As Africa’s film industry continues to grow in global influence and reach, Nollywood and other African TV series have gained a much-deserved spot on the world stage. In 2025, African television is making an even bigger mark with high-quality productions that blend rich storytelling, cultural authenticity, and modern innovation. From gripping dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers and comedies that offer a fresh perspective on life, the TV series landscape in Africa is one to watch.
Here are some of the top Nollywood and African TV series you should have on your radar in 2025:
- Shanty Town (Nigeria)
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Shanty Town made a huge impact when it first premiered and is set to continue capturing audiences in 2025 with its gripping tale of power, revenge, and betrayal in Lagos’ seedy underworld. The show follows a group of women who, after escaping from the clutches of a dangerous crime lord, must navigate the dangerous streets of Lagos to gain freedom.
The series is an intense blend of drama and thriller with impressive performances from Nse Ikpe-Etim, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Chidi Mokeme. As the stakes rise, the plot gets even more thrilling with unexpected twists that keep audiences at the edge of their seats.
- Blood Sisters (Nigeria)
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime
Another hit from Nigeria that took Netflix by storm is Blood Sisters. The series is a fast-paced, suspense-filled thriller about two sisters, one of whom is entangled in a deadly web after an accidental murder. The twist comes when the characters must navigate family ties, secrets, and dark pasts while trying to evade powerful enemies.
The show is remarkable not only for its tight, engaging plot but also for its stellar cast, including Nancy Isime, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Kate Henshaw. It has drawn comparisons to popular international crime thrillers, but with a distinctly African touch.
- The Girl He Left Behind (Nigeria)
Platform: Prime Video
Genre: Romance, Drama
The Girl He Left Behind is a fresh, romantic drama series that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The show delves into the lives of two individuals from different backgrounds who find themselves reunited under strange circumstances.
The show mixes elements of romance with emotional depth, pulling viewers into a world where love isn’t always straightforward. Expect to be hooked by the performances, as the series is led by some of Nollywood’s top talents, including Adesua Etomi and Ramsey Nouah.
- Ghana Jollof (Ghana)
Platfo3rm: Showmax
Genre: Comedy, Drama
While Ghana Jollof is a new addition to the African TV series scene, it has quickly become a crowd favorite due to its hilarious take on African food wars and the cultural rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria. The show, with its witty humor and sharp dialogue, follows the lives of two young chefs from Ghana and Nigeria who are on a mission to prove whose country prepares the best jollof rice.
With a mix of drama, culinary competition, and some unexpected romance, Ghana Jollof is a fun, lighthearted series perfect for those who love to laugh while enjoying some good African culture.
- Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (Nigeria)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
A standout from the Nollywood crime drama genre, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story is a prequel to the 1995 film Rattlesnake. The series follows the life of Ahanna, a young man who, after the untimely death of his father, gets pulled into the world of crime. With his eyes set on gaining power and wealth, Ahanna’s ambition leads him down a dangerous path where betrayal and deception are the order of the day.
This TV series is packed with heart-stopping action, tense moments, and jaw-dropping plot twists, offering a new look at the classic Nigerian crime story for modern audiences.
- The Real Housewives of Nairobi (Kenya)
Platform: Showmax
Genre: Reality TV
Kenya’s entry into the Real Housewives franchise is one of the most anticipated reality TV shows in 2025. The Real Housewives of Nairobi takes viewers into the high-society lives of some of Nairobi’s most influential women, from business moguls to socialites. Expect glamorous parties, juicy drama, and lots of personal revelations as the cast navigates the complexities of fame, relationships, and entrepreneurship in Kenya’s fast-paced urban environment.
This series offers an unfiltered look at the lavish lifestyles of the Kenyan elite, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy reality TV filled with luxury and drama.
- Lupita’s Lullaby (South Africa)
Platform: Showmax
Genre: Drama, Family
South African TV has been making significant strides in recent years, and Lupita’s Lullaby is one of the series at the forefront of this wave. Set in a small rural community, the story revolves around Lupita, a young girl with an extraordinary gift for singing. However, her talent comes with its challenges as she has to deal with family expectations, societal pressures, and the changing dynamics within her community.
The show is heartfelt, inspiring, and emotionally moving, with an emphasis on family bonds and the importance of staying true to oneself.
- The Wife (South Africa)
Platform: Showmax
Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller
The Wife is a thrilling South African drama based on the best-selling book series by Dudu Busani-Dube. The series follows the story of a young woman who falls in love with a man involved in a dangerous criminal underworld. As the couple struggles to balance love and survival, they must navigate betrayal, crime, and societal expectations.
The emotional intensity of the show, combined with its authentic portrayal of African relationships and struggles, makes The Wife a standout in African TV drama. It has gained a loyal following and will continue to be a fan favorite in 2025.
- Kesi (Nigeria)
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Kesi is one of the most unique TV series coming out of Nollywood in 2025. Combining elements of African mythology with a modern mystery story, the series follows the journey of a young woman, Kesi, who finds herself caught in a strange and dangerous world after an ancient curse is placed on her. Blending fantasy, mystery, and drama, Kesi explores themes of identity, destiny, and the supernatural, providing a fresh, intriguing twist on African storytelling.
This show is a must-watch for fans of both fantasy and African folklore.
- The Legacy (Nigeria)
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Platform: Prime Video
Genre: Drama, Family, Thriller
Nollywood’s The Legacy follows the intense dynamics of a wealthy Nigerian family struggling to preserve their empire after the sudden death of the patriarch. As secrets are unveiled and old rivalries come to light, family members are forced to confront their pasts in a battle to control the family’s future.
This drama is full of emotional highs and lows, interwoven with moments of suspense, making it an unforgettable viewing experience.
2025 promises to be an exciting year for African TV series, with compelling new releases and returning favorites that offer a diverse range of genres, storylines, and cultural representations. Whether you’re in the mood for a high-stakes thriller, a heartwarming family drama, or a lighthearted comedy, there’s something on this list for everyone.
African TV is gaining more international recognition, and these shows are perfect examples of the creativity, depth, and power of storytelling emerging from the continent. Keep an eye out for these series and prepare to be captivated by the magic of African entertainment.
