For Immediate Use

The Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm is coming back to Showmax this week for its 12th and final season, with five episodes available from 15 March 2024 and new episodes on Fridays.  

Seinfeld co-creator Larry David stars as an over-the-top version of himself in the iconic HBO comedy, which continues to prove how seemingly trivial details of day-to-day life can precipitate catastrophic chains of events. 

“As Curb comes to an end, I will now have the opportunity to finally shed this ‘Larry David’ persona and become the person God intended me to be – the thoughtful, kind, caring, considerate human being I was until I got derailed by portraying this malignant character,” says Larry. “And so ‘Larry David,’ I bid you farewell. Your misanthropy will not be missed. And for those of you who would like to get in touch with me, you can reach me at Doctors Without Borders.”

Curb Your Enthusiasm also stars Jeff Garlin (The Goldbergs), Susie Essman (Broad City), Cheryl Hines (Suburgatory), J.B. Smoove (Mapleworth Murders), Richard Lewis (Anything But Love), Ted Danson (The Good Place), Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers), and Tracey Ullman (Tracey Ullman’s Show). This season’s cameos include South African Sharlto Copley (District 9), Jimmy Kimmel, Bruce Springsteen, Sienna Miller, and Dan Levy. 

We caught up with Larry to find out more about the final season, which currently has a 95% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is in IMDb’s 20 Most Popular TV Shows globally, with an 8.8/10 rating after 12 seasons that puts it at #61 on their all-time Top-Rated TV list. 

Did you ever imagine when you did the pilot for Curb Your Enthusiasm that it would last anything like this long?

After the show got picked up for a season, my agent said to me, “Hey, you can do ten seasons of this.” I said, “Are you out of your mind? Ten seasons?! Are you crazy??” And now here we are, twelve seasons later.

At what point did you decide that this was going to be the last season of Curb Your Enthusiasm?

I can’t remember. I think before we wrote it, I knew it was going to be the last one. We’ve been at it a long time. I’m getting old, as is the cast, and nature has a way of telling us to stop.

But you’ve changed your mind before. Like at the end of Season Five when you died and went to heaven…

Yeah, I’m always afraid I can’t write another one. So, I did think it was the last one, but this time it IS the last one.

No one can ever accuse you of avoiding the big issues of our time, and you have a scene involving a trans character in one episode, for example. Do you think you can get away with almost anything because the tone of the show is so playful?

It’s just a question of how you handle stuff. When you see something funny, you forget how you’re supposed to think.

You famously write an outline for each episode and the dialogue is then improvised. Are there specific lines in the script you write or is it really all improvised on the day?

Well, there’ll be lines in the outline that we come up with that we like and that we feel we should say at some point. But to tell you the truth, a lot of times I’ll be in make-up and I don’t even know what we’re shooting. And so I’ll say to somebody, “Can I read an outline? What are we doing?” And that’s as much thought as I put into it. It just makes it more spontaneous and more fun to try and make it up on the spot. But in every scene, we have to move the story along, too. So there are a lot of points that have to be addressed. And the cast is really good at moving the story along.

There are many hilarious scenes at the golf club this season. Are you actually any good at golf?

No, I’m very mediocre, as I am at most things. And I’m not being modest. It’s too hard. And it’s bad for a marriage.

There are some scenes with Richard Lewis this season that get even deeper into that friendship than ever… did it feel that way to you?

In Season Eleven when we were at the political rally, arguing about something idiotic, and Tracey Ullman was sitting behind us and I said [to Richard], “When are you going to die?” I mean, there’s nobody else in the world I could have said that to. It just came out in the scene. And because we’re so close and we’ve known each other so long, it’s just the kind of friendship where you can say anything and not have to worry that you’re going to hurt the person’s feelings. So, we get to do things like that, and it just makes the show better. And you can see how tight we are during our scenes, right? We have that friendship rhythm.

Do you have a favourite guest star?

Well, Tracey [Ullman] was pretty great. But I don’t like to do a list like that just in case I make other people feel bad. See, I’m a sensitive guy!

How does Tracey Ullman feel about being the embodiment of Larry’s absolute physical disgust?

I think she loves it. She embraces it. Working with her has been one of the highlights of the series, for me.

When you wrote that character, did you have her in mind?

