If you’ve been a Showmax subscriber, you’ve probably heard the news: the Showmax platform is closing on 30 April 2026. But before you mourn the loss of Single Kiasi, Real Housewives of Nairobi, or The Chocolate Empire, here’s the good news, those stories aren’t disappearing. They’re simply finding a new home.
MultiChoice Kenya has announced that Showmax Originals and select titles are moving to DStv Stream, where they will live inside a dedicated Showmax section within the app. Think of it as a familiar neighbourhood in a much bigger city. All the local originals and fan favourites you’ve come to love will be there, now sitting alongside live TV, international series and movies, kids’ content, and world-class sport via SuperSport.
For Nzola Miranda, Managing Director of MultiChoice Kenya, this transition is about honouring the storytelling legacy that Showmax built.
“Showmax helped unlock a wave of world-class African storytelling,” he says.
“Series like Single Kiasi, Real Housewives of Nairobi, Reckless, and The Mommy Club NBO, along with productions from across the continent, were created through collaboration between MultiChoice’s content teams and local producers. That commitment to African storytelling does not change.”
Eligible Showmax subscribers will receive free trial access to DStv Stream Compact from 1 April to 30 May 2026, at no cost. After the trial period, qualifying customers will receive a special email offer to continue on DStv Stream Compact at KES 550 per month for 12 months, as long as payments remain active and up to date. To put that in perspective, standard pricing for DStv Stream Compact starts from KES 4,200 per month, so this is a significantly discounted entry point.
The offer applies to Showmax subscribers who don’t already have an active DStv subscription and who subscribe directly to Showmax. It covers all Showmax plans, including Showmax Premier League. All eligibility details will be confirmed via email sent to your Showmax account address.
Making the switch to DStv Stream means stepping into a far more expansive entertainment experience. We’re talking tens of thousands of hours of on-demand movies and series, more than 100 live channels streaming 24/7, and SuperSport access for those who can’t miss a match. Football fans will be particularly pleased, unlike Showmax Premier League, which was restricted to mobile devices, DStv Stream supports smart TVs as well, meaning you can finally watch the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and LaLiga on the big screen.
The platform also comes loaded with practical features: Watch From Start on live TV, offline downloads, data management tools, kids’ profiles with parental controls, and even DStv Rewards where you can earn and redeem coins, including towards your bill.
The dedicated Showmax section on DStv Stream will spotlight standout titles including Big Girl Small World, Subterranea, Single Kiasi, The Chocolate Empire and Adam to Eve, (all 2026 Kalasha nominated), and the continent-wide favourite Adulting. International content will include Real Housewives franchise titles, Starfleet Academy, The Burbs, and The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, among others.
For families, there’s a strong kids’ library too, including boxsets of Cocomelon, Blippi, and Superstrikas.
One important note is that subscriptions won’t migrate automatically. To keep watching, you’ll need to follow a new sign-up process for DStv Stream. MultiChoice says the whole process takes less than five minutes. Look out for the step-by-step instructions in the email that will be sent to your Showmax account address.
If you’d rather not make the switch, you can request a refund for any unused portion of your Showmax subscription. Autopayments to Showmax will also stop automatically once the service closes.
The bottom line is that the stories you fell in love with on Showmax aren’t ending but evolving. And with a trial offer this generous, there’s very little reason not to come along for the ride.
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