Showmax to shut down permanently on April 1 as content migrates to DStv Stream

Showmax has announced specific shutdown dates for its streaming service. Subscribers have been informed that March 31, 2026, will be the last day to renew subscriptions or redeem vouchers. New subscriptions and renewals will be terminated on April 1, 2026.

The streaming platform sent an email to subscribers today, detailing the timeline for its closure following MultiChoice’s decision to shut down the loss-making service after years of financial struggles.

Existing subscribers can continue watching until their subscription ends, or until the end of April 2026, whichever comes first. The company will soon provide details on how users can continue enjoying Showmax Originals and other content on DStv Stream.

“We’ll soon share how you can keep enjoying Showmax Originals and more on DStv Stream. So, be on the lookout,” the email reads.

Showmax prepares for migration of its content to DSTV Stream

The announcement confirms that Showmax content will migrate to DStv Stream, MultiChoice’s streaming platform for satellite TV subscribers. This means that the streaming platform’s Originals and exclusive content will still be available, but integrated into the DStv ecosystem rather than as a standalone streaming service.

“Thanks for being part of the Showmax story. We can’t wait to welcome you to its new home,” the email said.

MultiChoice announced in early March 2026 that it would shut down the streaming platform following years of financial losses. In the three years leading up to the Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice, the streaming platform accumulated losses of approximately $428.9 million.

In 2025 alone, trading losses widened by 88% to $297 million, while revenue fell to $48.5 million, significantly missing the $1 billion annual revenue target.

The final decision to shut down the streaming platform came after Canal+ completed its acquisition of MultiChoice in September 2025.

The French company concluded that Showmax’s financial performance was unsatisfactory and prioritized profitability over continuing to fund the unprofitable service.

Similar read: MultiChoice to shut down Showmax following years of financial losses

Showmax faced intense competition from Netflix, YouTube, and short-video platforms like TikTok, whilst struggling to capture the affordability preferences of African audiences.

Despite investing heavily in new technology from NBCUniversal’s Peacock in early 2024, the platform failed to reach expected profitability.

The April 2026 shutdown marks the end of the pay-to-view platform as a standalone streaming service in Africa, following its earlier exit from international markets in December 2023.

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