I didn’t. But after it was done, I remembered that she played Betty Friedan in this television show [Mrs. America]. And I remember thinking that yeah, that’s kind of what this character should be like…

Was it emotional for you when you filmed the final scene?

No. It was for a lot of people. But not for me. There’s something obviously wrong with me.

Do you know what you’re going to do next?

I really don’t know what I’m going to do, honestly. I have an office and it can’t just go to waste. When I was in college and people asked me what I was going to do when I got out, I said, “Something will turn up.” That’s how I feel now.

Watch the S12 trailer here:

Sidebar: 

“Prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay good.”

Larry David’s favourite episodes include:

• S8: Ep 3: Palestinian Chicken

• S2: Ep 7: The Doll

• S5: Ep 8: The Ski Lift

• S10: Ep 7: The Ugly Section

• S8: Ep 9: Mister Softee

SAFTA nominee Nqobile Nunu Khumalo (Nqobile, The Herd) stars in the Showmax Original Red Ink, which premiered on 9 February 2024. The eight-part thriller is based on Angela Makholwa’s best-selling debut novel of the same name. 

She plays journalist turned publicist Lucy Khambule, who is approached by an imprisoned serial killer to tell his story. Lucy jumps at the opportunity to reclaim her dream of being an acclaimed author, but the more she descends into the mind of a killer, the more she uncovers a criminal conspiracy that puts her life at risk.

Had you read Red Ink before stepping into this role? 

I didn’t know about the book before I was asked to audition but I quickly found out in my research how popular and loved the book is, among Black women especially.

What was the most difficult part of portraying this role?

Lucy Khambule has many important relationships in her life. Engaging fully with each of them while maintaining emotional continuity required a lot of focus and required me to always be 100% in the moment with each character.

You are very intentional about the roles you take. What made you say “yes” to this project?

I love adventure, risk and the opportunity to learn something new about myself and the world I live in – things I knew I would be able to do with this character. Lucy Khambule’s journey is one I have great gratitude for being a part of.

This role comes with a lot of emotional strain. Are there any moments from set that were emotionally challenging and how did you work around them?

Lucy Khambule’s “relationship” with Napoleon was the most difficult to engage in. It required a lot of research and self-exploration to find the place where I could believably create a “Lucy” that would pursue the offer made by Napoleon the way she did.

What message do you hope people will take away from her character?

I believe Lucy’s best characteristic is courage. She is the bravest young woman I’ve ever played, and I love how she always acknowledges things for what they are in this moment of her life. She just has this, “Screw it, let’s do it” thing about her that I dig but that also scares me, to be honest.

You’ve played emotionally taxing roles, like Hlengiwe in Scandal; Nqobile in Nqobile; and now Lucy in Red Ink. What lessons did you draw from each character? Did you have to borrow traits from previous roles?

Lucy would have been the big sister in the other roles I played. She is much further along in development. If they existed in the same world, Lucy would have been an inspiration to those characters. They are in very different places in their lives; the stakes are much higher for Lucy.

Throughout the season, we’re going to see your character navigate dangerous territories in her life where she’s less in control. As an actress, how do you shed off the abuse that the character goes through when you are off set?

I’ve tackled storylines that involve themes of GBV and femicide before, and I think similarly in previous cases, I don’t shed anything off. It’s more of a case of incorporating all my life’s realities into the picture and finding a way to accept the multiple truths that exist for me. As a survivor of GBV, I accept that telling these stories is a part of my ministry and that it’s not something I have to erase after I engage in the material. It is a reality for many. The fact that I am a part of the performance doesn’t give me the privilege of pretending it’s not true. Art is imitating life here – life for many South Africans living in this country.

How important is it to tell our homegrown stories as South Africans?

It’s important for us to see ourselves reflected in the entertainment industry, films, series, and documentaries we watch and the books we read. The industry on a global level is very western-dominated but there is an abundance of local talent and storytellers that have a unique voice. South Africans love local content. It should encourage industry and government to invest more in local storytellers.

Red Ink is a partnership between Makholwa’s Britespark Films and Bomb Productions. This marks the first Showmax Original from Bomb, who made DStv’s most-watched drama ever, Shaka ILembe, as well as classics like Venice winner Yizo Yizo, Oscar nominee Mandela, Sundance winner Amandla: A Revolution In Four-Part Harmony and SAFTA winners like Isibaya.

Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVO8JP7cC7I

Join the conversation: #RedInkShowmax

How did the success of the first season change your life? 

