Multichoice To Shut Down Streaming Platform Showmax After 11 Years

NaijaChoice Media Lagos, Nigeria – MultiChoice has announced the discontinuation of its popular streaming platform, Showmax, after 11 years of operation. The decision, communicated to subscribers via email on Thursday, comes amid the company’s efforts to streamline its digital offerings following its recent acquisition by French media giant Canal+.

The email to subscribers read: “We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax. Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.” MultiChoice emphasized that the move is aimed at “focusing on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.”

For now, there’s no interruption to services, with the company assuring users: “You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time.” However, no specific timeline for the shutdown has been provided, leaving millions of Nigerian subscribers anxious about the future. MultiChoice has promised to prioritize subscribers, stating: “We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes.”

Launched in 2015 in South Africa, Showmax quickly expanded across the continent, including Nigeria, where it became a go-to platform for local and international content. Offering a mix of sports, movies, documentaries, and series, it positioned itself as a homegrown rival to global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In Nigeria, Showmax gained traction with affordable subscriptions starting at around N2,900 monthly, featuring Nollywood hits, reality shows, and exclusive series like “Flawsome” and “Princess on a Hill.”

The shutdown follows substantial financial losses, with MultiChoice describing the platform’s annual deficits as “unsustainable” in a capital-intensive market. This comes on the heels of Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice last year, approved by South African authorities. The deal, which includes MultiChoice’s flagship services like DStv and GOtv, involved a mandatory cash offer of ZAR 125 (about $7.11) per share for outstanding shares. As part of the agreement, commitments were made to boost participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s audiovisual sector, alongside investments in local entertainment and sports programming.

In Nigeria, the news has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many expressing frustration over unfinished local series and the broader economic implications. One X user lamented, “Showmax is shutting down. They won’t finish Flawsome? Princess on a Hill? Where else will I watch Insecure when I’m in the mood to?” Another highlighted poverty as a factor: “A basic subscription cost like 2k monthly. They should at least have 100m subs at that price point. This shows you the level of poverty in Nigeria.”

Industry watchers point to low broadband penetration and economic hardships as key challenges for streaming services in Nigeria. “The Nigerian/African market is too poor for Showmax, broadband reach is also poor. They had to cut their losses,” noted one commentator. Others fear a return to traditional cable like DStv, with its higher costs, or a surge in piracy. “So we’re back to DSTV with its ₦30,000 subscription, no Nigerian content, and the same channels since 2008,” said a frustrated subscriber.

MultiChoice has assured that no retrenchments will occur, with staff to be supported through transitions. However, the closure raises questions about the future of African content, as Showmax invested heavily in local productions across Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.

As Nigeria’s entertainment landscape evolves, subscribers are left wondering what alternatives will fill the void. Will global platforms step up with more localized content, or will this signal tougher times for digital streaming in Africa’s largest market? MultiChoice promises more details soon, but for now, it’s the end of an era for Showmax in Naija.