The Showmax app is set to shut down on Thursday, with subscribers being directed to migrate to DStv Stream, according to a notice sent to users.
In the message obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the platform informed subscribers of the imminent closure and provided instructions on how to continue accessing content.
“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,” the notice read.
DStv Stream, a digital streaming service operated by MultiChoice, allows subscribers to watch live television, movies, series, and sports content across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
The shutdown comes amid broader restructuring within MultiChoice following its acquisition by French media giant Canal+.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Canal+ planned to discontinue Showmax as part of cost-cutting measures after a review of its streaming operations.
According to an earlier report by Variety, the decision was taken by the Showmax board in line with MultiChoice’s renewed focus on “financial discipline and investment optimisation” in a highly competitive global streaming market.
Launched in 2015, Showmax was positioned as Africa’s answer to global platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video and Disney+, offering a mix of local and international content.
In February 2024, the service was relaunched in partnership with NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, leveraging technology from the Peacock streaming platform in a bid to improve user experience and expand its subscriber base.
Despite these efforts and significant investment, the platform reportedly struggled to meet growth expectations. MultiChoice and NBCUniversal are said to have invested about $309m in Showmax to boost content production and technological upgrades, but subscriber numbers failed to scale as projected.
Financial records also showed mounting challenges, with Showmax’s trading losses rising sharply and revenues declining in the period leading up to the Canal+ takeover.
Canal+, which acquired a controlling stake in MultiChoice in September 2025, has since initiated a series of cost-cutting strategies aimed at saving about €400m by 2030, with the shutdown of Showmax forming part of that broader plan.
“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,” the company had stated.
Despite the closure, MultiChoice said no job losses would result from the move, noting that existing agreements tied to the Canal+ acquisition prevent staff retrenchment for a specified period.
“The decision to discontinue Showmax services will not involve any retrenchments. The group will be engaging and supporting employees through various transition options,” the company added.
As part of the transition, several Showmax Original productions are already being repositioned for broadcast on MultiChoice-owned channels, including Africa Magic, M-Net, Mzansi Magic and kykNET.
With the closure now imminent, subscribers are expected to migrate to DStv Stream as MultiChoice consolidates its digital offerings under a single platform.
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