Modern African Storytelling has evolved from perpetuating negative stereotypes of the African continent to telling real African stories through Music, Visual Arts, Movies, Fashion, and TV Shows; thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, that has given African Filmmakers a blank Cheque to showcase their best works to the world. There are several African TV Shows on Netflix, and we have curated them for you, so, when next you turn on your Netflix App, you already know what to watch, and they are all currently on Netflix.
Africa is one of the largest markets for entertainment globally in Africa, and Netflix has keyed into Africa’s content Goldmine. Before now, or at the early inception of Netflix, the main contents on the service were; European, Asian, and American. However, the streaming service decided in its own best interest to take cognizance of the huge African television content market and bring various contents from different parts of the African continent aboard.
Additionally, African TV Shows and movies are a favorite amongst people of different races; and as such, if you are black, white, or Asian, and you are searching for the best TV shows out of the African continent; we have taken up the task to help you streamline 15 of the best African TV Shows on Netflix for your viewing pleasure, upon ourselves.
Without any further ado, and in no particular order, here are the 15 Best African TV Shows on Netflix, which cuts across South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Queen Sono
- Country: South Africa
- Directors:Kagiso Lediga andTebogo Malope
- Languages: English (predominantly), Xhosa, Shona, Zulu
- Year: 2020
- Cast:Pearl Thusi,James Ngcobo,Abigail Kubeka, Vuyo Dabula,Sechaba Morojele,Chi Mhende
This TV show is Netflix’s first African Original Series. A crime drama series premiered on the 28th of February 2020, Queen Sono’s arrival on Netflix was met with critical acclaim and pump and pageantry. Critics praised the performance, cinematography, production, storyline, and overall feel of the production. With currently only one season, which consists of 6 episodes, Queen Sono chronicles the life of a secret agent in South Africa, who battles with her personal life as she deals with crime in her city. This show is definitely one of the best African TV shows on Netflix.
This series was renewed for a second season by Netflix, however, due to Covid restrictions that have affected productions, Netflix paused/reversed production on season 2.
Are you intrigued? Watch Here
Journey of an African Colony
- Country: Nigeria
- Year: 2019
- Director: BB Shasore
- Language: English
- Cast: Real Nigerian People
Based on real-life events, against the backdrop of Nigeria’s Precolonial and post-colonial history, Journey Of An African Colony, The Making Of Nigeria, is a seven-episode documentary series that was released on Netflix on the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence. Journey of an African colony is based on two books by Olasupo Shasore, a retired attorney general and commissioner for justice in Nigeria. This film series, narrated by the director, is somewhat a visual encyclopedia of the aftermath of the slave trade, colonialism, and even the Nigerian civil war in present-day Nigeria.
Delving into the stories of the heroes both recognized and unsung, this film series elicited many emotions across the audience and earned a place on one of the best African TV shows on Netflix. It generated lots of conversations on social media about Nigerian history.
Do you want to know how you would feel about the Journey of an African colony? Take your own journey here.
Blood & Water
- Country: South Africa
- Year: 2020
- Directors:Nosipho Dumisa, Daryne Joshua, and Travis Taute
- Cast: Nasty C, Amamkele Qamata, Khosi Ngema, Gail Mabalane, Thabang Molaba, Dillon Windvogel
- Language: English
With an 80% rating on rotten tomatoes, Blood and water is another Netflix original. This show premiered in May 2020 on Netflix, and by June 2020, it was renewed for a second season. Revolving around the life of a young high school girl whose sister was kidnapped shortly after birth by a human trafficking ring, Blood and water is one of the best African TV shows on Netflix. It mirrors teen years, family, secrets, and puzzles of life. This show is a favorite amongst teens and young people, as it explores the day-to-day life of young people in urban and suburban South Africa.
You definitely should get a taste of blood and water over here.
Sons of the Caliphate
- Country: Nigeria
- Year: 2016
- Language: English
- Director: Kenneth Gyang
- Cast: Sani Mu’azu, Rahma Sadau, Patrick Doyle, Yakubu Mohamed, Paul Sambo
Originally airing on Ebonylive TV in 2016, with an exclusive airing of its season two on Netflix, Sons Of The Caliphate is a Nigerian political thriller. Centered on the lives of three ambitious, rich, entitled, but passionate young men, this thriller and political conspiracy series is set in northern Nigeria; and it delves into the labyrinths of family, loyalty, power tussle, and politics.
