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Showmax App Shuts Down Thursday, Users Migrating to DStv Stream Amidst MultiChoice Restructuring

From The Punch · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Showmax streaming app will shut down on Thursday, redirecting users to DStv Stream.
  • This closure is part of MultiChoice's restructuring following its acquisition by French media giant Canal+.
  • Showmax struggled to meet growth expectations despite significant investment and a relaunch partnership with NBCUniversal.

The digital streaming landscape in Africa is undergoing a significant shift with the impending shutdown of the Showmax app. Users are being notified to transition to DStv Stream, marking the end of an era for a platform that aimed to be Africa's answer to global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Big NEWS! The Showmax app is shutting down in 1 DAY! Catch all your favs on DStv Stream by visiting https://dstv.stream/ & changing your password to start. T&Cs

— Notice to usersThe official notification sent to Showmax subscribers informing them of the app's imminent closure and directing them to DStv Stream.

The decision to discontinue Showmax stems from a broader strategic realignment within MultiChoice, the parent company, following its acquisition by French media conglomerate Canal+. This move is framed as a measure to enhance "financial discipline and investment optimisation" in a highly competitive market.

Launched in 2015, Showmax offered a mix of local and international content. Despite efforts to bolster its offerings, including a relaunch in partnership with NBCUniversal in February 2024, the platform reportedly failed to achieve its projected subscriber growth targets. MultiChoice and NBCUniversal had invested substantially in Showmax, but the financial returns did not meet expectations, with trading losses mounting.

The decision to axe Showmax was made by the Showmax board and reflects the continued focus of MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, on financial discipline and investment optimisation.

— Company statementExplaining the rationale behind the Showmax shutdown, emphasizing financial strategy and optimization within the MultiChoice group following its acquisition.

Canal+, which secured a controlling stake in MultiChoice in September 2025, is implementing cost-saving measures aimed at achieving significant savings by 2030. The discontinuation of Showmax is a key component of this strategy. However, MultiChoice has assured that this decision will not lead to job losses, citing existing agreements tied to the Canal+ acquisition that prevent staff retrenchment for a specified period.

The decision to discontinue Showmax services will not involve any retrenchments. The group will be engaged...

— MultiChoiceAssuring employees that the closure of Showmax will not result in job losses due to existing agreements related to the Canal+ acquisition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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