From multi-award-winning dramas to unique telenovelas, these are the shows that captivated South African audiences in 2024.
Shaka iLembe
The long-awaited drama epic took audiences by storm with a riveting storyline, elaborate sets, and unforgettable performances. Shaka iLembe became the most-awarded drama series in the history of the South African Film and Television Awards after winning an incredible 12 awards and proved to be a big hit with audiences and critics alike.
Standout viewer comments from X include:
Between you and me? Shaka Ilembe deserved those wins, I don’t even wanna talk about the production team cos the gave it their all 🔥 @Onthatile__M
“history must be told using film and television” and that's exactly what we saw through #ShakaIlembe through the cinematography, soundtrack, cast and even the location. every nomination and award won has been so deserving 👏🥂 @_FentseM
Een Keer om die Son
Husband-and-wife duo Ivan Botha and Donnalee Roberts released their very first series this year after previously teaming up to make three films including Blindelings, which won Best Achievement in Sound Design at this year’s SAFTAs. The unique and emotional drama follows a family dealing with an immense loss and shows how much life can change in a single year.
@officiallebza had this to say on X:
"Desember" means we're on the final episode and why does this also feel like a limited series 💔💔💔 I'm not okay because this is my weekly emotional outlet 🥹
Boetie Boer
Boetie Boer is another prime example of South African VOD service Showmax’s commitment to making unmissable true crime documentaries. This series explores the life and crimes of one of South Africa’s most notorious serial killers and features previously unreleased recordings from his initial interviews with the police.
This X user noted:
One of the most chilling documentaries I’ve ever seen. 💀 @prow_II
Summertide
Summertide follows the trials and triumphs of the Field family with a captivating storyline featuring powerful performances from SAFTA nominees Frank Rautenbach (The Bang Bang Club, Hansie: A True Story) and Monique Rockman (Gaia, Suidooster, Die Spreeus).
Outlaws
South Africa’s first contemporary Western series, Outlaws was another big winner at the 2024 SAFTAs with an impressive eight awards including Best Telenovela. The series is produced by Tshedza Pictures (The River, Adulting, The Republic) and offers a truly unique and bingeworthy experience full of twists and turns.
On X, viewers couldn’t stop raving about this show:
I would like to give it to the head writers, creators and of course the actors of #OutlawsShowmax 🙌🏽
What an outstanding job well done in this Season 1 really enjoyed every single episode and hopefully will have S2 soon. 🥹🤌🏽🔥 @LeeMpaki
I loved #OutlawsShowmax so much, it was a good series 🔥🔥
Tlali being alive at the end?? Can't wait for season. @Kiddy_Katz
My Brother's Keeper
Popular telenovela My Brother’s Keeper returned with a second season and delivered loads more scandals and secrets, becoming one of the most-watched shows in South Africa when it started airing in February.
How to Manifest a Man
How to Manifest a Man follows a woman stuck in an unhappy marriage as she attempts to reshape her husband into the “perfect partner” after he suffers severe memory loss. The hit drama offers a unique look at love and relationships with complex characters and a storyline that keeps viewers glued to the screen.
These viewers took to X to praise the show:
I must say #HowToManifestAMan has got me hooked. @njabs_madlala24
The script writer of #HowToManifestAMan deserves flowers 🤌🏽🔥🔥 @Thando_Sondiya_
Wyfie
This edgy new drama quickly became popular with South African audiences for offering a realistic and unflinching depiction of early adulthood. Four mismatched roommates navigate the complexities and struggles of university life, diving into what it means to be truly carefree. Wyfie is produced by multi-award-winners Homebrew Films (Magda Louw, Suidooster, and Trompoppie) and features an unforgettable soundtrack by the late South African rapper Angie Oeh.
What viewers had to say on X:
I’m enjoying #Wyfie series, it’s definitely reminding us about Varsity life. @Ms_Logical
I never thought I’d enjoy watching #Wyfie on Showmax as I am rn. That Afrikaans series is definitely in my Top 5. @PallyMotsoari
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