Here are the top ten South African reality shows you should know about.
Do you ever have lazy days? We mean days when you just want to kick back, relax, and watch something on TV. Something that isn’t a movie. Maybe even a reality TV series that would make you laugh, smile, scream, or even cry.
Mzansi has got a lot of them. From singing shows to cooking shows and whatnot, Mzansi television always delivers. If you haven’t found any interesting ones to watch, you might want to check out this list. Here are ten of the best that you might have heard about.
1. Idols SA
We will open the floor and say that this show has been canceled after being on for many years. It features talented singers from all over South Africa who compete for a cash prize, a car, and a record deal. Viewers vote for their favorite singers to win. Networks: Mzansi Magic, M-Net and kykNET.
2. Come Dine With Me SA
This hit show follows four strangers as they visit each other’s homes for dinner. They try to impress their guests with their culinary and hospitality skills. There is a cash prize and Pick n Pay vouchers for the winner. It airs Wednesdays on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) at 20:00.
3. Survivor SA
Tearing pages from the very successful American series of the same name, Survivor SA follows a group of average South Africans who are left to survive on their own in treacherous spots. You might have the stomach for this show. Networks: M-Net and CBS.
4. SA’s Got Talent
If you love a good talent show, then this is for you. SA’s Got Talent presents some of the country’s best talents as they compete for a cash prize of R250 000. It features musicians, dancers, magicians, and so on. Networks: e.tv and SABC 2.
5. Goal Diggerz
Goal Diggerz gives viewers a look into the off-field lives of some of the most successful African footballers representing the country on a global stage. Viewers will join them as they prepare their favorite meals and go about their daily lives and some of the designer labels they love. The show is a hit. Network: Channel O.
6. Real Housewives Of Durban
According to IMDb, “Affluent housewives and professional women in suburban Durban, South Africa, open their doors to share their daily lives of conspicuous consumption and splendor, fashion accessories, and expensive toys in their driveways.” The show has been on since January 2021. Watch The Real Housewives of Durban Sundays on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 19:00 and on Catch Up.
7. The Real Housewives Of Cape Town
You haven’t seen glamour until you’ve watched the Real Housewives Of Cape Town. The show takes you into the personal and professional of several women living in Cape Town. The ladies include Beverley Steyn, Camilla McDowell, Kutazwa ‘Rooksy’ Gqirana, Mrs. Leo. Loveline Abinokhauno, etc. The show began in December 2022. Network: Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).
8. Big Brother Mzansi
Produced by Banijay and Red Pepper Pictures for Mzansi Magic, Big Brother Mzansi is a reboot of the hit franchise, which features 20 housemates in one house, contesting for a massive grand prize. The show was merged with Nigeria’s Big Brother Naija to former Big Brother Titans in 2023. Network: Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).
9. Real Housewives Of Johannesburg
This hit reality TV show gives you a peek into the lives of six fiery, glamorous, and wealthy Johannesburg women, from their luxurious homes to their prestigious family lives and all the drama that comes with being rich. You’d wish you were them. Networks: 1Magic, M-Net.
10. Boer Soek ‘n Vrou
Boer Soek ‘n Vrou is one of the most shows in South Africa. The show has been on since 2008 and has aired for 15 seasons. It features ten eligible farmers who are looking for love. The show travels across the country to visit them and find out what they are looking for in a partner. It is an Afrikaans show hosted by Berdene Burger and Marciel Hopkins. Network: 20:00 on kykNET Ch144.