Best South African reality shows to watch right now
If you’re looking for the best South African reality shows to watch right now, TV Mzansi has rounded up the titles worth adding to your watchlist. This regularly updated guide covers popular and standout reality shows across Mzansi Magic to Netflix, kykNET and more platforms.
South Africa has no shortage of reality TV, from explosive relationship drama and celebrity lifestyles to dating experiments, family stories, competition formats and shows that become part of the national conversation. Some have become long-running Mzansi favourites, while others are newer shows making their mark. Whether you’re looking for drama, romance, family stories, celebrity lifestyles or something completely unpredictable, these are the South African reality shows to know.
Grouped by platform or channel, here are the Best South African Reality Shows that everyone is watching, tweeting about, fighting over, and bingeing till sunrise.
Mzansi Magic: Shows setting Mzansi on fire
Married at First Sight Mzansi S3
One of South Africa’s most-talked-about reality shows, Married at First Sight Mzansi is a local adaptation of the Critics Choice-nominated global franchise, the series follows a group of singles who agree to marry partners selected for them by relationship experts. Meeting for the very first time on their wedding day, the couples take a leap of faith in the hope of finding lasting love with a complete stranger. The most talked-about pairing this season has been Prince Zwide Masuku and Esethu Seku. One fan-favourites in the first week Nompumelelo Sobopha and Hlulani Ngobeni have lost all favour due to petty arguments. Lesiba Tleane and Matshediso Maphutse round out the season’s couples, and even their chemistry has raised its own pitfalls. Then there’s Obren Masuku and Laurinda Mabunda who are trying to navigate a power struggle within their union. Watch Married at First Sight Mzansi every Sunday at 6PM on Mzansi Magic. Episodes are also available via DStv Stream and Catch Up.
Nandi & the Rev S2
One of Mzansi’s most talked-about couples Nandipha (Queen Nandi) and Reverend Mlombi are making a much-anticipated return to the screen with the second installment of Nandi & The Rev. After Season 1, viewers were left with many questions regarding the couple’s dynamic and how they would navigate challenges they faced, especially after the birth of their seventh child. This season, Nandi & The Rev are focusing on rebuilding after the storm, asking whether healing is truly possible when old wounds continue to resurface. Together, they must navigate marriage, family secrets, shifting roles and new beginnings as they attempt to create a stronger future for themselves and their children. With their now-familiar candidness, humour and even conflict, Nandi & The Rev S2 provides a glimpse into what follows the storm and when the time comers to actually restore relationships. Watch Nandi & The Rev S2 every on Sunday at 7PM on Mzansi Magic. All the episodes are available to binge on DStv Stream.
Uthando Nes’thembu S9
The ever-popular Uthando Nes’thembu in its ninth season, brings viewers back into the Mseleku household at a time when the family is more exposed and more vulnerable than ever. The series continues to follow Musa alongside his wives, MaCele, MaYeni, MaNgwabe and MaKhumalo. This season also sees MaKhwela, better known as Number 5, firmly in the fray, with her presence continuing to test the family dynamic. Season 9 picks up after the explosive December special, #Uncut: Uthando Nes’thembu, which left the family at a crossroads. As the family opens up more than before, some things begin to shift while others remain unchanged. The wives continue to face their own challenges, and the question remains: will the Mselekus get on the same page again? Watch Uthando Nes’thembu S1-9 now on DStv Stream. All the episodes are available to binge.
Netflix: African excellence, and luxury
Young, Famous and African S3
The reality series pulls back the curtains on fractured marriages, fragile friendships and fresh connections. It all ends in premium tears. South African content creator extraordinaire Kefilwe Mabote, Nollywood superstar Ini Edo, and entrepreneur Shakib Lutaaya are shaking up the ‘richest square mile in Africa’ as they join returning continental faves, including Zari “The Boss Lady” Hassan, Swanky Jerry, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, Diamond Platnumz, Naked DJ, Kayleigh Schwark, Fantana, Luis Munana, Nadia Nakai and also featuring Khanyi Mbau. Old friends reconnect, and new faces join the Young, Famous & African family, bringing more epic ups and downs than ever before. From make-ups to dramatic breakups, all set in the lap of luxury, the season delivers baddies, babies, and everything in between.
All the three seasons of the SAFTA-winning unscripted series are available exclusively on Netflix.
Love Never Lies: South Africa
Renowned media personality Minnie Dlamini hosts the local adaptation of the international reality series in the idyllic setting of Knysna. Six couples put their love lives to the test by facing an eye-scanning lie detector designed to uncover the truth. Their commitment is further challenged by facing temptation from attractive singles. Lies unravel, hidden truths come to light, and emotions run high as bonds are pushed to breaking points. Beyond emotional stakes, a substantial cash prize of up to R1m awaits the most truthful couple. The first season of Love Never Lies: South Africa brought six couples together to put their relationships to the ultimate test: Munaka and Gontse, Nikiwe and Naledi, Pretty and Siya, Lynn and Kuda, Nancy and Bohlale, and Clayton and Wilfred. Munaka and Gontse emerged as the winners An official release date for Love Never Lies: South Africa Season 2 has not yet been confirmed by Netflix.
kykNET Reality Show
Boer soek ’n vrou S18
In Boer soek ’n vrou, the hit DStv dating show Jack, JD, Francois, Arno and Willie trade the dust, tractors and demands of farm life for crisp white shirts, confident stares and serious leading-man energy in a striking new photo shoot that reveals a more polished side to the men behind the farms. But while the photos bring the heat, the stakes are very real. Each farmer is now preparing to meet the women who could potentially become part of his life, farm and future. Boer soek ’n vrou airs Thursdays at 20:00 on kykNET and is also available to stream on DStv Stream.
