Jo-Ann Strauss raves about South African hit series 'Bad Influencer': 'Completely blown away'

"Bad Influencer" has been on everyone’s lips lately, living rent-free in our minds, and it deserves it.

The Netflix South African series has impressed fans across the country, including former Miss South Africa Jo-Ann Strauss, who recently took to Instagram to share her thoughts.

Looking as flawless as ever, with that classic red lip and effortless glow while sitting in her car (I couldn’t help noticing those brown leather seats, what a moment), Strauss's post felt like a proud big-sister moment for local television.

“I would say this is my public service announcement. I just watched 'Bad Influencer' and I am completely blown away. What an amazing production. So kudos to the writer and producer,” she said.

“To Jo-Anne Reyneke, completely blown away, absolutely amazing. It makes me so proud to say that this comes from South Africa. So absolutely well done!”

The show follows BK, played by the ever-gorgeous Reyneke, who’s doing her best to keep her life together as a single mum raising her neurodivergent son.

Things take a turn when she finds herself knee-deep in Joburg’s world of counterfeit designer bags because, as we all know, when life gives you lemons, sometimes you end up hustling Louis V fakes.

Along the way, she crosses paths with Pinky, a mid-tier influencer played by Cindy Mahlangu, who’s all about the online façade but hiding plenty of her own chaos. Together, they cook up a plan that looks like easy money but turns into a dangerous game of lies and survival.

"Bad Influencer" unpacks survival, identity and how far people will go to maintain an illusion. It’s glossy on the outside but deeply human beneath the surface.

The series perfectly captures the tension between the world we post online and the messy truth behind closed doors, set against a backdrop that feels unmistakably South African: the glitz of Sandton meeting the grit of the city’s underbelly.

Anele Mdoda clearly got the memo, too.

The radio and media personality applauded the cast for their standout performances, saying, “Bad Influencer is a good show. BK’s character development is peak! Pinky as well. Such great chemistry between the two leads. Brilliant premise. Believable. Bonke.”

Viewers have echoed the same sentiment, calling it one of South Africa’s most authentic and addictive releases in recent months.

The best part? It’s proudly homegrown. Every scene, accent and storyline carries that familiar Mzansi flavour.