22 October 2018
Death watch: Criminal Minds S1-13 now streaming
Update: Criminal Minds is no longer on Showmax. Find your next binge in the full series catalogue here.
If you’re crazy about clever cops taking on dark, bizarre killers, and you’re looking for a binge-worthy series to sink your crime-busting teeth into, our prime suspect is Criminal Minds (2005-current). The FBI’s BAU (Behavioural Analysis Unit) investigates gruesome homicides throughout the United States by analysing the crime scenes and victims to build a profile of the suspect, known as an UnSub (unknown subject), which helps them to catch their culprit.
While there is plenty of back story to dig into for each of the characters, that needn’t put you off if you can’t face the thought of playing catch-up with years and years of episodes just yet. It’s a procedural series rather than a straight drama, so you really won’t be too lost if you jump in wherever.
The best gore and gonners from Seasons 11-12
The two latest seasons offer plenty to reward your attention.
1. Awake: Season 11, episode 8
The unit heads to Phoenix, Arizona, to investigate the abduction of two men by an UnSub who tortures them by preventing them from sleeping. He goes as far as to staple their eyelids open (yes, literally). Perfect bedtime viewing!
2. Entropy: Season 11, episode 11
The BAU appoints Supervisory Special Agent Dr Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) to take charge when they launch a manhunt of the Dirty Dozen Hit Man Ring. The episode centres on a “date with a death” when Reid goes undercover to meet a Black Widow hit woman named Cat (Aubrey Plaza), who he wants to hire to kill his “pregnant wife.”
Spoiler alert! A series regular will make his exit in episode 18 of this season. So be prepared – especially if you wind up watching from the start and become as attached as we did.
3. Elliot’s Pond: Season 12, episode 6
Actor Thomas Gibson, who has played Agent Aaron Hotchner since the show’s first-ever episode, takes his final bow in this episode when Hotch retires and goes into witness protection after his son is stalked by a deranged criminal.
Behind the scenes, the truth was even juicier. While the show’s last straw was an incident in which Thomas allegedly kicked show producer Virgil Williams, Thomas claims that, “He came into that room and started coming towards me. As he brushed past me, my foot came up and tapped him on the leg. We had some choice words, for which I apologised the next day, and that was it. It was over. We shot the scene, I went home – and I never got to go back.”
4. Spencer: Season 12, episode 13
The BAU have to save one of their own in this episode when Mexican authorities arrest Reid on drug possession and murder charges! Reid’s memory is all jumbled up and he can’t even profess his innocence, if he is innocent at all…
Looking back: The most memorable moments from Seasons 1-10
If Seasons 11 and 12’s action piques your interest, why not try these three standout episodes from the first 10 instalments?
1. Legacy: Season 2, episode 22
A seriously evil person abducts homeless people from Kansas City and conducts experiments on them in a meat factory. What makes this episode so chilling is the fact that the homeless people are left barefoot in the pitch-dark factory, and have to navigate an obstacle course as they try to escape without getting their feet sliced right off.
2. Lucky: Season 3, episode 8
Feeling peckish? The cannibalistic Satanist serial killer in this episode will make Hannibal Lecter from the popular horror movie Silence of the Lambs (1991) look like a little baa-lamb. He makes his fellow community members complicit in his crimes by having them unknowingly consume one of his victims!
3. Hopeless: Season 5, episode 4
This episode’s UnSubs kill for the thrill of it. They target random people for kicks, and who needs a graveyard when you can just stash your trophy corpse in the wall of a newly built house? Let the buyer beware!
Original African stories by local talent
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. Two episodes now streaming, and the remaining two episodes land on 22 March 2024 on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Thursday.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers, with new episodes every Thursday.
Cheta M
Cheta M explores the love story between Adanna and Nnanna, young lovers who battle the spiritual and political forces in their way. Stream now, with new episodes Wednesday to Friday.
Youngins S1
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins, with three new episodes every week.
The Roast of Minnie Dlamini: The roast everyone's been waiting on
Empini, coming soon
More Mzansi gold
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi stars in Showmax Original Empini
Multi-award winner Nambitha Ben-Mazwi leads new Showmax Original Empini. The action-packed drama series premieres on Showmax 23 May 2024.
Youngins Season 1 episodes 31-33 recap: Revelations
Amo and Mahlatse become a couple, Tumelo ditches Sefako, and Khaya sees both Sefako and Principal Mthembu in a new light in episodes 31-33 of Showmax Original Youngins.
Interview: Knock knock, it’s Youngins’ Tshepo!
Tshepo Matlala talks about how he brings class clown Tshepo’s jokes to life, and what’s behind the mask, in Showmax Original Youngins.
Siyabonga Thwala stars in action-packed Empini
Showmax announces new action-drama series Empini, starring three-times SAFTA winner Siyabonga Thwala. Premieres 23 May on Showmax.