From the devious domestics in Housekeepers to the evil scheming of The River’s Lindiwe Dikana, to dark-hearted Shaka on The Queen, the characters on these local dramas and telenovelas keep us coming back for more.
But if you’re not a DStv subscriber, you are probably wondering where and how to watch all the latest episodes of South Africa’s favourite series. Showmax has you covered with some of the biggest local shows streaming express from the Mzansi Magic and 1Magic broadcasts. Plus, it also offers all previous seasons.
New episodes arriving express to Showmax
Don’t miss a moment of the drama – catch brand-new episodes of these drama series and telenovelas on Showmax, and catch up on everything you missed in previous seasons, too.
Housekeepers S2
It’s been called South Africa’s answer to Devious Maids. Housekeepers kicked off in Season 1 with Linda Ndlovu (Thando Thabete), a woman determined to avenge her mother’s death. As part of the plan, she takes a job in the home of the people she believes to be responsible.
Housekeepers looks at the world of the wealthy from both sides: the people who believe they’re all-powerful behind their high walls, and the housekeepers who know all their dirty secrets.
The cast includes greats like Mangaliso Ngema, Zikhona Sodlaka and Connie Chuime. Plus, there are some exciting new faces in Season 2, including Lorcia Kumalo (formerly Cooper), Xolile Tshabalala and The Queen’s Sthembiso Khoza.
Binge Season 1 of Housekeepers and watch new episodes of S2 express from Mzansi Magic on Showmax.
(DStv subscriber? Watch on your phone, tablet or web browser here.)
Gomora S1
A woman manages to escape from her humble township roots and makes it big as a hotshot Sandton socialite. But then, a series of events leads it all to come crashing down around her and suddenly she’s back where she started, in the hustle and bustle of Alexandra township which, although just down the road from her previous life, feels like a million miles away.
And then she finds herself at the heart of its underworld.
This is Thathi’s story. In the telenovela, she is played by Katlego Danke, while her well-to-do husband Mbongeni is played by Themba Ndaba. Connie Chiume plays Thathi’s mother Mam’Sonto, who has always done whatever she needs to do to keep food on the table for her family – even if that means breaking the law.
Meanwhile, there is a family in Alex who is trying to improve the community – Gladys is a social worker and her husband Melusi is the principal of the local high school. Their son Ntokozo is intelligent, good-looking and charming, but his life has not been easy – and he finds himself turning to criminal elements to make up for the love and acceptance he has not received from his own parents.
People are loving Gomora. Binge all the episodes so far and watch new episodes on weekdays, streaming 24 hours after Mzansi Magic.
(DStv subscriber? Watch on your phone, tablet or web browser here.)
The River S1-3
In a nutshell, The River follows the lives of the Dikana and the Mokoena clans, two families from very different backgrounds brought together by the discovery of a diamond in Cullinan, just a stone’s throw from Pretoria.
But this show is much more than that – it’s full of twists and turns and enough intrigue and betrayal to keep you enthralled from start to finish.
The show’s mega villain is, of course, Lindiwe Dikana. Multiple beloved characters have met their ends at her hand, and she’s even plotted to kill her own children. Her schemes haven’t always gone her way and she’s gone from riches to rags to riches again. Will someone finally manage to ensure she gets what she deserves?
On the other side of the divide, Cobra schemes his way through life in Refilwe, frequently using dodgy tactics to get what he wants. Keep watching to find out whether the Dikana and Mokoena families will ever resolve their issues. New episodes are ready to stream within 15 minutes of the 1Magic broadcast every weekday.
(DStv subscriber? Watch on your phone, tablet or web browser here.)
The Queen S1-4
The Khozas will do whatever it takes to get what they want. On the surface, they run a respectable logistics business – but in reality, they’re deeply embroiled in the criminal underworld.
The fourth season has had the whole of SA on the edge of their seats, with so many twists and turns it’s hard to keep up! In the most recent shocker, a beloved character has even come back from the dead – and he has revenge on his mind.
Will Harriet find a way to win back Shaka and Brutus’s trust after leaving them to rot in jail? Binge S1-3 of The Queen, and watch new episodes of S4 right after the broadcast on Mzansi Magic.
(DStv subscriber? Watch on your phone, tablet or web browser here.)
Watch from beginning to end on Showmax
Binge your heart out: all episodes of these series are available and waiting for you to stream on Showmax. The shows may have come to an end, but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss your fix of top-notch entertainment. You may have missed them first time round, or maybe you’re in the mood for an epic rewatch of your favourite moments.
Isibaya
If you’ve missed the drama on Isibaya, you can stream from episode 1 right here. And just because the soapie is in its seventh season doesn’t mean that there’s a shortage of storylines. If anything, they’ve become more intricate and intriguing!
What started as a village feud between the Zungu and Ndlovu families in Bhubesini has expanded into something far more complex as Mpiyakhe (Siyabonga Thwala) and Samson (Bheki Mkhwane) continue their fight over the valuable taxi routes in and out of town.
Don’t miss Uthando Lokuqala, the Isibaya spin-off series. In it, we uncover untold truths, unrequited love and the battles that still loom in the re-awakening of family strife, loss and heartache.
Ifalakhe
This series is a beautifully crafted story of raging kingdoms, power-hungry kings and their deceptive kin. When King Khombindlela has two sons by two different mothers at the same moment, a powerful prophecy decrees that one of them will save the kingdom, and the other spells its doom.
The events not only threaten the royal lineage but can also change the course of a war that threatens the fate of more than one kingdom. Heavy indeed is the head that wears the crown. Binge it all now.
Also watch: Catch up on these favourites right from the beginning on Showmax as well: eHostela; The Herd; Igazi; Omen; Is’Thunzi – and, of course, Somizi & Mohale: The Union and all five seasons of Lockdown.
