3 October 2022
What to watch on Showmax Kenya in October 2022
Showmax Originals
Blood Psalms | New episodes on Wednesdays | A Showmax Original
The epic fantasy drama continues with new episodes coming to Showmax this month and into November. In Ancient Africa, the young Princess Zazi must save herself and her people from the end of the world. She faces warring tribes, angry gods – and her own father. Groundbreaking fantasy epic.
The cast includes Bokang Phelane as Zazi and Mothusi Magano as her father, mad King Letsha, as well as stars like Faith Baloyi, Zolisa Xaluva, Sello Maake KaNcube and more.
Diiche | New episodes on Thursdays | A Showmax Original
Diiche, an A-list actress, becomes a prime suspect in a high-profile murder investigation over the death of Nnamdi, her fiancé. She must take it upon herself and race against the clock to find out who killed her fiancé and exonerate herself.
Uzoamaka Onuoha takes on the role of Odiiche (‘Diiche’ for short), an emotionally unavailable and selfish starlet with a long trail of failed relationships. 2016 AMVCA Best Actor winner, Daniel K Daniel, plays Nnamdi, the cunning, calculative and manipulative fiancé of Diiche, whose death sets off her emotional rollercoaster. Chinyere Wilfred is Kesaandu, Diiche’s mom, a religious fanatic with an overbearing and controlling personality who tries to cheat fate. Frank Konwea and Uzoamaka Aniunoh play the inspectors.
The six-part psychological thriller, directed by the trio of Tolu Ajayi, Fiyin Gambo and Ifeoma Chukwuego, also parades a vibrant mix of emerging and established Nollywood acts, including Efa Iwara, Kalu Ikeagwu, Chinyere Wilfred and AMVCA nominee Gloria Anozie-Young.
Steinheist
Untangle the story of the biggest corporate scandal in African history: the Steinhoff investors who were taken in; the victims and the CEO, Markus Jooste, who’s still a free man. The third and final episode is coming on Thursday, 6 October.
International Series
The Game S1 | Binge from 3 October
A reboot of the multi-award-winning 2006 series, The Game offers a modern-day examination of Black culture through the prism of pro football. Wendy Raquel Robinson and Hosea Chanchez return from the original series, with Adriyan Rae (Chicago Fire’s Gianna Mackey) and Tim Daly (Madam Secretary) co-starring.
The Long, Slow Exhale | Binge from 17 October
Set in the competitive world of women’s college basketball, this drama series follows the successful head coach of a championship team, played by Rose Rollins (The L Word, The Catch) who finds herself embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal that threatens to destroy everything she’s built. As she tries to find the truth among the many secrets she uncovers, she is forced to make hard decisions that will affect her, her family and the team of female athletes who all rely on her.
P-Valley S2 | Binge from 10 October
The strip club dancers of the Dirty Delta are back in Season 2 of the award-winning drama P-Valley.
With Covid having shut down the Pynk, Uncle Clifford (Nico Annan) and Autumn Night (Elarica Johnson) come up with a pop-up alternative: a drive-through car wash, where masked women will give you a neon-lit show…
Season 2 has a 90% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Salon calling it “incomparable to much else on TV” and Guardian saying “the opening is as brilliant a spectacle as you’ll find on television”, adding, “There is an easy confidence to P-Valley that makes it an utter pleasure to watch.”
The White Lotus S2 | Weekly from 31 October | First on Showmax
The next chapter of The White Lotus swaps Hawaii for Sicily, following a new group of vacationers jetting off to a different White Lotus resort.
Season 1 was the most awarded show at the 2022 Emmys, winning 10 awards, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Directing and Writing – and Supporting Actress for Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya – the only S1 character confirmed to return for S2.
The new cast includes Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Theo James (Sanditon, Divergent), Oscar winner F Murray Abraham (The Grand Budapest Hotel) and more.
The Rehearsal S1 | Binge from 10 October | First on Showmax
The Rehearsal explores the lengths one man will go to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life. With a construction crew, a legion of actors and seemingly unlimited resources, Nathan Fielder (How To With John Wilson) allows ordinary people to prepare for life’s biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations.
The Rehearsal has been a hit with fans and critics alike, with a 9/10 rating on IMDb and a 93% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Vanity Fair called it “as enthralling and bizarre as life itself.”
Minx S1 | Binge from 3 October | First on Showmax
In 1970s Los Angeles, an earnest young feminist (Ophelia Lovibond from Feel Good and Elementary) joins forces with a low-rent publisher (Jake Johnson from New Girl) to create the first erotic magazine for women.
Minx topped Esquire’s list of the Best TV Shows of 2022 (Thus Far) and has a 97% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus says, “The rapport between Ophelia Lovibond and Jake Johnson is the irresistible centrefold of Minx, a bawdy and sharp comedy that merits a full-page spread.”
