Recipes for Love and Murder
When a woman who wrote to her seeking advice is found dead, recipe advice columnist Tannie Maria and her colleague, rookie journalist Jessie, spring into action, determined to solve this small-town murder and catch the killer.
Based on the first of Sally Andrew’s bestselling Tannie Maria novels, For Love and Murder was selected for Berlinale Series Market Selects 2022 - described as being for “curated series with high market potential”, the same strand Donkerbos screened in this year.
Award-winning Irish actress Maria Doyle Kennedy (The Tudors, Outlander, Orphan Black) stars as Maria Purvis, aka Tannie Maria. The rest of the cast is entirely South African, with Kylie Fisher (Zamanti in Troukoors) earning shoutouts from the likes of Variety and Decider for her breakthrough role as Jessie. Also look out for SAFTA nominees Tony Kgoroge and Jennifer Steyn as chief detective Khaya Meyer and Hattie Wilson, publisher of the Karoo Gazette, respectively, plus a host of familiar faces.
A co-production between M-Net, Acorn TV in America, and two-time International Emmy nominees Both Worlds Pictures, the ten-episode series is directed by SAFTA winners Christiaan Olwagen (Kanarie) and Karen Jeynes (Puppet Nation ZA), who also adapted the novel. The murder mystery is set against the idyllic backdrop of a small fictional Karoo town called Eden, which was largely created in Prince Albert, with gorgeous cinematography by SAFTA winner and Camerimage nominee Vicci Turpin (Poppie Nongena, Four Corners).
TVFantatic says it’s “delightful… The vistas are stunning! The food is even better… Murder never tasted so good!” while the New York Times says the series, “offers the same mix of human drama, gorgeous landscapes, local colour and mouthwatering cooking [as the book]” adding that “despite the murders and simmering racial undertones, the show keeps its warm, humorous tone through the quiet, grounded character of Maria, with her empathetic, practical advice.”
More like this
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
Albert Pretorius takes on the iconic boss role in Die Kantoor. The first episodes land on Showmax on Tuesday, 20 January, with new episodes weekly.
The Mindy Project S1-6
Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa, Vaal Riviera, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa's best reality shows on Showmax.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S14-15
The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.
It's Florida, Man S1-2
This outrageous HBO comedy is a love letter to the beaches, backwaters and people of a misunderstood yet magical American state.
Volspoed S1
Volspoed follows Antonie and Ronette Marx, a husband and wife chasing different versions of success in the fast-paced world of endurance racing.
The Tourist: Why would someone want him dead?
Gaslit: If you could just shut your mouth
The most binge-worthy series to stream
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
Albert Pretorius takes on the iconic boss role in Die Kantoor. The first episodes land on Showmax on Tuesday, 20 January, with new episodes weekly.
The Mindy Project S1-6
Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa, Vaal Riviera, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa's best reality shows on Showmax.
Latest Stories
What to watch on Showmax in January 2026
Die Kwiksilwers (2024)
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga
Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back
What to watch on Showmax in December 2025
Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
.png&w=3840&q=100)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock
Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax
Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling
Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2
Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
What to watch on Showmax in November 2025
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
