Streaming platform Showmax has announced it will discontinue its service “in the near future” following a comprehensive review by its board, according to an email sent to subscribers on Thursday, March 5.
The decision affects one of Africa’s major streaming platforms and comes months after French media giant Canal Plus acquired majority control of MultiChoice in a deal that reshaped the continent’s pay-TV landscape.
In the email to customers, MultiChoice said the decision was made to strengthen its overall digital offering and ensure long-term sustainability in what it described as “an increasingly competitive streaming environment.”
“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.
“This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment,” the email read.
The company assured subscribers that there would be no immediate disruption to service.
“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time,” the statement said.
MultiChoice acknowledged that the announcement would raise questions and promised to keep subscribers informed.
“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.
“We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required.”
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Despite shutting down Showmax, MultiChoice insisted that streaming remains central to its business strategy.
“Streaming remains central to our strategy. We will continue to invest in premium content, technology innovation and partnerships to deliver the best possible entertainment experience to our customers,” the company said.
The announcement comes several months after Canal Plus completed its acquisition of a majority stake in MultiChoice Group in 2025, a deal that valued the South African media company at approximately $2.5 billion.
The transaction gave Canal Plus control over MultiChoice’s extensive operations across sub-Saharan Africa, including its DStv satellite television service and the Showmax streaming platform.
Showmax was launched in 2015 as MultiChoice’s answer to Netflix and other global streaming services, offering a mix of international content and African productions.
The platform had expanded across multiple African markets and was seen as a key part of MultiChoice’s digital transformation strategy.
The decision to shut down Showmax raises questions about Canal Plus’s broader strategy for MultiChoice’s digital assets and whether the French company plans to integrate subscribers into its own streaming services or consolidate operations under a different brand.
MultiChoice has not disclosed how many active subscribers Showmax currently has or provided a specific timeline for when the service will officially cease operations.