Canal+ has confirmed it will discontinue Showmax after years of mounting losses on the platform. The move consolidates Canal+'s position as the dominant force in pan-African content commissioning.
Showmax launched in 2015 as MultiChoice's answer to Netflix in Africa, eventually merging with Comcast's technology stack in a 2023 joint venture. Despite significant investment in original African content — including hit series and Showmax Originals — the platform never achieved profitability.
For the African film and television industry, this is a watershed moment. The commissioning landscape is consolidating around fewer, bigger players. Canal+ now controls both its own channels and what was Showmax's content pipeline.
The implications extend beyond South Africa. Showmax had been expanding across the continent, commissioning content in multiple African languages and markets. Its closure means fewer buyers for original African content at a time when the industry needs more, not fewer, platforms.
Key takeaway for creators: Independent financing is now more important than ever. Explore co-production funds, pitch forums, and international partnerships. Check the FRA directory for open opportunities that can help diversify your funding sources beyond any single platform.
Source: africanfilmpress.com