For those not managing to score Showmax thanks to sharing an account with a subscriber pal, Showmax now allows you to watch it free. Well, sort of, since the streaming service has introduced a subscription-free option in South Africa, called Showmax Free.

The company notes it features a hand-picked content slate that gives customers an opportunity to sample some of Showmax’s award-winning entertainment. If you were looking for international movies and series, Showmax Free is not it. Rather, it includes mainly South African movies, series and sports shows. Users will be able stream movies and binge-watch the first few episodes of available series for free – there is no sign in required and this can be done from both PC and smartphone.  

Users of Showmax’s subscription-free offering will see adverts during playback and be prompted to upgrade to Showmax paid plans. Customers will be able to upgrade to the full ad-free Showmax entertainment catalogue to access complete seasons of the latest local and international series, blockbuster movies and kids’ content. For live sport, however, users will need to subscribe to Showmax Pro.

On Showmax Free you’ll find early episodes and some full seasons of many of South Africa’s most-loved series, including telenovelas like International Emmy nominee The River; Gomora, recently named Most Popular Soapie at the 2020 Royalty Soapie Awards; record-breaking reality shows like the Showmax Originals Somizi & Mohale: The Union. Also included is Life With Kelly Khumalo; Lokshin Bioskop movies and SAFTA-winning classics like the drama Lockdown, the comedy series Hotel, the action-packed iNumber Number and much more.  

“Ad-supported streaming services are a growing trend internationally. The great thing about this is you don’t need a credit card, or to make any payment; you can literally try before you subscribe. We’re proud to have an extensive collection of the continent’s most-loved original African content to share with our customers and introduce them to the world of streaming on Showmax,” says Yolisa Phahle, CEO for General Entertainment and Connected Video at MultiChoice Group.

No account is needed to stream the ad-supported service, which is currently only available in South Africa. Ad-supported Showmax features a limited content slate and doesn’t include all the functionality available with a paying subscription, like downloads and watchlists. It’s currently available on web, Android and iOS apps. Users will need internet access to use the service.

Go to Showmax.com/eng/welcome-free to find out more.