The best drama series and movies to stream on Showmax
These tearjerking drama series and movies will bring on all the feels – stream them all on Showmax, but be sure to keep the tissues handy, and bring along your nerves of steel.
We’ve got heart-pounding crime dramas, psychological thrillers where we know things aren’t all going to be okay, romantic dramas that clutch at our hearts, and devastating stories that unfold in emergency rooms, on the streets, in troubled homes and in workplaces of all kinds.
Bet I Love You (2024)
Financial gain and social status are necessary for Rex, a compulsive gambler, who strives to overcome his addiction and recover squandered funds in a series of humorous situations.
Made in South Africa
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S1-4
Teenaged Kanan Stark works to join the family drug business in Queens in the prequel series to the hit show Power.
Die Tragiese Saak van Pamina Vermaak (2022)
An unemployed journalist ends up back in her small West Coast hometown, where she meets a floundering rock star.
Made in South Africa
Happy Face S1
A young woman’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that her father is an infamous serial killer in this tense series.
Widow Clicquot (2023)
This extraordinary period drama tells the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, who, at the age of 20, became the head of the Veuve Clicquot champagne family.
Kites (2024)
On a night when Sihle is driving his DJ friends to their gig, things turn upside down when they get a call about a body in an apartment.
Made in South Africa
The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies
Two very different women, Alice, a formidable PA, and Cheryl, a bestselling fantasy author, become trapped in a triangle of epic proportions.
The Responder S2
An embattled first responder tackles a series of night shifts in Liverpool while trying to keep his head above water personally and professionally.
Hans Steek die Rubicon Oor (2022)
A 90-year-old widower wants to grow old on his own terms, but when he is forced into a retirement home, he leads a revolt against the management.
Made in South Africa
The Handmaid’s Tale S1-6
Based on the celebrated novel of the same name and starring the talented Elisabeth Moss, this dystopian drama focuses on the fight to take down the fascist regime of Gilead.
Pheletso (2025)
When a charming young man wakes up in the hospital with almost no recollection of how he ended up there, his relationship is put to the test.
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Accused S2
An engrossing anthology courtroom drama based on the acclaimed BBC crime series. Each episode follows a new defendant as they await their verdict, while flashbacks reveal how they ended up in court.
Killer Front Page S1
An ambitious journalist who dreams of attaining national recognition, like his father, gets obsessed with front-page headlines byline and winning the heart of his colleague. However, his life takes a dark turn when he gets fired.
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Adam (2024)
In modern-day South Africa, 18-year-old Adam is sent to Prinsloo Bush School, where he faces brutal training from his militaristic teachers.
Made in South Africa
A Very Royal Scandal
This compelling British miniseries driven by Michael Sheen explores Emily Maitlis’s journey as a Newsnight journalist and Prince Andrew’s disastrous interview with her.
Shaka iLembe S1
Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king.
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It Ends With Us (2024)
In this compelling, emotional film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, a woman finds herself reliving her childhood trauma when she falls for a charming neurosurgeon.
Suits LA S1
Ted Black, a former New York prosecutor, moves to LA to build a new law firm specialising in criminal and entertainment law in this spin-off of Suits.
The White Lotus S1-3
Follow the outrageous exploits of the employees and guests of an exclusive resort in this buzz-worthy HBO comedy drama.
Champions S1
Stakes are high in this fast-paced sports telenovela about Sne Modise as she battles life and work challenges while leading the Soshanguve Giants FC to success.
Made in South AfricaLooking for something lighter?
Would you join The American Society of Magical Negroes?
Writer-creator Kobi Libii cracks open his bag of tricks to reveal what’s really going on in The American Society of Magical Negroes. And we suggest 5 more Black comedies with culture.
The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024)
In this satirical comedy, a man is recruited by a secret magical society of Black people. Their important cause? Making white people’s lives easier.
Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking (2024)
Late Night host Seth Meyers ditches his political jokes and focuses on his family life and fatherhood in this refreshing and hilarious stand-up special.
Showmax brings the laughs, from Nikki Glaser to Ramy Youssef
Discover 5 of HBO’s recent stand-up comedy specials now available to stream on Showmax, from the likes of Seth Meyers, Nikki Glaser, Ramy Youssef and more.
The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille: Burn unit
Get your ice and aloe gel ready: we’ve scooped just 25 of the best burns from Laugh Africa Presents: The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille.
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Laugh Africa Presents: The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
South African comedy royalty Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi take the reins as Roast Masters. With Helen Zille in the hot seat and a cross-section of South African voices – anything can happen.
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Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die
In her hilarious, unapologetic, and brutally honest style, Nikki Glaser tackles a wide range of taboo topics, including why she doesn’t want kids.
Wicked Little Letters (2023)
Set in the 1920s, this witty comedy-drama is based on the true story of a rowdy Irishwoman who is accused of sending letters full of hilarious profanities to her English neighbours.
These shows are out of this world
Bella Ramsey on Ellie’s new love interest in The Last of Us S2
Bella Ramsey talks about her award-winning role as Ellie in The Last of Us S2, and her new co-star, Isabela Merced. Catch new episodes every Monday.
10 things to know before watching The Last of Us Season 2
As the new season takes a five-year leap into the future, we recap what you need to know from The Last of Us Season 1, from a guide to the Infected, cults, militias and communities, to who still know about Ellie’s immunity.
The Last of Us S1-2
Five years after the events of Season 1, Joel and Ellie are living a relatively peaceful life in Jackson, Wyoming – until the past comes calling. Stream The Last of Us S2, plus all of S1, on Showmax.
The Last of Us co-creator on why we all feel so protective of Ellie
Emmy winner Craig Mazin, co-creator and executive producer of The Last of Us, discusses why audiences feel so protective of Ellie. The new season premieres on M-Net and Showmax from 14 April 2025.
Breathe (2024)
Air-supply is scarce in the near future, forcing a mother and daughter to fight to survive when two strangers arrive desperate for an oxygenated haven.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
The second instalment in an epic two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge.
Dune: Part Two – what lies ahead for Paul and Chani?
Dune: Part Two’s leads Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, and director Denis Villeneuve discuss their fates and the nitty-gritty of riding a sandworm across the desert.
Showrunner Alison Schapker on Dune: Prophecy
The Dune: Prophecy showrunner talks about creating the HBO series, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Monday until 23 December.
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking (2024)
Late Night host Seth Meyers ditches his political jokes and focuses on his family life and fatherhood in this refreshing and hilarious stand-up special.
Showmax brings the laughs, from Nikki Glaser to Ramy Youssef
Discover 5 of HBO’s recent stand-up comedy specials now available to stream on Showmax, from the likes of Seth Meyers, Nikki Glaser, Ramy Youssef and more.
Trailer: Thuso Mbedu in HBO’s Task, coming to Showmax in 2025
See the first-look trailer of Thuso Mbedu in HBO’s Task, coming to Showmax in September. Plus, 5 more international must-watch shows dropping on Showmax in 2025.
South AfricanNikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die
In her hilarious, unapologetic, and brutally honest style, Nikki Glaser tackles a wide range of taboo topics, including why she doesn’t want kids.