7 lekker shows to stream right now
Local programming is becoming more popular by the minute, which is why so many South Africans love these piekfyn Afrikaans series and movies.
It might not surprise you to hear that top-quality local productions beat international releases hands-down when it comes to audience figures. The South African Box Office Report by the National Film and Video Foundation from last year shows that locally produced films took 55% more revenue at the box office than in previous years, while global box office grew by only 7% in the first half of 2016!
(Any guess as to the highest-earning local films of the last three years? That’s right, Leon Schuster strikes again, with his latest in the franchise, Schuks Your Country Needs You. Also topping the list are Pad na jou Hart and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom .)
Which is why ShowMax brings you a huge selection of local series and movies. These are 10 of the most popular Afrikaans shows on our line-up, and they’re all as moreish as Ouma rusks with strong Five Roses tea. You can sommer stream or download any of them, and you’ll be having a jol in your lounge in no time.
1. Boer Soek ‘n Vrou – watch now »
One of the most gorgeous and charming celebs from local soil, Minki van der Westhuizen hosts Season 9 of this popular dating reality show. She helps eligible bachelors who happen to own very attractive tracts of land choose five women to date, based on the hundreds of letters they’ve received from girlfriends-in-waiting. After their date, each farmer chooses three ladies to take back home to live op die plaas for a few days. Seeing how they fare on his turf brings him closer to choosing The One. It’s pure pleasure and 100% binge-worthy, which is why the the first eight seasons plus the latest episodes from season nine are available to stream or download on ShowMax.
2. Binnelanders – watch now »
Against the backdrop of the high-end private hospital Binneland Clinic in Pretoria, the lives of the hospital staff play out as they help and heal their patients, in this medical drama/soap opera that is just what the doctor ordered. And there are 10 entire seasons to binge on!
3. Villa Rosa – watch now »
Spend the night at Villa Rosa, a guesthouse in Bloemfontein, home to a different flavour of drama, intrigue and comedy every day. But beware – the walls have ears! Enjoy nine seasons of this feisty soapie right now.
4. Semi Soet – watch now »
Jaci van Jaarsveld spent a long time building up her boutique ad agency, but it’s at risk of being taken over by a ruthless businessman known as The Jackal. The only thing that could save the agency is if Jaci gets a top-dollar contract from a renowned family of winemakers. To secure the deal, she hires a male model (Nico Panagio) to visit the owner of the wine farm with her and to pose as her fiance for the day – but he’s got an agenda of his own. This charming romcom goes down like a smooth glass of Cabernet, and is just as intoxicating.
5. Liefling – watch now »
It’s the December holidays, and Liefling Marais is ready for adventure. She lives on a farm in Hartebeespoort with her family, including her university-professor father. Jan (Bobby van Jaarsveld), a guy in her dad’s class, has his eye on Liefling, but spoilt brat Melanie plans to keep them apart. And then fate steps in and brings family, friends and enemies together in a spectacular musical celebration. You won’t be able to help singing along!
6. Die Nataniel Tafel – watch now »
Did you know that this South African A-list celebrity (writer, comic, actor, composer, singer and poet) is also a first-class cook? See him plate up some sumptuous meals, from 100 ways with eggs to healthy “junk food”, that will have your mouth watering.
7. Radio Raps: Life 101 – watch now »
Is there anything better than being schooled by someone who knows it all? We don’t think so. Allow Jonathan, the YouTube sensation of Radio Raps, to teach you how to do pretty much everything better: how to sing, how to drink, how to speak, and, of course, how to get the girl.
The men and women on this team of top detectives work against the clock, and sometimes one another, to investigate the violent crimes of serial killers. Local crime series do not get better than this.
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