The Story⚡
As Youngins wraps its final season on Showmax, fans erupt with love for these teen icons who’ve navigated heartbreak, highs, and everything in between!
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Youngins, a South African teen telenovela produced by Tshedza Pictures, created by Gwydion Beynon and Phathutshedzo Makwarela, and directed by Thembalethu Mfebe, Sandile Mdluli, and Nthabiseng Tau, follows five students—known as the Olifants Five—at Olifantsfontein High boarding school in Johannesburg as they navigate the complexities of high school life, including friendships, romantic relationships, family pressures, addiction, social media drama, and personal growth. The story centers on a teen who flees a family tragedy in rural KwaZulu-Natal to a boarding school, only to become entangled in major scandals and challenges. Originally released on February 12, 2024, Youngins wraps up its final season on Showmax on September 19, 2025.
Drawing from popular fan opinions, where viewers frequently praise performances and character arcs, here are five standout favorites. These selections are based on recurring mentions of exceptional acting, relatable traits, and impactful storylines, especially highlighting the Olifants Five and key supporting roles.
Tumelo (played by Lebohang Lephatsoana)
Tumelo is often hailed as a top favorite for his happy-go-lucky vibe that evolves into deeper, more vulnerable layers, particularly in his struggles with addiction and relationships in the later seasons. Fans love his high-energy personality and the emotional depth he brings, with one viewer calling him their absolute favorite early on for his focus on fame and boys. His dynamic friendships, like with Mahlatse, and rocky romance with Sefako, add to his appeal as a character who feels real and multifaceted. In the final season, his dark turn and farewell to the group resonated strongly, making him a standout for raw performances.
Mahlatse (played by Thabiso Ramotshela)
Mahlatse stands out for his consistent, tour-de-force acting across all seasons, blending humor, vulnerability, and strength in every scene. Fans frequently nominate him for awards, praising layered moments like his family dynamics and leadership in the Olifants Five. His role in normalizing platonic guy friendships, especially with Tumelo, is a fan highlight, adding heart to the show’s exploration of teen bonds. In the final season, his growth arcs kept viewers hooked, with many calling his performance brilliant and nomination-worthy.
Khaya (played by Toka Mtabane)
As one of the top-voted favorites, Khaya captivates with tense, emotional scenes that showcase his internal conflicts and loyalty to friends. Fans rave about standout moments like confrontations with authority figures, where his acting “dances” with co-stars, making him a key player in the show’s dramatic highs. His friendships, such as with Sefako, emphasize themes of support and identity, resonating in discussions about the series’ positive representations. By the final season, his storyline’s intensity solidified him as an exceptional character.
Tshepo
Tshepo emerges as a beloved supporting character for his hilarious timing and entertaining antics, often stealing scenes with jokes that lighten the show’s heavier themes. Many fans declare him an absolute or top favorite, citing his funny personality as a breath of fresh air amid the drama. Even in the final season, fans note his role as an entertainer, making him a go-to for laughs while contributing to group dynamics. Though some find him divisive, his popularity spikes in discussions about comic relief.
Sefako (played by Tabile Tau)
Sefako is praised for subtle, reactive performances that add depth to ensemble scenes, like his background reactions in intense moments. Fans appreciate his portrayal of closeted struggles and evolving relationships, especially with Tumelo, which highlight themes of insecurity and support in the final season. His friendships underscore the show’s normalization of diverse bonds, earning him spots in award-worthy lists. Overall, his quiet strength makes him a fan-favorite for authentic emotional arcs.
In Summary
Youngins’ heart is its five unforgettable characters, whose stories of friendship, struggle, and growth stay with you long after the final episode.
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