Streaming giant Showmax has unveiled its top 10 most streamed titles for 2024, based on unique viewers, and the list is a celebration of local talent, with a splash of international flair. Nine of the ten titles are proudly South African, showcasing Showmax Originals at their finest. The lone exception? HBO’s House of the Dragon, proving once again that dragons and dynasties never go out of style.
This year’s line-up is a vibrant mix of dramas, reality shows, a no-holds-barred roast, and a jaw-dropping true-crime documentary that had South Africans glued to their screens. Here’s the rundown, in alphabetical order, of what kept audiences streaming all year:
Adulting (S1-2)
The bromance we didn’t know we needed. This Showmax Original follows four friends in Johannesburg as they navigate adulthood’s triumphs and tribulations, maintaining a bond forged back in their varsity days. Created by Tshedza Pictures (Outlaws, The River), the series earned multiple SAFTA nominations, including nods for Thembinkosi Mthembu, Nhlanhla Kunene, and Nandi Nyembe. The third and final season kicks off on January 25, 2025, with weekly episodes.
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Empini (S1)
Action-packed and emotional, Empini stars Nambitha Ben-Mazwi as a private security bodyguard on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious death. The role earned her the Best Actress accolade at the National Film and TV Awards South Africa.
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House of the Dragon (S1-2)
The Game of Thrones prequel continues to dominate globally, and South Africans couldn’t get enough of the Targaryen civil war brewing in Westeros. With Emma D’Arcy earning a Golden Globe nomination for their portrayal of Rhaenyra, the series remains a top-tier fantasy offering.
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Laugh Africa Presents: The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini
If you missed this, you missed fire. Roastmasters Tumi Morake and Jason Goliath led a panel of comedians and celebs who didn’t hold back on Minnie Dlamini—and she clapped back with equal sass. The roast featured a star-studded lineup, including Celeste Ntuli, Lasizwe, Robert Marawa, and more.
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Red Ink
This gripping crime thriller is based on Angela Makholwa’s bestselling novel. Nqobile Nunu Khumalo stars as Lucy Khambule, a journalist-turned-publicist drawn into the web of a notorious serial killer. Bonko Khoza’s portrayal of “The Butcher” won him Best Actor at the National Film and TV Awards.
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The Mommy Club (S1-2)
Jozi’s “it” moms brought drama, laughs, and plenty of parenting struggles in this hit reality series. The show not only won Best Non-Scripted TV Series but also spawned a spinoff, The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, set in Durban’s vibrant Indian community.
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The Real Housewives of Durban (S1-4)
Still the crown jewel of African reality TV, the Durban franchise of The Real Housewives delivered all the glitz, glam, and tearful walkouts we expect—especially during its explosive reunion.
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The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa
Africa’s answer to the Ultimate Girls Trip phenomenon saw iconic Housewives whisked away to Jamaica for a drama-filled escape. The show won Best Reality Series and Best Female TV Personality for Lethabo LeJoy at the National Film and TV Awards.
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Tracking Thabo Bester
True crime reached new heights with this groundbreaking documentary. Chronicling the shocking escape of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester, the series became the most-watched documentary debut in Showmax history. Produced by IdeaCandy (Devilsdorp), it captivated and horrified audiences in equal measure.
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Youngins (S1-2)
Teen drama redefined. Youngins follows a teen navigating the chaos of boarding school life in Jozi after fleeing a family tragedy in rural KZN. With scandal, heartbreak, and plenty of twists, the series claimed the title of Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind the Scenes Awards.
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With titles like these, Showmax continues to champion local stories while embracing global hits. The year ahead promises even more drama, intrigue, and laughter, because one thing’s for sure: South African viewers know what they want, and Showmax is delivering.
Main Image: Showmax
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