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?
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!
Must-watch: The Real Housewives of Durban S5 explosive intro videos
Watch the explosive introduction videos for The Real Housewives of Durban S5.landing 28 March 2025 on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in South Africa
Mrs Mops on her Mommy Club journey … and departure
Mrs Mops talks about her time on The Mommy Club, why she stepped away from this season and where she stands with the ladies. S3 is now streaming, with new episodes every Saturday.
Made in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Potomac S8-9
The reality series follows several well-to-do women who live in a community of rolling hills and gated mansions in Potomac.
Next Level Chef S2-3
Gordon Ramsay levels up cooking competitions with this multi-level culinary challenge that awards the best contestants the coveted title of Next Level Chef.
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives of Durban S5
Watch the brand-new trailer for The Real Housewives of Durban S5, introducing three new faces promising fresh energy, personal growth and drama. Premieres 28 March on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Mommy Club, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – SA, Unfollowed and more of South Africa’s best reality shows on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaFirst look: The Real Housewives of Durban Season 5
Watch the teaser for the fifth season of The Real Housewives of Durban, giving us a sneak peek of Nonku as one of the four returning Housewives. While waiting for S5, binge-watch S1-4 now on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaNeed a touch of romance?
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.
Bros (2022)
A funny, charming romcom about two gay men who avoid commitment. They find themselves drawn to each other and start dating.
Shows you'll find only on Showmax
Warrior’s Andrew Koji attacks Gangs of London Season 3
A mysterious assassin named Zeke, played by Warrior lead actor Andrew Koji, stalks the Gangs of London in Season 3. Now Andrew is breaking his silence.
Director Richard Gregory on how he nearly turned down Steinheist
Showmax is now streaming two new episodes of Steinheist, which go even deeper into unpacking SA’s biggest corporate scam and how the net tightened around former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste.
Made in South Africa
The Righteous Gemstones S1-4
Danny McBride created this outlandish, star-studded HBO comedy about a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work.
The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring (2023)
Rachel Lee was the “teenage mastermind” behind high-profile celebrity robberies in 2008. This candid documentary reveals her motivations.