Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Award-winning South African action drama Spinners is set to reach an even wider audience when its first season premieres on Mzansi Magic on DStv, giving viewers across Africa an opportunity to catch up before the release of the highly anticipated second season later this year.
The critically acclaimed series will begin airing on Sunday, August 30, at 9pm on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), bringing one of South Africa’s most celebrated television productions to new audiences.
Directed by Jaco Bouwer and created by Benjamin Hoffmain, Spinners follows the story of Ethan, played by Cantona James, a 17-year-old from the Cape Flats who is drawn into gang life as he struggles to support his younger brother. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the adrenaline-fuelled world of spinning, South Africa’s unique motorsport culture, offering him a chance to escape crime and pursue a different future.
Produced by Federation MEAC and Native At Large, the CANAL+ and MultiChoice co-production has been widely praised for its gripping storytelling, authentic characters and powerful portrayal of life in the Cape Flats. Beyond its action-packed narrative, the series explores themes of family, survival, ambition and the difficult choices young people face.
The drama has also enjoyed remarkable success on the international stage. Distributed globally by STUDIOCANAL, Spinners became the first African television series selected to compete at the 2023 Canneseries Festival. It went on to win three awards at Dakar Series, including Best TV Series, and notably defeated HBO’s Emmy-winning drama Succession at the Shanghai TV Festival.
In South Africa, the series received a standing ovation during its sold-out premiere at the Silwerskerm Festival and earned multiple South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), cementing its place as one of the country’s standout television productions.
CANAL+ Africa Executive vice president for Content, Nomsa Philiso, said expanding the show’s reach reflects the broadcaster’s commitment to showcasing compelling African stories.
“Spinners struck a chord with audiences from the moment it launched. Bringing Season 1 to even more screens gives more Africans the chance to discover this incredible story and connect with its unforgettable characters. As we gear up for Season 2, we want the whole continent to be part of the journey,” she said.
The eight-part action-drama series was created by Joachim Landau and Benjamin Hoffman, with scripts by Matthew Jankes, Sean Steinberg, Gillian Breslin, Daniel Zimbler, Byron Abrahams and Zoe Laband. Alongside Cantona James, the cast features Chelsea Thomas, Brendon Daniels, Dillon Windvogel, Sephren Saayman, Braeden Buyz, Elton Landrew, Clayton Everston, Danny Ross, David Isaac and Katlego Lebohang Mhlongo.
With its blend of high-octane motorsport, emotional storytelling and social commentary, Spinners has become one of the most successful African television dramas in recent years, raising anticipation for its upcoming second season.
