Youngins season 1
| Youngins | |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | |
| Starring |
|
| No. of episodes | 45 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Showmax |
| Original release | 12 February – 16 May 2024 |
| Season chronology | |
The first season of the Showmax Original drama series Youngins premiered on 12 February 2024, and concluded on 16 May 2024, with a total of 45 episodes.
Plot
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 (including Khaya's abusive father and Buhle's pastor father's grooming). 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.[1]
Cast and characters
Main
- Ayakha Ntunja as Amo
- Kealeboga Masango as Buhle
- Lebohang Lephatsoana as Tumelo
- Thabiso Ramotshela as Mahlatse
- Toka Mtabane as Khaya
- Tabile Tau as Sefako
- Amogelang Telekelo as Palesa
- Kadia Banyini as Mazambane (also known as. Mzambane)
- Tshepo Matlala as Tshepo
- Simo Magwaza as Mr. Ramathuba
- Sannah Mchunu as Matron Lulu
- Keneilwe Matidze as Pearl
- Gaositoe Moloke as Alex
Supporting
- Lihle Ngubo as Zintle
- Loyiso MacDonald as Principal Mthembu
- Baatseba Masela as Receptionist
- Ncibijani Madlala as Freddy
- Vuyani Mgungunyeka as Pastor Musa
- Sibongile Phakathi as Mamello
- Rantsatsi Rantsatsi as Detective Khumalo
- Maki Mokhitli as Mary
- Londiwe Nene as Aunti Thuli
- Thabo Setati as Security Guard
- Winnie Kunene as Lillian
- Albio Skhikwambane as Dorm Master
- Faith Ngubo Mrs. Tshabalala
- Koketso Mantshonyane as Uncle Snake Face
- Moeketsi Mokoena as Mazambane's Friend
- Ntwenhle Gumede as Lisa
- Sipho Mbele as Vusi
- Oratile Dithakgiso as Tshepi
- Linda Lukhele as Police Officer
- Tumelo Matlala as Sello
- Sazi Ndlovu as Glen High Learner
- Mapula Mokete as Lerato
- Reitumetse Moruri as Teacher
- Carol Tolo as Mrs. Hlatshwayo
- Mohau Mashala as Buhle's Friend
- Phakamani Mbuyazi as Maintenance Guy
- Vallery Rachosi as Aggressive Girl
- Kheziya Mthombeni as Choir Girl
- Tebogo Setati as Security Guard
- Sibongile Tshabalala as Matric Life Science Teacher
- Vusi Nkuna as Mr. Hlatshwayo
- Simon Lebaka as Prison Guard
- Bandile Mokoena as Hot UJ Guy
- Rethabile Mabalane as Grade 10 Girl
- Xoliswa Nxele as Lungile
- Mbuso Simelani as Bouncer
- Mary Chidi as Flirty Girl
- Brenda Ntanza as D.O.E
- Honey Madavhu as Gossip Girl
- Khensani Mabunda as Zinhle's Friend
- Toss as Musical Performer
- Tshepiso Modipa as Learner
- Collin Sepomatla as Unserious Uncle
- Madidmalo Monama as Nurse
- Naledi Mphahlele as IT Girl
- Thando Dube as Grade 10 Girl
- Karabo Ngubane as Thembeka
- Kgatoentle Dube as Luyanda
- Noxolo Tshabalala as Tuckshop Lady
- Karabo Mphuti as Bafana
- Nakisani Manenje as Zinhle's Friend
- Khaya Dube as Horny Boy
- Ntombifuthi Baloyi as Gossip Girl
Episodes
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "This Is The Jungle, Boy!" | Unknown | Unknown | 12 February 2024 |
| 2 | 2 | "A Rude Awakening" | Unknown | Unknown | 12 February 2024 |
| 3 | 3 | "Good Time Not A Long Time" | Unknown | Unknown | 12 February 2024 |
| 4 | 4 | "Life Without Gwababa Is Sweet" | Unknown | Unknown | 15 February 2024 |
| 5 | 5 | "Game Time" | Unknown | Unknown | 15 February 2024 |
| 6 | 6 | "You Here For A Struggle Or Education" | Unknown | Unknown | 15 February 2024 |
| 7 | 7 | "I'm On To You" | Unknown | Unknown | 22 February 2024 |
| 8 | 8 | "Down The Rabbit Hole" | Unknown | Unknown | 22 February 2024 |
| 9 | 9 | "Long Overdue" | Unknown | Unknown | 22 February 2024 |
| 10 | 10 | "Easy Decisions, Tough Consequences" | Unknown | Unknown | 29 February 2024 |
| 11 | 11 | "Trapped" | Unknown | Unknown | 29 February 2024 |
| 12 | 12 | "Three Ciders" | Unknown | Unknown | 29 February 2024 |
| 13 | 13 | "Sex Education" | Unknown | Unknown | 7 March 2024 |
| 14 | 14 | "The Stages Of Grief" | Unknown | Unknown | 7 March 2024 |
| 15 | 15 | "In Or Out?" | Unknown | Unknown | 7 March 2024 |
