As the year folds into that festive blur, we look back at 2025, a TV year overflowing with drama, tears, laugh-out-loud moments, stan wars, memes, and more plot twists than your family WhatsApp group. In celebrating the Top 10 South African shows, we spotlight the hits that defined the year, from Inimba to Bad Influencer and Youngins, and more unmissable favourites.
This is a TV Mzansi take, meaning it’s curated with love, chaos, and vibes. It’s not gospel, not law, but the shows that genuinely had viewers talking. Whether for record-breaking streams, iconic performances, meme-worthy moments, or simply that one scene that had the whole country screaming at the TV.
Here’s your Top 10 South African shows in 2025, in no particular order. Grab your remote. Grab a cold drink. Let’s go.
Top 10 South African shows of 2025
Mzansi Magic dramas / telenovelas
Primetime fire that kept us hooked
Inimba
The best show of 2025? Inimba, without question. Since its April premiere, the drama has dominated timelines, trended nonstop, and kept Mzansi hooked with its gripping storyline after every episode. The buzz was so big, Season 1 was extended by 90 extra episodes and earned Zenande Mfenyana (Thumeka) a Best Actress win at the 2025 National Film and TV Awards. Inimba is a tale of love, sacrifice, and the unstoppable force of a mother’s bond with her child. With powerhouse performances from Lunathi Mampofu (Zoleka Bikitsha), Sisanda Hewana (Hlathi Mabandla), Loyiso MacDonald (Lazarus), Ayakha Ntunja (Qhawe), Siyabonga Shibe (Sydney) and more, Inimba delivers drama that never lets up. No surprise it’s already renewed for Season 2. Created by award-winning screenwriter and executive producer Siphosethu Tshapu (The Milton Empire) and supervised by Izwi Multimedia
Inimba continues to air weekdays at 21:00 on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161.
Shaka iLembe has cemented itself as MultiChoice’s biggest production ever, showcasing South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes to the world. Season 1 became the most-awarded drama in SAFTA history, earned international accolades, including wins in the Netherlands and remains MultiChoice’s largest local-content investment. Led by a powerhouse cast including Nomzamo Mbatha, Lemogang Tsipa, Wiseman Mncube, Dawn Thandeka King, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Mondli Makhoba, and breakout star Ntando Zondi (young Shaka), the series continues to dominate the cultural conversation. MultiChoice has confirmed that production is underway for the third and final season, premiering on Mzansi Magic in 2026.
Shaka iLembe S1-2 is available to bingewatch on DStv Stream.
Showmax Original dramas
Showmax hits that owned 2025
Adulting S3
In the third and final season of Adulting, the stakes are higher and the nights are wilder than ever. Bonga is newly married, Mpho is freshly divorced, Vuyani is about to open his dream nightclub, and Eric is trying to embrace a 9 to 5 car service centre job, with a boss. 2024 SAFTA Best Actor winner Thembinkosi Mthembu and Nhlanhla Kunene are back in their SAFTA-nominated roles as Bonga and Tsiki Tsiki, alongside Thabiso Rammusi and Luthando BU Mthembu as Mpho and Vuyani. Produced by Tshedza Pictures (producers of Youngins and Outlaws), the 18DLNSV bromance became the most-watched of any drama series when S3 premiered on Showmax early this year.
All the seasons are available to binge on Showmax.
Youngins S3
After the arrest of the fantastic five, Principal Ramathuba tightens rules at Olifantsfontein High. But when they count you out, count yourself in, and never fold. Ayakha Ntunja, Kealeboga Masango, Lebohang Lephatsoana, Thabiso Ramotshela, and Toka Mtabane return as the Olifants Five. Youngins holds the first-day views record on Showmax and won Best South African Streaming Series at the Behind the Scenes Awards last year, while Masango was nominated for Best Newcomer at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa. The series also received nominations at The Feather Awards, Africa’s premier queer awards ceremony, and MIPAfrica’s Inclusive Lens awards.
All the episodes for Youngins S1-2 are available to binge on Showmax. Stream S3 now, with new episodes on Fridays.
Empini S2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. When a hot-headed Ndoni suspects her father’s death was at the hands of his best friend, she embarks on a politically charged journey to clear his name and uncover the government conspiracies surrounding his murder. Starring Nambitha Ben-Mazwi who won Best Actress at the 2024 National Film and Television Awards as Ndoni. She stars alongside Mpumi Mpama as Khaya Bhodoza, with SAFTA winner Charmaine Mtinta as her mother and Ernest Ndlovu as Deputy President Enoch. Other cast includes Angela Sithole, Mandisa Nduna and Amahle Khumalo, amongst others.
Empini S1-2 is available to bingewatch on Showmax.
