The Sympathizer S1
Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Sympathizer follows a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy during the final days of the Vietnam War and into his new life as a refugee in Los Angeles, where he learns that his spying days aren't over.
Hoa Xuande (Cowboy Bebop) leads a largely Vietnamese cast, with Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr. earning an Emmy nomination for his multiple roles here. The supporting cast includes Golden Globe winners Sandra Oh (Killing Eve, Grey’s Anatomy) and David Duchovny (The X Files, Californication), as well as John Cho (from the Harold & Kumar and Star Trek franchises).
The HBO/A24 co-production is #9 on Metacritic’s round-up of the Best TV Shows (So Far) This Year and has an 88% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Time Magazine says it’s “ambitious, brilliant television,” and Rolling Stone calls it “wickedly funny [and] deeply moving,” saying, “The Sympathizer turns a bestseller adaptation into a TV tour de force.”
The Sympathizer is co-created by Cannes winners Park Chan-wook (Oldboy) and Don McKellar (Last Night), with Chan-wook, Oscar nominee Fernando Meirelles (City of God) and triple BAFTA winner Marc Munden (Utopia) each directing episodes.
More like this
Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more
Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.
South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.
The ‘Burbs S1
In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.
“You don't create something so powerful purely through military tactics” - Shaka iLembe co-creator
Shaka iLembe co-creator Desireé Markgraaff reflects on the vision, research, and importance of telling our stories. Stream Seasons 1–2 on Showmax.
Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax
From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax. Binge now on Showmax.
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Shaka iLembe S1-2
Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king. All episodes are now available to binge.
Six Taylor Sheridan series while we wait for The Madison
Excited about The Madison coming in April? We’ve rounded up all the Taylor Sheridan series you can watch on Showmax while we wait.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more
Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.
South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)
An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.
Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1
Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.
Latest Stories
Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor
A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
What to watch on Showmax in January 2026
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
Die Kwiksilwers (2024)
Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Why Jackie Phamotse says Slay Queens is a must-watch
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
