Medium-Kwenzo Ngcobo and Gaisang K Noge in The Wife S2

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.

iThonga S1

Follow the journey of twin brothers whose bond is shattered when one is murdered, leaving the other to inherit a world of corruption and violence.

Made in South Africa

Skemergrond S1

Skemergrond is set in Gemoedsdrif and revolves around the Louw family and their beautiful flower farm. The Louws' peaceful existence is turned upside down when unexpected guests arrive.

Made in South Africa

My Brother's Keeper S1-2

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.

Made in South Africa

Umkhokha: The Curse S1-2

The critically acclaimed series revolves around the ensuing fight to take over the leadership position of one of the biggest churches in KZN.

Made in South Africa

The River S1-6

Fan-fave telenovela The River is full of twists and turns, and plenty of characters you love to hate, or love to root for - like Cobra. Stream the full boxset on Showmax.

Made in South Africa

Reënboogrant S1

Follow the Brink siblings as they navigate teenage drama, family conflicts, love, aspirations and fierce rivalries in this wholesome Afrikaans telenovela.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Gqeberha: The Empire S2

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.

Made in South Africa

Love reality series?

Masinga - The Calling (2024)

Inspector Masinga is dispatched back to Africa on a sex-trafficking case, and once he's home, he tries to find justice for the killing of his brother.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

Watch the trailer for Volspoed, Showmax's upcoming reality series about racer Antonie Marx, his family and his racing team. From 6 January 2026.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more

The ladies from The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa share their first impressions of Housewives from other franchises. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.

Original

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

SAFTA winner Fana Mokoena talks about portraying a sangoma in the gripping crime thriller, Masinga - The Calling. Stream from 5 December on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Tiffany Haddish Goes Off S1

Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish journeys to Africa on a four-week girls' trip that brings adventure and deepens her lifelong friendships.

First

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy on Showmax

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)

This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

First

Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

Princess Jecoco from The Real Housewives of Abuja franchise is back! She opens up on what it feels to be part of an epic girls trip

Original Nigeria

Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This? is on Showmax

Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This? (2025)

Comedian Bill Maher offers his scathing commentary on conservative and liberal politics, trends in modern parenting, sex and dating.

First

Need a touch of romance?

Masinga - The Calling (2024)

Inspector Masinga is dispatched back to Africa on a sex-trafficking case, and once he's home, he tries to find justice for the killing of his brother.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

Watch the trailer for Volspoed, Showmax's upcoming reality series about racer Antonie Marx, his family and his racing team. From 6 January 2026.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more

The ladies from The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa share their first impressions of Housewives from other franchises. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.

Original

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

SAFTA winner Fana Mokoena talks about portraying a sangoma in the gripping crime thriller, Masinga - The Calling. Stream from 5 December on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Tiffany Haddish Goes Off S1

Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish journeys to Africa on a four-week girls' trip that brings adventure and deepens her lifelong friendships.

First

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)

This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

First

Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

Princess Jecoco from The Real Housewives of Abuja franchise is back! She opens up on what it feels to be part of an epic girls trip

Original Nigeria

Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This? (2025)

Comedian Bill Maher offers his scathing commentary on conservative and liberal politics, trends in modern parenting, sex and dating.

First

Shows you'll find only on Showmax

Tiffany Haddish Goes Off S1

Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish journeys to Africa on a four-week girls' trip that brings adventure and deepens her lifelong friendships.

First

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)

This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

First

Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This? (2025)

Comedian Bill Maher offers his scathing commentary on conservative and liberal politics, trends in modern parenting, sex and dating.

First

Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night Of Your Life on Showmax

Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night Of Your Life (2025)

Charm and wit take centre stage as Emmy winner Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) ditches his Roy Kent edge to deliver hilarious insights.

First

Latest Stories

What to watch on Showmax in December 2025

Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January 

Kealeboga as Buhle on Youngins on Showmax

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

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor's life story is one of miracles and staggering perseverance, beginning in a setting of abject poverty that few can comprehend.

From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

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

Catch Manchester City v Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League, on Sunday, 09 November 2025 at 18:30 (SAST)

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

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim on Showmax

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

Catch all the thrilling action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?

Catch Brentford v Liverpool, live on Showmax Premier League, on Saturday, 25 October at 9pm

Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back

Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship

Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival

Noluthando Ngema plays Sihle in Outlaws S2 on Showmax

Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema

Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation

Never miss a beat

Stars we love