Netflix reimagining December viewing

For many years, South African television has been dominated by festive entertainment rooted in Western culture.

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Will they/won't they: Will Zoleka (Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani) and Kagiso (Bohang Moeko) make it down the aisle in one piece. Photo: Netflix

(Netflix)

Celebrating its 10-year milestone in the African market in 2026, Netflix constantly tries to put their best foot forward with festive entertainment for the family. Yoh! Christmas, Trippin' with the Kandasamys and Disaster Holiday have been binge-worthy Christmas shows for viewers' pleasure. It is arguably How To Ruin Christmas in 2020 that set the tone for the global streamer's intentions to reimagine December viewing. Created by Burnt Onion, the franchise had three seasons subtitled with a different holiday event - The Wedding, The Funeral and The Baby Shower.

In 2024, the award-winning production company introduced the How to Ruin Love franchise which followed a young couple’s budding relationship. In the second season, premiering 19 December, the couple now must start lobola negotiations.

Shot over five weeks, How To Ruin Love: The Lobola picks up where Zoleka (Sivenathi Mabuya-Bukani) and Kagiso’s (Bohang Moeko) tangled love story left off in How To Ruin Love: The Proposal.

"When returning for a second season, there's a comforting sense of familiarity as the characters and the world is established," said co-creator and co-executive producer Rethabile Ramaphakela.

Besides navigating cows on a highway as new experiences for the Burnt Onion team, Ramaphakela said it was important to elevate what was done in the previous season.

"We also introduced four new characters to the series, adding depth and variety to our narrative. This season promises to offer something truly different and captivating."