6 May 2019
Love Shonda Rhimes? Watch these.
Feminism and female empowerment have become the holy grail of modern-day entertainment, with a number of TV shows and movies featuring, for the first time, strong female characters who challenge the status quo and prove that representation matters, even in the world of fiction – from Arya Stark’s kick-ass fierceness in Game of Thrones to June Osborne’s defiance in The Handmaid’s Tale to Annalise Keating’s gutsy brilliance in How to Get Away with Murder.
It’s certainly a great time to be alive, not only because of the empowerment we see on our screens, but because behind these great stories are female storytellers like Shonda Rhimes. Through her TV empire Shondaland, Rhimes has continued to create inspiring and complex female leads who are their own heroes, and who want nothing less than to dominate the world they live in. Through her powerful characters and bold storylines, Rhimes has taught us over and over that women don’t have to be saved to achieve what they want.
Love Shonda Rhimes? Watch these empowered women.
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
Huisgenoot Ware Lewensdramas: Vlees en Bloed S2
A gripping new true-crime series that focusses on the most shocking cases of familicide in South Africa.
Outopsie S1-3
Senior forensic pathologist Dr Hestelle van Staden reveals what really happens behind closed doors in captivating cases where forensic pathology played a central role.
Made in South Africa
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