HBO Max has already renewed the comedy series for a second season.
B Positive S2 | Binge from 24 October
B Positive revolves around Drew (Thomas Middleditch from Silicon Valley), a therapist and newly divorced dad. He needs a kidney donor when he runs into Gina (Annaleigh Ashford), a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past who volunteers her own. Together, they form an unlikely and life-affirming friendship as they begin a journey that will forever impact both of their lives.
Season 2 opens after the transplant, as the pair have to figure out how to move forward with their lives.
The comedy has an 85% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus says, “B Positive’s familiar sitcom trappings are elevated by its charming cast – especially the weird and winsome comedic stylings of Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford.”
A Million Little Things S4 | Binge from 17 October
A Million Little Things revolves around a group of friends who become motivated to live fuller lives after the unexpected death of a close friend.
David Giuntoli (Nick in Grimm), Romany Malco (Weeds), Grace Park (Hawaii Five-O), James Roday Rodriguez (Shawn in Psych) and Lizzy Greene (Nicky, Rick, Dicky and Dawn) are back for in Season 4 of the hit show that makes you feel the most.
A Million Little Things has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and was recently renewed for a fifth season by ABC.
Also watch:
Billy the Kid S1 | Binge from 24 October
From BAFTA nominee Michael Hirst, the creator of Vikings comes an epic romantic adventure based on the life of Billy the Kid (Tom Blyth), from his humble Irish roots and his early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and beyond.
Movies
The Lost City | Stream from 24 October
Brilliant but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, Dash.
While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe). Wanting to prove he’s a real-life hero, Alan sets out to rescue her, and the pair search for an ancient treasure. The fun movie also stars Brad Pitt and was nominated for various MTV Movie + TV Awards.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage | 31 October
“A love story written in blood, sweat and the slime of half-eaten brains,” is how Independent (UK) describes Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
The sequel to 2018’s Venom sees Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) trying to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), but he and his extra-terrestrial passenger have their claws full when another symbiote, Carnage, makes itself at home in Cletus.
It’s directed by Andy Serkis, with an impressive cast that includes Oscar nominees Michelle Williams and Naomie Harris.
“A sequel aimed squarely at fans of the original’s odd couple chemistry, Venom: Let There Be Carnage eagerly embraces the franchise’s sillier side,” says Rotten Tomatoes’ critics’ consensus.
The Suicide Squad | Stream from 10 October
Our only hope to save the world is a bunch of supervillains – what could go wrong?
Welcome to hell—a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out—even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X.
Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission. If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them—all of them.
The cast includes Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, John Cena as Peacemaker (catch him in the series on Showmax) and Idris Elba as Bloodsport.
Malignant | 17 October
In Malignant, Madison (Annabelle Wallis from Peaky Blinders) is paralysed by shocking visions of grisly murders, which she soon realises are real murders happening as she watches.
Directed by James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Furious 7), Malignant was up for Best Horror Film at the 2022 Critics Choice Super Awards, as well as Best Villain for Marina Mazepa and Ray Chase as Gabriel.
Decider hails it as “James Wan’s most deranged and visionary horror flick yet… horrifying, gross, demented and funny as hell.”
A Journal For Jordan | Stream from 20 October
Directed by Oscar winner Denzel Washington and starring Michael B Jordan, A Journal For Jordan is based on the real writings of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King, who kept a journal of love and advice for his infant son before he was killed in action in Baghdad.
Sharing this journal with her son, his fiancée, Dana Canedy (Chanté Adams from The Photograph) reflects on her unlikely yet powerful romantic relationship with King.
A Journal For Jordan was nominated for three 2022 Image Awards – Outstanding Directing (for Washington), Outstanding Writing (for Oscar nominee Virgil Williams, who co-wrote Mudbound), and Outstanding Breakthrough Performance for young actor Jalon Christian.
Black Friday | Stream from 20 October
A group of toy store employees must protect each other from a horde of parasite-infected shoppers on the busiest shopping day of the year.
Devon Sawa (Final Destination) and Ryan Lee (Super 8), horror legend Bruce Campbell (Ash in The Evil Dead), Michael Jai White (Black Dynamite) and multi-award-winner Ivana Baquero (Pan’s Labyrinth) co-star.
IGN calls Black Friday a “‘survive the night’ screamer that’s gory, goofy and surprisingly wise.”
ALSO WATCH:
Searching | Stream from 31 October
After his teenage daughter goes missing, a desperate father tries to find clues on her laptop. Starring John Cho (Sulu in Star Trek) and Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Searching won the Best of Next Audience Award and the Albert P Sloan Feature Film Prize at Sundance, among other festival awards.
