Showmax is set to close its doors after 11 years as MultiChoice embarks on a restructuring of its streaming business
Showmax has revealed its intention to cease operations of its streaming service after 11 years, even after significant investments and a recent acquisition by Canal+.
Showmax, the streaming platform owned by MultiChoice, has revealed its intention to cease operations after over ten years, signaling a notable change in the company’s digital strategy despite substantial investments in the platform.
Subscribers were informed of the decision through an email dispatched on March 5, 2026, in which the company clarified that the action was a result of a strategic review conducted by its board. Showmax announced that this move was made to realign its overall digital operations as it adapts to a more competitive global streaming landscape.
In the communication to customers, the company stated: “Dear valued Customer,”
We are reaching out to share an important update concerning Showmax.
After a thorough evaluation, the Showmax Board has decided to terminate the Showmax service in the upcoming future.
This decision highlights our commitment to enhancing our digital services and securing long-term viability in a competitive streaming landscape.
At this time, there will be no disruption to your existing service. Feel free to keep streaming as you normally do; there’s nothing you need to do right now.
This news may prompt some inquiries. We prioritize our Showmax subscribers and are actively developing plans to guarantee clear communication and a seamless transition when the time arrives. We will provide additional details ahead of time, including timelines and any necessary future steps.
Streaming continues to be a key focus of our strategy. We will persist in our commitment to investing in high-quality content, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships to provide our customers with the finest entertainment experience.
I appreciate your ongoing support.
Best Regards,
Team MultiChoice
The shutdown marks the conclusion of the platform’s 11-year journey since its inception in August 2015, serving as MultiChoice’s premier streaming service designed to provide top-tier digital entertainment throughout Africa.
Showmax was created to offer an extensive collection of both African and international content, featuring original productions from MultiChoice studios. The platform has successfully obtained licensing agreements with prominent international studios like HBO, providing viewers with access to globally acclaimed series and offering African filmmakers an expanded distribution platform.
In February 2024, MultiChoice made an effort to rejuvenate the platform by reintroducing Showmax in collaboration with NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. The latest version employed streaming technology from NBCUniversal’s Peacock platform and received an investment estimated at $300 million for technology enhancements and content creation.
Nonetheless, the updated service allegedly faced challenges in achieving subscriber growth goals, even with the considerable investment made, as it struggled to attract new users in a competitive streaming market dominated by established players like Netflix and Disney+.
In October 2025, the platform’s future faced additional examination as French media powerhouse Canal+ finalized its acquisition of the MultiChoice Group, securing a 93 percent controlling interest in a transaction worth around $3 billion. The acquisition granted Canal+ control over significant African pay-TV brands such as DStv, GOtv, and Showmax.
After the takeover, the new owners allegedly started to introduce cost-saving measures designed to enhance the company’s financial performance, which may include reducing content production budgets and streamlining operations to improve profitability.
Earlier this year, Canal+ Chief Executive Officer Maxime Saada recognized during an investor call that Showmax had not met the anticipated commercial success, mentioning that the company would soon decide on the platform’s future.
The decision to discontinue Showmax seems to align with broader restructuring initiatives as MultiChoice and Canal+ adjust their streaming strategy in response to the swiftly changing global digital entertainment landscape, which includes focusing on more profitable platforms and content offerings that better meet consumer demand.
