It is that time again.
Yes, the time when we share the cool content you can watch First on Showmax this May 2025.
These are the shows and movies which come to the MultiChoice-owned streaming platform before they are on the more traditional DStv.
Here we go.
Movies
Gladiator II | First on Showmax | Stream from Friday, 2 May
Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honour to return the glory of Rome to its people.
As Lucius, Paul Mescal (Normal People) was nominated for Best Lead Actor at this year’s Irish Film and Television Awards, while Oscar winner Denzel Washington was up for Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes as Macrinus. Also look out for Emmy nominees Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen.
Bet I Love You | Showmax Original | Stream from Friday, 23 May
Rex, a compulsive gambler, lands himself in hot water when he loses the lobola money meant for his sister’s wedding. Realising that his addiction is jeopardising both his family’s reputation and his relationship, he scrambles to make things right.
Khumbuza Meyiwa (The Queen) stars as Rex, with Nosipho Majola (Uzalo) as Nthabi and Smangele Mhlongo (Sibongile and the Dlaminis) as Aunt Lungi, the opportunistic wedding planner. Also look out for SAFTA nominee Gabisile Tshabalala (The Black Door) as Wendy, Rex’s supportive yet frustrated girlfriend.
Part of Showmax’s first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Bet I Love You is helmed by Nigeria’s Joseph Duke and produced by multi-award-winners Urban Brew, in partnership with Elects Network & Synergy Limited.
Bobo | Showmax Original | Stream from Friday, 23 May
Bobo’s dreams are dashed when she misses a chance to secure a bursary and discovers her family is on the brink of losing their land to a loan shark.
Bobo introduces newcomer Faith Muthoni in the title role, supported by Kelly Njeri Gathoni (Jiji), Zak Matasi (4Play), Elvis Makutsa (Selina), Thuita Mwangi (Pepeta), Naitwa Louisa (Kina), and Catherine Buluma (Tehanani).
Part of Showmax’s first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Bobo is helmed by Kenya’s Maurice Muendo and produced by African Dopler Limited (County 49, Volume).
Kwame’s Gambit | Showmax Original | Stream from Friday, 23 May
Kwame Amponsah’s life unravels after he gambles away his family’s savings. Desperate and cornered, the accountant is forced into a dangerous alliance with a ruthless drug cartel. As he struggles to protect his family, stay ahead of the law, and find a way out of the criminal world that seeks to consume him, he must confront not only his enemies but also his past mistakes.
Shot in Accra, the crime thriller stars House of Klu’s Karl Sackeyfio and Kwaku Elliot.
Part of Showmax’s first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Kwame’s Gambit is produced and directed by Ghana’s Nicholai Williams.
Series
Power Book III: Raising Kanan S4 | First on Showmax | Binge the second half of the season from Wednesday, 14 May
Family makes you. The game defines you.
Kanan, Raq and the rest of the Thomas family return for a new season, filling in the gaps leading up to the deadly showdown in the Season 3 finale.
Already renewed for a fifth season, Raising Kanan is a prequel to the hit crime drama Power and stars Mekai Curtis as the young Kanan Stark (played in the original series by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who once again exec produces here).
Happy Face | First on Showmax | Binge from Saturday, 10 May
Happy Face is based on the true-life story of Melissa Jesperson-Moore, who at age 15 discovered that her father, Keith Hunter Jesperson, was the serial murderer known as the Happy Face Killer.
The Paramount+ series centres on the now grown-up Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford from Welcome to Chippendales). Her serial killer father (Dennis Quaid) forces his way back into her life after decades of no contact; the talk show she works for decides to run her story; and a possibly innocent man is set to be put to death for a crime her father may have committed.
Reality TV
The Real Housewives of New York City S15 | First on Showmax | Binge from Thursday, 1 May
In the city so nice they named it twice, this glamorous group of friends is flourishing. But things can change in a New York minute. When rumours start spreading among the ladies, only time will tell if longstanding loyalties are strong enough to weather the storm.
The Real Housewives of New York City’s cast includes fashion designer and style icon Jenna Lyons, Somali-Canadian model and businesswoman Ubah Hassan, content creator and lifestyle influencer Sai De Silva, serial entrepreneur Erin Lichy, fashion publicist Jessel Taank, and marketing and communications consultant Brynn Whitfield, with fashion designer and entrepreneur Rebecca Minkoff coming in as a friend of the housewives this season.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta S16 | First on Showmax | Stream from Thursday, 8 May
They’re fiercer than ever. The Real Housewives of Atlanta are upping the stakes of glamour, glitz and juicy drama as the show’s familiar faces meet some dynamic new housewives ready to stir the pot and add some spice. With shocking revelations and a whirlwind of divorces, rumours, strained relationships and redefined alliances, will the ladies be able to keep things peachy in the A?
Documentaries
Anatomy of Lies | First on Showmax | Binge from Wednesday, 7 May
Grey’s Anatomy writer and co-executive producer Elisabeth Finch wowed Hollywood with her extraordinary life story, but one woman’s quest to discover the truth revealed a jaw-dropping web of lies.
Building on the shocking Vanity Fair exclusive, Anatomy of Lies gives audiences insight into a scandal that engulfed one of the biggest and most beloved television shows of the past 20 years.
Anatomy of Lies has a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score.
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