Netflix original dramas
Mzansi stories that resonated with the audiences
Bad Influencer
Bad Influencer is a definite standout from Netflix this year, a crime thriller that blends danger and humour, thanks to the electric chemistry between Jo-Anne Reyneke and Cindy Mahlangu.
The series follows BK (Reyneke), a street-smart single mom doing whatever it takes for her son, and Pinky (Mahlangu), a chaotic rising influencer. Thrown together by fate, the two form an unlikely partnership that pulls them deep into Jo’burg’s counterfeit luxury underworld. As fame and fraud blur, they hustle on a knife-edge where every like, lie, and luxury bag has consequences — and Jo-Anne once again proves she can effortlessly lead a show. This series, produced by Gambit Films and developed by Lincoln Green Media, the 7-part series reached #1 on the Netflix Top 10 in South Africa and reaching the #3 spot on the global Netflix Top 10 english shows.
The stacked ensemble includes scene-stealer Vincent Mahlape (Alex), Hamilton Dlamini, Thapelo Mokoena, Zozibini Tunzi in her first major acting role, Emmanuel Castis, Nat Ramabulana, Julia Anastasopoulos, Aubrey Poo, Lerato Nxumalo, and more. With appearances from stars like Mihlali Ndamase, Sarah Langa and Mohale Motaung.
Stream Bad Influencer now on Netflix.
GO!
The stakes are sky-high in this high-octane young adult series set between the vibrant, gritty streets of Johannesburg and the elite corridors of a historic private school. At its centre is Siya “Bolt” Gumede, played by breakout star Thandolwethu Zondi, who must choose between the life he knows and the future he desperately wants for himself and his family. Directed by Academy Award winner Tristan Holmes (Elalini), the six-part series shot to the #1 spot on South Africa’s Top 10 trending list shortly after its debut and has since been hailed by critics and fans as “the best South African series in a long time.” The stellar ensemble includes Wonder Ndlovu, Shalate Sekhabi, Ntobeko Sishi, Daanyaal Ally, Aidia De Meyer, Dawn Thandeka King, Wiseman Mncube, Mamodibe Ramodibe, Vusi Kunene and Katlego Danke.
Marked
The emotionally charged series Marked is a six-part series fuelled by necessity rather than greed, with Lerato Mvelase delivering a stellar performance as Babalwa, a law-abiding cash-in-transit security guard whose world shatters when her daughter Palesa (Ama Qamata) faces a life-threatening medical crisis; pushed into a corner, Babalwa makes a desperate choice that pulls her, her loyal colleague Tebza (S’Dumo Mtshali), and reckless newcomer Zweli (Sphamandla Dhludhlu) into a dangerous criminal underworld where betrayal and moral decay lurk at every turn. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble cast including Bonko Khoza, Jerry Mofokeng, Mduduzi Mabaso, Natasha Thahane, Gaisang Noge, Linda Sokhulu, and Desmond Dube . The series resonated instantly with viewers, debuting at number one on Netflix South Africa and breaking into the global Top 10, praised for its gripping performances, emotional depth, and high-stakes storytelling.
Fatal Seduction S2
Acclaimed actor Warren Masemola delivers a standout performance in Fatal Seduction as Minister Vilakazi, a ruthless, calculating Police Minister with ambitions to become South Africa’s next Deputy President. At his side is his loyal and cunning assistant Precious, played by Nqobile Khumalo. Returning favourites include Kgomotso Christopher, Prince Grootboom, Thapelo Mokoena, and Nat Ramabulana navigate forbidden desires and fractured trust, joined by new additions Tina Redman and Daanyaal Ally, whose charming Clinton shakes up the story. Season 2 quickly topped Netflix charts in South Africa and Nigeria, broke into the global top 10, and reached #1 in five territories.
kykNET original dramas
Afrikaans drama that ate and left no crumbs
Niggies
Set in the quiet Free State town of Odendaalsrus, this gripping kykNET drama revisits the 1965 kidnapping and murder of young Issie Fourie and Petro Nel, and the 18-year quest for justice led by Issie’s brother, André. The series boasts a powerhouse cast including Beer Adriaanse and newcomer Janru Steenkamp as André, with standout performances from Carel Nel, Tinarie van Wyk Loots, Jacques Bessenger, Neels Clasen, Erica Wessels, Anja Taljaard, Cintaine Schutte, Albert Pretorius and Roeline Daneel, supported by an impressive ensemble. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Jaco Bouwer, the show has earned widespread acclaim since its March debut, securing a nomination for Best Afrikaans TV Series at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa.
Note: This Top 10 South African shows list is purely our opinion, not a standard, not a ranking, and definitely not gospel.
