Watch the trailer for Nigerian Showmax series Under the Influence
Showmax has released the trailer for its upcoming Nigerian Original limited series, Under the Influence, premiering 24 January 2025 with new episodes released every Friday.
In Under the Influence, Dami, played by Iremide Adeoye (Wura), is a fresh university graduate who relocates to Lagos to live with his older brother, Ayo, portrayed by Bobby Ekpe (Love Unplanned). Struggling to adapt to his new environment and grappling with Ayo's high expectations, Dami vents his frustrations in an unfiltered social media rant. To his surprise, the post goes viral, catapulting him into the spotlight and earning him a growing online following. But as the allure of social media stardom intensifies, Dami finds himself torn between his newfound fame and the challenges of his strained family dynamics, leading to life-altering decisions.
The series presents a thought-provoking exploration of the digital age, diving deep into the struggles, ambitions, and relationships of young people in Nigeria today.
Watch the trailer for Under the Influence
Directed and written by UrbanGidi founder and creative director, Wande Thomas, (Lara of Lagos, Napped, and The Smart Money Woman 2), the series was created with a talented writing team that includes Isoken Ogiemwonyi (The Smart Money Woman), Nengi Diri, Mannie Oiseomaye and Nicole Chikwe. The cast also features exciting breakout stars Eva Ibiam, Dante Okere, Isioma Oke-Nwosu and Funmbi Oguntoye.
“Under The Influence captures the essence of what it means to be young and digitally connected in today’s world,” said Thomas. “It’s a story about balancing the rush of viral success with the importance of staying grounded and true to yourself, while also navigating relationships with family and friends.”
Under The Influence is a dynamic blend of humour and drama designed to reflect the lives of Nigerian Gen Zs with strong storytelling, relatable characters, and a true-to-life depiction of Lagos today.
Under the Influence premieres Friday, 24 January 2025 on Showmax.
More like this
“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.
Nhlanhla Kunene confirmed for Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2
See Nhlanhla Kunene in Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2 as Mondli Gumede, from 8PM on 8 March on Mzansi Magic, and streaming from 9 March on Showmax.
Landman S1-2
Taylor Sheridan's Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton. In the heart of Texas, roughnecks and billionaires collide in the get-rich-quick oil industry.
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Christall Kay on the drama of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and what it was like to reunite with Evodia. All episodes on Showmax.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
More Showmax Originals you'll love
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.
Nhlanhla Kunene confirmed for Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2
See Nhlanhla Kunene in Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2 as Mondli Gumede, from 8PM on 8 March on Mzansi Magic, and streaming from 9 March on Showmax.
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Christall Kay on the drama of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and what it was like to reunite with Evodia. All episodes on Showmax.
Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
Watch the hard-hitting trailer for the two-part documentary series Brakpan Chronicles, premiering on Showmax on Friday, 20 February 2026.
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
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
What to watch on Showmax in December 2025
Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
