Soapies are a big deal for viewers. They offer a wonderful form of escapism thanks to the melodramatic storylines, which leave audiences yearning for more. Here are the country's top five local soapies/ telenovelas.
1. Uzalo
It initially centred on two families in the township of KwaMashu: the Mdletshe family, who play a significant role in the KwaMashu Kingdom Church, and the Xulu family, who run a car hijacking syndicate. As it has progressed, the storylines have dramatically changed, but maintained the growth of some characters. On SABC1 on weekdays at 8.30pm, it has over 8.9 million viewers.
2. Generations: The Legacy
This is the second most-watched television show in South Africa, with over 7.5 million viewers.
Set against the advertising industry, the storylines explore the dreams and aspirations of its characters from different social backgrounds. Rivalry, treachery and blackmail between siblings, friends and foes are common. It airs on SABC1 at 8pm on weekdays.
3. Skeem Saam
At number three, with over 6.7 million viewers, this revolves around the ups and downs of teenagers trying to find their way through life's struggles. Now in season 7, the teenagers have come of age. It airs on SABC 1 at 6.30pm on weekdays.
4. Scandal!
This daily drama was built around a fictional media company, Nyathi Family Holdings, in Newtown, Johannesburg. The show follows the lives of the people and families working there and of others. It airs on e.tv at 7.30pm and has over 4.7 million viewers.
5. Rhythm City
This soap explores two family empires in the entertainment space: the Genaros and the Ndlovus, and how their heirs want to dominate the scene. It airs on e.tv at 7pm, weekdays, with 3.8 million viewers.
