TV shows that gripped the nation in 2023

Xolani Khumalo. Picture: Supplied

Xolani Khumalo. Picture: Supplied

Published Dec 22, 2023

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The year was dominated by captivating TV shows that kept viewers entertained, and glued to their screens.

There was also a high visibility of the shows on social media platforms where viewers regularly shared their thoughts.

Sizokā€™thola

ā€˜Sizokā€™tholaā€™, a reality show that exposes drug dealing has been among the shows that made a mark with the former host Xolani Khumalo fighting to combat drugs.

Moja Love has since cut ties with Khumalo after he was embroiled in allegations of murder following the death of a man during the taping of the show in July.

While the case continues to unfold, it is reported that Khumalo is now working with the City of Johannesburg through his foundation to fight crime in the metro.

This Body Works For Me

The cast of This Body Works for Me. Picture: Supplied

ā€˜This Body Works For Meā€™, a reality series that explores the lives of women in the sex work industry gave viewers a front-row sit in their lives touching interesting conversations that kept people talking.

Following the success of its inaugural season, the local adult entertainment show returned for the second season which premiered in August on Showmax.

Bringing a captivating twist to the new season, viewers got their first glimpse of Diamond and Dione Xanthe who made an appearance in Season 1 as Primadonnaā€™s friend.

Speaking about the show the reality star who is also a stripper from Alexander, lauded it for showing women in the sex industry in a way that humanises them.

ā€œā€™This Body Works For Meā€™ is a positive platform for women who are in the sex work industry,ā€ said Dione. ā€œ

Shaka Ilembe

Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi in Shaka Ilembe. Picture: Supplied

The premiere of the highly anticipated drama series, ā€˜Shaka Ilembeā€™ was received with great fanfare.

Internationally, the acclaimed actress Nomzamo Mbatha who portrayed the revered Queen Nandi, mother of the great King Shaka, was among the actors who viewers could not stop raving about on social media.

ā€˜Shaka Ilembeā€™ tells the story of the making of the iconic African king, with iterations from his early childhood through to adulthood.

Glittering reviews have been pouring in on social media giving a nod to not only Mbatha but the entire crew for pulling off a great show.

Izingane zeSā€™thembu

Some of the cast of "Izingane zeSā€™thembu". Picture: Supplied

The success of the popular reality show, ā€˜uThando neSā€™thembuā€™ has seen the Mseleku family expand their television content bringing more entertainment to viewers.

ā€˜Izingane zeSā€™thembuā€™ a spin-off from the popular ā€˜uThando neSā€™thembuā€™, premiered in June sparking different conversations about polygamy.

This new show gave viewers an intimate glimpse into the complexities of growing up in a polygamous family through the eyes of the next generation of the Mseleku family.

Unfollowed

Unfollowed host Thembekile Mrototo. Picture: Supplied

The series follows the lives of South African stars who are wrestling with life after social media death, reflecting on cancel culture and its place in pop culture.

Hosted by Thembekile Mrototo, the show unpacks cancel culture with celebrities such as actress Zoe Mthiyane, television host Jub Jub, and Mihlali Ndamase among others.

As they got candid about cancel culture the show commanded the attention of many people, shifting attention to its content.

The Star