2 November 2021
The Pursuit of Love
Set in Europe between the two World Wars, British miniseries The Pursuit of Love follows the adventures and misadventures of the fearless Linda Radlett and her best friend and cousin, Fanny Logan, as they seek out the ideal husband.
An adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s celebrated 1945 novel, the BBC romantic comedy-drama stars Screen Actors Guild Award winner and People’s Choice Award nominee Lily James (War & Peace, Downton Abbey, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) as Linda, while Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award winner Emily Beecham (Berlin, I Love You, Into the Badlands, Little Joe) plays Fanny.
The cast also boasts the likes of Emmy nominee Andrew Scott (Fleabag, Oslo and Sherlock’s Moriarty) and BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee Dominic West (The Crown, The Affair).
The directorial debut of actress Emily Mortimer (Mary Poppins Returns, Lars and the Real Girl, Match Point), The Pursuit of Love has an 87% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with London Evening Standard calling it “the most enjoyable period drama we’ve had in years… a love letter to women who want more, and a celebration of the right to be different. Nancy Mitford would approve.”
In their five-star review, The Guardian called it “a classic in its own right” and “a treat for all,” while Rolling Stone said, “This had better be just the first entry in a long directorial career for Emily Mortimer. What a joy The Pursuit of Love is.”
Want more British series? Check out the best series from Britain now streaming on Showmax »
Original African stories by local talent

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.

What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

Laugh Africa Comedy Club
A high-energy celebration of stand-up, spotlighting the continent’s finest comedic talent and international guests, straight from the iconic Laugh Africa Comedy Festival.

Sorisha Naidoo on being an OG of The Real Housewives of Durban
Sorisha Naidoo reflects on her journey in The Real Housewives of Durban ahead of the highly anticipated Season 5 reunion, airing in two parts on Showmax, on 4 July and 11 July 2025.

Een Keer Om Die Son S1
Over the course of a year, the Van Wyks mourn the loss of a loved one and struggle with divorce, illness, forgiveness, high school and secrets as they heal and find each other again.

Nonku opens up about Untied, now streaming on Showmax
Nonku Williams spills the tea on why she agreed to be on the new Showmax Original talk show, Untied. Catch new episodes every Tuesday on Showmax, hosted by Relebogile Mabotja.