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.
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.
Diepe Waters S1
Diepe Waters follows a community set around a prestigious swimming club, the Swartmarlyne, owned by the Swarts family.
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 1-2 of The Wife plus new episodes of Season 3 online or on your phone with the Showmax app.
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?
The Mommy Club S2 episode 6 recap: How to keep hustling
In episode 6 of The Mommy Club, Nozipho and Nunurai discuss business, while Hermajesty treats her daughter to a car shopping spree. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: Nonku exposes Angel
In episode 7 of The Real Housewives of Durban, Nonku and Angela engage in a heated confrontation. New episode every Wednesday on Showmax.
The Mommy Club S2 episode 5 recap: The nannies catch up
In episode 5 of The Mommy Club, the nannies gather for a catch-up while the moms are away. New episodes land every Monday on Showmax.
Survivor SA S6-9 and USA S44
It’s the ultimate binge: season after season of Survivor, both the US and SA versions. Go on – dive in!
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: Mabusi returns for closure
In episode 6 of The Real Housewives of Durban, an old fave unearths old wounds and creates new scars. Will she receive a warm welcome?
Lerato Maphatsoe on co-executive producing Widows Unveiled
Lerato Maphatsoe shares her challenges following her husband’s death and and her role as co-executive producer on Widows Unveiled. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.
The Mommy Club S2 episode 4 recap: Cutting through the tension
In episode 4 of The Mommy Club, Mrs Mops wants a clean slate and Hermajesty probes Ratile about the rumours surrounding her marriage.
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: Angel’s unexpected news
In episode 5 of The Real Housewives of Durban Season 4, Angel has much to be thankful for as she celebrates her fertility.
Need a touch of romance?
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.
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.
Matilda & Matthys (2024)
An ambitious writer goes on a series of fake dates with a tech entrepreneur for research purposes, but things soon get complicated.
Triple-bill of local romance on Showmax this Valentine’s Day
South African romance movies Forever Yena, Matilda en Matthys and Intlawulo are all streaming on Showmax in the month of love.
Redeeming Love (2022)
Angel, who was forced into child prostitution, expects nothing but pain from men until she meets Michael. Adapted from the popular novel.
Binge-watch The Best Man: best friends gold
The Best Man: The Final Chapters celebrates a fan-fave decades-long friendship. Catch up with Harper, Quentin, Murch, Lance and the gang.
The Best Man: The Final Chapters
Based on the films, The Best Man: The Final Chapters catches up with Harper, Robyn, Jordan, Lance, Quentin, Shelby, Candace, and Murch.
The Swearing Jar (2022)
This musical romance is adapted from an acclaimed play by Kate Hewlett. Follow Carey and Simon, who are happily married and expecting a child, but a lie threatens to ruin everything.
Shows you'll find only on Showmax
5 Quantum Leaps with Dr Song
As well as leapfrogging around history, Quantum Leap Season 2 takes us everywhere from witch trials in the 1690s to Egypt in the 1960s. Let’s go!
The Cleaning Lady S3
A marginalised Cambodian doctor in the US struggles to keep her ill son alive. She becomes a cleaning lady for an organised crime syndicate to save him.
Who will roast Minnie Dlamini?
The star-studded line-up of panellists at the Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini includes Trevor Gumbi, Siv Ngesi, Tumi Morake and Celeste Ntuli.
Larry David on the final season of Curb Your Enthusiasm
Award-winning actor Larry David talks about his role in the iconic HBO comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm. The final season streams from 15 March on Showmax.