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  • If you’ve spent time enough on the internet that you’ve seen the word “chudai” or maybe you’ve used it yourself, the odds are that you don’t watch as much TV as the rest of the world anymore. Even though you follow up with everything, following TV guide schedules has stopped being your thing, because you know you can stream it later. How you decide to stream it is not our concern today.

    Our concern today is what you watched during the golden age of Nigerian TV shows in the 90s and early aught. So we went about asking millennials what their favourite Nigerian TV shows from childhood were and this is what they told us.

    Ngozi, 30

    My favourite Nigerian TV show growing up was Edge of Paradise. It was a family program and I was obsessed. I loved it because I could relate to it. I could relate mostly to Ada, one of the characters. Ada, Dozie and definitely their aunt, their mum’s best friend were my favourites. I know you said one but I also loved Extended Family and Face to Face. Now I don’t even have a TV. I used my TV money to buy food and it still feels like a smart decision.

    Joseph, 34

    Growing up, I watched a lot of cartoons and news with my parents and siblings. We didn’t have cable TV so I took what STV, SuperScreen, NTA 2, Channel 5 and DBN gave me. We watched the news but more fun came in the form of game shows, Milo Last Kid Standing and Speak Out types. Then we loved Who Wants to Be A Millionaire with Frank Edoho, Gulder Ultimate Search and MTN Project Fame.

    Finally, the shows. Papa Ajasco, Super Story, This Life, and Dance of Shame —Egejuru (Urine Palmwine) were top for me. Those were the good old times. I think I did a lot of TV because this is just the tip of what I watched. It’s difficult to say I loved one programme more than another in a handful of wonderful shows. We were spoiled for choice, really. But I remember I looked forward to Who Wants to Be A Millionaire more than any other show.

    Frank Edoho was an excellent host and the scenarios were infinite given the fact that there was always a new, great question to learn from when they entered the ₦250,000 prize money realm.

    Omoleye, 29

    Papa Ajasco was my favourite show because it was a family show, was relatable and quite enjoyable. But these days I watch mostly football because I love it and there are many football matches to catch up on. I tune in when there is a major event, like a political debate because I want to see first-hand the nonsense the debaters have to say and possibly fact-check them. I watch an event, like a concert or the Olympics, when it is live too.

    Afeez, 32

    My favourite show was Sports Extra easily, hosted by Mitchell Obi on Africa Independent Television (AIT) in the early 1990s and 2000s. That show broadened my knowledge of the local and international sports scene, from football to athletics and boxing. I could have become a sports journalist for that reason, haha.

    But I’ve stopped watching TV because it’s difficult to keep up with. Due to tight schedules, I barely have time to watch content on that medium. The coming of streaming platforms even makes it harder, so I would rather just spend time on those platforms via my phone/laptop than switch on my TV set when I have time for leisure activities.

    Emmanuel, 31

    I didn’t watch a lot of TV growing up because I was in and out of the country, but Super Story I always made time for. I might have watched every single episode with my grandma. I loved it because it just felt so personal and spicy. I am a very spicy person myself. Toyin Tomato was my crush. Hated what she did to Suara.

    Onyinye, 30

    Gulder Ultimate Search was my best show especially when it was Bob Manuel anchoring. Chidi Mokeme wasn’t bad either. Till today I don’t understand what Toke Makinwa was doing anchoring it. I also loved telenovelas like When You Are Mine. Forever a Diego and Paloma shipper. Fuji House of Commotion was also good. It was hilarious and relatable for those who grew up in a large house. I think it is what The Johnsons try to replicate now.

    Anabel, 30

    Anything from the Wale Adenuga production house really. They were some of the only Nigerian TV shows I was allowed to watch without supervision. Now I watch TV  just on streaming platforms because I like to be in control of what I watch rather than settle for whatever cable channels decide.

    We changed their age to protect their identities.

    ALSO READ: 7 Nigerians on the Afrobeats Songs that Got them Through a Heartbreak

  • Netflix and chill sounds cool, but nothing beats the satisfaction of stumbling upon ridiculously good Nigerian TV shows that have you allocating a budget for cable TV, even though we’re now in the streaming era. These shows have everything from comedy to chaotic drama and something to tickle your intelligence. Let’s get into them.

