Netflix unveiled a broad lineup of local series and films to commemorate ten years of showcasing South African stories, a partnership that has supported over 8,000 jobs through collaborations with more than 30 domestic production companies. The announcement came at a press event in Rosebank, Johannesburg, where Netflix executives, filmmakers and on‑screen talent gathered to mark the service’s 2016 launch in South Africa and preview the next wave of local stories destined for global audiences.
“When we launched a decade ago, our goal was to share South African stories and voices worldwide,” said Ben Amadasun, Vice President of Content for Netflix Middle East and Africa. “Today we are proud to deepen our ties with the local creative community and keep delivering entertaining stories for viewers in South Africa and beyond. Our upcoming slate builds on that ambition, pairing established names with bold new partners across genres—from unscripted and thrillers to family dramas and comedy.”
Since its 2016 debut in South Africa, Netflix has championed homegrown hits such as Blood and Water, Young, Famous & African, Unseen, Silverton Siege, Fatal Seduction, Disaster Holiday, How to Ruin Christmas, Beauty and the Bester, Marked, Kings of Joburg, Blood Legacy, The Polygamist and the recent Umthetho. These productions, filmed in twenty cities across eight provinces, highlight the nation’s creative talent and have not only celebrated South Africa’s rich cultural heritage but also expanded the global footprint of African storytelling.
The worldwide demand for South African content is clear: more than 300 local titles are now available on the platform, with several breaking into the Netflix Top 10. A standout example is the Johannesburg‑filmed hit The Polygamist, which amassed over 24 million views in its opening weeks, entered the Top 10 in sixty‑two countries and claimed the number‑one spot in twenty‑one. Based on Sue Nyathi’s 2012 novel of the same name, the series also boosted book sales—tripling them after its Netflix debut, more than ten years after the book’s initial release.
A decade later, the story continues
Today’s announcement underscores Netflix’s ongoing collaboration with South African creators, talent and production partners through commissions, acquisitions and licensing. The slate offers a glimpse of the stories and relationships shaping the platform’s journey in the country. Included are:
- Film Sequels and Returning Series: Fans can look forward to returning seasons and sequels of their favourite films and series, including Blood Legacy Season 2 (launching 25 September), Seriously Single Too and Another Disaster Holiday, both launching later in 2026. Netflix also confirmed the series Tuiskoms Season 2 and Marked Season 2, and the film Meet the Khumalos 2 are all currently in different stages of production.
- New Series: The beloved How To Ruin franchise is expanding with another irreverent take on family, love and culture with a new cultural spin-off, How to Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents (launching 30 October) from Burnt Onion Productions in collaboration with producer, Jayan Moodley (The Kandasamys). Drawing on the same rich tradition of Moodley’s South African Indian family-centered comedy seen in titles such as The Kandasamys, the story follows an interracial couple whose engagement brings two very different families and cultures together, setting the stage for plenty of humour, misunderstandings and family drama.
- New Shows with New Production Partners: Netflix also announced deal partnerships with more local production companies on upcoming projects. South Africans are fans of reality shows so Netflix is bringing more of their favourite genre. At the event, Netflix revealed the celebrated and loved power-couple Dineo and Zothile ‘Solo Ntsizwa’ Langa as the hosts of the highly anticipated Love is Blind: South Africa, produced by afrOkaans, slated for release later this year. Another exciting title to look forward to later this year is the wedding docu-soap, Stars & Vows: Anele and Buzza from Dopezuluboi Productions, which will launch on the service later this year, while BrightFire Productions are working on a brand-new dating reality show.
As Netflix moves into its second decade in South Africa, the emphasis stays on strengthening creative alliances and giving audiences access to more local worlds, working with partners such as The Bomb Shelter Film Productions on a new scripted series and a multi‑title agreement with Tshedza Pictures covering four scripted series.
To let African fans join the celebration of this ten‑year milestone, Netflix has added a dedicated row to its service titled ‘A Decade In Africa: Worth Every Watch’. The curated selection features local series and films, fan favorites from across the continent, beloved global titles popular with Netflix viewers in Africa, and works starring global talent with African heritage. The collection will be available to subscribers throughout Sub‑Saharan Africa from September through December 2026; members will see it automatically on their homepage or can visit Netflix.com/Africa10 or Netflix.com/ADecadelnAfrica.
