Troukoors (Wedding Fever), the first Showmax Original romcom, is now streaming. Ilse-Lee van Niekerk (4 Mure, Die Boekklub) stars as Jessica, a wedding planner who’s in love with love but struggling to find it for herself. Fleur du Cap nominee Bianca Flanders (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap; Address Unknown) and former child star Blyde Smit (Erfsondes) co-star as her best friend and sister respectively.
“It’s a funny, heartfelt and naughty romcom about love, family and friendship,” says Bianca. “This is the world we know as South Africans but don’t often see on TV. You’ll finish watching with a full heart.”
Troukoors is made by SAFTA winner Louis Pretorius and SAFTA nominee Albert Snyman of Infinity Films, the creators of critically acclaimed and much-loved shows like Die Boekklub and Fynskrif, with regular collaborator Nina Swart directing.
They’ve rounded up a mix of fresh and familiar faces for the series, including SAFTA winners Kevin Smith (Skemerdans) and Tinarie van Wyk Loots (Fynskrif), Silwerskerm winner Lea Vivier (Wonderlus, DAM), Danny Ross (Nommer 37), Armand Aucamp (Tom in Die Boekklub), Christiaan Schoombie (Warrior), Evan Hengst (Miles in The Kissing Booth 1-3), Edwin van der Walt (Wonderlus), and Fiesta Upcoming Artist nominee Emma van Heyn, among others.
Early reviews show critics already falling in love with the quirky romcom.
“On the surface, Troukoors is like champagne – light and cheerful,” says Netwerk24’s Laetitia Pople. “But then the plot reels you in and before you know it you are attached to everyone, and you love them for their peculiarities and transgressions.”
“I loved it,” says Die Son’s Kelly-Lee Ohlson. “It is hip, current, and luxurious, and the dialogue is the cherry on the cake. I am a huge fan of Nina Swart: she stole my heart with Fynskrif, and I am definitely in love with Troukoors.”
“What a blast to watch a series like this… and in Afrikaans!” says OFM’s Renaldo Schwarp. “The casting was absolutely perfect; Ilse-Lee does a stellar job at leading and carrying this vibrant and naughty approach to local romcoms. This should be on top of everyone’s binge list this December holiday! It’s heartfelt and just pure joy to watch.”
Lekker FM’s Simoné Stroop agrees. “Troukoors is fresh, funny and will tug at your heartstrings. The characters quickly creep into your heart and when episode 14’s last tune plays, your heart will long for another season.”
Happily, you won’t have to wait long: Showmax is so confident they’ve already ordered a second season, due in the first half of 2022.
Showmax Originals have been on a roll this year: The Real Housewives of Durban, Uthando Lodumo, Devilsdorp and The Wife set successive viewing records on Showmax; Life With Kelly Khumalo won the SAFTA; Tali’s Baby Diary, DAM and Skemerdans all earned rave reviews; and Kenyan series Crime and Justice just saw Sarah Hassan take home the 2021 Kalasha Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.
