If there’s one thing we love about the Nigerian film industry, we produce some of the best drama series in Africa. Naija TV shows have consistently entertained audiences across Africa since the 1980’s and a new generation of showrunners are continuing the tradition.
In the past few years, there has been a surge in the number of Naija TV shows available on streaming platforms. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to watch.
Here are the eight best Nigerian drama series to watch on streaming platforms in 2023. We’ve tossed in older shows we never get tired of with new ones we can’t get enough of.
“Castle & Castle” (Netflix)
“Castle & Castle” is a legal drama series that follows the lives of a power couple, Remi and Tega Castle, who run a successful law firm in Lagos. The show stars Richard Mofe-Damijo and Dakore Akande as the lead actors. The series has two seasons on Netflix, and we can’t get enough of its compelling storyline and exceptional performances.
“Skinny Girl in Transit” (YouTube)
If you haven’t seen SGIT, I must ask where you’ve been all these years. “Skinny Girl in Transit” is a romantic comedy series that follows the life of a plus-sized radio personality, Tiwa, as she navigates through life, love, and weight loss. The show stars Abimbola Craig, Ayoola Ayolola, Bisola Aiyeola and Ngozi Nwosu as the lead actors and has six seasons available on YouTube with a seventh comeback season on the way. This is it if you’re looking for relatable characters and a hilarious storyline.
“The Men’s Club” (Netflix)
“The Men’s Club” follows the lives of four friends as they navigate through their personal and professional lives in Lagos. The show is written by Nigeria’s ‘Queen of Dialogue’ Damilola Elebe and stars Ayoola Ayolola, Baaj Adebule, and Efa Iwara as the lead actors. The series has three seasons available on Netflix and has been praised for its engaging storyline and talented cast.
“Riona” (Showmax)
“Riona” is a historical drama series that follows the life of a young girl, Riona, who is taken from her family and sold into slavery in 19th-century Nigeria. The show stars Bimbo Akintola, Lateef Adedimeji, and Jide Kosoko as the lead actors. The series has one season available on Showmax, and it has been praised for its attention to historical accuracy and emotional storytelling.
“Tinsel” (Showmax)
“Tinsel” is Nigeria’s longest running soap opera, a feat in a film and television industry where 5 seasons are a major stretch for a production. The riveting soap follows the employees’ lives at the fictional television station, “Makinwa Studios”. The show stars Ireti Doyle, Linda Ejiofor, and Gideon Okeke as the lead actors. The series has 13 seasons available on Showmax and has been praised for its captivating storyline and talented cast.
“Jemeji” (Iroko TV)
“Jemeji” is a drama series that follows the lives of the residents of Jemeji, a fictional rural community in Nigeria. The show stars Femi Adebayo, Toyin Abraham, and Yomi Fash-Lanso as the lead actors. The series has two seasons available on Iroko TV, and it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of rural life in Nigeria.
“Wura” (Showmax)
There are few television shows as exciting on Nigerian streaming services as Showmax’s Wura, an adaptation of a much beloved South African soap. Wura is especially exciting to us because it follows a female anti-hero who who truly divides the audience with her antics. Wura is a gold mine mogul who must juggle her sordid past, and the future she wants to build for herself as a upright, respected member of society. The series is just in its 40th episode so you can catch up if you get on it right away.
“Battleground” (YouTube)
“Battleground” is a drama series that follows the lives of Nigeria’s wealthy and powerful elite. The show stars Joke Silva, Shaffy Bello, and Gbenga Titiloye as the lead actors with support from Ini-Dima Okojie and singers turned actors Chike and Nonzo Bassey. The series has five seasons available on YouTube and has been praised for its engaging storyline and talented cast.
“Hush” (Amazon Prime)
“Hush” is a drama series that follows the employees’ lives at the luxurious and cutthroat fashion house Ruffin’s. The show stars Richard Mofe-Damijo, Thelma Ezeamaka, and Meg Otanwa as the lead actors. The series has two seasons available on Amazon Prime, and it has been praised for its intricate plot and stellar performances.
These are just some of the fantastic Nigerian drama series available on streaming platforms. Each show offers a unique glimpse into Nigerian culture and showcases the country’s rich and diverse storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, drama, or historical fiction, there is something for everyone.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these incredible Naija TV shows transport you to a world of excitement and entertainment. With so many options, there’s never been a better time to start watching.
