10 Game-Changing Shows to Celebrate Showmax Turning 10

Showmax celebrates a major milestone today: 10 years since its launch in South Africa. The homegrown streaming service got a head start on global giants like Netflix (2016), Amazon Prime Video (2016), Apple TV+ (2019), and Disney Plus (2022), and has since expanded to 44 African countries.

Over the past decade, Showmax has redefined local storytelling and set new standards for streaming across the continent. To mark the anniversary, here are 10 Showmax Originals that changed the game:

1. Tali’s Wedding Diary (2017)

Showmax’s first Original put South African comedy on the map. This mockumentary about a Joburg princess planning her Cape Town wedding set a first-day views record, won five SAFTAs, and sparked sequels that earned nine more awards. It also paved the way for scripted dramas like The Girl From St. Agnes.

2. Life With Kelly Khumalo S1 (2020)

An intimate look at the singer’s life during Covid-19, this became Showmax’s first hit reality series, reaching 1 million views faster than any title before it and winning a SAFTA. It opened the door for reality franchises like The Real Housewives and The Mommy Club.

3. Devilsdorp (2021)

This gripping true-crime series dissecting the Krugersdorp Killings became a cultural phenomenon. It broke viewing records, won Best TV Documentary at the SAFTAs, and set the stage for other acclaimed true-crime hits like Steinheist and Rosemary’s Hitlist.

4. The Wife (2021)

Based on Dudu Busani-Dube’s books, The Wife became Showmax’s most-watched Original ever with 50+ million hours streamed. The isiZulu telenovela made stars of Bonko Khoza and Kwenzo Ngcobo, and its success opened doors for titles like Outlaws.

5. FIFA World Cup Qatar (2022)

For the first time, Showmax streamed all 64 matches live in up to 4K. The Argentina–France final broke live viewing records, proving Showmax could compete in live sport and leading to the launch of Showmax Premier League in 2024.

6. Adulting (2023)

From International Emmy nominees Tshedza Pictures, Adulting followed four friends navigating love and life in Joburg. It quickly became Showmax’s most-watched relaunch title and earned three SAFTA nominations. Thembinkosi Mthembu’s performance made him a household name.

7. Spinners (2023)

This high-octane series about a teen escaping gang life through spinning motorsport became the first African series at Canneseries, won Best Foreign TV Series at China’s Magnolia Awards, and was a hit on CANAL+ across France and French Africa.

8. Youngins (2024)

A teen drama set in a Jozi boarding school, Youngins has been Showmax’s top-viewed post-relaunch series in terms of hours watched. It won Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind the Scenes Awards and was praised for its LGBTQIA+ representation.

9. Tyla: Live on Showmax (2025)

In a first for African streaming, Showmax live-streamed Tyla’s sold-out Pretoria concert to 44 countries. With Tyla fresh off Grammy, BET, and MTV wins, the event marked a milestone for both the artist and the platform.

10. Iyanu (2025)

This Nigerian fantasy animation from Lion Forge Entertainment and Roye Okupe became Showmax’s most-watched kids’ launch title. Based on Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the series broke into HBO Max’s top 10 kids’ shows and secured greenlights for Season 2 and two feature films.

Beyond the Big 10

From Empini to Rose d’Or nominee Wyfie, Berlinale selection Donkerbos, and true-crime standouts like Catch Me A Killer, Showmax Originals continue to raise the bar for African storytelling.

As Showmax marks a decade of entertainment, the question is: What’s your favourite Showmax Original? Join the celebration online with the hashtag #10YearsOfShowmax.