Showmax set to go off the air

2026-03-06 - 05:33

MultiChoice has confirmed it will discontinue its Showmax streaming service following what the company described as a comprehensive review of its streaming operations. In a statement yesterday, the broadcaster said the decision was taken by the Showmax board after evaluating the platform’s financial performance in an increasingly competitive global streaming market. “The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable,” the statement read. Showmax will go off air MultiChoice, which now forms part of the French Canal+ group, said the move was part of a broader effort to improve financial discipline and optimise investment as streaming services worldwide face growing pressure to compete with global giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. The company said the decision was aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of its business, as competition intensifies and the cost of producing and acquiring premium content continues to climb. The closure of the service will not lead to job losses, it said. ALSO READ: Showmax axed in shock move by Canal+ Showmax was originally launched as MultiChoice’s answer to the global streaming boom, offering both international and locally produced African content. Over the years, the platform became known for its investment in local productions and partnerships with African creators. The MultiChoice statement said the decision to retire Showmax aligns its new parent’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital streaming capabilities through its own in-house technology platform. New parent’s broader strategy While Showmax will be phased out, Canal+ said it would continue investing in content, technology and strategic partnerships across the African entertainment market. The company said future plans include expanding its content offering and upgrading its digital platforms to enhance the viewing experience for subscribers. “We want to reassure our Showmax subscribers that they are our priority as we evolve our services to deliver a superior streaming experience,” the group said. NOW READ: Number 5 speaks! MaKhwela breaks silence on ‘Uthando neS’thembu’ drama