Best Local Content to Stream Now: From Legal Dramas to Animated Kids Movies
If you’re looking for the best in local entertainment, Showmax remains your top destination. As confirmed by the 2024 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), Showmax has dominated with 118 nominations, the most of any streaming service. Here are the top local highlights for September.
Law, Love, and Betrayal (LLB) | New Episodes Every Thursday from 5 September
This 13-episode legal drama follows Gugu Mabaso (played by Dineo Rasedile), a tenacious township lawyer who joins the prestigious Gumede & Associates in Sandton. However, the law firm is full of secrets, including her own. Co-starring Nimrod Nkosi and Pearl Modiadie, the show mixes high-powered legal battles with personal intrigue. The series is directed by SAFTA winners Nthabiseng Mokoena and Christo Davids, delivering a fresh perspective on the South African legal world.
Headspace | Available from Thursday, 19 September
South Africa’s most-watched local film in cinemas last year, Headspace is an animated adventure following 14-year-old Norman (voiced by Bonko Khoza) and his battle against an alien invasion—inside his own brain! Headspace is a delightful mix of humor, action, and sci-fi, and it has also been dubbed into Afrikaans and Zulu. It’s up for Best Animation at the SAFTAs, and its global success proves that local animation is thriving.
Die Bloedhonde | Streaming Now
A quirky, coming-of-age murder mystery, Die Bloedhonde stars Elani Dekker as Katrien, who suspects a suicide at her family’s campsite is actually a murder. Alongside Waldemar Schultz as her Watson-like partner, the film brings a unique South African twist to the mystery genre. Critics have praised its character-driven storytelling, with Netwerk24 calling it “the perfect movie for mystery lovers.”
Wyfie (Seasons 1-2) | New Episodes Every Tuesday
A groundbreaking university telenovela, Wyfie won the Representation of LGBTQIA+ award at MIP Africa’s Inclusive Lens Awards and is up for Best International Series at the Seoul International Drama Awards. The story of four young women navigating university life, Wyfie blends mischief, moral dilemmas, and personal growth. With new episodes streaming weekly, this telenovela is a must-watch.
016FM | Streaming Now
Set in the Vaal, 016FM follows two DJs trying to save their community radio station. Tragically, Mpho Sebeng, who stars as DJ Whiskey, passed away earlier this year. His performance has been lauded, and the show is nominated for Best South African Streaming Series at the upcoming Behind The Scenes Awards. 016FM also features an incredible cast, including Nthati Moshesh and Sophie Ndaba.
Koek | Streaming Now
Koek tells the hilarious yet emotional story of Christelle, a housewife whose world is upended when she discovers her husband’s affair with a stripper. With an all-star cast and four major wins at the Silwerskerm Film and TV Awards, this Afrikaans series is a darkly comedic exploration of suburban life.
Shaka Ilembe (Season 1) | Streaming Now
A sweeping historical drama, Shaka Ilembe recounts the rise of the iconic Zulu king. This visually stunning series has raked in awards internationally, with Nomzamo Mbatha winning Best African Actress at the Septimius Awards. It is also the most nominated series at the 2024 SAFTAs, making it one of the most celebrated local productions to date.
Spinners | Available Now
For fans of fast cars and intense drama, Spinners follows a young driver, Ethan, as he attempts to leave gang life behind through the high-octane world of spinning—an extreme motorsport. It’s a thrilling story that has already made waves globally, winning Best Foreign Series at the Magnolia Awards in Shanghai.
Outlaws (Season 1) | Streaming Now
Outlaws is a gripping telenovela about two families in conflict—the Zulu cattle-farming Biyelas and the Basotho cattle-raiding Ts’eoles. Praised for its storytelling and production value, Outlaws is one of Showmax’s top telenovelas and is tied for the most SAFTA nominations.
Sibongile & The Dlaminis (Season 1) | Streaming Now
This daily drama follows Sibongile, a young woman from rural KZN who becomes a domestic worker for the wealthy Dlamini family. As she adjusts to her new life, she finds herself caught in a web of family drama and intrigue. Sibongile & The Dlaminis has been a runaway hit, becoming the most-watched show on DStv for months.
Umkhokha: The Curse (Season 2) | Streaming Now
Umkhokha: The Curse has evolved from a 13-part drama to a full telenovela, focusing on a bitter power struggle within one of KZN’s largest churches. Its compelling storylines have kept it atop the DStv charts, and it is up for Most Popular Telenovela at the 2024 SAFTAs.
With a roster of critically acclaimed local content, Showmax continues to be the go-to streaming platform for South African stories. Whether you’re in the mood for legal drama, animated adventures, or thrilling mysteries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this September.
