Afrikaans television has flourished over the past two decades, delivering compelling stories that resonate with South African and global audiences alike. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, kykNET has cemented itself as the gold standard of Afrikaans entertainment, with award-winning productions and beloved stars.
With these exceptional shows available on Showmax, there’s never been a better time to celebrate 25 years of Afrikaans storytelling at its finest. Here’s a curated list of kykNET gems, complete with accolades, festival nods, and the stars who bring them to life.
Suidooster
Set in the bustling Cape Town suburb of Ruiterbosch, Suidooster is a fan-favorite soapie that delves into family drama, romance, and community dynamics. Known for its diverse representation and tackling of social issues, this show continues to pull in high ratings.
Denise Newman was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at this year’s Silwerskerm Festival while Jill Levenberg won Best Actress in a Telenovela or Soap at Silwerskerm Awards for TV and Film.
Binge all 10 seasons HERE
Diepe Waters
Follow the story of families who want to win at all costs but struggle to stay afloat. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of a community set around the prestigious Swartmarlyne owned by the Swarts family.
At the 2024 Silwerskerm Festival Awards, Nadia Valvekens was nominated for Best Actress in a Telenovela or Soap, with Justin Strydom up for Best Actor, Werner Coetser up for Best Supporting Actor, and Diandra Slabbert up for Best Newcomer.
Diepe Waters also had multiple nominations at this year’s SAFTAs including Best Achievement in Directing and the Most Popular TV Soap or Telenovela.
Binge Diepe Waters S1-2 HERE
Arendsvlei
Arendsvlei is a semi-private high school on the Cape Flats managed by the Cupido family, committed to making a difference in the community. But Arendsvlei is also the epicentre of forbidden love, debt, scandal and drama.
Jody Abrahams was nominated for Best Actor in a Telenovela at the 2024 SAFTAs and the show was up for Best Telenovela.
Binge all 6 seasons HERE
Binnelanders
A daily hospital drama that follows the trials and tribulations of a group of medical professionals who are committed to healing the suffering of their patients.
Germandt Geldenhuys won Best Actor in a TV Soap at this year’s SAFTAs, with Marlee van der Merwe winning Best Supporting Actress in a TV Soap. Hans Strydom was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Silwerskerm Festival.
Binge Binnelanders S6-13 HERE
Taktiek
This crime thriller keeps viewers on their toes with intricate plots and dynamic characters. Starring Waldemar Schultz and Armand Aucamp, it’s a must-watch for fans of suspense.
The hilarious kykNET series Taktiek is set in the fictional town of Schusterton. Like any other town in South Africa, Schusterton has a security company that looks after the safety of its residents. There are only two problems: nothing ever happens in Schusterton … and the company boss has been arrested.
Marion Holm won Best Actress: Comedy at the 2024 SAFTAs, where Taktiek was also up for Best TV Comedy and Schalk Bezuidenhout for Supporting Actor.
Watch it HERE
Die Brug
This series follows 12 strangers who must collaborate to construct a bridge to an island where a R1m treasure awaits. It was one of the most popular reality shows on kykNET last year and the first South African version of this brand-new international format.
Die Brug has been nominated for an International Emmy Award in the category for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment.
Watch it HERE
Getroud Met Rugby
Getroud met Rugby focuses on the intrigues, relationships, scandals, aspirations and politics behind the scenes of professional rugby.
Binge all 7 seasons HERE
Straat
A tongue-in-the-cheek drama about a whistleblower who is in witness protection. Robert Muller hides out in a cul-de-sac, Arbei Street, after dangerous businessmen and CEOs hire a hitman to take him out before he can testify against them.
Watch it HERE
Hotel
Ferdie Kruger is the manager of boutique hotel The Fransen. The Lourier hotel group buys this rough diamond as their latest acquisition and sends Thomas from the head office to monitor the transition.
Binge all 5 seasons HERE
Nêrens Noord Kaap
This beautifully shot drama captures the bittersweet reunion of three estranged brothers in their small Karoo hometown. Featuring fan-favorites like Frank Opperman and De Klerk Oelofse, it’s a visual and emotional feast.
Watch it HERE
