6/10 of the most-watched titles on Showmax in 2021 in Kenya are&nbsp;local

Kina S1-3

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 Hot Seat S1

The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream from 10 December, with new episodes weekly.

Nairobi Bachelor S1

Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream from 6 December, with new episodes every week.

Spooksoeker S1

When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream on Showmax from 5 December.

4Play

4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.

Die Tollie & Manila Show

A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.

The Station Strangler

The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.

Black & Blue S1

Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.

Ubuthe Uzobuya

Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S2, now on Showmax

Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax

More Mzansi gold

6 strong female leads in Showmax Originals in 2024

Stream these must-see Showmax Originals that highlight strong female leads who are bold and fiercely brilliant, now streaming on Showmax.

South African

Soft Life Season 1 opens with secrets, scandals and sacrifices

Showmax Original Soft Life kicks off as Owami celebrates her 23rd birthday and gets invited to a NubiaBlaq launch party as a potential “brand ambassador”. Catch new episodes on Mondays on Showmax.