The gripping true-crime documentary Beauty and the Bester has taken South Africa by storm, holding the top spot on Netflix’s trending list since its debut in late September 2025.
The series revisits one of South Africa’s most shocking criminal sagas the story of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester and his alleged accomplice, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana.
Directed with a blend of investigative journalism and emotional storytelling, the multi-part documentary exposes the scandal that stunned the nation in 2023 when Bester, once thought dead, was discovered to have escaped from prison with Magudumana’s help.
The series includes exclusive courtroom footage, interviews with law enforcement officials, journalists, and friends of the accused, providing rare insights into the complex web of deceit and corruption surrounding the case.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok have been flooded with reactions, with many viewers praising Netflix for revisiting the saga while others debate ethical issues surrounding Magudumana’s portrayal. Critics have described the production as “intense, meticulous, and socially relevant,” commending it for sparking broader conversations about South Africa’s justice system, celebrity culture, and gender dynamics.
READ ALSO: Davido set to make Coachella debut
Beauty and the Bester currently tops Netflix’s Top 10 in South Africa, ahead of global titles such as Virgin River and Wednesday: Season 2. Analysts say the show’s success proves the appetite for local, real-life stories with global resonance.
The documentary’s release also coincides with Netflix’s broader strategy to expand African content, following earlier hits like Unseen and Savage Beauty.
As streaming wars intensify, Beauty and the Bester is not only dominating viewership but redefining South Africa’s position in the global true-crime genre.