10 most-watched television shows in Nigeria

Just like that, we’re halfway through 2020, the year that has changed so much about the world we know. 

As we mark the halfway point, we roundup 10 of the biggest shows streaming on Showmax that have Nigerians hooked, in alphabetical order. 

1. BBNaija – The Reunion 

The BBNaija reunion show has given us some of the most talked about television moments this year so it’s no surprise that it earned a spot on our list. From the big reveal about Diane and Mawuli Gavour to the confrontation between Kim Oprah and Tacha, fans could not get enough of the Pepper Dem ex-housemates.

2. Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones may have ended over a year ago, but Nigerians still cannot get enough of the epic show. It tells the story of the fight for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and follows a web of alliances and conflicts among the noble dynasties, either vying to claim the throne or fighting for independence from it. 

3. Halita

There’s something about an underdog story that always has the hearts of viewers. This is no different with Halita, which tells the story of a naive but strong-willed village girl who finds herself employed by the Zamanis, a wealthy and influential family. 

4. Insecure

From the Twitter trends and online conversations, Insecure has been a hit in Nigeria from day one. It tells the story of Issa, a late twenties woman trying to navigate the challenges of love, career and friendship in today’s world. The Insecure season four finale delivered a plot twist that had the show trending on Twitter. 

5. Mercy & Ike

While in the Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem house, Mercy and Ike kept us entertained with their endless drama, so it is only fitting that the feisty couple have their very own reality show. A hot favourite for fans, Mercy & Ike follows the lives of the reality TV couple as they deal with the pressures of life outside the BBNaija house.

6. My Flatmates

One of Nigeria’s longest-running comedy shows, My Flatmates follows a group of friends who share an apartment as they navigate their way through their chaotic lives. Produced by comedian Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth and Kayode Peters, My Flatmates still has Nigerians hooked many years later.

7. Power

Power tells the story of Ghost St Patrick, an elusive drug dealer turned nightclub owner who struggles with going clean but faces many complications along the way. Through its six season run, Power amassed a huge following in Nigeria. The season finale aired in February 2020.

8. Siren

What happens when a mermaid aka mammy water suddenly appears in a small fishing town? Chaos ensues. Siren tells the story of Ryn, a mysterious girl who comes into Bristol Cove with an agenda.

9. Unmarried

Starring former Big Brother Naija housemate Venita Akpofure, Unmarried is a tale of friendship and love as three women navigate their way through complicated love lives. 

10. Vikings

Vikings is set in ancient Scandinavia. In the final season, the vikings push further into Scandinavia as a victorious Bjorn returns from The Battle of the Brothers to find that being a hero and a leader comes with its own challenges. Torvi and Ubbe search for clues to Floki’s whereabouts in Iceland, while Ivar follows The Silk Road to Russia, where he encounters a ruler even more merciless and unpredictable than himself. Meanwhile, Lagertha’s hopes for a quieter life on her own farm are threatened by new dangers closer to home. Created by BAFTA-nominated writer/producer Michael Hirst (Elizabeth, The Tudors), Vikings stars Alexander Ludwig (Teen Choice Villain Award Winner for The Hunger Games) as Bjorn, Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha in a Critics Choice nominated performance and Gustaf Skarsgård (Westworld) as Floki.