Why Anele Mdoda has hailed 'Bad Influencer' as a must-watch

The buzz is real in Mzansi right now for "Bad Influencer," the latest South African series hitting it big on Netflix and topping the charts across South Africa. No surprise, it’s got everything from street-level grit to influencer glam, and viewers are eating it up.

Media personality Anele Mdoda has been bold enough to throw some well-deserved praise at the series, writing: “Bad Influencer is a good show. BK’s character development is [at its] peak! Pinky as well. Such great chemistry between the two leads. Brilliant premise as well. Believable. Bonke.”

The series, which dropped at the end of October, follows BK (played by the ever-talented Jo-Anne Reyneke), a single mum trying to make ends meet for her special-needs son. To keep the lights on, she starts crafting fake luxury handbags but one risky move later, she’s knee-deep in Joburg’s counterfeit underworld.

Then there's Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu), a influencer chasing fame and followers, who ends up teaming up with BK. The partnership quickly turns into a wild ride of secrets, scheming, and survival.

Besides Reyneke and Mahlangu holding it down, Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi also makes her acting debut and she’s killing it. Captain Baloyi, played by Didintle Khunou, keeps things gripping on the law-and-order side. 

And one of Mzansi's favourite actors Brendon Daniels brings depth and intensity to his role, adding tension and stakes to the story and you know, his signature style of acting, always passionate, always on point.

Since it dropped, "Bad Influencer" has been trending hard, with fans saying it’s one of the best local shows to hit Netflix in years. It sits comfortably alongside "Blood & Water," "How to Ruin Christmas," and "Spinners" proof that South African TV is running its own league.

South African TV has come a long way since the days of  "Soul Buddyz," "7de Laan" and even the quirky "Fishy Fashions." Those shows were iconic in their time, giving audiences relatable characters and stories that reflected everyday life.

They had heart, humour, and the occasional drama that kept viewers glued to the screen, and for many, they were the standard-bearers of local entertainment.

But today the landscape has shifted dramatically. Local productions are no longer confined to traditional networks or small budgets. With platforms like Netflix and Showmax investing in South African stories, we’re seeing a new level of quality and ambition.

Series such as this are proof that our content can rival anything international from the creative writing and high production values to strong acting and polished cinematography. We are totes here for it.

Inclusion has become a key part of this evolution too. Modern series are representing a broader spectrum of South African life, culture, and language. From township hustle to suburban ambition, from different cultural backgrounds to diverse social issues, these shows reflect a more authentic and layered Mzansi. 

Ultimately, the growth of South African TV is about standing tall on the global stage while staying true to our roots. We’ve moved from beloved classics that defined their era to dynamic, binge-worthy series that feel modern and unapologetically local