Do you want a feel of power? Then check this show out!
Kings of Jo’burg
- Country: South Africa
- Language: English
- Cast: Micheal Anthony, Shona Ferguson, Zolisa Xaluva, Cindy Mahlangu, Thembi Seete, Tsholofelo Matshaba,
- Year: 2020
- Director: Shona Ferguson
Kings of Jo’burg is a tale of two brothers who rule the criminal underworld yet are tangled in a family curse. This TV show combines crime, family, Brotherhood, and the supernatural to show a modern yet mystic appeal. Premiering on Netflix in 2020, this Crime thriller should be on your list of Best African TV shows to binge-watch on Netflix.
Check the kings out, Here.
Castle & Castle
- Year: 2018
- Country: Nigeria
- Director: Kayode Kasum
- Cast: Richard Mofe-Damijo, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Dakore Egbuson, Bimbo Manuel, Eku Edewor, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Denola Grey
- Language: English
As Africa’s first legal series, this legal drama first aired on EbonyliveTV in 2018; however, it became available on Netflix and is currently on Netflix. Season two of this show has been renewed by Netflix, and lovers of this legal drama series are very eager. Chronicling the life of a well-established couple who own a law firm, this TV show experiments on the values of marriage and career and how a successful couple in their legal profession can handle different sides of the law and keep their marriage intact.
Do you need some entertaining knowledge on legal proceedings? Then go right ahead!
40 and Single
- Country: Ghana
- Year: 2018
- Director: Leila Djansi
- Cast: John Dumelo, Marie Humbert, John Savage, Vanessa A Williams, Leon Robinson
- Language: English
First Released on AMC in 2018, 40 and Single is the story of a biracial queer woman, who is independent, yet has to deal with colorism and race as she pulls through life, relationships, and her business in Accra. This show is currently on Netflix, and you should definitely check it out.
How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding
- Country: South Africa
- Year: 2020
- Language: English, Tswana
- Director: Johnny Barbuzano
- Cast: Busi Lurayi, Yonda Thomas, Thando Thabethe, Sandile Vincent Mahlangu, Motlatsi Mafatshe
This hilarious show which premiered in 2020 on Netflix, has got viewers asking for a season 2. Based on the life of a prodigal daughter and the effects of her behavior on her only sibling and her entire family, How To Ruin Christmas: The wedding is a comic story with strong roots in family, love, choice, and freedom. With a 93 percent rating on rotten tomatoes, this show is definitely one of the best African TV shows currently on Netflix, and we are all waiting for a season 2.
Catch Up on season one whilst you grab your popcorn handy in hopes of renewal.
Fifty (The Series)
- Year: 2017
- Country: Nigeria
- Cast: Ireti Doyle, Chris Attoh, Dakore Egbuson, Timini Egbuson, Keira Hewatch, Omoni Oboli, Wale Ojo
- Directors: Alby James, Debo Olawatuminu
- Language: English
A spin-off from a movie with the same title( Fifty), this drama revolves around the lives of four pivotal women as they deal with their career, their families, and the consequences of their life choices, starring them in the face as they approach the age of fifty. This drama series is filled with intrigues, scandals, and a peek into the life of older career-driven society women.
If you care to snoop around the lives of some Lagos “Big ladies,”; Fifty would be a good place to start.
Meet the Adebanjos
- Year: 2012
- Country: United Kingdom
- Director: Debra Odutuyo
- Cast: Wale Ojo, Yetunde Oduwole, Andrea Ama Aboagye, Daniel Davids, David Erdos, Tolulope Ogunmefun, Moji Bamtefa
- Language: English
Although Set In the United Kingdom, Meet the Adebanjos is a hilarious comedy sitcom centered on the life of a Nigerian family in the United Kingdom and the struggles of the father of the house to instill African values in his already modernized British household. Currently, U.k’s Number One British African Sitcom, meet the Adebanjos started in 2011 as a self-funded web series. It soon garnered viewership amongst the African community in the U.K. By 2014, its season 2 aired on U.k’s OHTV and then Africa Magic. Its viewership spread to other African countries, and by 2019, Netflix acquired the sitcom. Meet the Adebanjos is definitely a must-watch and one of the best African TV shows on Netflix.
You can watch all 50 episodes of this multiple Award-winning Sitcom Here.
Sakho & Mangane
- Country: Senegal
- Language: French
- Year: 2019
- Cast: Issaka Sawadogo, Christiane Dumont, Christophe Guybet, Fatou-Elise Ba, Ricky Tribord, Yann Gael
- Directors: Hubert Laba Ndao, Jean Luc Herbulot, Toumani Sangare
When a ritual murder occurs in the city of Dakar, two radical cops with entirely different crime-fighting methods must work together as they come face to face with black magic and supernatural forces on their quest to unravel the mysterious crime. Directed by three different directors from Mali, Senegal, and Congo, Sakho and mangane, this is a gripping, action-packed Senegalese crime series with touches of African spiritual myths.
If you love a French cocktail of crime and black magic, head over here.
JIVA!
- Country: South Africa
- Year: 2020
- Language: English
- Directors:Scottnes L. Smith, Mandla Dube, and Mmambatho Montsho.
- Cast: Noxolo Dlamini, Tony kgoroge, Sne Mbatha, Candice Modiselle, Stella Dlangalala
Jiva! is the fifth Netflix original African series, and it is a mix of dance and drama. A blend of groovy South African music, Dance and intrigues, Jiva! Tells the story of a talented street dancer who finds solace and hope in her skills, as she figures out that dance could be her way out of her toxic job, family struggles, stressful love life, and her ticket to a comfortable life in the city.
If you are looking to learn some South African dance steps, then here you go!
Heart & Soul
- Country: Nigeria
- Year: 2020
- Language: English
- Director: Obi Emelonye
- Cast: Phoenix Ezendu, Anthony Monjaro, Adekola Amoo, Chioma Adibe, Ijeoma Richards
Heart & Soul is Africa’s first medical thriller series. This show chronicles the life and experiences of a young medical doctor who leaves New York and starts a job at a hospital in Lagos, only to be faced with treating medical cases that cause him to reevaluate his beliefs and medical knowledge.
This clash of faith, science, and the supernatural is a recommended Medical intrigue for you.
Agent
- Country: Mauritius, South Africa
- Year: 2019
- Languages: English, French
- Director: Athos Kyriakides
- Cast: Khumbulani Kay Sibiya, Sisanda Henna, Anthony Oseyemi
Just in case you have ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of soccer, especially the business side of the sport, Agent is a show on Netflix that reveals the labyrinths surrounding the business of soccer. With a cast drawn from several African countries; South Africa, France, Cote d’Ivoire, UK, Nigeria, and Mauritius, Agent is a show that reveals the glamorous yet fierce sides of African Soccer.
If you are a soccer fan, take a peek into the fictional depiction of the behind-the-scenes of the game itself.
Awon Boyz
- Country: Nigeria
- Year: 2019
- Cast: Real-Life People
- Languages: Pidgin English, English, Yoruba
- Director: Tolulope Itegboje
Arriving On Netflix, two years after its premiere in 2019, Awon Boyz is a documentary TV show that has earned its place as one of the best African TV shows on Netflix. Shot in the slums of Lagos, Nigeria, this documentary series tells the untold stories of hustlers, gangsters, and street boys otherwise known as Agberos or Area Boys.Awon Boyz delivers an epic journey into the lives of the young men regarded as street urchins to unravel the circumstances surrounding their situation and their outlook on their present life. This documentary tells the stories of life on the streets, failed dreams, and hunger for hope.
Want an insight into the lives of the undocumented? Watch Awon Boyz
FAQs
What Netflix series is based in Africa? ›
The feature adaptation of Wole Soyinka's 'Death and The King's Horseman,' a supernatural drama inspired by African folklore and an Afrikaans series starring Arnold Vosloo are among the streamer's upcoming projects.
What's the top 10 series on Netflix right now? ›- The Walking Dead season 11 (2010) 79 % ...
- Vikings: Valhalla season 2 (2022) 70 % ...
- Lockwood & Co. season 1 (2023) ...
- Women at War (2022) 7.5/10. ...
- New Amsterdam season 2 (2018) 63 % ...
- Wednesday season 1 (2022) Trailer. ...
- New Amsterdam season 1 (2018) 63 % ...
- Ginny & Georgia season 1 (2021)
During the first half of 2022, Netflix has debuted African content including South African action film Silverton Siege; soapy drama series Savage Beauty; a first series licensed from Kenya, Country Queen, the first Netflix-owned Nigerian series Blood Sisters; South African crime documentary Senzo: Murder Of A Soccer ...
What's popular on Netflix South Africa? ›...
Top 10 By Country.
| # | TV in South Africa | Weeks in Top 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kings of Jo'Burg: Season 2 | 1 |
| 2 | Ginny & Georgia: Season 2 | 4 |
| 3 | The Sinner: Season 4: Percy | 2 |
...
Estimated number of Netflix subscriptions in Africa by the end of 2021 and 2026 (in millions)
- Stranger Things Season 4. Netflix. ...
- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. Netflix. ...
- Wednesday. VLAD CIOPLEANetflix. ...
- Bridgerton Season 2. LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX. ...
- Bridgerton Season 1. LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX. ...
- Stranger Things Season 3. Netflix. ...
- Lucifer Season 5. JOHN P. ...
- The Witcher Season 1.
- Squid Game (season 1), a Korean survival thriller -- 1.65 billion hours.
- Stranger Things (season 4), a retro sci-fi series -- 1.35 billion hours.
- Wednesday, a coming-of-age supernatural dark comedy -- 1.24 billion hours.
| # | TV (English) | Hours viewed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ginny & Georgia: Season 2 | 55,610,000 |
| 2 | Wednesday: Season 1 | 35,860,000 |
| 3 | Ginny & Georgia: Season 1 | 31,140,000 |
| 4 | That '90s Show: Season 1 | 26,250,000 |
What was the most popular Netflix show in 2022? The most popular worldwide titles were 'Squid Game', a Korean survival drama, and 'Money heist', a Spanish heist drama.
Are there any African movies on Netflix? ›- Shanty Town.
- I Am All Girls.
- Before Valentine's.
- Young, Famous & African.
- Kings of Jo'Burg.
- The Plan.
- Aki and Paw Paw.
- Blood & Water.
What is the best series on Netflix currently 2022? ›
- Stranger Things season 4 (1.87 billion hours)
- Wednesday season 1 (1.314 billion hours)
- Dahmer (962.4 million hours)
- Bridgerton season 2 (775.2 million hours)
- All of Us Are Dead season 1 (659.5 million hours)
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo (662 million hours)
- Inventing Anna (654.5 million hours)
- Lady Chatterley's Lover.
- The Next 365 Days.
- No Limit.
- Closer.
- Deadly Illusions.
- MILF.
- 365 Days: This Day.
- 365 Days.
| # | Films (English) | Hours viewed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You People | 55,650,000 |
| 2 | Inheritance | 11,550,000 |
| 3 | Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery | 9,670,000 |
| 4 | Puss in Boots | 6,010,000 |
- Wednesday.
- The Walking Dead.
- Breaking Bad.
- Stranger Things.
- Manifest.
- Virgin River.
- La Reina del Sur.
- Orange Is the New Black.
Plans range from US$6,99 to US$19,99 a month. No extra costs, no contracts. What's different on Basic with ads?
Is there any Afrikaans series on Netflix? ›The show is so dense and there's so much going on.” The poster for 'Ludik'. It's also, as Meas reminds us, “The first Netflix show in Afrikaans, going out to 190 countries around the world.
What country has the best Netflix right now? ›In 2021, Japan received the best Netflix catalog score of “100,” which is the highest a streaming service can receive.
Is Netflix free in Africa? ›Netflix has gone free in Africa – specifically in Kenya – where users can watch as much as a quarter of the video streaming service, without ads, in a striking move that ups the ante for rivals like MultiChoice's Showmax.
What countries have no Netflix? ›- China.
- Crimea.
- North Korea.
- Russia.
- Syria.
...
Number of subscribers of Netflix and MultiChoice's Showmax in Africa in 2021 (in 1,000)
What is the most liked movie on Netflix? ›
- "Red Notice" is Netflix's biggest original movie ever, with 364 million hours watched in its first month.
- "Glass Onion" is the most recent addition to the list, bumping "The Gray Man" to No.
Most watched broadcasts of all time
Of the 32 most-watched broadcasts, 30 are Super Bowls. Super Bowl XLIX, with 114.4 million viewers, is number one.
- 8 All in the Family (40.2 Million)
- 7 The Cosby Show (44.4 million)
- 6 Magnum P.I. (50.7 million)
- 5 Friends (52.5 million)
- 4 Seinfeld (76.3 million)
- 3 The Fugitive (78 million)
- 2 Cheers (80.4 million)
- 1 M*A*S*H (105 million)
- 01 – Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
- 02 – Stranger Things (2016)
- 03 – The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
- 04 – Money Heist (2017–2021)
- 05 –Mirzapur (2011–2019)
- 06 – Squid Game.
- 07 – Vikings (2013–2020)
- 08 – Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
1. Atlantics (2019) - Senegal/France/Belgium.
What is the most viewed African movie on Netflix? ›Kindly share this story: Anikulapo, a Netflix original movie produced and directed by veteran actor, Kunle Afolayan, is currently topping the Netflix weekly global chart as the most viewed non-English Netflix original movie.
What Nigerian movies are trending Netflix? ›- The Trade (2023): 5-star review.
- Anikulapo (2022): 5-star review.
- Brotherhood (2022): 5-star review.
- The Setup 2 (2022): 5-star review.
- King Of Thieves (Agesinkole): 5-star review.
- Blood Sisters: 5-star review.
- King Of Boys 2: 5-star review.
As detailed below, audiences viewed 52 billion minutes of Stranger Things in 2022, the highest yearly total since COVID lockdowns led audiences to binge 57.1. billion minutes of The Office back in 2020.
What is the top most watched series in 2022? ›If we go by which shows were searched the most on IMDb, Netflix's Stranger Things came out on top, with HBO's House of the Dragon taking the number two spot. When it comes to the most pirated shows of 2022, House of the Dragon was in first, followed by The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
What is the most viewed movie on Netflix 2022? ›- The Gray Man. The Adam Project. Netflix.
- The Adam Project. Hearts. Netflix.
- Purple Hearts. Hustle. Netflix.
- Hustle. The Tinder Swindler. Netflix.
- The Tinder Swindler. The Sea Beast. Netflix.
- The Sea Beast. Enola Holmes 2. Netflix.
- Enola Holmes 2. Year. Netflix.
- Senior Year. The Man From Toronto. Netflix.
How do I see hidden movies on Netflix? ›
To explore these collections — ordering off the secret menu, if you will — all you need to do is fire up your web browser, type in “netflix.com/browse/genre/” and then add your ID code of choice to the end of the URL.
What is the first African series on Netflix? ›Netflix's First African Reality Show, Young, Famous & African set to launch March 18. Mark your calendars and set those reminders for the 18th of March 2022 as Netflix will premiere its inaugural African reality show entitled Young, Famous & African.
What Netflix show is set in Cape Town? ›After crossing paths at a party, a Cape Town teen sets out to prove whether a private-school swimming star is her sister who was abducted at birth. Watch all you want. Award-winning South African director Nosipho Dumisa leads a talented cast of teens in this tense mystery-drama series.
What movie is set in Africa 2022? ›Escape Through Africa (2022) - IMDb.
What is the #1 Netflix series right now? ›The Top 10 Shows on Netflix Right Now (Including the #1 Show 'New Amsterdam')
What is the number 1 series on Netflix? ›| # | TV (English) | Hours viewed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ginny & Georgia: Season 2 | 55,610,000 |
| 2 | Wednesday: Season 1 | 35,860,000 |
| 3 | Ginny & Georgia: Season 1 | 31,140,000 |
| 4 | That '90s Show: Season 1 | 26,250,000 |
Netflix's first Afrikaans title Ludik is set to burst onto screens globally on 26 August 2022.
What was Netflix show set in Key West? ›Islamorada was a place I wasn't familiar with until I became hooked on the Netflix original series Bloodline. This gripping family drama and thriller is set in the Florida Keys, filmed primarily in Islamorada. The locations are such an integral part of the show, it's like the Keys themselves are a main character.
What is Netflix filming in Savannah Ga? ›SAVANNAH, Ga. —
A Netflix movie starring Chris Evans (Avengers: Endgame) and Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place) is in production across the Savannah area. On Monday and Tuesday, the film shot on Tybee Island's South Beach. Tuesday morning, Blunt was also spotted filming scenes at the Traveler's Inn on Ogeechee Road.
South Africa is no doubt producing some of the best movies in Africa and in the world. In fact, the industry is one of the most cinematically prolific countries, producing breathtaking Sci-fi and other great movies that tell the African story in a unique way.
What Disney movie is based in Africa? ›
The closest animation film whose plot unfolds on the African continent is The Prince of Egypt.
Will there be an African Disney movie? ›Sadé is an upcoming live-action fairy tale film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It tells the story of an African princess, based on an original idea by Ola Shokunbi and Lindsey Reed Palmer. Rick Famuyiwa is attached to produce the film, while Scott Falconer will serve as executive producer.