    Big Brother Naija (BBNaija)

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    One of the most anticipated reality TV shows in Nigeria, BBNaija is a social experiment that brings 15 to 21 people from across the country together under one roof and presents their daily lives to viewers. You get to watch full-grown adults fight over food, connive against each other, fall in love and form genuine or fake friendships all to win money or fame. Contestants are evicted on a weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on the organisers.

    Where does it air?

    BBNaija has a dedicated 24-hour channel on DStv, and the eviction shows air on all Africa Magic channels. The last season, BBNaija All-Stars, ran for 70 days.

    The Johnsons

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    This comedy TV series debuted in 2012 and has remained on Nigerian TV screens for the last 12 years. It follows the life of a middle-class family navigating life in Lagos, Nigeria. This show has so many family drama scenarios you’ll relate to if you grew up in a typical Nigerian home. Charles Inojie, Osita Iheme, Olumide Oworu and Kunle Bamtefa are among the cast of The Johnsons.

    When does it air?

    The Johnsons airs at 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday on Africa Magic channels.

    Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? is a weekly TV game show hosted by media personality, Frank Edoho, where guests get to test their knowledge on general subjects in front of a live audience. If you love to watch people on the hot seat struggle with questions you probably don’t know the answers to, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? got you covered.

    Where does it air?

    Africa Magic channels, Silverbird and TVC. The last season aired in March 2022.

    The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL)

    The Lagos version of the American franchise debuted in April 2022 on the streaming platform, Showmax. The first season of the reality show follows the flamboyant and chaotic lives of Iyabo Ojo, Toyin “Tiannah” Lawani, Laura Ikeji, Carolyn Danjuma, Chioma Ikokwu (AKA Chioma Goodhair) and Mariam Timmer. The second season features the same cast members save for the addition of Faith Morey and Tania Omotayo who replace Carolyn.

    There’s the right amount of gbas gbos and drama between the “housewives” to keep you on the edge of your seats. Can you imagine Chioma and Tiannah almost getting physical? Yes, exactly that type of drama.

    Where does it air?

    The first season aired weekly on Africa Magic Urban and Showcase at 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. respectively. The second season is available to stream on the Showmax app.

    My Flatmates

    Family Feud, The Voice and 5 Other Nigerian TV Shows You Should Follow

    If you love The Johnsons, this is one of the Nigerian TV shows that should be on your radar. It features some of Nigeria’s biggest comedians — Basketmouth, Buchi, Yaw Wazobia and Senator — acting as friends who are struggling to get their shit together. You’ll love this show if you’ve ever squatted with friends, had landlord problems or are still hustling your way to the top.

    When does it air?

    My Flatmates shows weekdays on Africa Magic and GOtv channels at 6:30 p.m.

    [ad]

    Family Feud Nigeria

    It’s a TV game show where different families compete against each other to win cash and prizes. This global franchise hosted by Hollywood actor and comedian, Steve Harvey, debuted its first season in Nigeria in October 2022, with Bisola Aiyeola playing host. You’ll watch families struggle to outbest each other while making fun of themselves. One good thing about this show? You and your family members can join in the game while watching.

    When does it air?

    Family Feud airs on Africa Magic and GOtv channels at 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

    The Voice Nigeria

    This music talent show has Nigerians in a chokehold for one reason: Live performances of popular songs from above average singers. Every season, contestants audition to be a part of the show and come under the tutelage of seasoned musicians. Fans vote for their favourite acts every week until a final winner is chosen.

    The last season had Waje, Niyola, Praiz and Naeto C as judges.

    When does it air?

    The Voice Nigeria airs on Africa Magic, GOtv and StarTimes. It also airs on TVC. Viewing times are 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. depending on the channel.

    If you love Nigerian TV shows, you should get into this: The Reality TV Shows We Nigerians Deserve

  • Wale Adenuga’s Super Story wasn’t just a TV show; watching it was a weekly ritual that defined most of my childhood and early teenage years in the 2000s. 

    Thursday was the only day of the week when my cousins and I were allowed to eat in front of the TV and stay up past nine talking about the episode we’d just watched. These conversations about a prince who killed his father and married his mother (The Gods Are Not to Blame) or the corrupt policeman trying to steal someone’s wife (One Bad Apple) didn’t just end at bedtime. They continued the next day at school because, like me, everyone and their families were watching Super Story. 

    Super Story wasn’t the only show that brought us together; over the years, I have vivid memories of watching shows like Papa Ajasco, US, Everyday People, Fuji House of Commotion and Izozo. Nigerians had TV on lock, from comedies surrounding polygamy to dramas that reminded us that karma will eventually catch up to everyone. Fast forward to 2022, and I can’t remember the last time I faithfully consumed a Nigerian TV show or sat in front of the TV with my family. 

