Real Housewives of Nairobi reality show featuring Susan Kaittany, Vera Sidika, Sonal Maherali, Minne Kariuki, and Lisa Christoffersen.
Showmax has long been regarded as a major supporter of local productions, offering African creators a platform on which to share authentic stories with both local and global audiences.
With millions reportedly invested in growing the platform and producing original content, the restructuring raises important questions about the future of African streaming and the opportunities available to filmmakers. Where will African stories find their next home?
As the industry evolves, the conversation highlights the concerns and hopes that African creativity and storytelling will continue to thrive, regardless of platform changes.
Canal+ last week said the decision followed a “comprehensive review" by the board aimed at strengthening its overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an “increasingly competitive streaming environment”.
Popular lineup of shows on Showmax.
According to actress, writer and producer Shirleen Wangari, it is a tricky time for the creatives. Showmax TV series employed many people that they now have to figure out how to create sustainable jobs for the thousands of creatives.
“If we wait for external forces to come to the rescue, there is likely to be some very tough days ahead. We need our own to commission and license movies and TV series,” she said.
Over the last five years, Showmax has produced at least 27 Kenyan shows, including “Single Kiasi”, “Igiza”, “County 49”, “The Real Housewives of Nairobi” and “Subterranea”, among others, helping to showcase Kenyan talent on a continental stage.
Faith Kibathi, Minne Kariuki and Gathoni Mutua the cast of "Single Kiasi".
“Showmax gave a chance for African storytellers to use their style, feel, people, and talents,” a Kenyan filmmaker, Chris Spencer Muigai adds.
Although this marks the end of an era for the platform, there's no need to put down the remote just yet. While it did not give a specific date, in an email sent to subscribers, MultiChoice confirmed that “the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future” following a comprehensive review.
“Importantly, there will be no interruption to your current service at the moment. You can continue streaming as usual and no action is required from you at this time,” Showmax said in a statement.
The streamer emphasised that its users remain a top priority and that they are currently working on a transition plan to ensure clear communication and a smooth experience when the final day arrives.
Streaming platforms are increasingly demanding sharper scripts, more polished cinematography and stronger storytelling. With larger budgets and broader distribution, many Kenyan filmmakers have started producing content that can compete with international productions.
Guests during the relaunch of Showmax in Kenya on May 8, 2024, at Sankara, Nairobi.
For this young and ambitious industry, Showmax emerged as a crucial stepping stone — and, at times, the dream client that reliably pays on time.
The immediate impact will likely be felt by those working in Kenya’s film and television industry.
Streaming platforms do more than distribute content; they finance productions, commission projects and buy completed films. Losing one of the largest buyers of local work could mean fewer films and series in the months ahead.
For young filmmakers, this narrows opportunities. For actors and crews who depend on these projects for income, uncertainty is unsettling. One minute, they’re rehearsing lines, the next, refreshing their inboxes for updates that may never come.
“And so yet again, Africa is on the receiving end of multinational restructuring. Amazon left, while Netflix is unknown, Showmax has left, and Paramount Africa also left. Tough times ahead,” said Producer Kevin Njue.
Actor Sybil Colette, known for her roles on Showmax productions such as “Jiji”, “Igiza” and “Crime & Justice”, also lamented on what is happening, saying, “What is going on at Showmax? We as filmmakers deserve to know why there are plans to discontinue the service and what it means for the industry. An email is not enough.”
Unlike the others who are wondering what will happen next, actor Keith Chuaga says that he is happy he had the chance to be in numerous Showmax productions in the last five years.
“I think I probably have the most shows (appearances b any actor in Kenya) on that station[sic], all very popular shows and characters. And please know one thing, to be clear, I am positive about it and I am grateful for the journey. I'm grateful for all the people I’ve worked with; this is very important to me,” he says.
“From the broadcast side, the commissioning editors of the shows, all the people at Showmax, and all the production people — because a lot of good work came from it. So, for me, I am not afraid. I know something (else) will pop up.”
The Real Housewives of Nairobi cast from left to right, Sonal Maherali, Minne Kariuki, Vera Sidika, Lisa Christoffersen and Susan Kaittany during the premiere of the show at Windsor Golf Hotel. Real Housewives of Nairobi will air exclusively on Showmax. Photo | Pool
Popular Showmax titles may continue under MultiChoice platforms. “Single Kiasi” and “The Real Housewives of Nairobi” could be rebranded, following the example of “The Real Housewives of Lagos”, which moved from Showmax to Africa Magic for its third season.
New Showmax Originals now appear on linear channels just days after streaming, including Kenya’s “Mizani” and South Africa’s “Law, Love and Betrayal”.
However, Kenya’s film industry has always been defined by resilience and creativity. As one door closes, another usually opens, sometimes after a dramatic pause worthy of a film scene.
For the storytellers, actors and producers who continue to push boundaries, the challenge is clear: They must find the next stage on which Kenyan stories can shine.
Beyond content, MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has also played a role in building talent in Africa. The initiative has trained over 360 filmmakers since 2018, providing fully funded 12-month programs that include stipends and production resources at no cost to the students.
Showmax was launched in South Africa in 2015, subsequently expanding into 44 markets across sub-Saharan Africa. In February 2024, the platform was relaunched as part of a new partnership between MultiChoice Group (MCG) and Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky. The aim was to “revolutionise streaming” in Africa.
The deal gave NBCUniversal a 30 per cent stake in Showmax, with a combined investment of $309 million (Sh39.9 billion) from MCG and NBCUniversal. According to Variety, legal matters between Canal+ and NBCUniversal are still being resolved.
On its March 11, 2026, earnings call, Canal+ outlined its strategy for expanding in Africa following its acquisition of MultiChoice in late 2025.
The group reported one of its strongest years in 15 years in French-speaking Africa, reaching 9.7 million subscribers by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, MultiChoice lost 500,000 subscribers, revenue fell 6 per cent.
Rosemary Waweru, Avril Nyambura and Fatma Mohammed in a scene in 'Faithless', a Showmax Kenyan crime drama set in the aftermath of a heist gone bad.
To revive growth in MultiChoice markets, Canal+ unveiled a €100 million (Sh14.9 billion) plan for 2026. Key initiatives include lower entry costs, broader distribution, simplified pricing and product offerings, and an expanded on-the-ground sales push. The company also emphasised that satellite services will remain important across much of sub-Saharan Africa, even as it develops a longer-term app-based strategy.
With Showmax gone, MultiChoice will now rely on DStv and GOtv in Kenya, featuring Maisha Magic Plus and Maisha Magic East, channels heavy on telenovelas and comedies. Critics question whether they can fill the premium content gap left by Showmax.
Canal+, on their part, aim to boost high-end African productions like Shaka iLembe and Spinners, both from South Africa, exporting content globally through StudioCanal. Spinners season two and the final season of Shaka iLembe are set for 2026. Canal+ also announced its first M-Net–StudioCanal co-production is underway in Cape Town.
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