Girls Trip | Stream from 4 October
Tiffany Haddish won BET, Black Reel, Image and MTV awards for her breakthrough performance in Girls Trip, about four lifelong friends who travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, where sisterhoods are rekindled and wild sides are rediscovered. Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Regina Hall co-star.
Call Me By Your Name | Stream from 24 October
James Ivory won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2018 Oscars for Call Me By Your Name, which was also up for Motion Picture of The Year, Best Actor (Timothée Chalamet) and Original Song. The romance won 95 awards internationally, including the GLAAD award for Best Wide Release Film.
The Big Sick | Stream from 20 October
The 10th best romantic movie of all time according to Rotten Tomatoes, The Big Sick follows Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily as they fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings. Based on the real-life romance between star Kumail Nanjiani and writer Emily V Gordon.
Classic Oscar contenders
Look out for Brad Pitt in the baseball drama Moneyball (6 October), which was up for six Oscars in 2012; Memoirs of a Geisha (6 October), which won three Oscars, including Best Cinematography for Australian-South African Dion Beebe; and Jamie Foxx in Django Unchained (17 October), which won two Oscars for Quentin Tarantino’s screenplay and Christoph Waltz as Supporting Actor.
#1 box office hits
Look out for the classic #1 box office hits Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 and 2 (3 October), with Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson; family animations Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 1 and 2 (6 October); Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in Charlie’s Angels (10 October); Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in 50 First Dates (10 October); Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (10 October); Denzel Washington in The Bone Collector (10 October); Will Smith in Men In Black 1, II and 3 (13 October) as well as Bad Boys 1 and 2 (20 October); Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy (27 October); Goosebumps (17 October); Jack Black and Dylan Minnette in Goosebumps (17 October); and Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg in Zombieland (27 October).
Local
Gaia | 31 October
An injured forest ranger on a routine mission (Monique Rockman from Nommer 37) is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists (Silwerskerm winner Carel Nel from 4 Mure and Alex van Dyk from Die Stropers). But what starts out as a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest.
Set in the Tsitsikamma National Park, Gaia won Best Cinematography at South By Southwest (SXSW) as well as Best Film, Director, Editor, Sound Design and Hair and Make Up at Silwerskerm. The ecological horror has a 85% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with Decider hailing it as “a standout at South By Southwest” and describing the film as a “psychedelic-mushroom Cronenberg-via-del-Toro eco-body-horror creepy-creature freakout … visually potent … strange, beautiful and disgusting.”
Gaia is a breakthrough for director Jaco Bouwer (4 Mure), and Variety says: “As a stylistic calling card for Bouwer, it portends bigger things and bigger budgets, showcasing a quivery facility with atmosphere and crafty technical nous that recalls his compatriot Neill Blomkamp at the outset of his career.”
Murder in Paris | 3 October
Murder in Paris is a political crime documentary that traces the motives for the assassination of anti-Apartheid activist Dulcie September. The story travels from the heart of Paris in March 1988 to the pursuit of justice in 2021.
It’s won 11 awards, has been selected for several film festivals and won a 2022 SAFTA.
JAN RSVP S4 | From 16 October, express from VIA
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, South Africa’s first Michelin-star chef, has dazzled viewers with his culinary adventures through some of the most beautiful places in the world, from Apricale in Italy to the Kalahari in South Africa.
In the fourth season, he delves deeper into South Africa’s culinary traditions and gives us a sneak peek into his latest project, the transformation of a small 1712 farmhouse in a lavender field into something truly unique and special.
In the new season, he turns to his special guests for inspiration, including celebs like Coenie de Villiers, Ina Paarman, chef Mokgadi Itsweng and Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout.
The Ranakas S5 | Binge from 10 October
One of SA’s most beloved reality families is back in Season 5 of Mzansi Magic’s hit series The Ranakas. A spin-off of Dineo’s Diary, the popular docu-reality series follows the lives of this lovable multigenerational family as Mama Siba Ranaka fields pandemic challenges to the family business and Ntate Ranaka searches for his sister, while Manaka continues to pursue her farming dreams, and Dineo decides to take a backseat for a while. Binge all five seasons of ups and downs of life in this real South African family as they share the good times, and face the bad – together.
Also look out for the reality series Wang’kolota (13 October), Umndende (17 October) and Suxoka (24 October)
Lion: The Rise and Fall of the Marsh Pride | Binge from 5 October
Documented for over 40 years by the BBC and other broadcasters around the world, the Marsh Pride is the most filmed pride of lions on Earth.
In the 90-minute documentary film, the pride battles for survival in Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara Reserve.
