South Africa’s youth drama scene is bursting with energy, talent, and stories that perfectly capture the rollercoaster of growing up. Whether you’re tuning in on Showmax, Netflix, kykNET, or eVOD, these series and films have one thing in common: they resonate deeply with young people, exploring themes of love, identity, friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery.
From gripping series to thought-provoking films, South Africa has a rich variety of youth dramas that speak to the heart of what it means to be young in today’s world. Let’s take a look at the 10 best youth dramas you must watch in South Africa.
Youngins|Binge now on Showmax
Youngins is a hard-hitting teen telenovela set at a boarding school in Johannesburg. When a teen flees from a family tragedy in rural KZN to a boarding school in Jozi, she finds herself entangled in a scandal of epic proportions. When the gang of five returns to the school for the second term, the outing of Principal Bae and the introduction of FW De Klerk as their new principal isn’t the only thing that’s changed. They walk onto the school grounds and find that they’ve become overnight heroes, especially to a student named TK (Katlego Mabote), who becomes the catalyst behind the latest drama that unfolds at Olifantsfontein High.
Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama features Ayakha Ntunja, Lebohang Lephatsoana, Thabiso Ramotshela, and Toka Mtabane and Kealeboga Masango as the Olifants Five, with DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards winner Sannah Mchunu also returning as Matron Lulu. Look out for the likes of Keneilwe Matidze, Simo Magwaza, Tabile Tau, Amogelang Telekelo, Kadiya Banyini, Tshepo Matlala and Gaositoe Moloke.
Why you should watch: Youngins is a heartfelt and engaging story that perfectly captures what it means to be young today.
GO!|Now streaming on Netflix
Set in the vibrant, gritty streets of Johannesburg, juxtaposed with historic private school halls, Siya ‘Bolt’ Gumede (Thandolwethu Zondi) is faced with an impossible choice: cling to the only life he’s ever known, or take a chance to redefine his destiny and his family’s futures forever. When Bolt receives a coveted running scholarship to the esteemed St. Judes private school, he’s resolute on seizing the opportunity. However, a fateful evening spent with his loyal best friend, Mandla (Wonder Ndlovu), and his loving girlfriend, Nthabi (Shalate Sekhabi), takes an unexpected turn that alters the course of his life.
The series boasts a talented cast led by Thandolwethu Zondi as Bolt, alongside Shalate Sekhabi who plays his devoted girlfriend, Nthabi and Wonder Ndlovu takes on the role of Mandla, Bolt’s loyal best friend. The series also features SAFTA-winning talents, with Dawn Thandeka King portraying Bolt’s sick mother and Wiseman Mncube as his troublemaking brother, Shuffle. Don’t miss appearances from three-time SAFTA winner Vusi Kunene, Ntobeko Sishi, SAFTA winner Katlego Danke, and Robert Hobbs, adding even more star power to this gripping drama.
Why you should watch: If you’re into high-stakes drama with plenty of twists, GO! will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Breekpunt|Now streaming on Showmax
Breekpunt is a tennis drama about Ashleigh, a gutsy teenager fighting for the chance to compete in international tennis. Chelsea Thomas stars as a gutsy teenager fighting for the chance to compete on the international tennis stage. The challenges she must overcome are not only on the tennis court and what she gains is so much more than a trophy.
Breekpunt reunites Chelsea Thomas with her Spinners and Arendsvlei co-star Cantona James, alongside SAFTA winner Lorcia Cooper Kumalo, who delivers an equally stellar performance. Also look out for Sherman Pharo, N’kone Mametja, Nahum Hughes and Chanté Holloway.
Why you should watch: Breekpunt is a beautifully written drama that effortlessly blends universal themes of family, dreams, and resilience.
Niggies|Stream now on kykNET
Niggies is based on true events and tells the story of two twelve-year-old cousins, Issie Fourie and Petro Nel, who are kidnapped and murdered in 1965 in the sleepy town of Odendaalsrus in the Free State. Issie’s brother, André, swears to do everything in his power to bring the culprit to book, but it would take him almost 20 years. So, Niggies begins in
1965, but the series spans the 1960s and 1980s.
Beer Adriaanse plays the role of the older André. while talented newcomer Janru Steenkamp plays the young André. Also appearing is Carel Nel as Captain At van Wyk. Tinarie van Wyk Loots and Jacques Bessenger play Issie’s parents, Marie and Dries Fourie. Neels Clasen and Erica Wessels are the parents of Petro, Henning and Ousus. Petro’s older sister, Henda, is played as a 17-year-old by Anja Taljaard and as a 35-year-old by Cintaine Schutte. Albert Pretorius and Roeline Daneel star as Gustaff and Maks Fouché – close relatives of the victims.
