Netflix’s African Slate for 2026: The Films and Shows We Know So Far

Last year was exciting for African cinema, and Netflix played a huge role in making this possible, with her originals and acquired titles capturing the interests of audiences from different parts of the world. While the platform is reportedly said to have scaled down business in the African market in recent times, her continuous commitment to licensing and platforming African titles indicates lingering attachment. South Africa and Nigeria apparently remain a priority in Netflix’s African playbook. The streamer gave us Nigerian series such as Baby Farm, The Party and To Kill A Monkey. Releases from South Africa included films like Semi-Soet and Meet The Khumalos, and series such as Kings of Jo’burg which returned for the third season. and Unseen for its sophomore season.

Forging ahead, Netflix has now unveiled a slate of local and international titles that are set to keep viewers glued this year. Our focus here is on African content. Interestingly, only Nigerian and South African projects are available here. However, it should be noted that this list is not exhaustive, as not all titles are currently known, and Netflix may reveal additional releases, whether originals or acquired titles, as the year progresses. Here, we take a quick look at these already-confirmed African titles.

Aníkúlápó Series (Season 2)

The Aníkúlápó franchise has been up and running since 2022 when it all started with a pilot. Through this supernatural thriller, filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and co-storyteller Sola Dada, have created a compelling narrative rooted in Yoruba mythology wound around a morally complicated character, tapping into spirituality, love, greed, betrayal, revenge and the dynamics of human and supernatural relations. The show, which has been dubbed by the filmmaker himself an African Game-Of-Throne-esque project, returns for its second season on January 30th, furthering the adventures and travails of the protagonist.

Yoh! Bestie

This South African feature film is the latest installment in the Yoh! universe, which follows the 2023 release of Yoh! Christmas, a romantic comedy television series inspired by the Norwegian series Home for Christmas. Created by Tiffany and Johnny Barbuzano, the film will bring back fan favourites Thando and Charles in what promises to be another tale around the dynamics of romance and relationships.

Fatal Seduction (Season 3)

Though the specific date or the trailer is yet to be released, Fatal Seduction will return for the third season, promising more drama and a fresh cast of South African actors as they explore familiar themes of romance, seduction, betrayal, mystery and suspense. Renowned actors expected to join the third season include Thando Thabethe, Hope Mbhele, Kevin Smith and Lorcia Cooper Kumalo. Known for its highly steamy scenes, the South African thriller series is created by Steven Pillemer and based on a couple trapped in a dark web of secrets, betrayal, crime and seduction.

180

A gritty thriller led by a powerful Black male, 180 navigates the dynamics of existence in South Africa through the experiences of Zak, a repentant gangster who forgoes his quiet life to embark on a quest following a life-changing incident. The film will bring together some of the country’s biggest talents, including actor and politician Desmond Dube, Prince Grootboom, Fana Mokoena Warren Masemola and Bongile Mantsai. For Dube, this is another shot at a Netflix drama, having also starred in Marked and Magenta Coal (2023).

Love Is Blind: South Africa 

For the first time, South Africa is set to experience its own edition of Love Is Blind, a global dating show and franchise. While Netflix has confirmed the local edition, details about the production remain under wraps. Love Is Blind was originally created by Chris Coelen in the United States for Netflix. Since its inception in 2020, it has expanded across different regions of the world, including Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Japan, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Its expected premiere in South Africa marks a unique point in the growth of the franchise as it centres the African market and experience.