Netflix has become the global hub for binge-worthy entertainment, but in South Africa, the platform takes on a life of its own—offering a unique fusion of homegrown brilliance and international gems.
Whether you’re into high-stakes crime thrillers, heartfelt family dramedies, or reality shows dripping with glitz and gossip, Netflix South Africa’s lineup has something to captivate every kind of viewer.
So, ready to press “Play”? Let’s dive deep into ten of the best series streaming right now on Netflix South Africa.
Best Series On Netflix South Africa
1. Blood & Water – South Africa’s Teen Drama Sensation
Genre: Teen Drama / Mystery
If there’s a crown jewel of South African Netflix originals, it’s Blood & Water. Set against the stylish backdrop of Cape Town’s elite high schools, this gripping teen drama follows Puleng Khumalo, a determined teenager who suspects that her long-lost sister—abducted at birth—might actually be one of her new classmates.
With razor-sharp dialogue, a moody soundtrack, and themes like corruption, identity, and family secrets, Blood & Water draws comparisons to elite teen dramas like Elite and Gossip Girl, but it remains fiercely South African in voice and tone. Expect lots of drama, twists, and Instagram-worthy aesthetics.
Why you’ll love it: It’s bingeable, stylish, and rich in suspense, plus it showcases incredible young South African talent.
2. Young, Famous & African – Real-Life Glam and Chaos
Genre: Reality / Drama
Ever wondered what it’s like to be fabulously famous across multiple African countries? Young, Famous & African lets you in on the secret. This glitzy reality series brings together celebrities, musicians, and influencers from Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and beyond as they mingle, love, clash, and toast to their success in Johannesburg.
Beyond the reality TV sparkle lies a fascinating look into contemporary African pop culture, with discussions on fame, love, money, and ambition all playing out over high-stakes fashion and dramatic dinner parties
Why you’ll love it: Think The Real Housewives meets Afrobeats royalty. It’s addictive, glamorous, and utterly entertaining.
3. Queen Sono – South Africa’s First Netflix Original Spy Thriller
Genre: Action / Thriller
As Netflix’s first African original series, Queen Sono kicks down doors with flair. Pearl Thusi stars as the eponymous Queen, a stylish, badass South African spy battling criminal syndicates while also grappling with her mother’s mysterious past.
The series blends adrenaline-pumping action with complex storytelling and doesn’t shy away from political undertones, addressing themes like post-apartheid corruption and pan-African unity. What sets Queen Sono apart is its nuanced look at African power dynamics—all wrapped in slick cinematography and top-tier action sequences.
Why you’ll love it: It’s a spy show with real heart and strong African storytelling—plus plenty of gadgets and espionage thrills.
4. Kings of Jo’Burg – Supernatural Crime Family Drama
Genre: Crime / Fantasy / Thriller
Created by the late Shona Ferguson, Kings of Jo’Burg mixes the gritty underworld of Johannesburg’s criminal elite with elements of African mythology. At its heart is the Masire family—brothers who rule the city’s crime empire. But their power comes with a curse: a secret supernatural force that must be fed.
This series is bold, dramatic, and refuses to follow conventional genre lines. With stunning visuals and dark themes of betrayal, legacy, and sacrifice, it offers something truly different.
Why you’ll love it: If you like your crime stories with a mystical twist, this one’s for you.
5. How to Ruin Christmas – Comedy, Chaos & Family Feels
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Nothing says “South African holiday season” quite like this outrageous dramedy. Each season of How to Ruin Christmas revolves around Tumi Sello, a sarcastic and deeply flawed heroine who manages to derail major family events with hilariously disastrous consequences—be it a wedding, a funeral, or a baby shower.
With sharp humor, rich cultural references, and heartwarming family dynamics, the series is a comedic rollercoaster that also explores deeper themes like generational trauma, sibling rivalry, and the meaning of love.
Why you’ll love it: It’s relatable, funny, and will make you laugh out loud while reaching for tissues by the end.
6. Diamond City – A Legal Drama That Hits Home
Genre: Legal Drama / Thriller
Diamond City offers a gritty, nuanced look into the South African justice system. The protagonist, a principled prosecutor, finds herself accused of a crime and must navigate the very system she once upheld to prove her innocence.
It’s a powerful portrait of justice, power, and systemic failure, seen through a distinctly South African lens. Think How to Get Away With Murder—but grounded in local politics, legal corruption, and personal resilience.
Why you’ll love it: It’s an emotional, high-stakes drama with courtroom tension and plenty of social relevance.
7. Tjovitjo – Dance, Pain, and Township Grit
Genre: Dance / Drama
Few shows capture the soul of South Africa like Tjovitjo. This raw, visually striking series focuses on a group of pantsula dancers in a rural township who are trying to survive, dream, and stay out of trouble. Told with minimal dialogue and striking visual storytelling, it’s a poetic look into poverty, masculinity, and the catharsis of art.
Dance isn’t just entertainment here—it’s rebellion, therapy, and expression. The performance sequences are deeply moving, elevated by a haunting soundtrack and inspired choreography.
Why you’ll love it: It’s a masterpiece of mood and movement—gritty, artistic, and emotionally charged.
8. Dead Places – Spooky African Legends Come to Life
Genre: Paranormal / Horror / Mystery
If ghost stories give you goosebumps (in a good way), Dead Places will keep you on edge. The show follows Will Stone, a travel writer who investigates haunted places across South Africa, trying to make sense of his own traumatic childhood along the way.
Each episode dives into different South African urban legends and spiritual beliefs, making the series feel like a tour of the country’s mythic underbelly. It’s creepy, thrilling, and steeped in local folklore that rarely gets this kind of spotlight.
Why you’ll love it: Paranormal chills plus authentic African mythology.
9. Justice Served – A Courtroom Drama with a Revolutionary Twist
Genre: Legal Thriller / Social Justice
Justice Served opens with a shocking hostage situation at a trial for a white police officer accused of killing a Black man. A revolutionary group storms the courtroom, demanding justice—and televises the “new” trial to the public.
With tension that builds from the first second, the series examines race, justice, media manipulation, and the moral gray areas of activism. It holds a mirror to South Africa’s unresolved tensions, making it both powerful and provocative.
Why you’ll love it: It’s socially relevant, pulse-pounding, and impossible to pause once it starts.
10. New Girl – A Global Comfort Sitcom Worth Rewatching
Genre: Comedy / Sitcom
Yes, New Girl is American. And yes, it has nothing to do with South African society. But this show rocks! It is a quirky sitcom about roommates navigating adulthood has become a comfort show for many across the world, including viewers in South Africa.
Its witty writing, lovable oddball characters (Jess, Nick, Schmidt, anyone?), and endless meme-worthy moments make it a favorite for those days when life gets a bit too serious. Sometimes, you need a break from drama, and New Girl delivers a perfect reset.
Why you’ll love it: Light, funny, and full of heart—it’s the TV equivalent of comfort food.
Related:
- Top 10 Best Luxury SUVs In South Africa
- Top 10 Fastest Products To Sell From Home In South Africa
- Best Movies On Netflix South Africa
- Top 10 Richest Actors in South Africa
Closing
What’s incredible about Netflix in South Africa is how it balances global blockbusters with authentic African voices. Shows like Queen Sono, Blood & Water, and Kings of Jo’Burg aren’t just thrilling—they’re trailblazers, carving out space for African stories in the global entertainment ecosystem.
So whether you’re settling in for a dramatic night of espionage, indulging in a weekend of laughs, or diving deep into the dance and dreams of township life, there is always something to tickle your fancy.