in Kenya, according to the latest viewing statistics from Showmax, showing that Kenyans’ appetite for local content grew immensely in 2021.
Watch: Crime and Justice Season 2, now streaming
It comes as no surprise that the Showmax Original Crime and Justice made it to the overall list of most-watched in 2021, seeing as it claimed the top spot for nine weeks straight after launching in February last year.
The police procedural and legal drama follows ripped-from-the-headlines investigations by the fictional Nairobi Metropol Police, led by the dedicated Detective Makena (Sarah Hassan) and the by-the-book Detective Silas (Alfred Munyua).
Crime and Justice was nominated for all three major awards in the TV Drama category at the 2021 Kalasha Awards, winning Best Actress (for Hassan).
What Kenyans are loving
Eugene Mbugua’s docu-reality series This Love and Sol Family S2 also featured on the coveted list, with the latter replicating the success of its first season, which was also among the most-watched shows on Showmax in 2020.
Kenyans also loved Lucy Mwangi’s comedy-drama, Njoro wa Uba, and for good reason. The show has been hailed as one of the most relatable shows in Kenya today, not only for the way it highlights what taxi drivers go through but also for its authenticity in capturing the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.
At the 2021 Kalasha Awards held in December, Njoro wa Uba won Best TV Drama and Best Lead Actor (for Joe Kinyua).
Adding to the local slate of most-watched in 2021 is the Swahili telenovela, Selina – making an appearance for the third year in a row – and drama telenovela Kina, which stars Sanaipei Tande as a ruthless businesswoman fighting to protect her empire by any means necessary.
Selina, which is currently at a Kenyan record of 917 episodes (and counting), follows the tortuous romance between a girl from humble beginnings and her rich employer’s son.
“Selina has broken the glass ceiling, and it plays a very important role in the industry because it’s been a first in many ways,” director and producer Reuben Odanga said.
The full list of the top 10 most-watched shows on Showmax Kenya in 2021 by category (all in alphabetical order).
Top 10 most-watched titles on Showmax Kenya overall in 2021
- Angel Has Fallen – Movie
- Crime and Justice – Police procedural drama
- Hustlers – Movie
- Kina – Drama/Telenovela
- Like a Boss – Movie
- Njoro wa Uba – Comedy-drama
- Selina – Telenovela
- Sol Family – Docu-reality series
- The Poison Rose – Movie
- This Love – Docu-reality series
Top 10 most-watched titles on Showmax Kenya overall in 2021
- Crime and Justice
- DAM
- Kina
- Monica
- Njoro wa Uba
- Selina
- Sol Family
- The Real Housewives of Durban
- This Love
- Varshita
Original African stories by local talent
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.
Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
Made in Kenya
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Made in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens serve looks and deliver drama. Stream Season 1-5 now, including all the explosive reunion episodes.
Made in South AfricaSA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold
Felix Hlophe on his comedy special, fat jokes, sex and cheating
Comedian and radio personality Felix Hlophe opens up about his stand-up comedy special at Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025, landing on 15 August on Showmax.
South African
Londie London on RHOD: “There’s genuine history and love there”
Now that both parts of The Real Housewives of Durban reunion have dropped, Londie London opens up about her journey, and the support she’s received from fans. All episodes are available to binge on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Watch her win! Women’s sports watch list
While you wait for Banyana Banyana’s next WAFCON game, we have drama series and documentaries celebrating women in sport, on and off the court.
Made in South Africa
Former captain Amanda Dlamini on Banyana’s challenges
Amanda Dlamini shares insights on Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON journey as they face Tanzania on Friday, 11 July in the Showmax Premier League.
Made in South Africa