Our streaming habits are a little bit wild west, a little bit risqué
WELL dear readers, by now, it’s safe to say we’ve become a nation of storytellers - and story-watchers. Streaming platforms have done to our evenings what braai has done to our weekends: made them communal, engaging, and just a little bit reflective of who we are. So, when the latest JustWatch Streaming Charts rolled in for November, revealing the top TV shows and movies South Africans couldn’t stop watching, it felt like a mirror held up to our collective psyche. And what an entertaining, layered, and occasionally contradictory picture it paints.
Our Love for Drama and Power Plays
At the top of the TV charts is Yellowstone, a sprawling drama about family, land, and power. Perhaps it resonates because, in South Africa, these themes aren’t just entertainment - they’re everyday realities. The idea of fighting for your "territory," whether it’s in the boardroom, on the veld, or in politics, strikes a familiar chord. But alongside this Western epic sits Dune: Prophecy, a sci-fi tale of destiny and resistance. If Yellowstone is about protecting what’s ours, Dune whispers a dream of what could be - a fantasy about triumphing over systems that feel bigger than us.
This tells us we’re both nostalgic and futuristic. We look to stories that echo our complex history while dreaming of worlds where the impossible seems possible.
A Fondness for Moral Ambiguity
The TV show The Penguin, focused on one of Gotham City’s most morally ambiguous characters, signals that South Africans are drawn to shades of grey - not just in the weather, but in our characters. Whether it’s rooting for anti-heroes or questioning traditional notions of good and evil, this reflects a nation grappling with its own complexities.
Pair that with The Diplomat, a show about navigating the delicate balance of diplomacy, and you have a population that understands the importance of nuance - whether it’s in politics, relationships, or simply debating load-shedding schedules.
Escapism Meets Reality in Movies
On the film side, Secretary leads the pack, proving that South Africans aren’t afraid to engage with stories that explore the unconventional. This is a nation unafraid to peek behind the curtain of human relationships and emotions. Right behind it is Gladiator, the classic tale of a man rising against overwhelming odds - a theme as relevant now as it was when the film first premiered. It's a testament to our appreciation for grit and perseverance, whether on the sports battlefield or in navigating daily life.
But then there’s Whiplash, a movie about passion taken to obsessive extremes, and Ready or Not, a horror-comedy about survival in the unlikeliest of situations. These choices suggest that while we take life seriously, we’re also willing to confront the absurdities - and sometimes laugh at them.
We’re Serious About Stories, But Not Too Serious
It’s telling that South Africans have room in their hearts (and their watchlists) for both The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and Fifty Shades of Grey. On one hand, we crave tales of courage and strategy. On the other, we’re not above indulging in a bit of guilty-pleasure escapism. Life, after all, is about balance - work hard, unwind harder.
What This Means
The November streaming charts aren’t just a ranking; they’re a portrait. They show a nation that values stories with depth, but also those that offer a chance to escape. We’re drawn to tales of triumph, love, and survival, but we’re not afraid to explore the murky, the messy, and the morally complicated. We’re a people who crave entertainment that makes us think, laugh, cry - and occasionally gasp.
So, as we head into the festive season, take a moment to consider what’s on your watchlist. Is it a reflection of who you are, or who you aspire to be? And remember, whether you’re watching The Northman or Arcane, the real story isn’t on the screen - it’s in how it makes us feel.
Happy streaming, dear readers. May your Wi-Fi hold strong, your popcorn be fresh, and your stories unforgettable.
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* What’s on your watchlist? Let us know – we’d love to hear your thoughts on these trending picks! Send your views via e-mail to info.dfa@acm.co.za
** Top 10 lists are courtesy of JustWatch, the biggest international streaming guide with 45 million users across 140 countries – making it easy to find out where you can legally watch movies, TV shows, and sports.
