14 April 2020
The Case Against Adnan Syed
Eighteen years after he was sentenced to life plus 30 years in jail, this true-crime investigation takes a fresh look into the case against Adnan Syed, who was convicted of the 1999 murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee.
The four-part HBO docuseries from Oscar, Emmy and Bafta-nominated director Amy Berg (Deliver Us from Evil) follows on the success of the investigative journalism podcast Serial, which brought international attention to the trial and to Syed’s continued insistence that he did not kill Hae.
“As testament to a tragedy, Berg’s documentary was wrenching. As a quiet indictment of true crime and its ghastly razzmatazz, it was devastating,” says the UK’s Daily Telegraph.
This documentary was nominated for a 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program, and scored an 82% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Original African stories by local talent
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream on Showmax from 5 December.
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Youngins S2, now streaming
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
More Mzansi gold
Unfollowed S2 is now streaming on Showmax
Spitch Nzawumbi talks about hosting the new season of Unfollowed, which features 8 South African media personalities who have been “cancelled”. New episodes land on Wednesdays.
Izingane Zes’thembu S1-2
A reality show that follows the lives of the polygamous businessman’s children as they navigate life within a polygamous family.
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed delves into the workings of cancel culture and social media through the real-life stories of media personalities.
Celebrate the festive feels with Showmax film Christmas Clothes
The heartwarming comedy film Christmas Clothes, directed by Athi Petela, premieres on Showmax on 6 December 2024.