
4 March 2019
Showmax becomes first streaming service to win at SAFTAs
- The debut Showmax Original, Tali’s Wedding Diary, is most awarded comedy at SAFTAs
- Showmax is the first streaming service to win a SAFTA
- Tali’s Wedding Diary tops a million views on Showmax
- Co-creator Ari Kruger hints at sequel on Instagram
At The South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) this weekend, the debut Showmax Original, Tali’s Wedding Diary, won five awards – the most of any TV comedy.
This made Showmax the most awarded broadcaster in the TV comedy category and marked the first time a streaming service had won at the SAFTAs.
“When we were making Tali’s Wedding Diary, we joked about winning a SAFTA – it seemed totally crazy given it was our first fully-fledged Showmax Original and all of us were learning as we went,” says Candice Fangueiro, head of content for MultiChoice Connected Video. “Fast-forward and we’re on stage not just winning one SAFTA award but taking home five. I’m still pinching myself.”
Tali’s Wedding Diary won Best Comedy, Actress (Julia Anastasopoulos as Tali Shapiro), Directing (Ari Kruger), Cinematography (James Adey) and Editing (Richard Starkey). The mockumentary was also nominated for Best Scriptwriting (Julia, Ari and Daniel Zimbler) and Art Direction (Keren Setton).
Tali’s Wedding Diary is a mockumentary that follows Tali, a self-obsessed Joburg princess who’s moved to Cape Town and is planning her wedding to property-agent fiancé Darren (Anton Taylor). The series was inspired by Julia’s own wedding to Ari, her SuzelleDIY and Tali’s Wedding Diary co-creator.
“Julia and Ari have been amazing partners in bringing to life a character who South Africa has come to love,” says Candice. “Tali’s become bigger than we ever could have expected and this gives us the confidence and appetite to get out there and tell more stories. I’m really grateful to everyone involved – what an incredible outcome.”
Fans have been asking for a sequel ever since the show aired. While no official announcement has been made, Ari did hint on his Instagram account that another season could be on the cards. After thanking everyone involved and everyone who watched and supported the show, he ended, “Let’s hope this recognition allows us to make the next chapter.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BujNLzegxFk/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BulciMWlxOB/
In addition to Tali’s Wedding Diary, Showmax is also the only place you can stream a number of the other big winners, including The River, the most awarded telenovela; Lockdown, the most awarded drama; and Isithembiso, the most awarded soap.
Candice also congratulated a number of other winners who’ve collaborated with Showmax on Originals recently, including Trippin With Skhumba director Vincent Moloi, who won Best Directing: TV Drama for Tjovitjo; The Girl From St Agnes director Catharine Cooke, who won her second SAFTA in two years, as part of the team on The River that won Best Directing: Telenovela; The Girl From St Agnes DOP Marc Rowlston, who won Best Cinematography: TV Drama for Emoyeni; and Tali’s Wedding Diary co-writer Daniel Zimbler, who won Best Scriptwriting: TV Soap as part of the Isithembiso writing team.
Original African stories by local talent

Vaal Riviera
Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Stream from 22 August, with new episodes on Tuesdays.

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.

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.

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.

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.

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.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

Must-watch trailer: upcoming Showmax reality show Vaal Riviera
Watch the explosive trailer for Vaal Riviera, a reality series following four families from the Vaal Triangle. Premiering 22 August on Showmax.

Christopher Reeve documentary on Showmax get four Emmy nods
South African producer Robert Ford discusses his Emmy-nominated documentary, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which premieres on Showmax on Friday, 25 July 2025.

Shaka iLembe’s Dawn Thandeka King on Untied
Dawn Thandeka King opens up about her spiritual journey, motherhood and marriage in Untied, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Tuesday.

Director Jasyn Howes on true-crime documentary The ABC Killer
The director of Showmax Original doccie The ABC Killer, Jasyn Howes, talks about the twisty three-part series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream it now on Showmax.