6 May 2019
Love Shonda Rhimes? Watch these.
Feminism and female empowerment have become the holy grail of modern-day entertainment, with a number of TV shows and movies featuring, for the first time, strong female characters who challenge the status quo and prove that representation matters, even in the world of fiction – from Arya Stark’s kick-ass fierceness in Game of Thrones to June Osborne’s defiance in The Handmaid’s Tale to Annalise Keating’s gutsy brilliance in How to Get Away with Murder.
It’s certainly a great time to be alive, not only because of the empowerment we see on our screens, but because behind these great stories are female storytellers like Shonda Rhimes. Through her TV empire Shondaland, Rhimes has continued to create inspiring and complex female leads who are their own heroes, and who want nothing less than to dominate the world they live in. Through her powerful characters and bold storylines, Rhimes has taught us over and over that women don’t have to be saved to achieve what they want.
Love Shonda Rhimes? Watch these empowered women.
Original African stories by local talent
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.
Sadau Sisters S1
Rahma, Zainab, Aisha, and Fatima Sadau pull back the curtain on their family, fame, and lifestyle. Stream now on Showmax.
The Winning Ticket, a Showmax Original
Youngins S1 episodes 1-20 recap
More Mzansi gold
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.
The Mommy Club S2 episode 9 recap: Mrs Mops’ launch event
In episode 9 of The Mommy Club, Mrs Mops launches her skincare range and Barbra and Mantshi make amends. New episodes every Monday.
The Real Housewives of Durban S4: No apology for Ameigh
In episode 11 of The Real Housewives of Durban Season 4, wounds are opened when Ameigh finally hears the infamous Zama recording.
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.