Adulting is nothing short of a blessing; it’s really changed my life. We didn’t think it was going to be at this level. The love I’ve been getting is just on another level; walking in the streets is not the same anymore. Every place you walk in, people start noticing and talking. That’s been challenging for me because I’m a family man in real life but the love has been amazing.

How did being a family man in real life help you in this role? 

I have kids, which made it easy for me to connect with the kids I’m acting with on set, to get them to relax, to find chemistry. Even with Lungile Duma, who plays Zithulele, I felt like the relationship part was easier to portray since I’m married in real life. 

What’s it like working with Lungile Duma? 

She’s so amazing as an actress. She’s not afraid to play, which is one of the most important things in acting. We have an amazing working relationship.

How’s Mpho’s marriage this season? 

I’d say viewers should look out for the return of somebody in his life. That’s all I can say, without spoilers.

As a married man yourself, what lessons have you learnt from Mpho? 

Mpho has taught me to be honest. He’s taught me to be open and have more conversations with my wife. I think it’s when communication breaks down that everything falls apart. If there’s something that’s bothering you, speak to your partner. When I look at Mpho’s life, I realise that the amount of lies he keeps on telling becomes a burden to him and brings a strain into his marriage. 

Do you think married men should be friends with gents that are not married?

I’m glad you asked me that question because I was having a similar conversation with someone about this. They say, ‘Birds of a feather flock together’. 

So you need to have married friends when you’re married, because we get to relate to each other and speak the same language. When it comes to marital conversations, we are able to help each other and share advice, but it’s different when you have friends who aren’t married. 

One thing we must know is that no one is immune to influence. You’re an average of the three people you hang around with. Even Mpho gets influenced by the gents. 

What are you most excited about for this season?

The story. With Adulting S2, we are diving deeper into our characters to truly grasp who these guys are and what really motivates them. This season Mpho has so many layers. 

Trailer:

Join the conversation: 

#adultingshowmax

Die Onderonsie (aka The Quarrel) is now streaming on Showmax. 

When five ex band-mates come together for their annual reunion, a dead body stirs up suspicion and violence among the friends. With tjommies like these, who needs enemies? 

The debut feature film from multi-award winner Philip Nolte (2023 SAFTA winner Sex in Afrikaans, Silwerskerm award winner Vossie Vergas Homself), the dark comedy co-stars SAFTA nominee Simoné Pretorius (Hotel),Binnelanders stars Pietie Beyers and Lindsey Cele, andGetroud Met Rugby stars Adrian Steyn and former Mister World South Africa Sean van Noordwyk. Also look out for 2023 Royalty Soapie Awards nominee Tsholofelo Matshaba (Kedibone in The River) as Detective Mahlangu and David James (Colonel Koobus Venter in District 9) as Thys. 

Die Onderonsie is produced by multi-award winners Red Pepper, the production company behind Black Reel nominee Vaya, Africa Movie Academy Awards winner Tell Me Sweet Something, and SAFTA winners Faan Se Treinand Hard To Get.  

Genevieve Terblanche caught up with Simoné to find out more about her role as the band’s lead singer Jolene. 

What’s your favourite part of Jolene’s wardrobe?

To be honest, I would never in my life wear what she wore! She’s really quite the opposite of myself. She wore bodycon dresses that were super-tight, so I had such a hard time in her wardrobe because I hate stuff that’s tight.

But I did wear white, knee-high boots. And those were my own, so they were very comfortable! I don’t know why I have white trompoppie [drum majorette] boots. 

I love the fact that she wore these high-heeled, white leather boots for going away for a weekend in the bushveld with her friends. 

Sometimes I feel like once you put the shoes on of a character, that’s when you really step into their role. Clothing changes but there’s a specific thing about what you’ll wear as a shoe. 

Do you have someone that you would cover up a murder for or bury a body with?

I do. I’m an introvert and I have four or five close-knit friends. It’s a small group but I would literally die for them. I would kill for them. Deep, deep friendship that’s authentic and that’s real is such a scarce commodity already in the world that we live in. And now you’re in an industry where people try to leverage off of you… So when you really find the friends that know your heart, and who are there for you, regardless of anything else that comes with the package, that’s something you stick to.

Her bandbates call Jolene “Patricia Lewis” after the South African singer. Why Patricia?

