17 May 2020
Why do shows leave Showmax?
It’s frustrating when a series or movie you’ve been watching on Showmax isn’t available any more. So why does this happen?
Like other streaming services (and like TV channels), Showmax licenses movies and series from studios and distributors. These licences comes with certain conditions, including how long we’re allowed to have the content on Showmax.
If a show you’re watching is marked “Last Chance”, it means the show will be expiring and leaving the platform shortly. Our contract with the content provider is at an end, and unfortunately we’re no longer able to stream this show. We typically try to give two weeks’ notice for expiring content.
So why don’t we just renew all the most popular shows? Sometimes the supplier doesn’t want to renew the deal, or we can’t reach terms that make sense. Other times, we make the call that in order to bring on board fresh new shows we need to let others go. Often it’s a combination of all these factors.
Choosing content for Showmax is a delicate balance and we recognise we can’t always make everyone happy. But generally, if something is popular we’ll do our best to bring it back. It may take a little time, but we’ll keep working at it.
Original African stories by local talent
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Stream from 9 May, with new episodes weekly.
Big Girl Small World
Stream the new Kenyan romcom series Big Girl Small World from 8 May, with new episodes every week.
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. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers. All the episodes are now streaming.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
The Roast Of Minnie Dlamini, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
The Real Housewives of Durban on the upcoming reunion
The RHODurban cast share their thoughts ahead of The Real Housewives of Durban S4 reunion, hosted by MaBlerh. The reunion will air on Showmax on 15 and 22 May 2024.
The Mommy Club Season 2 episode 12 recap: Lines in the sand
In episode 12 of Showmax’s The Mommy Club, Nozipho goes to see a medium, and Hermajesty wants closure for her husband’s death.
Kristen Raath on her funniest, and most humiliating moment, on the set of Wyfie
Kristen Raath talks about her funniest and most humiliating moment on the university drama Wyfie, now streaming on Showmax.
9 most shocking moments in The Illuminated
Are you strong enough to binge Showmax Original documentary series The Illuminated? Here’s what you’ll need to prepare yourself.