15 South African Netflix Shows to Watch After ‘The Polygamist’
Just finished binge-watching “The Polygamist” and wondering what to watch next on Netflix? We’ve got you covered. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers like “Blood Sisters” to laugh-until-you-cry comedies like “Meet The Khumalos,” South African movies and TV shows have been quietly dominating the streaming platform. We’ve curated the ultimate Netflix watchlist—so get cozy on the couch, dive in, and don’t forget to bookmark this list!
“The Polygamist”
The most talked-about Netflix series, “The Polygamist,” follows Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy CEO whose empire and family life crumble because of his secret relationships and lies. His wife, Joyce, whom many view as the “perfect wife,” is forced to confront her husband’s betrayal and the women caught in the middle. Between the lies, infidelity, and public shame, the 22-part series will keep you locked in to every episode.
“Savage Beauty”
“Savage Beauty” is giving Tyler Perry’s “Beauty In Black” a run for its money. The South African Netflix drama follows Zinhle, a woman seeking revenge on the Bhengu family. Zinhle is on a mission to take this family down. If you’re into messy family secrets and betrayal, this show is for you.
“How To Ruin Christmas”
“How to Ruin Christmas” gives intense family drama some comedic relief. Tumi Sello, a free-spirited black sheep, returns home for her sister’s extravagant wedding, only to accidentally sabotage the event hours before it starts. The story takes you on a chaotic ride as Sello tries to fix crazy mishaps, including burying family secrets, challenging cultural traditions, and resolving family feuds. The heartwarming drama will keep you laughing while chilling on the couch.
“How To Ruin Love”
“How to Ruin Love,” the spinoff to “How to Ruin Christmas,” is an entertaining romance. The series follows Zoleka, an insecure actress who is convinced that her long-time boyfriend, Kagiso, is cheating on her with her best friend. In hopes of executing a crazy public ambush to “catch him in the act,” she accidentally ruins her own proposal. The series takes viewers on a chaotic ride as she tries to win her man back while navigating the scrutiny of her meddling family.
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“Fatal Seduction”
Indeed, something about a romantic relationship going wrong always makes for a great story. Nandi Mahlati, a college professor, began to grow distant in her marriage, so she sought out a new lesson in romantic chemistry with a mysterious new guy, Jacob Tau, during a weekend getaway with her friend, Brenda. Following Brenda’s unexpected murder, family secrets and deception begin to surface. Be sure to hit play on this one, because the storyline is juicy!
“Kings of Jo’Burg”
This popular Netflix series, “Kings of Jo’Burg,” centers on Johannesburg’s kingpins, the Masire brothers. The story follows Mo Masire after he’s released from prison and forced to return to work for his family (even though he’d much rather live a different life with the woman he loves). After his return, Mo faces family secrets, betrayal, and a supernatural curse that could destroy his whole family.
“Blood Legacy”
“Blood Legacy” is another good family drama. The story follows Khanyi Adesina, a young woman who returns home after her father makes her CEO of the family company, Spear Industries. Following her father’s passing, the family embarks on an unexpected power struggle, marked by corruption, betrayal, and sibling rivalry. The show is a must-watch.
“Blood Sisters”
“Blood Sisters” centers on two best friends, Sarah and Kemi, whose lives took a dramatic turn as Sarah’s abusive, wealthy fiancé disappeared during their wedding. As they cover up what happened, they go on the run, followed by powerful people and family secrets. Be sure to add this to your watchlist.
“Blood & Water”
There is nothing like a good high school drama with a family twist. “Blood & Water” follows Puleng Khumalo, a young girl who transfers to an elite private high school to investigate the popular swimmer, Fikile, to see if she is her sister, who was abducted at birth. Viewers get a front-row seat at how two worlds collide, highlighting class tensions while uncovering the truth about her sister.
“Unseen”
This South African crime thriller takes things up a few notches as the story follows Zenzile “Zenzi” Mwale, a house cleaner who gets caught up in a dangerous criminal underworld while searching for her missing husband after his release from prison. As she tries to track him down, she moves through the city like a ghost, leaving a trail of bodies as she acts in self-defense to survive. This gritty, noir series will have you on the edge of your seat.
“Marked”
The six-part series, “Marked,” follows Babalwa, a devoted Christian and transit security guard, who faces tough choices about the financial support of her daughter. After discovering her daughter has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that requires a very expensive surgery, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Driven by extreme desperation, she trades in her strict morals to ally with a local gangster to stage a heist against her own employer. This violent act may cost her more than she could imagine.
“Happiness Ever After”
The romantic drama “Happiness Ever After” follows three friends, Zaza, Princess, and Zim, as they navigate loss, family tension, old grudges, and new love while trying to figure out what comes next in their lives. It is a beautiful, heartfelt movie about friendship and self-discovery in modern Johannesburg.
“Umthetho”
“Umthetho’s” intense storyline follows Mbali, a state prosecutor who is forced to become a double agent inside her imprisoned older brother’s gang to protect their youngest brother. The show sets up conflict between the family and the law, giving you the ultimate crime-thrilling chills.
“Meet The Khumalos”
“Meet the Khumalos” is centered on two former best friends, Grace Khumalo and Bongi Sithole, whose rivalry reignites when they become neighbors in Durban. To make matters worse, their children are secretly in love, causing an all-out neighborhood war. This hilarious film is an absolute must-see.
“Umjolo: Day Ones”
This romantic drama follows childhood best friends Zanele and Andile as they face the ultimate bond test, now that Andile is married with kids, while Zanele is questioning being in the friend zone. Due to their separate lives, tension comes to a head, and their friendship is brought into question.