Them saying that Jolene is Patricia is not necessarily meant as a compliment. I did wonder if Gen Z would know who Patricia Lewis is, but I know that for people my age and older, especially in the Afrikaans community, she is cemented as an icon of pop stardom, with the hair [Simoné mimics Patricia tossing her long, blonde hair], the glam up and stuff. For me, she’ll always be that [Simoné sings lyrics from Ek Is Lief Vir Jou] “Doodgewone man kry ’n salaris…” – [ordinary guy gets a salary].

Can you play an instrument and/or sing? 

I can sing but I can’t play an instrument… yet. I’ve always wanted to play piano or guitar, like every other person on the planet. I would have loved to be able to play piano but I’m just not good with multitasking. Two hands doing two different things like that just breaks my brain.

So when you were fantasising about being a rock star as a kid, how did you see yourself? 

100% Britney! I was a big Britney fan. I had all of the posters and the CDs. I didn’t see myself as a rock star. See, it’s the hoofmeisie [head girl] in me. I’ll take the popstar vibe. Christina [Aguilera] was already a bit too edgy for me. I was very innocent and very naive, so I was Britney – just maybe Britney before I’m A Slave 4 YouBritney, before the snake around the neck.

Jolene has a gospel pop album out – Spread Your Wings. If she was making the music she really wanted to, what would it be?

I think she wants to do a bit of that Slave 4 U (Britney Spears)! That’s the Jolene that she is on the inside, and maybe a bit of a rock chick as well. But the gospel album is just because that’s where she’s going to make her money, and she knows the market is really loyal. Especially in the Afrikaans market, people swoon over a gospel album. You could be such a hypocrite but if you bring out a gospel album your fans will absolutely love you. So she’s doing a gospel album, but she’s definitely 100% the opposite of a gospel album singer. 

What were your favourite moments in the fight scene between Jolene and Bianca (Lindsey Cele)? 

That was so hectic! We really looked forward to that fight. That’s my first fight scene! I’ve done a few slaps across the face, but this was a whole choreography, like a whole dance. The way it starts was lovely. It’s just this tension-filled moment where you don’t think Bianca’s going to do it. And then she just goes in for Jolene. And then later on, we used pans and we knocked each other on the head. That was quite funny. And there was also something about pulling on the hair. All of it was just absolute chaos. Lindsey is a good friend of mine, so I just feel so safe with her. So we really had a lot of fun.

With the scene where Jolene flirts with Chad the pool boy (Dean Goldblum), which moment nearly ended you?

I said to him something about the stars aligning and he was like, “Stars? No, sorry, baby girl; I’m an atheist.” And that was hysterical for me. The whole scene with Dean was such a highlight; it was pure comedy. I love playing opposite him. He was just so 100% committed to this pool boy character. She’s like, “You are so absolutely stupid. But okay, well, we’re leaning into this.” You can always get me with comedy, because comedy is such a difficult thing to write. It’s an easy yes for me, you can buy me over with comedy, I’m a cheapskate.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SIMONÉ PRETORIUS: 

Age: 33.

Where is she from? She grew up in Pretoria but studied in Stellenbosch, and worked in Johannesburg for 10 years before returning to Pretoria to be close to “the ouma zone” when she fell pregnant.

Where did she study? BA (Drama and Theatre Studies) at Stellenbosch University.

What have you seen her in? She won Best Newcomer at the 2014 Royalty Soapie Awards after she joined 7de Laanas Nadia Croukamp. She also plays René Spies inBinnelanders. Simoné is best known these days for her SAFTA-nominated role as Jony in comedy series Hotel, and for Irma Humpel in the real-life romantic drama, Vir die Voëls, for which she won Best Actress at the 2017 Tallgrass International Film Festival.

Is Simoné Pretorius married? Yes! You might know her as Simoné Nortmann.

Can she teach me acting? Yes, she has an acting workshop called Art of Acting, which she hosts in Pretoria. 

What are her Christmas plans? Simoné has a two-and-a-half-year-old toddler and she’s expecting her second child in January 2024, so she’ll be spending Christmas in the swimming pool “like a walrus and a killer whale, just lounging in the pool and snapping my fingers for mocktails”.

Watch the trailer for Die Ondersonsie:

Watch Die Onderonsie:

https://www.showmax.com/eng/movie/09p7cd0y-die-onderonsie

Join the conversation: 

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