Kenyan streaming giant Showmax has revealed its 2024 viewing data, highlighting the top 10 most-watched productions on the platform. Local content made a significant impact, standing out alongside international hits such as House of the Dragon, winner of the 2023 Golden Globe for Best TV Drama, and South Africa’s acclaimed reality show The Real Housewives of Durban.
Showmax’s statistics confirm that homegrown series and documentaries are not only resonating with local audiences but also gaining international recognition. Among the standout titles is the Nick Mutuma-directed series Big Girl, Small World. The 13-episode show, starring newcomers June Njenga and Daine Njuguna as Ciku and Aisha, earned rave reviews at the 2024 Dakar Séries Festival. It won Best Short Series, Best Actress (June Njenga), and Best Editing awards, cementing its place as one of the most celebrated Kenyan productions.
Another noteworthy addition is the documentary Nilichoma, produced by Ahmed Deen, which delves into the lives of local personalities who squandered sudden financial windfalls. Deen explained to KBC Digital, “Nilichoma is a collection of dreams that turned into nightmares. These stories are filled with lessons that resonate with many.” The documentary captivated viewers by showcasing the highs and lows of unexpected wealth.
The series Nai-Rich also emerged as a top contender, offering a gripping portrayal of Nairobi’s social elite. Other popular titles include Njoro wa Uba, Jiji, Second Family, Single Kiasi, and The Last Door.
The full list of the most-streamed local productions on Showmax in 2024, presented alphabetically, includes:
- Big Girl Small World
- Jiji
- Nai-Rich
- Nilichoma
- Njoro wa Uba
- Second Family
- Single Kiasi
- The Last Door
- The Real Housewives of Nairobi
- Untying Kantai
This dominance of Kenyan content underscores the growing appeal and quality of the country’s creative industry, which continues to thrive both locally and on global stages.