Bad Influencer (TV series)

Bad Influencer
GenreCrime drama
Created byKudi Maradzika
Written by
Directed by
  • Keitumetse Qhali
  • Ari Kruger
Starring
Country of originSouth Africa
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes7
Production
Executive producers
  • Kudi Maradzika
  • Nosipho Ngoasheng Dumisa
  • Bradley Joshua
  • Benjamin Overmeyer
  • Simon Beesley
  • Travis Taute
  • Daryne Joshua
ProducersGambit Films, Lincoln Green Media
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time45–50 minutes
Original release
NetworkNetflix
Release31 October 2025 (2025-10-31) –
present

Bad Influencer is a South African drama television series produced for the streaming service Netflix created by Kudi Maradzika that premiered on from 31 October 2025. It details the high stakes collision of social media glamour and the criminal underground in Johannesburg.

Premise

Set in Johannesburg, Bad Influencer follows BK played by Jo-Anne Reyneke, a struggling fashion designer and single mother who joins forces with Pinky played by Cindy Mahlangu a social media influencer to run a counterfeit luxury handbag business.[1][2]

Cast

Main cast

Supporting cast

  • Zenokuhle Maseko as Thulz
  • Kudi Maradzika as French Executive
  • Akhenime Mfenyana as Lindiwe
  • Mich Mazibuko as Moose
  • Emmanuel Mkhatshwa as Felix
  • Sthandile Nkosi as Young Doreen
  • Tshego Koke as Gym Jock #1
  • Tadeus Mbatha as Gym Jock #2
  • Olwethu Mackay as Lower influencer
  • Mpilo Shabalala as Leo

Recurring cast

Production

Bad Influencer was created by Zimbabwean born filmmaker Kudi Maradzika, and produced by South Africa’s Gambit Films and developed by Lincoln Green Media for Netflix.[3][4] The series, which consists of 1 season with 7 episodes was filmed primarily in Johannesburg and is set against the local influencer culture, crime and fashion counterfeiting scene.[5][6][7] Bad Influencer's creator Kudi Maradzika revealed in an Coffee Chat interview that she used to be an influencer, "and when the Realness Episodic Lab call came out, the idea of BK, a woman trying to fit into this world of influencers while hiding a criminal life, came to mind"[8]

Executive producers include Kudi Maradzika, Nosipho Ngoasheng Dumisa, Bradley Joshua, Benjamin Overmeyer, Simon Beesley, Travis Taute and Daryne Joshua. Daniel Zimbler serves as Co-Executive Producer. [9] The show was produced using a Multi-camera setup and blends crime drama with commentary on social media influence, luxury branding and digital deception.[10][11]

Release

The series premiered on Netflix on 31 October 2025.[12][13]

Reception

The show has had generally positive responses although its as yet unrated on Rotten Tomatoes. Jo-Anne Reyneke has received praise for her portrayal of BK, a single parent doing all that she can to take care of her special needs child.[14][15]

References

  1. ^ Komana, Itumeleng. "Jo-Anne Reyneke on Bad Influencer and Shut Up! Men Are Talking - 'I killed it'". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  2. ^ Szalai, Georg (2025-10-07). "Netflix South African Crime Drama 'Bad Influencer' Gets Action-Packed Trailer". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  3. ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "Meet Kudi Maradzika, the multi-talented creator behind Netflix's Bad Influencer". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  4. ^ Cairns, Rebecca (2025-10-31). "How streaming is revolutionizing Africa's film industry". CNN. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  5. ^ Wheeler, Greg (2025-10-31). "Has Bad Influencer been renewed for Season 2? Here's what we know:". The Review Geek. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  6. ^ "Netflix's New South African Series Exposes the Dark Side of Fame". Memeburn. 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  7. ^ Khulu, Ntombi. "Unveiling the drama: A look at Netflix's Bad Influencer with its star-studded cast". News24. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  8. ^ "Of Coffee With Kudi". Becoming The Muse. 2025-11-01. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
  9. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (2025-10-31). "Kudi Maradzika: redefining African storytelling with 'Bad Influencer'". IOL. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  10. ^ Eyaaz (2025-10-31). "Kudi Maradzika's Bad Influencer captures Joburg's counterfeit glamour". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  11. ^ "'Bad Influencer' Netflix Review: Stream It Or Skip It?". 2025-11-03. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  12. ^ "Bad influencer series leads Netflix with star-studded cast". Primedia Plus. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  13. ^ Egersdorfer, Frederic (2025-10-15). "Netflix To Premiere Bad Influencer 31 October". Underground Press. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
  14. ^ "Of Bad Influencer Series Review". Becoming The Muse. 2025-11-03. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
  15. ^ Jr, Victor Qunnuell Vaughns. "Netflix's 'Bad Influencer' strips fame of its filters". EBONY. Retrieved 2025-11-15.
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