    The last show that had a chokehold on Nigerians was Tinsel. Even though the show had new episodes every day, most of us managed to keep up with Telema Duke and co. But with one cast exit after another, especially after Damilola Adegbite’s left in 2012, we all started losing interest. 

    When did we, as a people, ditch Boy Alinco and Chief Fuji for John Snow and Eleven? Well, I’ve thought about it and come up with several reasons. 

    RECOMMENDED: Wale Adenuga Would Be Proud of This Super Story Ranking

    The “Hollywoodification” of Nigerian TV 

    One of the things that made old Nigerian TV shows work was how relatable the stories were. Yes, some were mystical and weird AF, but for the most part, these characters were people we could know. 

    These days, Nigerian TV shows are focused on recreating one Hollywood show or the other. Almost all female-led shows use the Sex and the City character bible: The fashionable but lowkey narcissistic lead, the hardworking “not interested in marriage” businesswoman, the sexually liberated siren, the married or looking to be married homemaker who can pound yam and weave aso oke and the fun quirky character who everyone underestimates. Am I missing anyone? 

    There’s also the upcoming Netflix teen show, Far From Home, which borrows a leaf from Blood and Water, a show that’s also loosely based on another Netflix show, Elite. Why would we be interested in a plot we’ve seen over and over again? 

    What happened to iconic theme songs? 

    “This is super story. A life of strife and sorrows,” come on, everyone knew that song from Super Story, even though we mostly chewed our mouths. What about the iconic theme songs from Dear Mother, Everyday People and Fuji House of Commotion? How can I remember your show when you didn’t put effort into the music? The math isn’t adding up. 

    Streaming has given us too many options

    Before streaming entered the game, the most any family had was a satellite dish that provided extra channels outside of NTA, AIT and other local stations. Remember those big ass dishes that looked like the sieve used to drain pap? Good times. 

    Having a satellite dish was still limiting even though it gave us options. We still had to be in front of the TV at a specific time, or we’d miss our favourite shows. 

    However, with the entry of streaming networks like Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as the internet making it easy to download other TV shows, we now have almost infinite options and control. We can choose what we want to watch when we want to watch it. This is great, but too many options can also make it hard to focus and fully commit to one show. 

    This now has me thinking, were we really into those classic Nigerian shows or did we fully immerse ourselves in them because we had no choice? 

    We know these characters aren’t real anymore, and I blame social media 

    Remember how we all thought Suwara from the Oh Father Oh Daughter season of Super Story was actually real? Well, not real real, but as real as we could imagine. Even Sola Sobowale couldn’t shake off the Toyin Tomato nickname until she stepped into another iconic role in King of Boys. 

    Back when Nigerian TV was good, we didn’t have unlimited access to the actors behind the characters we saw, so there was a deeper connection to their roles and story arcs. We saw these characters once a week on TV, and that was it. These days, we see them every day, sometimes against our will, because the Instagram algorithm has refused to have small sense. From Twitter to Snapchat, these actors are everywhere, living their lives off-set, and we honestly know too much about them. 

    There’s also the case of actors playing multiple characters (sometimes, it’s actually the same character with a different name and wig) across different shows. There’s Ini Dima-Okojie on Flawsome and The Smart Money Woman — two similar shows. Meanwhile, her Smart Money Woman co-star Osas Ighodaro is also on Assistant Madams. I’m not trying to knock down anyone’s hustle, but we can’t keep up or connect to one character when they keep overlapping. 

    NTA and co in the poteux-poteaux 

    Can anyone remember the last time they watched NTA on purpose, not while at immigration trying to get their passport? Local network stations like NTA and AIT, which gave us some of these iconic Nigerian shows, have become extinct. Over the years, their failure to evolve with the times, especially when it comes to technology, has forced everyone to leave them behind. Their only loyalists are boomers who refuse to let go of the 8 and 9 p.m. news. 

    Having options has also opened our eyes to their technical faults. We now know we deserve better, even if the better isn’t giving storywise. 

    While there’s a lot of complaints to be made about the state of TV in Nigeria, recent shows like Blood Sisters and old faves like Skinny Girl in Transit help maintain my faith in serialised storytelling. That being said, two or three shows are not enough to keep the audience from evolving past the current slate of TV content we have today. 

