Youngins
Youngins is a South African telenovela teen drama television series developed by Tshedza Pictures for Showmax starring Ayakha Ntunja, Toka Mtabane, Thabiso Ramotshela, Tshepo Matlala, and Tabile Tau. Set in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and Soweto, the series follows a scholarship student fleeing a dark family secret in KZN who finds her new life at an elite Johannesburg boarding school torn apart by a forbidden romance and a deadly conspiracy that connects her past to the school's most powerful family.
Series overview
The first three episodes of Season 1 premiered on Monday, while the remaining three episodes were released weekly on Thursdays. Afterward, Showmax announces that from Season 2 and Season 3, three episodes will be released every Friday.Season 1 (2024)
Youngins focuses on the "Big 5's" bond as they break rules, sneak out to club parties, and share the traumas of their home lives. The carefree high school drama takes a dark turn when Amo discovers the school's beloved Principal Mthembu is a predator grooming a student named Zintle.Season 2 (2024-25)
Overall, Season 2 focuses on the main characters growing up as they deal with the devastating consequences of their fight for justice in the previous season, while grappling with new forms of betrayal, addiction, and blackmail.Season 3 (2025)
The final season brings the consequences of the "Big 5's" actions to a head. The group is immediately arrested and forced to face a court trial regarding the events of the previous season, including the death of TK.Production
Development
On 30 January 2024, Showmax announced Youngins as Tshedza Pictures third production on the streaming platform, after the success of Adulting. Following the announcement the lead director of the series was revealed as Themba Mfebe. The creator of the series was led by Gwydion Beynon, and Phathutshedzo Makwarela.In November 2024, Showmax confirmed a second season.
On 19 June 2025, Showmax announced the final season of the series to be set at Soweto.