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 S1-2
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.
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
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 Real Housewives of Lagos S1-S3
Binge-watch The Real Housewives of Lagos S1-3 and catch the explosive reunions, streaming from 14 and 21 April on Showmax, express from Africa Magic.
Made in Nigeria
10 things that are “so hot” in Paris & Nicole: The Encore
20 years 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.
Paris & Nicole: The Encore S1
Twenty years ago, OG reality icons Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie took the world by storm in the fans’ favourite, The Simple Live. The life-long friends are reunited as they celebrate their legendary friendship.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S14
The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.
Kwanele on joining The Real Housewives of Durban, her marriage and more
Kwanele Kubheka talks about joining the new season of The Real Housewives of Durban, the drama and overwhelming reactions from viewers to her personal story. New episodes land every Friday on Showmax.
South African
Lo Sithole on The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5
Lo Sithole opens up about joining The Real Housewives of Durban S5 and what viewers can expect from her. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.
South African
Countdown to The Real Housewives of Lagos S3 finale
See all the jaw-dropping moments and showdowns on The Real Housewives of Lagos ahead of its highly anticipated finale, landing on Showmax on 31 March 2025.
Made in NigeriaNeed a touch of romance?
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 Africa
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.
Shows you'll find only on Showmax
10 things that are “so hot” in Paris & Nicole: The Encore
20 years 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.
Paris & Nicole: The Encore S1
Twenty years ago, OG reality icons Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie took the world by storm in the fans’ favourite, The Simple Live. The life-long friends are reunited as they celebrate their legendary friendship.
April’s fools: Catch 10 of SNL’s biggest stars on Showmax
Documentary series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night takes us behind the scenes of the longest-running sketch comedy series in the US. And while you might not know the show, you do know its stars!
“Not family friendly! But a family show.” Sopẹ́ Dìrísù on Gangs of London
BAFTA Rising Star and Critics Choice Super nominee Sopẹ́ Dìrísù talks about Gangs of London Season 3, now available to binge-watch on Showmax.