29 June 2020
Why live news is leaving Showmax
From the end of June 2020, live news will be leaving the Showmax platform. We were given access to these channels as a temporary measure in the early days of the COVID-19 crisis in order to help everyone keep up-to-date on the latest developments.
As lockdown is now easing and we’re slowly getting back to some kind of new normal, we’re going to be discontinuing the news service. The Mindset Pop channel, which was added to help parents while schools were closed, will also be leaving Showmax. We’ll keep an eye on developments and, if the circumstances change, we’ll do our best to step in again.
If you’re looking for excellent content that entertains and informs, why not check out our selection of documentaries? This selection of South African documentaries gives insight into the inner machinations of the political and social machine, while these international doccies cover a wide range of fascinating topics, from Fake News to the manipulation of the US electoral system, to the real story behind the hit podcast Serial.
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in South Africa
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
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.
Made in South Africa
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.
Made in South Africa
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Made in KenyaYoungins S2, now on Showmax
Soft Life, now streaming on Showmax
More Mzansi gold
Great African Crimes with Mandy Wiener (2024)
This one-off special explores three dramatic cases that left South Africa stunned: Daisy de Melker, the so-called Sea Cottage incident, and the Krugersdorp bank robbery.
Made in South Africa
Zarelda de Bruin on her breakout debut role in Spooksoeker
The 17-year-old Zarelda de Bruin plays Melissa in the Showmax Original Spooksoeker, now available to stream. Catch new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
9 reasons that 2024 was the best year yet for local TV
Stream the best local content on Showmax in 2024, featuring iEmmy winners, record-breaking documentaries, SAFTA winners, and globally acclaimed hits.
Made in South Africa
Vergeet Van My (2023)
A musical documentary following a group of renegades living their dream in a colourful world of touring musicians. A Silwerskermfees 2024 documentary.
Made in South Africa