Netflix. Picture: Wired2Tech
Netflix has marked a decade in South Africa by announcing a new slate of local series and films at a press showcase in Rosebank, Johannesburg.
Since its 2016 launch, the streaming service has partnered with more than 30 local production companies, supporting over 8,000 jobs and helping South African stories reach global audiences.
Showcase
The showcase brought together Netflix executives, filmmakers and on‑screen talent to reflect on 10 years of South African productions and preview the next wave of titles heading to screens worldwide.
Ben Amadasun, VP of Content for Netflix Middle East and Africa, said the milestone was about sustaining momentum:
“Ten years ago, we set out to share South African stories and voices with the world. Today, we are proud to strengthen our partnership with the local creative industry and continue creating stories that will entertain our members in South Africa and around the world.”
Local impact
Since debuting in South Africa, Netflix has commissioned or acquired more than 300 local titles. Productions such as Blood and Water, Young, Famous & African, Silverton Siege, How to Ruin Christmas, Kings of Joburg, and most recently Umthetho have showcased local talent and expanded the reach of African storytelling.
Some titles have achieved global traction. The Johannesburg‑filmed The Polygamist drew over 24 million views in its first weeks, reaching the Top 10 in 62 countries and ranking #1 in 21.
Based on Sue Nyathi’s 2012 novel, the series also boosted book sales, tripling demand more than a decade after publication.
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What’s coming next
Netflix confirmed returning favourites including Blood Legacy Season 2 (launching 25 September), Seriously Single Too, Another Disaster Holiday, Tuiskoms Season 2, Marked Season 2, and Meet the Khumalos 2.
New projects
- How to Ruin Diwali: Meet The Parents (launching 30 October), produced by Burnt Onion Productions with Jayan Moodley, exploring family and cultural clashes through comedy.
- Love is Blind: South Africa, hosted by Dineo and Zothile ‘Solo Ntsizwa’ Langa, produced by afrOkaans.
- Stars & Vows: Anele and Buzza, a wedding docu‑soap from Dopezuluboi Productions.
- A new dating reality show from BrightFire Productions.
Netflix also announced deeper collaborations with The Bomb Shelter Film Productions and Tshedza Pictures, including a multi‑title scripted partnership.
Looking ahead
Amadasun said the focus remains on building long‑term creative relationships
“Our slate ahead keeps that ambition alive with the addition of established names alongside bold new production partners across genres from unscripted to thrillers, family dramas and comedy.”
Milestone
To mark the milestone, Netflix has launched a curated collection titled “A Decade in Africa: Worth Every Watch”, featuring South African favourites, continental hits, and global titles with African roots.
The collection will be available to members across Sub‑Saharan Africa from September through December 2026.
Netflix’s 10‑year milestone in South Africa highlights both the scale of its investment and the global appetite for local storytelling.
By focusing on returning series, new cultural comedies, and reality formats, the platform is positioning South African creators at the centre of its next decade while acknowledging the challenges of sustaining growth and diversity in the industry.
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