Some months, streamer Showmax is stronger in terms of new series options. Other times, Showmax’s movie additions are standout. In November, there’s a nice balanced mix of the two.
Below you can find what we’ll be watching, but the full monthly schedule (always subject to change) is available here.
Series
Hacks is back! Season 2 of the ultra-acclaimed spiky comedy hits the road, and Showmax, on 23 November. This time it’s back to basics for veteran comedian Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) as she leaves her cushy Las Vegas life to deliver a cross-country comedy tour by bus. Despite their very complicated relationship, her writing assistant Ava (Hannah Einbinder) is along for the ride. Season 2 of Hacks consists of eight half-hour episodes.
In a complete gear shift, there’s dark South African crime mystery Donkerbos. When the bodies of six children are found in the backwater forests of Donkerbos, Limpopo, an ostracised detective (Erica Wessels) must wrestle with her dark past, her family and a distrustful community to catch the killer before another child is taken. Described as a local Mare of Easttown, Donkerbos premieres on 29 November, with new episodes every Tuesday until 17 January 2023.
Also on matters of twisty whodunit murder there’s British series Showtrial. From the makers of Line of Duty and Vigil, Showtrial centres on wealthy, seemingly arrogant heiress Talitha Campbell (Celine Buckens) who is accused of killing a fellow student, working class Hannah. Showtrial switches between both sides of the legal battle, as defence and prosecution fight for their version of what really happened. Binge the five-episode Showtrial in its entirety from 28 November.
For sheer star power, look no further than Super Pumped: The Battle For Uber, which you can watch in its seven-episode entirety now. Season 1 looks at the tumultuous story of the upstart transportation company, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt as CEO Travis Kalanick; Kyle Chandler as Texan venture capitalist Bill Gurley, Kalanick’s mentor; and Uma Thurman as businesswoman Arianna Huffington. Season 2 of this anthology series is already in the works, and will centre on Facebook.
Oscar winner Adrien Brody heads up the cast of Chapelwaite, a historical horror series based on the short story Jerusalem’s Lot (a prequel to Salem’s Lot) by Stephen King. In the 1850s, after the tragic death of his wife, Captain Charles Boone relocates his family to his ancestral home in the small, sleepy town of Preacher’s Corners in Maine. Here Charles will soon have to confront his family’s secrets and fight to end the darkness. Watch all 10 episodes of Chapelwaite Season 1 now.
Finally, for sci-fi fans, there’s the 10-episode series adaptation of Walter Tevis’s novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, which was previously, and most famously, adapted for the screen as a movie starring David Bowie. This new series actually serves as a 45-years-later sequel to that film, with Chiwetel Ejiofor’s alien arriving on Earth at a turning point in human evolution and must confront his own past to determine our future. He’s aided by the one woman (Naomie Harris) who can help save his species. Also with Bill Nighy. Watch from 7 November.
Films
If you missed it on the big screen earlier this year, now’s your chance to watch globe-trotting action adventure Uncharted, based on the hit PlayStation video game. Uncharted introduces audiences to street-smart Nathan Drake (Tom Holland) and follows his first treasure-hunting adventure with wisecracking partner Victor “Sully” Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). Also with Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, and Antonio Banderas. Watch from 7 November.
It may not be a big blockbuster, but indie comedy drama Eighth Grade comes with serious critical (and award) clout. The first movie from writer-director Bo Burnham, and a breakout hit back in 2018, Eight Grade follows an introverted, social media-obsessed teenage girl (Elsie Fisher) trying to survive the last week of her eighth grade year before starting high school. Watch from 14 November.