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
Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.
Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From Bonko Khoza as Steve to Lunathi Mampofu as Bongi and Melusi Mbele as Frans, see the cast of Levels in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.
Married at First Sight's Bongani on Portia, therapy and more
Bongani reflects on his journey on Married at First Sight Season 2. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.
Nêrens, Noord-Kaap S1-2
When three estranged brothers reunite, secrets, heartbreak and the truth surrounding their mother’s death threaten the path to redemption.
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
Expect “gorilla” war as Big Nick and Donnie team up in heist movie Den of Thieves 2: Pantera! “A silverback gorilla like Nick needs another silverback gorilla to wrestle with,” hints Gerard Butler.
Lebohang Lephatsoana on Tumelo’s journey in Youngins
Rising star Lebohang Lephatsoana delves into Tumelo's turbulent journey in Youngins Season 3, premiering on Showmax on Friday, 19 September 2025.
Stream the biggest 2025 Emmy winners on Showmax
The Pitt, Hacks and Somebody Somewhere are among the stand-outs of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards - all available to stream on Showmax.
Den of Thieves: Pantera (2025)
In this sequel, Big Nick gets ensnared by diamond thieves and the notorious Panther Mafia as he pursues the elusive career criminal Donnie Wilson.
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
Showmax is the home of HBO in Africa
Chicago PD S12
Action-packed spin-off of the Chicago series, following two different units at the Chicago police department: uniformed cops and the Intelligence Unit.
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Its Red v Blue this weekend, with three blockbuster fixtures lined up to keep you on the edge of your seat. Stream them all on Showmax Premier League.
Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From Bonko Khoza as Steve to Lunathi Mampofu as Bongi and Melusi Mbele as Frans, see the cast of Levels in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.
Married at First Sight's Bongani on Portia, therapy and more
Bongani reflects on his journey on Married at First Sight Season 2. Catch new episodes every Sunday on Mzansi Magic and Showmax.
Latest Stories
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Showmax presents September 5: A riveting look at a pivotal moment in news history
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running
Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax
Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants
Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom
The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window
SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival
Simo Magwaza on his challenging role as De Klerk in Youngins
Christopher Jaftha gets top billing in raunchy Khaki Fever
Nkululeko Mahlangu on Makoto, marriage and more
Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog
What to watch on Showmax in September 2025
Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2
Tshepo Miya talks about being on Married at First Sight
Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final
Khaki Fever and more sexy Afrikaans movies and series
Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax
5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes
Makoto on what really went down in her Married at First Sight journey
Palesa Mphaki on being Married at First Sight, her husband and more
