
‘Skeem Saam’ hits major viewership milestone
The longstanding drama series Skeem Saam, airing on SABC1, has solidified its position as the leading program on South African television, amassing an impressive 4.5 million viewers.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Turfloop-centered series, which has garnered a dedicated fanbase through its engaging plots and relatable characters.
The increase in viewership has received acclaim from audiences, many of whom attribute the show’s popularity to its unique blend of educational themes, real-world challenges, and dramatic storylines that resonate with everyday South African life.
In celebration of this achievement, the Skeem Saam team shared a post on social media on Friday, 6 February 2026, featuring a collage of the show’s most dramatic recent scenes.
In their message, the production expressed appreciation to viewers, 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 instance of the acclaimed soap opera making history.
In May 2025, a love triangle involving Mapitsi and Tbose captivated over 4.3 million viewers during a single episode, demonstrating the show’s sustained appeal.
The latest success in ratings follows the announcement of new cast members who will be joining the series, a development expected to add further depth and excitement to the ongoing storylines.
As the narrative unfolds, Skeem Saam appears to maintain its stronghold atop the ratings list.
