What to watch after The Wife

Showmax’s groundbreaking telenovela The Wife has endless drama that makes you want to cry one minute, and gasp in horror the next. 

Once you’re done streaming the first seasons of The Wife, try these local and international gems: choose from the best of South African and African drama, comedy and reality, to gripping Hollywood movies and series, to more telenovelas coming to Showmax at the same time as Mzansi Magic and 1Magic, so you don’t miss a thing.

More telenovelas like The Wife to stream

Gomora 

Gomora is stacked with enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you know what’s going to happen next, things take an unexpected turn. With Melusi and Thathi’s arrest for Phumlani’s murder at the end of Season 2, there’s no telling what will happen in the new season! Starring industry heavyweights Katlego Danke, Thembi Seete, Connie Chiume (Grassroots, Housekeepers), and Zolisa Xaluva (The Queen, The Throne) who execute their roles with perfection. 

Telenovelas and soaps to binge

Want more glamour like the Zulu mansion? Try these reality shows

The Real Housewives of Durban

Sassy and lavish lifestyles are the order of the day on The Real Housewives of Durban. Season 2 introduced three new women who brought all the class, glamour, and drama we’ve come to expect from the franchise. Annie, LaConco, Nonku and Sorisha all return for Season 2, joined by TikTok sensation Jojo Robinson, singer Londie London and reality star Thobile MaKhumalo Mseleku. Binge all 12 episodes, along with the Reunion coming to Showmax on 6 and 13 May.

The Real Housewives of Lagos

The Real Housewives of Lagos follows the opulent lives of six of the most glamorous women in Lagos, Nigeria: businesswoman Carolyna Hutchings, influencer Laura Ikeji-Kanu, lawyer and luxury hair brand owner Chioma Ikokwu, celebrity stylist Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo and PR expert Mariam Timmer. Follow the drama with new episodes coming on Fridays, only on Showmax.

Mnakwethu Happily Ever After?

With the help of host and popular polygamist Musa Mseleku, the men tell their wives that they’re taking second wives – and their decisions aren’t up for discussion. As if that isn’t dramatic enough, the men also introduce their wives to their mistress, leading to explosive arguments.

Diamond and Dolls

A six-part reality series based on the lives of four socialite friends, all club hostesses and influencers, on a journey towards fame, fortune and, more significantly, discovering themselves. Series producer Tebogo Ramokgadi – the self-described Mayor of Sandton – stars alongside award-winning nightclub promoter Inno Morolong, nightclub hostess Eva Modika, soccer star manager Lumi Jemma and fashion blogger Paloma Mlunjwana. 

More addictive reality shows

Shows with as much drama as The Wife

Umkhokha

Umkhokha is one of the best local drama series to grace our screens and has a formidable female cast. The faith-based series tells the tale of two families at war following the killing of the leader of a mega-church and the subsequent fight to take over his position. Mzansi Viewers’ Choice nominee Deli Malinga (The Queen, Isibaya) leads this exceptional cast alongside S’thandiwe Kgoroge (Impilo, The Road), Linda Sokhulu (Housekeepers, Still Breathing), Hope Mbhele (No love Lost, Goodbye Gogo), Kwezi Ndlovu (Housekeepers, Isithembiso), Nay Maps (Impilo, The Queen), Sibonile Ngubane (Isibaya, The Station) and Mondli Makhoba (The Wife).

Housekeepers

In a world behind high walls and luxury, the wealthy may believe they are powerful in the comfort of their mansions, but it is the housekeepers who see all and know all. Thando Thabethe convincingly portrays the role of Linda, housekeeper and undercover spy, alongside Paballo Koza (The Queen, Isithembiso) who plays her little brother, Mtho.

The Republic

A gripping drama series with an A-List cast serving riveting performances. The Republic Season 2 focuses on two young South Africans who are unsettled about how the government is running the country. They pluck up the courage to strike back against the corruption that is eating away at their homeland. The two new young leads are played by Lemogang Tsipa (Isithembiso) as Sizwe and Noxolo Dlamini (Isibaya) as Thina. Flo Masebe (Ring Of Lies, Elelwani) reprises her role as President Lufuno Mulaudzi, alongside Masasa Mbangeni (The River, Mzali Wam) who also reprises her role as Bridget.

More African drama series

Hollywood drama to stream when you’re done with The Wife

Euphoria

The groundbreaking, controversial hit series stars Zendaya as teenage drug addict Rue. She searches for where she belongs while balancing the pressures of love and loss amid the intertwining lives of the town of East Highland. In 2020, Zendaya became the youngest ever actress to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the role, which also earned her the 2019 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Drama TV Star and a 2020 Black Reel Award, among other accolades. 

Bel-Air

A re-imagining of the iconic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air brings a whole new take to Will’s life-altering journey from the streets of West Philly to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. Newcomer Jabari Banks stars as Will, and the series is Executive produced by four-time Oscar nominee Will Smith.

The Cleaning Lady

Elodie Yung (Daredevil) drives this thrilling crime drama. A marginalised Cambodian doctor in the US struggles to keep her ill son alive. She becomes a cleaning lady for an organised crime syndicate to save him.

Hollywood series to binge

Movies as thrilling as The Wife

Fast & Furious 9: The Fast Saga

Having escaped the clutches of Cipher (Charlize Theron), Dom and the crew are now faced with the emergence of his estranged brother, played by John Cena, in this exciting ninth instalment of the Fast & Furious action movie franchise.

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard

In the sequel to The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson return as Michael and Darius respectively. The two continue their friendship as they try to save Darius’ wife, Sonia (Salma Hayek).

Fifty Shades Freed

The steamy conclusion of the sexy franchise sees Anastasia and Christian get married – but their happily-ever-after is threatened by a stalker from the past. Also watch Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker.

More movies to thrill you