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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the local digital landscape, MultiChoice has officially announced it will be discontinuing its homegrown streaming service, Showmax.
The decision, confirmed by the Showmax Board of Directors on Thursday, 5 March 2026, comes after a "comprehensive review" of the platform’s operations. This strategic pivot follows the recent acquisition of MultiChoice by the French media giant Canal+, which is now looking to streamline its digital offerings across Africa.
Why is Showmax closing?
Despite a major relaunch in 2024 and significant investment in its technology via a partnership with NBCUniversal’s Peacock platform, Showmax has struggled to find financial stability. Recent reports indicate that the service suffered substantial annual losses, ballooning to nearly R4.9 billion in the last financial year, making it unsustainable amid the cutthroat streaming wars with global giants like Netflix and Disney+.
What this means for subscribers
For those currently binge-watching Die Kantoor or The Real Housewives of Durban, there is no need to panic just yet.
- No Immediate Blackout: MultiChoice has assured users that there will be no service interruption at the moment.
- Business as Usual: You can continue streaming as normal, and no immediate action is required regarding your subscription.
- Clear Communication: The group has promised to share detailed timelines and "future steps" well in advance of the final shutdown.
The silver lining: No job losses
In a rare piece of good news accompanying such a major closure, MultiChoice confirmed that the phase-out will not involve retrenchments. Staff currently working on the Showmax platform will be supported through "transition options" as the company shifts its focus.
What’s next?
While Showmax is bowing out, streaming remains central to MultiChoice's strategy. Canal+ plans to deploy a new in-house large-scale streaming platform designed to serve both African and international audiences.
"We will continue to invest in premium content, technology innovation, and partnerships to deliver the best possible entertainment experience," the MultiChoice Team stated in their letter to customers.
As Johannesburg’s premier guide to what's happening in the city, we’ll be keeping a close eye on where our favourite local "Showmax Originals" land next. Many are expected to find a new home on DStv’s linear channels, such as M-Net and Mzansi Magic.
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