Kites|Stream now on Showmax
Premiered at the Joburg Film Festival in March and now heading to Showmax in April, Kites is a coming-of-age film about a loyal friend who reluctantly agrees to drive his DJ buddies around Johannesburg (South Africa) after their manager abandons them. The night takes a turn for the worst after they help someone out of a crisis that involves transporting an unconscious body to the hospital.
Craig Nobela stars as Sihle, with Africa Movie Academy Awards nominee Aphiwe Mkefe and Marcus Molemane as the DJs Links and Neo. Also look out for SAFTA nominee Wanda Zuma, Pakamisa Zwedala, Paballo Mavundla, TK Sebothoma, Lerato Mahlasela and Zimkhitha Letlotlo.
Why you should watch: If you’re into films that capture the essence of youth and the emotional complexity of relationships, Kites is a must-see.
Kites is now streaming on Showmax.
Family & Rugby|Streaming on eVOD
Seventeen-year-old Dumisani (Buntu Zatu) is a rising rugby prodigy with dreams of a brighter future. His close bond with his older brother Yongi (Ayanda Makhayi), a skilled getaway driver, is tragically severed when Yongi sacrifices himself to save their mother, Lulekwa (Zandile Msutwana), during a botched robbery.
His father, Wawa (Anele Matoti), a “has been” rugby player, adds another layer of complexity to Dumisani’s life. As Dumisani navigates dangerous choices and high-stakes heists, he must fight to protect his loved ones and hold onto his dreams. The film also stars Bongile Mantsai and Kay Bikitsha.
Why You Should Watch: This is the perfect pick if you’re a rugby fan or someone who enjoys heartfelt family dramas that explore personal and societal struggles.
Reënboogrant|Stream now Showmax
Inspired by Louise van Niekerk’s bestselling 90s novels, Reënboogrant is a Tshwane-set teen telenovela centred on the Brink family. An exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the world of authentic teenage drama, family conflicts, love, aspirations and fierce rivalries.
Minke Marais and Mila de Villiers co-star as Grade 10 sisters Shani and Sunette Brink, with Paul Strydom as their older brother Dolf, the head boy. Also look out for Diepe Waters’ duo Righard van Jaarsveld and Johnny Potsanyane among the teen cast, as well as ex-Miss Teen Namibia finalist Marelee Ferreira and Xander Venter in their Showmax debuts.
Why you should watch: If you love a mix of fun, laughter, and real-world drama, Reënboogrant offers both entertainment and thought-provoking themes.
Blood & Water|Stream now on Netflix
The hit drama Blood & Water follows Puleng, a teenager who unravels a mystery about her long-lost sister. After crossing paths at a party, a Cape Town teen sets out to prove whether a private-school swimming star is her sister who was abducted at birth.
The series features Ama Qamata and Khosi Ngema as sisters Puleng & Fikile as they uncover deeper secrets that leave them questioning everything they thought they knew. The cast also includes Thabang Molaba, Dillon Windvogel, Greteli Fincham, Arno Greeff, Mekaila Mathys, Natasha Thahane, Gail Mabalane and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube.
Why you should watch: If you’re a fan of suspense, drama, and powerful performances, Blood & Water is a must-watch. It’s gripping, emotional, and filled with shocking twists!
Wyfie|Stream now on Showmax
Afrikaans university drama Wyfie follows four mismatched first-year roommates at Pantera res at the fictional Eike university. The R18 series stars Beata Bena Green as Shay, Celeste Loots as Amanda, Kristen Raath as Kyla and Mienke Ehlers as Mia, opposite the likes of Adrian Steyn, Marguerite van Eeden, Elzet Nel, and Chelsea Thomas.
Why you should watch: This one is perfect for anyone who’s curious about the intersection of relationships, identity, and technology in today’s world.
Spooksoeker|Stream now on Showmax
Based on the bestselling young adult novels by multi-award-winner François Bloemhof, Spooksoeker follows a 15-year old Warno Alberts, who suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Spooksoeker introduces Rico Immelman as Warno and Zarelda de Bruin as the literal girl-next-door Melissa, with Silwerskerm 2023 Best Supporting Actor winner and double Aardklop 2024 nominee Joshwin Dyson as Warno’s best friend Allies.
Why you should watch: If you love suspense and supernatural twists, Spooksoeker is a fun and spooky journey you won’t want to miss!
Want to watch more coming-of-age stories?
Check out shows like Skeem Saam on SABC 1, a drama about the lives of young South Africans navigating school and family pressures.
On Showmax, dive into Trompoppie, a heartfelt series about a young girl who faces plenty of challenges when she joins the school cheerleading squad and Spinners, an exhilarating world of spinning promising a way out for a conflicted young man trapped in a gang war;
On Netflix, stream Miseducation, which follows a wanna be influencer who after a public humiliation enrols at a small town university where she aspires to regain her social status.
On Mzansi Magic, check out Sibongile and the Dlaminis, a series that follows the journey of a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn, impacting her own destiny and the lives of the powerful Dlamini family and their business empire.
