Showmax shutdown: Everything subscribers need to know about the DStv Stream switch
· Citizen
The Showmax app will shut down on 30 April 2026, with parent company MultiChoice moving all Showmax content to its DStv Stream platform, which will include a dedicated Showmax section.
Subscribers were reminded of this via social media on Wednesday, and the announcement was met with a mix of frustration and confusion.
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Showmax’s social media team reassured Showmies (the nickname given to Showmax viewers) that their Showmax Originals have a new home. “Some of your Showmax Originals have moved to DStv Stream… plus all the extras you’ve been wanting,” read part of the post.
Catch your fav Showmax Originals on DStv Stream plus compact hits & sports. Everything you’ve been chatting about on the TL ila. pic.twitter.com/EioSDAKwWn
— Showmax South Africa (@ShowmaxOnline) April 1, 2026
What Showmax subscribers are saying
“Is this an April Fool’s joke?” asked publicist and content creator Thulane ‘Toolz’ Hadebe, using his signature sarcastic style on social media.
“Oh no… And DStv app is slow and dodgy, y’all forcing us now!” [sic] lamented influencer and club host Eva Modika.
“Does DStv have a R50 subscription? If not, count me out,” said Sqnobile Makhathini.
“Wie Word ‘n Milijoener was on Showmax, but when I search on DStv streaming, it’s not there. It’s probably the same for many other things I’d like to watch. So, we’re paying the same but getting less,” commented Colette Bradford.
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One of the Showmax social media managers responded to Bradford, saying:
Due to licensing rights, not all shows will be moved to DStv Stream in one go, but more shows will continue to be added to the dedicated Showmax section on DStv Stream over time.
Similar exchanges flooded the comments with several other questions about programmes not being available and how the switchover will work.
Will my Showmax subscription transfer automatically?
No. Showmax subscriptions will not migrate automatically. Subscribers will need to set up a new account or add Showmax to their existing DStv bill. However, eligible Showmax-only subscribers (those without an active DStv subscription) will receive an email offering access to a DStv Stream Compact trial at R99 per month until the end of May 2026.
After the trial period, qualifying former Showmax subscribers can continue on DStv Stream Compact at R99 a month for 12 months, provided payments are kept up to date.
Who qualifies for the R99/month DStv Stream deal?
The company is taking a “some, not all” approach to the offer, which is open to Showmax subscribers who do not have an active DStv subscription and who subscribe directly to Showmax. It covers all Showmax plans, including Showmax Premier League. It does not apply to existing DStv customers who already receive Showmax as part of their package.
DStv Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium subscribers will automatically get access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no additional cost.
Which shows are moving to DStv Stream?
According to official communication from the company and responses to customers on social media, not all content will migrate at once.
Due to licensing agreements, some programmes will be added to DStv Stream’s Showmax section in phases. Notable shows, including The Pitt, Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, The Gilded Age, and Westworld, will not be moving. This is due to MultiChoice’s licensing agreements with HBO and Warner Bros ending in January 2026.
Shows like Outlawz and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills have experienced temporary interruptions during the transition, but new episodes are expected to resume on DStv Stream shortly.
The Citizen has reached out to Multichoice for comment. Multichoice had not responded at the time of writing. Comment will be added once received.