| 16 | 16 | "Loyalty" | Unknown | Unknown | 14 March 2024 |
| 17 | 17 | "How To Catch A Paedophile" | Unknown | Unknown | 14 March 2024 |
| 18 | 18 | "When It Rains It Pours" | Unknown | Unknown | 14 March 2024 |
| 19 | 19 | "Sorrows, Sorrows,Prayers" | Unknown | Unknown | 21 March 2024 |
| 20 | 20 | "There's Someone At The Door" | Unknown | Unknown | 21 March 2024 |
| 21 | 21 | "Heart Wants What It Wants" | Unknown | Unknown | 21 March 2024 |
| 22 | 22 | "Everyone Going Through Changes" | Unknown | Unknown | 28 March 2024 |
| 23 | 23 | "The Chaos Before The Storm" | Unknown | Unknown | 28 March 2024 |
| 24 | 24 | "Be My Valentine" | Unknown | Unknown | 28 March 2024 |
| 25 | 25 | "Homewrecker" | Unknown | Unknown | 4 April 2024 |
| 26 | 26 | "Cash In!" | Unknown | Unknown | 4 April 2024 |
| 27 | 27 | "Mother Of Parties" | Unknown | Unknown | 4 April 2024 |
| 28 | 28 | "Emotional Baggage" | Unknown | Unknown | 11 April 2024 |
| 29 | 29 | "Hearstrings And Hard Choices" | Unknown | Unknown | 11 April 2024 |
| 30 | 30 | "Unlesh The Baddie Era" | Unknown | Unknown | 11 April 2024 |
| 31 | 31 | "The Song Of War And Heartbreak" | Unknown | Unknown | 18 April 2024 |
| 32 | 32 | "Can't Hide The Truth" | Unknown | Unknown | 18 April 2024 |
| 33 | 33 | "Stuck Between A Rock And A Hard Place" | Unknown | Unknown | 18 April 2024 |
| 34 | 34 | "Don't Let Me Down" | Unknown | Unknown | 25 April 2024 |
| 35 | 35 | "Trust Is Earned" | Unknown | Unknown | 25 April 2024 |
| 36 | 36 | "Plan A Birth Plan B" | Unknown | Unknown | 25 April 2024 |
| 37 | 37 | "House Of Cards" | Unknown | Unknown | 2 May 2024 |
| 38 | 38 | "State Your Case" | Unknown | Unknown | 2 May 2024 |
| 39 | 39 | "Reality O'clock" | Unknown | Unknown | 2 May 2024 |
| 40 | 40 | "The Downside Of Being Back Home" | Unknown | Unknown | 9 May 2024 |
| 41 | 41 | "Welcome To The Real World" | Unknown | Unknown | 9 May 2024 |
| 42 | 42 | "Busted" | Unknown | Unknown | 9 May 2024 |
| 43 | 43 | "Farewell, Fighting Spirit" | Unknown | Unknown | 16 May 2024 |
| 44 | 44 | "The Gloves Come Off" | Unknown | Unknown | 16 May 2024 |
| 45 | 45 | "Together Forever" | Unknown | Unknown | 16 May 2024 |
Production
Development
On 30 January 2024, Showmax announced Youngins as Tshedza Pictures third production on the streaming platform, after the success of Adulting.[2] Following the announcement, the lead director of the series was revealed as Themba Mfebe.[2] The creator of the series was led by Gwydion Beynon, and Phathutshedzo Makwarela.[3]
Casting
The cast was reported following the announcement of the first season, with a line-up of Kealeboga Masango, Lebohang Lephatsoana, Toka Mtabane, Thabiso Ramotshela, Tabile Tau, Tshepo Matlala, Lihle Ngubo, Katlego Moloke, Loyiso MacDonald, Sanna Mchunu, and Keneilwe Matidze.[2]
Reception
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | National Film & TV Awards | Best Newcomer | Keabetswe Masango (Youngins season 1) | Nominated | [4][5] |
References
- ^ "Tshedza Pictures' 'Youngins' Scores Another Hit for Showmax". www.dstv.com. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ a b c Gaanakgomo, Constance. "Ready to peek inside the lives of Gen Z? New teen drama Youngins is headed to Showmax". News24. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ Birjalal, Alyssia (7 November 2024). "Phathu Makwarela on Tshedza Pictures creating their first teen drama, 'Youngins'". IOL. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ Raine, Summer (23 September 2024). "National Film & TV Awards Announces 2024 Nominees". SA Music News Magazine. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
- ^ SA, NFTA (11 November 2024). "The National Film & TV Awards South Africa 2024 – A Night of Electrifying Triumph and Unforgettable Moments". National Film And TV Awards South Africa. Archived from the original on 7 February 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.