    I miss the connection I had with my family, friends and Nigerians in general based on a shared love for a Nigerian TV show, but I doubt that’s something we can ever get back. And not to sound old, but it sucks for the next generation. 

    ALSO READ: 5 Nigerian Television Shows We Couldn’t Get Enough Of As Kids

  • Life was so simple when millennials like me knew 8 p.m. on Thursdays were strictly reserved for Wale Adenuga’s masterpiece, Super Story. It wasn’t just a TV show but a cultural event that united Nigerians across the country. But with so many seasons — it’s still on, guys — it’s hard to select the best stories the show has told. Luckily for you, I love a challenge. 

    Here’s a list Wale Adenuga himself would agree with. 

    Oh Father! Oh Daughter! 

    The OG! A classic tale of “Men will disgrace you last last”, Oh Father! Oh Daughter! told the story of Suara, a man who offers his wife up to a wealthy man just so he can land a job. As if that’s not enough, when he started getting money, he dumped his wife for the original city girl, Toyin Tomato, who showed him pepper instead of tomatoes. 

    The show featured Sola Sobowale in the iconic role of Toyin Tomato. She was so good, she got a spinoff show, An Eye For An Eye.

    Nnenna 

    Who can forget Nnenna, the ghost floating around Lagos in a white V-neck top looking for revenge? Featuring Shan George and a very young Gabriel Afolayan, this season focused on the title character who vows not to transition to the afterlife until her father’s best friend, Mr Williki pays for killing her in cold blood. Honestly, I blame everyone involved for trusting someone called “Mr Williki” in the first place.

    One Bad Apple 

    I don’t think Nigerian people have hated a fictional couple as much as Officer Francis and Caro. One Bad Apple was one of the most intense seasons, and it had us glued to our seats, trying to find out what type of fuckery Officer Francis would do next. Who else has the guts to attend their married side chick’s baby’s naming ceremony? 

    We need to bottle that man’s audacity and sell it as a perfume ASAP. 

    RECOMMENDED: ​​Nigerians Would Rather Die Than Skip the Intros of These TV Shows

    The Grasscutter 

    In The Grasscutter, Kehinde Bankole starred as Eno, a campus babe who gets harassed and sexually abused by her lecturer. The gag is, any man who sleeps with Eno dies after seven days. And I—oop! Well, the show focused on the lecturer’s attempts to avoid death — visiting churches and a local babalawo; honestly, I didn’t feel bad for him. You play stupid games; you win stupid prizes. Period.

    Everything It Takes 

    The most glamourous season of Super Story, Everything It Takes came out in the time of abortion belts, headbands and dangling earrings. The season focused on three friends Chinelo, Deola and Boma, fighting to achieve their dreams across fields, from music (I can still remember Kehinde Bankole singing Minnie Riverton’s Loving You) to law. These babes were the original feminist icons and even had their faces on Lux soap at the time. Good days!

    Omoye 

    Omoye is one of those Super Story seasons that hasn’t aged well. It’s like sweet fried rice, but you can tell it’s not fresh. The focus was on Omoye, a girl who after her parents couldn’t afford to pay her JAMB fees, got pregnant, had an abortion and died. The show attempts to punish its lead for “wrongdoings”, and it doesn’t sit well with my spirit. #HerBodyHerChoice

    The Gods Are Not To Blame 

    Adapted from Ola Rotimi’s play of the same title, The Gods Are Not To Blame was an epic season about a young prince who from the day he was born was destined to kill his father and marry his mother. It sounds crazy, I know. But despite several attempts at preventing his fate, the prince ends up doing just what he was destined to — he killed his dad and married his mother. 

    Face of Deceit

    Super Story had an agenda against Yoruba men, and it’s lowkey funny. In another case of don’t trust a Yoruba demon, Face of Deceit followed Adaobi, who got pregnant and had an abortion for Yomi Benson while in university. They still got married, but the abortion, in classic old Nollywood style, ruined her womb. It was all smooth sailing until Yomi decided to secretly marry a girl from the village, and all hell broke loose. 

    Quiz: How Well Do You Know Super Story

  • Are you a true Nollywood fan? How many Tv shows can you identify from one screenshot?

