Since 1959, when the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) started as the first television station in Africa, the television space has been filled with different television series that have kept viewers glued, episode after episode, week after week. Since the 1960s, different series have defined different decades, each with its own peculiarity. Following the recent arrival of internet television, there has been an upsurge of television series online, in addition to the regular television shows on terrestrial and cable television. In this piece, we present you with 10 TV series that we know are worthy mates for you in this time of movement restrictions, and indeed, all times.
Skinny Girl in Transit
Skinny Girl in Transit follows the story of a lady trying to lose some weight but is not disciplined enough to follow through with her desires. The series started out as a comedy but has some interesting twists to it in the current season. You can watch SGIT here. If you are romantic, a realist and one with a good taste for acting, this comes highly recommended for you.
Room 420
Room 420, is about the drama attending a sleazy senator of the Federal Republic’s affair with a young girl, Tolani, to the wrath of his wife and Tolani’s boyfriend. The affair brings about Tolani’s death and a difficult trial in its wake. This comic-thriller is available on YouTube here. Room 420 is intriguing and full of suspense. You should see it.
Assistant Madams
Assistant Madams examines the mode of operations of three sexually liberal young women who in a bid to ‘hammer’, move from the arms of one man to the other. Assistant Madams is intriguing with a comic undertone as it takes one through men’s infidelity and how these three ‘small girl big God’ use the men’s infidelity to their advantage. You can find Assistant Madams here.
My Flatmates
My Flatmates tells the story of four friends who share a flat and the way they relate with their landlord and many others who come their way. The series, which started first on terrestrial television, used to be the Saturday watch for many families; it now airs on Africa Magic. If you are looking for comedy that makes you reek in laughter till your stomach aches, then, this is for you. The series reveals the underbelly of housing in Lagos, in a fun way. It is available on Africa Magic Family and here.
On the Real
On the Real x-rays the lives of some young Nigerian reality TV stars – Nancy Isime, Sandra Eze, Akah Nnani, Angel Funto Johnson, Peanut Omatsola, David Jones David and lni Dima Okojie – who struggle to balance their real-life situations with the reputation they have created on TV. Through the series, one gets a view of the “behind-the-scenes” of the glittery world of celebrities, even as we see that they are still human, complete with their challenges and wins. It airs on EbonyLife TV and you can also get it here.
Jenifa’s Diary
Jenifa’s Diary is the eponymous story of Jenifa, an enterprising, young, semi-literate lady and the life she lives: her highs, lows, troubles, breakthroughs, and more. An off-shoot of the movie, Jenifa, goes into more details as episode after episode reveals the evolution of the character in different situations. Jenifa’s Diary is available here and AfricaMagic Family. Interested in good mix of comedy and drama? Then, Jenifa’s Diary is for you. Be warned, some ‘Jenifa language’ may creep into your vocabulary.
Dowry
In Dowry, two warring families are forced to come to a truce for the sake of theirchildren who are getting married. The groom’s lateness to his own wedding raises tensions and brings about further revelations. Created by Victor Sanchez Agahowa, Dowry features Ireti Doyle, Linda Ejiofor, Ivie Okujaye, Oreka Godis, Kate Adepegba, Keira Hewatch, Udoka Oyeka, and Amaka Aniojo, amongst others. You can catch this series here.
One Chance
One Chance follows the story of a group of friends who become victims of a late-night robbery on their way home. It is based on true-life experiences of people. Watch One Chance here. While we read or hear one chance stories often, it is interesting to see it on television as the experiences of the different characters come alive and make you ask: what will I do if I were in their shoes?
Sons of the Caliphate
Sons of the Caliphate welcomes you to the world of northern Nigeria, through the eyes offour young men. A complex story that intricately weaves power, secrecy, addiction, love and family loyalty together. If you love suspense, Sons of Caliphate has it in huge doses, you will likely sit at the edge of the seat, waiting for the next episode. It is available here.
Shuga
In a world where many young Nigerians are exposed to a lot of sexually-explicit information, Shuga presents an alternative as an entertaining sexual education series.Set in different African countries—Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria—it captures the different issues that young Africans face, especially as it comes to sexuality. More than this, it also features popular culture by incorporating trending African songs and featuring popular musicians as actors. Shuga has once again put the power to make decisions about their sexuality firmly in their hands. What’s more? The series has an active social media presence where the conversation continues. You should check out the last season of ShugaNaija, the Nigerian version, on YouTube. Shuga is totally worth your time, especially in these lockdown days.
Admin