Telenovelas and soaps to watch online
If you love the intrigue, drama, romance and thrill of watching storylines unfold bit by bit, episode by episode, these are the soaps and telenovelas you can’t afford to miss. They’re all streaming on Showmax, with new episodes landing throughout the week for those that are still airing.
Others, like The Wife, have ended, so every single episode is ready for you to binge-watch. With an endless stream of compelling episodes at your fingertips, prepare to be enthralled as you dive into the addictive world of binge-worthy soap-operas and telenovelas.
100 Days to Fall in Love S1
Two good friends put their marriages on the line when one takes a break from her husband and the other reunites with an old flame.
Looking For Frida S1
An upper-class family’s perfect world is shattered when their daughter, Frida, suddenly disappears. As the search unfolds, everyone is a suspect, including Frida.
My Brother’s Keeper S1
An overly ambitious son, tired of being side-lined by his father, decides to break the family rules by going after his brother’s widow.
Diepe Waters S1-2
Diepe Waters follows a community set around a prestigious swimming club, the Swartmarlyne, owned by the Swarts family.
Umkhokha: The Curse S1
The critically acclaimed series revolves around the ensuing fight to take over the leadership position of one of the biggest churches in KZN.
Gqeberha: The Empire S1
A polygamist with a thriving business empire based in Gqeberha decides to take a fourth wife. Soon his wives and children turn against one another, leading to an epic battle for the throne.
Arendsvlei S6
Afrikaans telenovela set at a fictional Cape Flats high school where teachers and pupils deal with issues like depression and addiction.
Binnelanders S1-12
Binnelanders, an Afrikaans soapie set in and around a fictional private hospital, follows the trials and trauma of the staff and patients.
Gomora S4
A socialite who’s used to the good life finds herself back in the township of her roots in this dramatic, addictive drama.
Suidooster S9
Binge all eight seasons plus new express episodes of Season 9 to enjoy all the drama of the residents of Ruiterbosch.
The River S1-6
This fan-fave telenovela is full of twists and turns, and plenty of characters you love to hate. Season 6 is the final season.
The Wife S1-3
Binge the full Seasons 1-3 of hit South African telenovela The Wife, only available on Showmax.
The Wife: Behind the Veil
Go behind the scenes of The Wife to find out more about the Zulu brothers and the women who love them in this eight-part exclusive special.
The Queen S1-6
The Khozas may be back on their A-game again, but their betrayal of Shaka and Brutus that might just cost them dearly.
Lingashoni S1
The dramatic telenovela about a man’s life going full-circle after a decade-long memory loss is now streaming from the very beginning.
Legacy S1-2
The intrigue and machinations of the mega-loaded Price family are the subject of Legacy, M-Net’s riveting drama series.
Selina S1-5
Kenya’s most-watched telenovela is the Swahili smash hit Selina, about the star-crossed romance between Selina and Nelson. Will true love win?
Isibaya S1-7
The drama isn’t letting up in Isibaya. Binge it all from the beginning to the latest episode.
The Throne
Power struggles engulf the BaTswana kingdom. Make sure you have ringside seats for all the drama.
Love reality series?
How Joey takes a wrecking ball to The Bachelor
Bachelor Nation, is Joey Graziadei out to ruin it for low-effort guys in The Bachelor Season 28? 32 women with nothing bad to say about him just gave us a huge hint.
The Bachelor S28
Joey Graziadei is ready to settle down. The 28-year-old has 32 women vying for his heart before he chooses one of them to be his happy ever after.
Mntase S1-3
An intervention reality series that seeks to address and resolve the most aggressive, intense sibling rivalries.
The best reality shows to stream on Showmax in December and January
From local hits to African firsts and international favourites, there’s no shortage of exciting content to keep reality TV fans hooked.
Izingane Zes’thembu S1-2
A reality show that follows the lives of the polygamous businessman’s children as they navigate life within a polygamous family.
Kwa Njomane S1-2
A reality show that follows the controversial life of traditional healer Smangele Mhlongo and her three children as they face the challenges of life, relationships, and societal pressures.
5 shocking scenes from Themba: My Inked World S2
Reality series Themba: My Inked World takes us back into the chaos that follows every move made by tattoo artist, musician and ex-Big Brother star Themba Broly.
Helen Zille on her drag transformation on Showmax
Helen Zille takes on a quickfire round, offering insights into her time in drag on Die Tollie & Manila Show. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Need a touch of romance?
Behind the Masc4Masc mask in romcom Bros
Billy Eichner and the Bros team chat about what it took to make a romantic comedy with pride. Now streaming on Showmax.
Bros (2022)
A funny, charming romcom about two gay men who avoid commitment. They find themselves drawn to each other and start dating.
Cuddle up with 8 heartwarming romances
From Anyone But You to A Cinderella Story, watch these 8 romantic movies that are sure to make your heart flutter and soar. All available to stream on Showmax.
Alice & Jack and 4 more soulmate stories
Looking for real love? From Alice & Jack to Past Lives, we have five movies and series about lifelong loves to sweep you off your feet in unexpected ways.
Alice & Jack S1
A destined romance between long-time lovers Alice and Jack seems unbreakable until Alice’s past trauma makes her retreat.
7 series about the different ways to fall in love
From that meet-cute moment to marital bliss or meltdowns, with Colin from Accounts, The Lovers and more, there’s a story for however you feel about love tonight.
Live, laugh, swoon: the best romantic comedies now on Showmax
Discover these charming and lovable romcoms now streaming on Showmax, from Definitely Maybe to Notting Hill, 50 First Dates and more.
Forever Yena (2024)
When online “it” couple Tumisho and Asanda have a big fight during a social media livestream, it puts a strain on their relationship.
Shows you'll find only on Showmax
Somebody Somewhere S1-3
Binge-watch the final season of this semi-autobiographical HBO dramedy about Sam, who finds an unlikely community in her small home town after the death of her sister.
5 reasons we’re obsessed with Emperor of Ocean Park
Emperor of Ocean Park: Forest Whitaker, a murder mystery with chess moves, America’s Black elite, power and politics. Come check it out, kings, queens and Bel-Air fans!
Emperor of Ocean Park S1
When a Black candidate for the Supreme Court dies of a heart attack, his daughter, a former journalist, believes his death was foul play.
Wonka (2023)
A young chocolatier, Willy Wonka, armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.