Grey’s Anatomy Has Nothing on these Nigerian Drama Series

When it comes to long-running drama series, one thing that keeps viewers interested is witnessing their favourite actors and actresses grow up right before their eyes, not just on screen but also in real life.

Take, for example, the drama series “Flatmates.” What began as a sitcom 15 years ago has evolved into a drama series airing on Africa Magic. In its 7th year on air, we’ve seen actors like Basket Mouth, Kayode Peters, Yaw, and Okechukwu Chima progress from aspiring actors to superstars. With over 565 episodes, “Flatmates” has entertained Nigerians for nearly a decade on Africa Magic. Catch the newest episodes weekly on Africa Magic Family (ch.7) and Africa Magic Showcase (ch.11) on GOtv.

When it comes to longevity among Nigerian drama series, none can hold a candle to “Tinsel.” Premiered in 2008 and airing exclusively on GOtv, “Tinsel” is Nigeria’s longest-running drama series with over 3,500 episodes. It airs Monday to Friday at 7:30 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (ch. 11) and follows the story of two rival film companies, Reel Studios and Odyssey Pictures, and the familial dynamics involved with those attached to these companies. “Tinsel” has been instrumental in catalysing the careers of many actors such as Damilola Adegbite, Osas Ighodaro, Ibrahim Suleiman, Joseph Benjamin, and Matilda Obaseki, who have all gone on to become movie stars and award-winning actors.

Another long-standing series is the comedy “The Johnsons” which premiered in 2012 to much excitement. This drama-comedy produced by Rogers Ofime revolves around an average Nigerian family in Lagos navigating life’s challenges. After captivating audiences for thirteen unforgettable years, spanning ten seasons and 1830 episodes, “The Johnsons” went off the air following the departure of Samuel Ajibola, known as Spiff, and the passing of lead female cast member Ada Ameh in May 2021. Nevertheless, you can still catch all episodes weekly on Africa Magic Family (ch.7) and Africa Magic Showcase (ch.11) on GOtv

Since 2018, Africa Magic has premiered several new drama series to the excitement of its customers. While these series may be newcomers compared to “Tinsel” and others mentioned earlier, they promise not only longevity but also captivating storylines. Examples include “My Siblings and I,” which premiered in 2018 and was created by Funke Akindele. This series which airs weekly on Africa Magic Family  (ch.7) and Africa Magic Showcase (ch.11) on GOtv, follows the hilarious antics and heated conflicts of the Aberuagbas as they experience the ups and downs of family life.

Also noteworthy is “Enakhe,” an Africa Magic original crime drama set in modern-day Benin City. Directed by Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, “Enakhe” features Alex Usifo, Ivie Okujaye, Philip Asaya, Lancelot Oduwa Imaseun, and Lota Chukwu. It premiered on September 28, 2020, and airs weekly on Africa Magic Showcase (ch. 11) on GOtv

These drama series and more are available to customers exclusively on GOtv. Use the GOtv TV guide to search for your favourite programmes and download the GOtv Stream App to watch your favourite programmes on the go. To reconnect or upgrade your subscription, dial *288#.