Take it easy this weekend, grab some snacks, and fully embrace your inner couch potato. These top-notch SA shows are calling your name.
Savage Beauty (Streaming on Netflix)
A gripping drama series dripping with glamour, intrigue, and edge. Starring Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Rosemary Zimu, Nthati Moshesh, and Dumisani Mbebe, the story follows Zinhle Manzini as she infiltrates the powerful and morally corrupt Bhengu family to avenge the injustices they inflicted on her and others.
The Bhengus are at the helm of a thriving beauty empire, but their wealth and success rest on unethical and harmful experiments conducted years earlier. Zinhle, a survivor of these experiments, leverages her charm, wit, and insider knowledge to expose their secrets and dismantle their legacy from within.
Why you should binge: Savage Beauty hooks viewers with its compelling revenge plot, layered characters, stunning visuals, and shocking twists that keep you guessing. The standout quality, however, lies in how it resonates on a deeper level. The show delves into relevant issues like the dark side of the beauty industry, class disparities, and the ruthless pursuit of power. These societal critiques add weight and meaning to its addictive drama.
Gqeberha: The Empire (Streaming on Showmax)
This South African telenovela follows Luzuko Mxenge, a successful businessman who seems to have it all – including three wives. The story explores themes of dynasty, family, love, betrayal, polygamy, and jealousy, offering a dramatic and intricate portrayal of complex relationships.
Why you should binge: This series evokes strong emotions. Its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and authentic portrayal of Xhosa culture, traditions, and societal norms are matched by impressive production quality, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances. Whether you become a devoted fan or a vocal critic, this show won’t leave you indifferent.
Mabaso Family Reunion (Streaming on Netflix)
Bonko Khoza, Natasha Thahane, Lerato Mvelase, and Thulani Mtsweni deliver stellar performances as four estranged siblings brought together by their mother’s passing. What begins as a solemn occasion at their Joburg family home quickly unravels into a rollercoaster of drama. Old wounds reopen, long-buried secrets claw their way to the surface, and unresolved tensions threaten to boil over. And just when you think it couldn’t get any messier, there’s a coffin stuffed with cash and, yes, the wrong body at the funeral.
Why you should binge: This show beautifully blends universal family dynamics with a distinctly South African flair, capturing the chaos, humour, and heartbreak of familial reunions.
Soft Life (Streaming on Showmax)
What would you do to keep your family afloat? For Owami Gqoli, a young woman from Thembisa, the answer takes her down a path few dare to tread. To cover her mother’s mounting medical bills, Owami steps into the secret world of high-society companionship, joining a high-end escort agency. Juggling her secret double life is no easy feat – she must protect her loved ones and herself while navigating a web of secrecy, sacrifice, and survival.
Why you should binge: Owami’s journey is not just about survival; it is an emotional rollercoaster that pulls you into her world of tough choices and hidden desires. The show is steeped in the vibrant essence of South African life, reflecting its culture, struggles, and unspoken realities with authenticity and depth.
The cast doesn’t just act – they embody their characters, delivering raw, powerful moments that make you feel every triumph and heartbreak.