    Let’s see how you do:

  • Anyone who’s seen Ozark will tell you that it’s a very creepy show with characters who just choose violence all the time. When they’re not blowing someone’s head off, they’re out adopting the children of the people they’ve killed. Since we like weird shit, we decided to re-imagine what the show would look like if it had a Nigerian cast. This list is chaotic, but trust us, we know what we’re doing. (Do we, though?)

    Martin “Marty” Byrde — Ramsey Noah 

    He’s the kind of guy that goes for midweek service, drops his children off at school every morning with a kiss and still has time to launder drug money for a cartel. If there’s anyone who can pull off that nice guy with an evil deadly secret charm, it’s Ramsey Noah. One minute it’s “let’s kneel and pray,” but before you know it, you’re in a dungeon begging for your life. 

    Wendy Byrde — Nse Ikpe Etim 

    For this role, we need someone with range and no one does range like Nse. Starting out as the unhappy and oblivious wife, Wendy transformed into a ruthless boss bitch that scares everyone till date, including her beloved husband. Balancing motherhood with money laundering is a lot of work, but we’re sure Nse can handle it. After all, she did leave a mark on us in King of Boys before she was banished to Ajah. 

    Ruth Langmore — Jemima Osunde 

    Don’t be deceived by her ‘I’m just a small girl’ look, this character can do and undo. We’ve seen her kill her uncle, run a strip club and also kick a man in his balls before throwing him off a ship. She is dangerous AF. Even though we’ve not seen Jemima take on a role like this, we feel this would be the perfect time to show us what she’s capable of. Abi, what do you think? 

    Wyatt Langmore — Olumide Oworu

    He’s very smart, but down the line, our guy starts having coital relations with a grandma. While we respect his choices, she’s a serial killer as well so it’s a bit tricky. Why do we think Olumide is the best guy for this role? Well, they’re like the same height and as casting agents, height is very important to us. T for thanks. 

    Darlene Snell — Patience Ozokwor 

    This is the grandma Wyatt is piping. She blows someone’s head off, kills a pastor’s wife and poisons her husband’s coffee; need we say more? The only difference is that Mama G would’ve probably done all of this using juju from the babalawo down the street. We Stan a queen that chooses traditional violence over colonizer violence. Yassssss. 

    Helen Pierce — Iretiola Doyle 

    She’s a girl boss who’s ruthless, well-dressed and well-spoken. This is probably the easiest casting for us because if there’s one person who can bitch-slap you while teaching you how to conjugate a verb, it’s Iretiola Doyle. Remember when she shaded her own daughter on the internet? Cold, but it just made us Stan harder. 

    Maya Miller — Ann Njemanze 

    She’s been playing a detective on Tinsel since Nigeria’s independence, might as well just continue that role on our imaginary show. 

    Ben Davis — OC Ukeje 

    He came in last season as the cool uncle and we fell in love with his character.  If there’s someone who can embody Ben perfectly and make us root for his character, it’s OC Ukeje. This decision was hard because we’re still in tears over — never mind.

    Frank Cosgrove Jr. — Etim Effiong

    Every character he’s played so far has been annoying as hell so it just makes sense.   

    Omar Navarro — Bimbo Manuel 

    We needed someone who can pass for a nice grandpa and still run a global drug ring syndicate, so we turned to Bimbo Manuel. Omar is scary, but in a non-violent way. Does he want to kill me or does he want to give me money? With Omar, it’s hard to tell. 

  • Reality shows are fun and entertaining; so much display of talent you can’t help but be wowed. Still, if you think only the contestants in these shows are an interesting bunch, then let us introduce you to the other central figures – judges.

    Read on.

    1. The bad belle ones

    Forget about trying to impress them. No contestant ever deserves a “YES” with their face like that of a stone.

    2. The motivating ones

    They smile, encourage you, and have a kind word even if you don’t make it to the next stage.

    3. The inscrutable ones

    You never really know if they’re pleased or displeased, especially if they have shades on. Fear them.

    4. The misleading ones

    Don’t lose your guard around these ones. They can lead you on, but still shock you with a resounding “NO” after your performance.

    5. The neutral ones

    They’re neither here nor there. Whatever their fellow judges say, they support.

    6. The oversabi ones

    Fine, their work is to judge, but there are some who-ask-you things they should not just open their mouth and say.

    If you think we’re lying, here’s how to settle the matter. Tune in to channel 2 (African magic family) on GOtv Max every Sunday, by 7 p.m. to watch Nigerian Idol. Not only will you catch all the entertaining and fun moments, you’d be able to observe which category the judges fall into.