‘Skeem Saam’ tops SA TV ratings with 4.5 million viewers

‘Skeem Saam’ hits major viewership milestone

SABC1’s long-running drama Skeem Saam has cemented its dominance on South African television after being officially crowned the country’s most-watched show, pulling in an impressive 4.5 million viewers.

The milestone marks another major win for the Turfloop-based series, which has built a loyal audience through its compelling storylines and relatable characters.

The surge in viewership has been widely praised by fans, many of whom credit the show’s ability to blend education, real-life issues, and high-stakes drama that reflects everyday South African experiences.

Celebrating the achievement, the Skeem Saam team took to social media on Friday, 6 February 2026, sharing a collage of some of the show’s most intense recent moments.

In the post, the production expressed gratitude to its audience, writing: “Cela nithi hooray! #SkeemSaam ranks number 1’s most watched television soapie! @Official_SABC1, a huge thank you to the viewers who are always glued to their screens every 19:30! Here’s to more drama and gripping stories!”

This is not the first time the award-winning soapie has made history.

In May 2025, a heated love triangle involving Mapitsi and Tbose drew more than 4.3 million viewers in a single episode, proving the show’s consistent pull.

The latest ratings success also comes shortly after the announcement of new cast members set to join the series, a move expected to inject even more depth and intrigue into the already gripping plotlines.

As the show continues to evolve, Skeem Saam’s place at the top of the ratings chart appears firmly secured.