14 December 2020
South Africans streamed plenty in 2020 on Showmax
At the start of the national COVID lockdown in March, South Africans were suddenly confined to their homes, which had a dramatic impact on viewers choosing to stream entertainment on Showmax. Here are some interesting insights we uncovered:
Big increase in lockdown streaming
In South Africa, there was a 50% spike in active users and a doubling in play events during the strictest lockdown period across all categories – international series and movies as well as local movies, series, and kids’ content. Showmax is the place to stream critically acclaimed HBO series in Africa, with classics like Game of Thrones and Girls proving popular in addition to growing interest in recently launched titles like The Undoing, The Third Day and Industry.
Movie night every night
At the start of lockdown, there was a big increase in people watching movies during the week. Ordinarily, movies tend to be more popular over weekends when people are at home. Popular titles include After (2019), Anna (2019), Hustlers (2019), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and The Invisible Man (2020).
Kids streaming
More families turned to Showmax to keep the kids entertained and we saw a large increase in people utilising our kid-friendly catalogue with hits like Paw Patrol, UglyDolls, Henry Danger and Victorious remaining favourites.
South African stories
When it comes to South African content, views continue to grow strongly even as lockdown has relaxed. We saw some of our biggest lockdown spikes in views of South African titles this year, including Showmax Originals Life With Kelly Khumalo and Somizi & Mohale: The Union as well as The River, The Queen, Legacy, Gomora, Lockdown, The Recce and Frank & Fearless.
Sport spikes on key matches
Now that live sport is gradually opening up around the world, we see regular spikes in subscribers tuning in to live stream their favourite football teams on Showmax Pro, which launched this year in South Africa. All Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, and DStv Premiership games are available to stream on Showmax Pro, brought to you by SuperSport.
18 of the most–binged series on Showmax
Wondering what other South Africans have been binge-watching this year? In alphabetical order, here are some of the most-binged titles, based on the highest completion rate and total number of viewers, in the last six months. If these aren’t on your watchlist yet, they’ll make for ideal holiday viewing.
- Banshee
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Game of Thrones
- House
- Insecure
- Lockdown
- Madam & Mercy
- Ray Donovan
- Rick and Morty
- Sex and the City
- Suits
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- True Blood
- Younger
Original African stories by local talent
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
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The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens serve looks and deliver drama. Stream Season 1-5 now, including all the explosive reunion episodes.
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The action heats up on Empini
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Amanda Dlamini shares insights on Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON journey as they face Tanzania on Friday, 11 July in the Showmax Premier League.
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Coming up next on Untied, Norma Mngoma steps into the spotlight as she opens up about her journey through marriage and divorce. New episodes every Tuesday on Showmax.
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