A tale of shifting loyalties, bloody takeovers and sheer resilience, the lions’ story is told by those who filmed them, tried to protect them and lived alongside them, as well as some who ultimately wanted them dead.
Non-Fiction
Ziwe S2 | Binge from 19 October
Born in the US to Nigerian parents, Ziwe Fumudoh is the host of Ziwe, a no-holds-barred mix of musical numbers, interviews and sketches that challenge our discomfort with race, politics, and other cultural issues.
Season 2 features guest appearances by the likes of multiple Emmy nominees Nicole Byer (A Black Lady Sketch Show) and Ilana Glazer (Broad City), RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favourite Katya Zamalodchikova, model, actress and author Emily Ratajkowski, and Mia Khalifa.
Vanity Fair says, “Ziwe perfected the art of putting people on the spot,” while Salon.com calls her show “both a true star-making platform and a spoof of the same.”
We’re Here S2 | Binge from 23 October
Named one of Esquire’s 10 Best TV Shows of 2021, We’re Here follows Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela as they continue their journey spreading love and connection across small-town America through the art of drag.
Season 2 won two 2022 Emmys, while Decider lauded the show as “nothing short of a miracle,” and “bigger, bolder, peak excellence”, saying it’s “unlike anything else on TV”.
TikTok, Boom | Stream from 26 October | First on Showmax
With over 650 million downloads in 2021, TikTok is the most downloaded app in the world. Featuring influencers like Spencer X, Feroza Aziz, and Deja Fox, this feature documentary takes a deeper look into the app through the lens of what it means to be a digital native today. It premiered at Sundance in 2022 with several festival showcases to come.
Temptation Island USA S4 | Binge from 8 October
Once again hosted by Mark L Walberg, the latest sizzling-hot season of the ever-popular reality show sees four couples at a crossroads try the single life to decide if they should stay together.
This season, four new couples head to Maui, Hawaii, to put their love to the test. Joined by 24 sexy single men and women looking to find everlasting love, these couples must decide whether to commit to a lifetime together – or if they will ultimately give in to the temptation from the singles looking to find The One.
Kids
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | 27 October
The world’s favourite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles (Idris Elba), in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
Ronja, The Robber’s Daughter | Binge from 13 October
Narrated by Gillian Anderson this is an epic, Emmy-winning animated series from Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro), based on the bestselling book by Astrid Lindgren (Pippi Longstocking).
Ronja is a 10-year-old girl born into a band of robbers. She befriends the son of her father’s rival and explores the beautiful but frightening forest, which is full of strange creatures.
In their four-star review, Common Sense Media recommends it for children over the age of seven. Collider calls the show “a masterful, magical exploration of life itself”.
More to watch on Showmax in October
3 October
Annie | Benjamin Dube: Glory In His Presence | Benjamin Dube: Victorious in His Presence | Central Intelligence | FAFI S1 | Girls of Olympus S1 | No Sudden Move Aka Kill Switch | Tiger Rising
6 October
Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon | Black or White
10 October
Horrible Science S1 | Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story | The Oath | Trevor Noah: African American
13 October
After Earth | Apex | Sparkle | The Circle | Trevor Noah: Daywalker | Trevor Noah: Daywalker 2.0 | Vendetta
17 October
Deadlock | Goosebumps 2 | Long Slow Exhale S1 | Teenage Pregnancy S1 | The Interview | The Road To Sunshine | X-Repo S1
20 October
Not Easily Broken | Total Recall | Trevor Noah: Crazy Normal | Tulipop S1
24 October
Disobedience | Once Upon a Lifetime
27 October
I Spy | The Wedding Ringer | Trevor Noah: It’s My Culture | Trevor Noah: Welcome To America
31 October
Snatch | The Bounty Hunter
Original African stories by local talent
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream from 29 October.
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream from 7 November 2024 on Showmax.
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Soft Life
Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Landing on Showmax soon!
Style Magnate
Style Magnate is a Nigerian Showmax Original following 20 designers vying for a life-changing prize. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
My Brother’s Keeper S1 on Showmax
More Mzansi gold
Neetasha on what was left unsaid in the Sugar & Spice reunion
Neetasha Singh Bugwandin shares her thoughts on The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice’s dramatic reunion and why she walked out. All episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Taktiek S1
Staff at a security company in the safest town in the country has their relaxed way of operating turned upside down when their boss is arrested, and his daughter takes over the business.
The Station Strangler (2023)
A gripping documentary that explores the facts behind the serial killer known as The Station Strangler, who targeted young boys on the Cape Flats in the 80s and 90s.
The host of Ubuthe Uzobuya on the show’s emotional impact
Tshepo Maseko talks about how Ubuthe Uzobuya proves that “relationships are fundamentally about choices we make every day”. New episodes land on Tuesdays.