A special crimes unit investigate mysteries that are not from this world.
Die Spreeus (The Starlings) is a SAFTA award-winning supernatural crime drama that deals with original legends from a myriad of South African cultures such as the Ghost of Uniondale and the Tokoloshe (a dwarf-like water sprite revered in the Zulu culture for its mischief and evil powers). At the same time, the unit faces their own personal demons that they are working through.
The unit is led by Bas Koorts, who is played by veteran actor Chris Vorster. Koorts has faced a huge personal trauma and has been struggling with his own demons for some time. He uses leading this special team as a way to bring himself back from the brink of depression. Monique Rockman, who shot to fame in the multi-award-winning film, Nommer 37, plays his hot-tempered and skeptical partner, Detective Beatrice Mack. Brigadier Rosa Scheffers is played by Sandi Schultz, who also stars in the hit drama, Trackers. Scheffers is determined to investigate crimes that other units can’t, or won’t, pursue.
Since it first aired, the show has been widely praised for its visual effects and gripping storyline.
Die Spreeus was in the top 10 most streamed local series of 2019 on the South African streaming service, Showmax. The series also won 2 SAFTAs for Best Achievement in Original Music/Score TV Drama and Best Achievement in Editing TV Drama at this year’s awards.
This is a show that would fill any supernatural crime slot comfortably. Click here if you’d like to find out more about the show.
Viewers have also been thrilled by the quality of the show, with many saying it has set a new bar for African television:
