South African television and streaming audiences have an exceptionally strong lineup to look forward to in May 2026 across Netflix, DStv and DStv Stream. Image: Supplied
From the first African edition of Love Is Blind to the return of Londie London, Die Kantoor and Shaka iLembe, May 2026 is one of the most packed months for South African television and streaming in recent memory. Here is everything worth watching this month across Netflix, DStv Stream and DStv.
May 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months for South African television and streaming audiences in years. Between major local productions, returning international favourites and reality TV premieres, there is no shortage of things to watch. Here is your complete guide to the month ahead.
Netflix: Love Is Blind South Africa Is Coming
The biggest Netflix announcement for South African audiences in 2026 is the confirmation of Love Is Blind: South Africa — the first African edition of the global phenomenon that has produced successful adaptations in Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany and France among others. South Africa becomes the thirteenth country to host the format and the first on the African continent.
For those unfamiliar with the format, Love Is Blind follows singles who attempt to find love and form engagements without ever seeing each other face to face, testing whether emotional and intellectual connection can overcome physical attraction. The South African edition promises to bring the drama, tears and genuine romantic moments that have made the franchise a global sensation, filtered through the richness of South African culture, personality and relationship dynamics.
An official release date for Love Is Blind: South Africa had not been confirmed at the time of publication. Netflix has also confirmed Fatal Seduction Season 3 for 2026, featuring Thando Thabethe, Hope Mbhele, Lorcia Cooper Kumalo and Kevin Smith alongside returning cast members Kgomotso Christopher, Prince Grootboom and Thapelo Mokoena. The new season promises to be the most suspense-filled chapter yet of the steamy South African thriller. A release date had not been confirmed at the time of publication.
DStv: What Is New This Month
DStv’s May 2026 lineup is one of the platform’s strongest in recent memory, mixing local reality television, international drama and documentary content across multiple channels.
Life with Londie London premieres on Wednesday 21 May on Mzansi Magic. The fly-on-the-wall reality series follows singer and media personality Londie London as she rebuilds and reclaims her space in both her personal and professional life. Londie London has built a significant public following over the years and her series promises the candid, emotionally honest television that South African audiences have come to expect from Mzansi Magic’s reality offerings.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island premiered on M-Net on Tuesday 5 May, the latest international addition to the beloved Housewives franchise. Set in the affluent coastal communities of New England, the show features shifting alliances, whispered betrayals and generations-old grudges playing out against a backdrop of coastal luxury. Rhode Island joins the growing international Housewives family that South African audiences have embraced enthusiastically alongside their local counterparts.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 premieres on M-Net on Tuesday 20 May one of the most anticipated Housewives seasons of the year given the cast changes and storylines that have been teased ahead of the new season.
World War II with Tom Hanks premieres on the HISTORY channel on Monday 26 May a documentary series that promises the same quality of storytelling that Hanks has brought to Second World War related projects throughout his career.
Local Content Worth Watching Right Now
South African audiences are spoiled for choice when it comes to local content in 2026. Outlaws Season 2 is currently streaming on DStv Stream with new episodes every Monday, and airs on Saturdays at 8pm on Mzansi Magic. The contemporary Western series set on the border between Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal continues to deliver the high-octane drama that earned Season 1 seven SAFTAs including Best Telenovela. Season 2 introduces Noluthando Ngema as the new Sihle alongside new cast members Mamodibe Ramodibe and Thandolwethu Zondi.
Die Kantoor — the Afrikaans adaptation of the globally beloved workplace comedy The Office is available on DStv Stream. Filmed primarily in Afrikaans and head-written and directed by Bennie Fourie, the series brings a bold South African twist to one of the most celebrated comedy formats in television history. For fans of The Office who have not yet discovered Die Kantoor, there is no better time to start.
Shaka iLembe Season 3, the third and final chapter of the epic historical drama following the rise of the Zulu kingdom is expected to premiere on Mzansi Magic in 2026. Nomzamo Mbatha returns as Executive Producer and in her iconic role as Queen Nandi for the concluding chapter. The final season chronicles the end of Shaka’s reign — a tale of vision, power, betrayal and legacy that promises to deliver a fitting conclusion to one of South African television’s most ambitious productions.
Spinners Season 2, one of South Africa’s most internationally acclaimed dramas, is also coming in 2026. The series — the first African production ever selected in competition at Canneseries — follows Ethan as he discovers a possible way out of gang life through spinning, the extreme motorsport that has become a cultural phenomenon in South African communities.
Catch Me A Killer
If you have not yet watched Catch Me A Killer, now is the time. The South African true crime drama — which has been named the first South African series to crack the prestigious SeriesMania festival, is being described by international critics as a female Mindhunter set against a South African backdrop. Starring Charlotte Hope and a formidable ensemble cast, the series has received seven SAFTA nominations including Best TV Drama. It is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates quality South African storytelling.
A Month for South African Television
The quality of local productions currently available across DStv Stream and Netflix demonstrates that South African television has never been in better creative health. Whether you are in the mood for reality drama, historical epic, crime thriller, workplace comedy or romantic experiment, May 2026 has something worth watching. The only question is where to start.
Editors Note Release dates and platform availability referenced in this article are based on information available at the time of publication in May 2026 and are subject to change. Mzansi Today Live will update this article if significant changes to the listed schedule are confirmed.