13 December 2019
The best Kenyan TV shows of the decade
This is the decade that ushered in Kenya’s first entry to the Oscars (and the others that followed), gave rise to bold filmmakers who ruffled feathers, and ambitious storytellers who made award-winning TV shows and movies that captured the hearts of audiences and critics. And as we come to the end of this decade, we’ve compiled some great Kenyan titles that have shaped the industry in the last 10 years, all available to stream on Showmax.
Selina
Garnering a following never seen before for a local show, Selina became the must-watch show for every Kenyan when it premiered in 2018.
Selina, which was adapted from the original story written by Bollywood’s Vivek Bahl, follows the tortuous love story between Selina (Celestine Gachuhi), a once-naïve-girl from the village now turned remarkable fashion designer, and the rich Nelson (Pascal) and the challenges they have to go through – including a possessive, manipulative cousin and an obsessive, deranged love interest – to fight for their love. Binge-watch Selina on Showmax.
Accolades:
- Kalasha Awards 2018 – Best TV Drama
- Kalasha Awards 2019 – Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama
Sue na Jonnie
If 2019 was Selina’s year, then 2017 belonged to Sue na Jonnie, the comedy-drama series that starred Catherine Kamau and Martin Githinji in the titular roles of Sue and Jonnie respectively, a fake couple who take up new identities when an opportunity to make money opens up.
A show that captured Kenya’s street humour at its finest, Sue na Jonnie was an instant hit with fans and later dominated the Kalasha Awards in 2017 by scooping all the silver it had been nominated for, coming only second to Mbithi Masya’s Kati Kati. Start binge-watching.
Accolades:
- Kalasha Awards 2017 – Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor in a Drama (Martin Githinji) and Best Lead Actress in a Drama (Catherine Kamau)
Kona
An M-Net original telenovela helmed by Appie Matere (Jela 5-Star) and her Zamaradi Productions, Kona was the show to watch back in 2013. Kona follows the Oyange family and the everyday struggles and challenges they face as they try to keep afloat after the death of the family patriarch whose legacy (a boxing gym) they must preserve and protect even from the greed that threatens it. Kona features the indomitable Nini Wacera, Fareed Khimani and Brenda Wairimu (Monica). Start watching.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold
The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad S1
Stream the reunion of the hit Showmax Original reality show, featuring five dynamic, wealthy women from Pretoria as they manage relationships, families, businesses, and busy social lives, on 27 June and 4 July 2025.
Made in South Africa
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.
Made in South Africa
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Catch, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa’s best reality shows on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaMablerh returns to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion
Mablerh returns to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion for the third year in a row. The Season 5 reunion drops in two parts on Showmax, premiering 4 July and 11 July 2025.
South African