1 March 2022
PEN15 S1-2
PEN15 is an R-rated traumedy set in middle school as it really happened in the year 2000. Real-life 30-somethings Anna Konkle and Maya Erskine play versions of themselves as 13-year-old outcasts, surrounded by actual 13-year-olds.
Season 2 is an even bigger hit than its Emmy-nominated first season, with a 93% rating on Metacritic, where it’s #1 on the top-scoring TV shows of 2020. Season 2 also has a 100% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where made #3 on their list of the best TV shows of 2020.
As The Washington Post put it, “If one has to choose only one millennial-made TV series that ventures into adolescent angst in the AOL era, please make it this one. PEN15… could be almost considered an act of communal therapy. In their unflinching and even brave willingness to re-enact the range of hair-trigger emotions that turn teenagers into the worst kind of people, Erskine and Konkle (along with co-creator Sam Zvibleman) are offering a kind of catharsis to the rest of us: Yes, you were as awful as you remember being, but guess what? You were in the throes of becoming you. PEN15 is both an exquisite wallow in hormonal chaos and a belated act of forgiveness.”
Stream the final episodes on Showmax – “It is bowing out at the peak of its powers,” says The Guardian, while AV Club says, “PEN15 leaves behind an indelible legacy in the genre.”
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Under the Influence
Stream Nigerian Original limited series, Under the Influence, from 24 January 2025 with new episodes released every Friday.
Reënboogrant
Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, 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 now, with new episodes every Friday.
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 now, with new episodes every Thursday.
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.
Stream the final season of Adulting
Binge-watch Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener
More Mzansi gold
Die Byl S1-5
Byl and his elite unit are reeling from the Adriaan Klopper nightmare. They’re traumatized, have no offices, and Byl’s about to lose his job…
Showmax Presents Tyla red carpet hosts: Kat Sinivasan, Moozlie
From 8.30pm on Saturday, 18 January 2025, the Tyla Red Carpet Experience will be streaming on Showmax, followed by the live stream of her homecoming concert.
Minke Marais puts on her blazer to play Shani in Reënboogrant
Minke Marais talks about her role as Shani in Reënboogrant, inspired by Louise van Niekerk’s bestselling 90s novels. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on Showmax.
Reënboogrant S1
Follow the Brink siblings as they navigate teenage drama, family conflicts, love, aspirations and fierce rivalries in this wholesome Afrikaans telenovela.