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.
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.
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.
Made 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
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.
Diepe Waters S1-2
Diepe Waters follows a community set around a prestigious swimming club, the Swartmarlyne, owned by the Swarts family.
Made in South Africa
Arendsvlei S6
Afrikaans telenovela set at a fictional Cape Flats high school where teachers and pupils deal with issues like depression and addiction.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in South Africa
Suidooster S9
Binge all eight seasons plus new express episodes of Season 9 to enjoy all the drama of the residents of Ruiterbosch.
Made in South Africa
The Wife S1-3
Binge the full Seasons 1-3 of hit South African telenovela The Wife, only available on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in South Africa
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?
Made in Kenya
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 Catch S1
In a high-stakes dating reality show, eight ladies are on a quest to find their suitor. Little do they know, among them lurk six secret imposters ready to break hearts and steal the prize.
Made in South Africa
The Real Housewives of New York City S15
The Real Housewives of New York City gives viewers a one-of-a-kind look inside the intriguing lives of women navigating life in the Big Apple.
Denise Richards & Her Wild Things S1
Hollywood icon Denise Richards is trying to balance everything as she navigates being an actress, a wife, and a mother in the public eye.
Crime Scene Kitchen S2
Joel McHale hosts this outrageous culinary guessing game where bakers must decode what type of dessert was made when all that’s left are the crumbs, flour trails, and a few elusive clues.
The Mommy Club Tanzania
One of Showmax’s biggest Original reality shows, The Mommy Club, heads to Tanzania where five celebrated actresses balance motherhood, careers, and friendships.
Nigerian Idol S10 premieres live on Showmax
Nigerian Idol S10 premiered on 20 April 2025 – and all the action will be screening live on Showmax.
Made in Nigeria
The Real Housewives of Lagos S1-S3
Binge-watch The Real Housewives of Lagos S1-3 and catch the explosive reunions on Showmax, express from Africa Magic.
Made in Nigeria
10 things that are “so hot” in Paris & Nicole: The Encore
Two decades after The Simple Life, BFFs Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are back with a brand new project: Sanasa…the opera. We raised our opera glasses to look it over.
Need a touch of romance?
Smothered S1
Despite growing tired of the struggles of modern dating, Sammy meets mild-mannered Tom and proposes an unconventional relationship for set time frame before they go their separate ways.
Nay Maps talks about starring in Showmax film Perfect Match
Nay Maps talks about playing Muzi in the Showmax Original film Perfect Match. Premiering on 12 April after debuting at the Joburg Film Festival.
South African
She Came To Me (2023)
Peter Dinklage stars in this romcom about love in all its forms. A composer suffering from writer’s block finds inspiration after an adventurous one-night stand.
Not My Type (2025)
A strict, old-fashioned young woman rejects every marriage proposal while waiting for the perfect match. When pressure mounts, she takes matters into her own hands and kisses a few frogs to find the one.
Made in South Africa
Lorraine Moropa finds “the one” in the Showmax film Not My Type
Lorraine Moropa talks her new film Not My Type and how love delayed is not love denied. The film premieres on Showmax on Valentine’s Day 2025.
South African17 South African romantic picks for the month of love – and all year round
These homegrown romcoms, romantic series and loved-up movies, all streaming on Showmax, will hit you right in the feels.
Made in South AfricaTriple bill of local romcoms on Showmax this Valentine’s Day
Watch these romantic movies, which promise laughter and love, making them the perfect choice for your Valentine’s Day watchlist. Stream them from 14 February on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Entangled S1-2
This rom-com drama series follows the trials and tribulations of a woman and her friends as they navigate the world of relationships and the complications that come with it.
Made in South AfricaShows you'll find only on Showmax
Gladiator II (2024)
In this epic saga, a gladiator must draw strength from his past to avenge his family and return Rome to its former glory.
Denise Richards & Her Wild Things S1
Hollywood icon Denise Richards is trying to balance everything as she navigates being an actress, a wife, and a mother in the public eye.
Poppa’s House S1
Comedian Damon Wayans stars as a talk radio host who finds himself challenged when a new female co-host is hired and by still having to parent his adult son.
Elisabeth Moss on the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale
Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss talks about the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Wednesday, express from the US.