MultiChoice Group is gearing up for the much-anticipated relaunch of its streaming platform, Showmax, in February 2024. This major overhaul comes with a promise of a revamped user experience, new content, and innovative subscription plans that cater to a diverse audience.
This decision is part of a broader plan to relaunch the Showmax platform; focusing on delivering a more streamlined and enhanced entertainment experience for subscribers. Read About why MultiChoice is phasing out Showmax Pro.
The new Showmax 2.0 introduces three distinct plans to cater to different preferences: Entertainment, Mobile, and Premier League.
Showmax Entertainment:
- Content Variety: Series, movies, kids’ shows, documentaries, including Showmax Originals, MultiChoice Originals, and collaborations with major studios like Universal Pictures, NBC, Peacock, Sky, DreamWorks Animation, HBO, Paramount, Lionsgate, Sony, Warner Bros, BBC, ITV, Telemundo, Banijay, eOne, Fremantle, and more.
- Streaming Features: 2 concurrent streams, support for mobile apps, Smart TV, laptop, Android TV, and Apple TV apps.
- Video Quality: HD (up to 1080p at launch, with 4K to follow).
- Offline Viewing: Downloads available for offline viewing with data-saving settings.
Entertainment Mobile:
- Content Similarity: Same extensive content library as Showmax Entertainment, tailored exclusively for mobile devices.
- Streaming Features: 1 concurrent stream, mobile app support.
- Video Quality: SD.
- Offline Viewing: Downloads available with data-saving settings.
Showmax Premier League:
- Football Fanatic’s Dream: Exclusive streaming of all live matches and additional Premier League content.
- Streaming Features: 1 concurrent stream, mobile app support.
- Video Quality: SD.
- Offline Viewing: Downloads available for non-live content with data-saving settings.
A Global Partnership
In a strategic move, Showmax 2.0 is partnering with Comcast-owned NBCUniversal and Sky, utilizing Comcast’s Peacock streaming technology platform. This migration onto the global Peacock platform positions Showmax to scale rapidly. Showmax CEO Marc Jury expressed confidence in becoming the top streaming service in Africa, citing the unmatched content and technology integration.
Content Expansion and Launch Plans
To prepare for the relaunch, Showmax will expand its content slate across Africa in December. Subscribers can anticipate a diverse range of new shows from Comcast, including Universal Pictures, NBC, Peacock, Sky, DreamWorks Animation, and Telemundo. Furthermore, Showmax is gearing up to introduce a lineup of new local shows, strengthening its regional content offerings.
Showmax 2.0 vs. Showmax Pro
The exclusive Showmax Premier League plan is a strategic move to capture the attention of ex-Showmax Pro customers, offering a specialized football streaming service. The plan aligns with the potential migration to DStv Stream, especially in markets where Showmax Pro support has ended.
Technical Limitations and Customer Considerations
Despite the promising developments, some limitations persist.
Showmax 2.0 maintains the existing screen limitations, allowing two concurrent streams for Showmax Entertainment and only one for the mobile plans. Additionally, the platform has not addressed concerns regarding stream quality, capping Showmax Entertainment at HD and mobile plans at standard quality.
The Battle for Viewership
Showmax’s popularity in Africa, boasting 1.8 million subscribers as of 2022, positions it as a formidable competitor against Netflix, with 1.2 million subscribers. However, both platforms are actively investing in the African market. Already, Showmax is dedicating up to $1 billion for original shows and market expansion.
