Popular Nigerian TV show, the Real Housewives of Lagos has set a new record for first-day viewership on the streaming platform, Showmax. Following the release of its Season 3 on Monday, January 13, Episode 1 of the new season has become the most-streamed title after 24 hours in Nigeria and Ghana.
This was disclosed by the streaming giant in a statement seen by Technext. According to the blog post, that feat means the glamour show breaks the same record it has previously set with the release of its Season 2.
Aside from its Nigerian and Ghanaian records, the widely popular reality series was the third most streamed title on Showmax across Africa on its first day of release. Social media conversations on the reality TV show also saw the hashtag #RHOLagos peak at number one on the X trends list in Nigeria.
Commenting about the achievement, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr Busola Tejumola, while lauding the show’s relatable storytelling and rich cultural display, said the streaming achievements reaffirm the audience’s penchant for authenticity in local content
“This reaffirms our audience’s love for local content and authentic representation. The Real Housewives of Lagos continues to drive meaningful engagement in Nigeria and across Africa due to its relatable storytelling, rich cultural display and engaging cast. We are absolutely thrilled to present this third season and look forward to an exciting run,” Tejumola said.
Showmax’s steady growth with TV shows like The Real Housewives of Lagos
In February 2024, Multichoice announced the launching of Showmax 2.0 with a brand-new app and streaming platform, as well as an unprecedented content slate. Indeed the new streaming platform contained blockbuster entertainment packages as well as the well-loved Premier League bundle.
By November of the same year, a report by Omdia Research revealed that Showmax had overtaken Netflix as Africa’s largest streaming platform. According to the report, as of November last year, Showmax increased its market share in Africa to 39 per cent. This was way higher than Netflix which claimed 33.5 per cent of the African market share.
This explosive growth is largely due to the availability of blockbuster TV shows and series like The Real Housewives of Lagos. The Real Housewives franchise is distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats, which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Showmax says this season promises to be the most extravagant yet as it will showcase Lagos’ vibrant culture and dazzling lifestyle. Fan favourites Laura Ikeji Kanu, Mariam Timmer, and Carolyna Hutchings are back with their dynamic personalities and dramatic twists. the show will also welcome three bold new additions to its cast. They include beauty queen and entrepreneur Dabota Lawson, beauty mogul and influencer Adeola “Diiadem” Adeyemi, and media personality Sophia Momodu.
All the episodes of The Real Housewives of Lagos S1-2 are available to binge on Showmax, including the dramatic reunions, while the new episodes of Season 3 land every Monday as a fast-follow from Africa Magic.
