From psychological thrillers to crime dramas to murder mysteries to realities, there’s something for everyone with these Showmax original TV series.
Thriller – Dam
Set in a small-town farming community, this eight-part psychological thriller follows Yola who returns home from Chile for her father’s funeral, only to be tormented by spirits in the farm house she has inherited. But with her mother institutionalised, and her own meds running out, Yola has to wonder if the spirits are real or just in her head?
Dam is written and directed by four-time South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) winner Alex Yazbek (Isibaya, The Wild), and stars SAFTA winner Pallance Dladla (Shadow, Isibaya), Silwerskerm Best Actress winner Lea Vivier, Star Wars and Game of Thrones video games voice actor Natasha Loring, Faniswa Yisa (Knuckle City) and more.
Police procedural, crime drama – Crime and Justice
The first Kenyan Showmax Original, Crime and Justice follows detective duo Makena (Sarah Hassan and her partner Silas (Alfred Munyua) as they investigate crimes taking place in Nairobi, all the way through to the courtroom verdict.
Following one ripped-from-the-headlines case per episode, Crime and Justice also stars Maqbul Mohammed (Varshita, Makutano Junction), Paul Ogola (Sense 8, Kati Kati), Brian Ogola (Lusala, Poacher) and Justin Mirichii (Rafiki, Watu Wote) in recurring roles.
Crime and Justice is directed by Adam Neutzsky-Wulff, Likarion Wainaina and Edwin Kamau, and is written by Pauline Inda, Anthony Nero and award-winning Kenyan filmmakers Brian Munene (Watu Wote, Morning After) and Njue Kevin (18 Hours, Intellectual Scum).
Reality – Life with Kelly Khumalo
A household name by 21, Kelly Khumalo is one of South Africa’s biggest music stars, who’s been named Best Female Artist at the South African Music Awards, sold millions of albums, and opened for Grammy winner Missy Elliott.
In the recent years, Kelly has made headlines for more than just her undeniable talent, like her turbulent relationship with her son’s father, hip-hop star Jub Jub; the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of her daughter’s father, Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa; and her recent ‘divorce’ from her sister, Zandie.
But there’s more to her story than her history. Her reality show, Life with Kelly Khumalo, which kicks off a brand new season two this Thursday, is an intimate glimpse at the woman behind the headlines.
Reality – I Am Laycon
The Big Brother Naija Season 5 winner, Lekan Agbeleshe aka Laycon, stars in Showmax’s first-ever Nigerian Original, I Am LAYCON.
Coming from humble beginnings, the 27-year-old musician and philosophy graduate had to hustle his way through life before landing a spot in Biggie’s house, where he warmed his way into the hearts of fans across the continent with his wit and lyrical genius.
I Am Laycon follows him through his journey as he settles into life as a celebrity, while juggling his personal relationships and growing music career in one of Africa’s biggest cities, Lagos.
Murder mystery – The Girl from St Agnes
The first Showmax Original drama, The Girl From St Agnes is an eight-part murder mystery that unravels the death of a student in an elite all-girls boarding school, while also bringing to light dark secrets surrounding the school.
When popular girl Lexi is found dead, the school and the police write it off as an accident – all except for the drama teacher who will not rest until she uncovers the truth.
Like shows with similar themes (see Pretty Little Liars), The Girl From St Agnes reminds you that high school can be the most dangerous place on Earth, and that pretty (and popular) girls don’t always have a happy ending.
Check out more Showmax Originals here.
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