
21 December 2017
Rave reviews for HBO’s The Deuce – only on Showmax
HBO’s The Deuce has received top-class reviews from major critics and viewers alike, a second season has already been confirmed and lead actress Maggie Gyllenhaal was recently nominated for a Golden Globe. And Showmax is the ONLY streaming service where you can watch it. Watch now »
Still need convincing? Take a look at this.
The numbers
The world’s leading movie and series rating websites agree – The Deuce deserves an A+
- IMDb: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
- Metacritic: 85/100
The charts
The Deuce has featured in numerous best-of lists for 2017. Here are just a few:
https://time.com/5037916/top-10-tv-shows-2017/
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/dec/11/the-best-50-tv-shows-of-2017-no-7-the-deuce
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/lists/20-best-tv-shows-of-2017-w512711/the-deuce-hbo-w512716
https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/12/the-best-tv-shows-of-2017/547376/
https://www.vox.com/2017-in-review/2017/12/19/16779454/best-tv-2017-shows-twin-peaks-leftovers-good-place
The reviews
Wall Street Journal: “It’s the kind of storytelling – ebullient, moving, brutal and informed with human mystery – whose every chapter only whets the appetite for more. … A smashing work all around.”
Entertainment Weekly: “The Deuce is an absorbing, resonant chronicle about the evolution of dehumanizing skin trades and the mainstreaming of adult entertainment.”
Collider “What really makes The Deuce so good, though, are its conversations, the cadence and truth of its dialogue, and its both bold and vulnerable performances.”
Vox.com: “It’s impeccably acted, written, and directed, and no matter how ridiculous ‘a series about the 1970s porn industry with two James Francos’ might sound to you, this is somehow not just the best possible execution of that idea, but the most thoughtful one, too. It’s the best show of the fall, by a wide, wide margin.”
CNN: “In The Deuce, producer David Simon tries to do for the sex trade and 1970s evolution of pornography what “The Wire” did for drugs. After a slow start, this engrossing, characteristically nuanced HBO drama mostly serves up aces.”
So what’s it about?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J-MwvWlZSo&t=10s
Beginning in 1971, the show follows a cast of New York barkeeps, prostitutes, pimps, police and nightlife denizens as they swirl through a world of sex, crime, high times and violence, as the porn business begins its climb from Mafia-backed massage parlors and film labs to legitimacy and cultural permanence.
The Deuce was created by George Pelecanos and David Simon, who previously collaborated on the HBO series The Wire, widely hailed as “the best TV show ever.”
Get ready for a world where sex, drugs and dreams fuel everyday life for the star-studded cast including James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
You can watch every episode of The Deuce on Showmax right now.
Don’t have Showmax yet?
Original African stories by local talent

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream from 30 May on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.

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.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.

Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S1-2 now on Showmax.

The Mommy Club S1-3
The Mommy Club sees glamorous Jozi momfluencers navigating the the cutthroat world of “it” moms. Stream S3 now, with new episodes every Saturday.

Adulting S1-3
Four best friends go through the hoops of life, love and everything else. Binge-watch Adulting S1-3 now on Showmax.

The Chocolate Empire S1
The Chocolate Empire follows JB Mauzo, who was recently released from prison, as he rebuilds his life. All the episodes are ready to binge on Showmax.
Feel the burn in The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
The Mommy Club S3 reunion, now streaming
More Mzansi gold

Bet I Love You (2024)
Financial gain and social status are necessary for Rex, a compulsive gambler, who strives to overcome his addiction and recover squandered funds in a series of humorous situations.

Stream all episodes of Married at First Sight Season 1 on Showmax
Binge-watch the whole of Married at First Sight Mzansi Season 1 on Showmax while you wait for Season 2 to land on Mzansi Magic and coming express to Showmax on Sunday, 6 July 2025.

The Roast of Helen Zille vs The Mommy Club reunion moments
Here are some of the jaw-dropping quotes and moments from The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille and The Mommy Club S3 reunion, now streaming on Showmax.

Where to see the cast of Niggies in other roles on Showmax
From Beer Adriaanse as older André Fourie to Erica Wessels as Ousus Nel and Albert Pretorius as Gustaff Fouché, see the cast of kykNET’s hit drama series Niggies in their other acclaimed roles on Showmax.