Faith, Love & Betrayal: Inside the Paradys Watch Party & Why This Drama Is About to Shake SABC 2
By Neontle Mogomotsi
On Thursday, 19 February 2026, Ster-Kinekor at Rosebank Mall hosted the exclusive watch party for Paradys, offering media and invited guests a first look at what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged local dramas of the year.
Premiering on SABC 2 from Monday, 23 February at 19h00 (Monday to Friday), Paradys explores the layered themes of faith, love, and betrayal, all set within a tightly woven family and community dynamic.
Produced by Mandla N and Natalie, the series signals a bold storytelling direction rooted in authenticity and cultural nuance.
A Bold Opening That Sets the Tone
The very first episode establishes high emotional stakes.
Viewers are introduced to Rochelle, portrayed by Lorcia Cooper, whose character makes a shocking decision that instantly alters the course of the narrative. After serving as a surrogate for her sister, Rocelle steals the baby and flees town, a gripping plot twist that launches the series into an emotional storm of desperation, betrayal, and fractured trust.
It is a bold, emotionally explosive opening that pulls viewers straight into an unfolding storm of betrayal, desperation, and unresolved wounds. The emotional weight is heavy, but intentional. You can already sense that every character is carrying something deeper beneath the surface.
The Villain You Might Secretly Love
Uncle Vinny, portrayed by Elton Landrew, commands every scene he enters. In the first two episodes, he presents as the “bad guy, intimidating, firm, and calculated. But here’s the nuance: he is a protector.
He is the kind of man who would do absolutely anything for his family. And that complexity makes him compelling. He isn’t a flat villain. He is layered, emotional, and driven by loyalty. The kind of character South African audiences love to debate about.
A Fresh Face to Watch
One of the most exciting introductions is Keenan Sherman as Brandon Boitjie, the pastor’s kid, trying to find his place in Paradys.
This is Sherman’s first acting gig, and he holds his own among seasoned performers. What makes his performance even more heartfelt is that he relates to the role deeply, he is a pastor’s kid in real life. That authenticity shines through. Boitjie is navigating identity, expectation, and belonging, something many young people will resonate with.
Wisdom Often Overlooked
Obed Baloyi portrays Patrick Shivambu, a man seasoned by life experiences, carrying wisdom shaped by hardship and survival. Yet despite his insight, he is often dismissed.
The character reflects a broader societal tendency to undervalue lived experience, adding emotional depth and social commentary to the narrative.
Familiar Faces, Powerful Performances
The cast brings together beloved industry names and rising talent, including:
• Lorcia Cooper
• Ilse Klink
• Roderick Jaftha
• Elton Landrew
• Zane Meas
• Vuyo Ngcukana
• Chantal Stanfield
• Shasha Les Kelly
• Cindy Jantjies
• Obed Baloyi
• Sharne Coetzee
• Keenan Sherman
The chemistry is natural, the performances grounded, and the storytelling feels intentional rather than exaggerated.
Authentic Representation on Screen
What stands out most about Paradys is its authenticity.
The show incorporates different dialects within the coloured community in South Africa, something rarely done with such care on mainstream television. It feels real. It feels lived in. It feels like home for many viewers who rarely see their nuances reflected accurately on screen.
This isn’t a polished fantasy. It’s textured, complex, and culturally rooted.
What Viewers Can Expect
With themes rooted in faith, fractured family bonds, generational trauma, and moral dilemmas, Paradys enters primetime with intensity. The first two episodes alone establish a narrative built on emotional tension and layered character arcs.
If the explosive opening is anything to go by, audiences can expect gripping storytelling and ongoing twists that will keep viewers invested.
Paradys premieres on SABC 2 on Monday, 23 February at 19h00, airing weekdays.
South African primetime may never be the same.
– In The Room
Published by Neontle Mogomotsi
