BRIAN OGOLA, MUMBI MAINA, IAN MBUGUA & NICK NDEDA IN NEW TV SERIES SECOND FAMILY

African streaming service Showmax has announced its first Original telenovela in Kenya, Second Family, premiering on 22 March 2023.

Second Family follows the dysfunctional Gatehi – Lang’at families. When 57-year-old billionaire Leo Lang’at dies suddenly, his secrets come to light, pitting one family against another. Battling for his wealth, power and for revenge, Sinde, the daughter of Leo’s mistress, faces off against Evangeline, Leo’s formidable first wife.

As they fight for control over the legacy that Leo left behind, the maize empire he founded, they will reach into the depths of who they are, confronting darkness and discovering grit.

Second Family stars newcomer Vanessa Okeyo as the protagonist Sinde, Brian Ogola, Helen Keli, Dora Nyaboke, Ian Mbugua, Nick Ndeda, Stephanie Muchiri, Serah Wanjiru, Arabron Nyyneque, Mumbi Maina, Brian Abajah, Lewis Leshan, Ella Maina, Florence Nduta, John Sibi-Okumu, Charles J. Ouda, Mary Mwikali, and Eve Jackson.

Second Family is helmed by Adam Neutzsky-Wulff, with Likarion Wainaina and Edwin Kamau co-directing. “What attracted me to the world of Second Family was partly the taboo of a man having two families that don’t know about each other but even more the journey of the protagonist Sinde,” said Adam.

“This is a classic ‘fish out of water’ story, which we believe will resonate with Kenyan audiences because it is aspirational. It’s also packed with what seems to be the hallmark of any great show in this genre: gossip and intrigue.”

Even though the telenovela is a new genre for Adam’s production company, Drama Deluxe Kenya, he previously conceptualized the 142-episode Danish TV show 2900 Happiness, which ran for three seasons. “It had many of the same elements as Second Family. So we hope this will be a much loved show for all Kenyans,” Adam said.