Youngins

Youngins is a South African teen drama television series that premiered on February 12, 2024, on Showmax. Created by Gwydion Beynon and Phathutshedzo Makwarela, the series quickly gained popularity for its bold storytelling and realistic portrayal of Gen Z life.

The show falls under the teen drama/telenovela genre, combining high school drama with darker themes such as trauma, power abuse, and social pressures. It currently spans multiple seasons (3 seasons, 100+ episodes), making it one of the notable modern African streaming dramas.

Youngins Plot Summary

The story centers on a teenage girl, Amo, who flees a traumatic family situation in rural KwaZulu-Natal and enrolls at an elite boarding school in Johannesburg.

At first, the school appears to offer a fresh start, but Amo soon becomes entangled in a web of secrets, scandals, and dangerous power dynamics. As she forms friendships with a group of students known as the “Big 5,” their lives intertwine through parties, relationships, and shared personal struggles.

The series takes a darker turn when hidden truths about authority figures at the school begin to surface, exposing abuse, manipulation, and corruption. As the story progresses across seasons, the characters must deal with the consequences of their actions, facing issues like betrayal, addiction, and justice.

Youngins Cast & Characters

• Ayakha Ntunja as Amo Mosweu
• Kealeboga Masango as Buhle Kunene
• Lebohang Lephatsoana as Tumelo
• Toka Mtabane as Khaya
• Thabiso Ramotshela as Mahlatse

The cast features a mix of emerging young talent and experienced actors, contributing to the show’s authentic tone.

Release Date & Runtime

• First Release: February 12, 2024
• Latest Season: 2025
• Seasons: 3
• Total Episodes: 120+ episodes (approx.)
• Episode Runtime: 21–24 minutes
• Language: English, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho
• Country: South Africa

Production Details

• Creators: Gwydion Beynon, Phathutshedzo Makwarela
• Production Company: Tshedza Pictures
• Platform: Showmax
• Filming Locations: Johannesburg and Soweto, South Africa

The series was developed as a Showmax Original and reflects a growing investment in African youth-centered storytelling.