Showmax, the popular streaming service, is set to make waves with its latest offering, “Wyfie,” a university drama set to premiere on February 12, 2023. With two episodes releasing every Tuesday, this series promises to captivate audiences with its blend of drama, humor, and an authentic portrayal of university life.
Developed by multi-award-winning Homebrew Films, the creators of acclaimed productions like “Trompoppie” and “Magda Louw,” “Wyfie” introduces viewers to the lives of four mismatched first-year roommates at Pantera res, situated in the fictional Eike University.
Directed by SAFTA winner Johan Cronje, known for his work in “Wonderlus” and “Nêrens, Noord-Kaap,” the R18-rated series boasts a stellar cast featuring Beata Bena Green, Celeste Loots, Kristen Raath, and Mienke Ehlers as the lead characters. The ensemble is complemented by talented actors such as Adrian Steyn, Marguerite van Eeden, Elzet Nel, and Chelsea Thomas.
Johan Cronje, the series director, shares his excitement about exploring the complexities of university life, stating, “University is a very interesting time in your life, during which you discover a lot about yourself and the world you are trying to tackle as an adult. It’s a period of growing up where you begin to reconsider your own identity. This creates a beautiful space to explore stories of renewal and discovering life.”
Head writer Marcel Spaumer adds another layer to the narrative, emphasizing the celebration of friendships that blossom as individuals transition from home life to shared university spaces. Spaumer notes, “When you get to university, you make friends with people from all walks of life, and people you never thought you would meet. And then these weird, amazing friendships develop.”
While some may draw comparisons to ‘Euphoria,’ Marcel Spaumer suggests that “Wyfie” is more rooted in the team’s personal experiences of Afrikaans res life and university culture, giving it a unique flavor.
One standout element of “Wyfie” is its soundtrack, curated by 2023 SAFTA winner Peach van Pletzen (Ludik). The series features the last recorded songs from Angie Oeh, who tragically passed away at 24. The series is dedicated to her memory, with Johan expressing gratitude for being able to incorporate Angie’s hauntingly beautiful music into the show.
Peach van Pletzen reminisces about working with Angie, stating, “When Angie came to the studio and put the ideas on the mic, I could immediately feel that we were working on something special. Angie’s voice is one of the most hauntingly beautiful I have ever recorded.”
For Peach, “Wyfie” is a show of contrasts, mirroring the tumultuous journey of young adults finding their identity. He remarks, “It’s loud and in your face, but also tender and soft. Almost like people at that age: you decide you know exactly who you are and find out how wrong you are when life starts chipping away at that student identity.”
Johan Cronje encourages viewers to watch “Wyfie” for its honesty and authenticity, stating, “It’s a very honest story and it’s not afraid to show university life the way it really is. I believe people want to recognize themselves on screen, and a lot of that comes down to you [as a TV creator] not hiding what life is really like.”
As one of the 20 Showmax Originals premiering in February alongside the relaunch of the new Showmax, “Wyfie” promises to be a nostalgic yet fresh addition to the streaming landscape, inviting audiences to relive the highs and lows of their own university experiences.
