South Africans Love Watching Themselves – and Dragons – According to Showmax
African streaming giant Showmax has revealed its 10 most streamed titles of 2024, and the results confirm one thing: South Africans love stories about themselves. Nine out of the top 10 titles are local productions, with HBO’s epic fantasy House of the Dragon being the only international inclusion.
The list showcases the diversity of Showmax Originals, featuring five dramas, three reality shows, a roast, and a record-breaking true-crime documentary. The platform continues to lead in spotlighting South African talent and storytelling.
Here’s a closer look at Showmax’s most streamed titles of 2024, in alphabetical order:
Adulting S1-2
This drama follows four male friends in Johannesburg, navigating life, love, and loyalty. Produced by Tshedza Pictures (Outlaws, The River), the series earned SAFTA nominations for Thembinkosi Mthembu, Nhlanhla Kunene, and Nandi Nyembe. The highly anticipated third and final season starts on 25 January 2025, with new episodes every Saturday.
Empini S1
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi shines in this gripping series as a private security bodyguard investigating her father’s death. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award at the National Film and TV Awards South Africa.
House of the Dragon S1-2
HBO’s Emmy-nominated prequel to Game of Thrones explores the rise of House Targaryen. With Emma D’Arcy delivering a Golden Globe-nominated performance as Rhaenyra, the series ranked as IMDb’s fifth most popular series of 2024.
Laugh Africa Presents: The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini
Minnie Dlamini held her own against a star-studded roast panel, including Tumi Morake, Jason Goliath, and Trevor Gumbi. Packed with hilarious takedowns, the roast kept viewers entertained with its witty humor.
Red Ink
This adaptation of Angela Makholwa’s bestselling novel stars Nqobile Nunu Khumalo as journalist Lucy Khambule. Bonko Khoza and Lorcia Cooper won Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress at the National Film and TV Awards South Africa for their gripping performances in this dark thriller.
The Mommy Club S1-2
This reality sensation dives into the lives of glamorous momfluencers in Johannesburg. The show won Best Non-Scripted TV Series and spawned its first spinoff, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, set in Durban’s Indian community.
The Real Housewives of Durban S1-4
The longest-running Real Housewives franchise in Africa kept fans buzzing with its Season 4 drama. The season’s explosive reunion left viewers talking long after OG Sorisha Naidoo’s tearful exit.
The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa
Taking iconic Housewives to Jamaica, this spinoff scooped Best Reality Series and Best Female TV Personality for Lethabo LeJoy at the National Film and TV Awards South Africa.
Tracking Thabo Bester
This true-crime documentary broke records with its first-day views, unraveling the shocking story of Thabo Bester’s escape and capture. Produced by IdeaCandy (Devilsdorp, Rosemary’s Hitlist), the series captivated South Africans with its gripping investigation.
Youngins S1-2
A tale of teenage scandal and resilience, Youngins became the Best South African Streaming Series at the 2024 Behind The Scenes Awards. The teen drama continues to draw fans, with Season 2 dropping new episodes every Friday.
A Local Success Story
These titles prove that Showmax’s strategy of prioritizing local content resonates deeply with its audience. From gripping dramas to reality TV phenomenons and groundbreaking documentaries, South African stories continue to dominate screens – and hearts.
