A single mother and luxury bag counterfeiter finds herself teaming up with a self-obsessed influencer to sell fake handbags and dig her way out of debt. That’s the setup for Bad Influencer, Netflix’s latest South African original series dropping October 31 — and it’s giving crime, comedy, and commentary all in one.
From the first trailer, Bad Influencer is every bit as glossy as it is gritty. The seven-part crime drama follows BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke), a quick-witted single mom doing whatever it takes to provide for her son with special needs. When she crosses paths with Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu), a flashy up-and-coming influencer chasing likes and luxury, the two strike a risky deal — sell counterfeit designer bags online and ride the algorithm to financial freedom.
But when their side hustle draws the attention of Bra Alex (Vincent Mahlape) and Jobs “Flames” Jiyane (Hamilton Dlamini) — two powerful figures in Johannesburg’s counterfeit crime network — BK and Pinky suddenly find themselves caught between the city’s most dangerous players and relentless law enforcement. To survive, they’ll have to outsmart both the criminals and the cops while keeping their friendship (and freedom) intact.
Created by Kudi Maradzika and produced by Gambit Films (Blood & Water, Nommer 37), Bad Influencer marks the first series born from Netflix’s collaboration with the Realness Institute’s Episodic Lab — a partnership designed to champion African storytellers and elevate original voices in global streaming.
The series is directed by Keitumetse Qhali and Ari Kruger, with Nosipho Ngoasheng-Dumisa and Kudi Maradzika leading production. Executive producers also include Bradley Joshua, Benjamin Overmeyer, Simon Beesley, Travis Taute, and Daryne Joshua.
The ensemble cast features Jo-Anne Reyneke, Cindy Mahlangu, Hamilton Dlamini, Vincent Mahlape, Thapelo Mokoena, Lerato Nxumalo, Aubrey Poo, Brendon Daniels, Nat Ramabulana, Masasa Mbangeni, Zikhona Sodlaka, Relebogile Mabotja, and Zozibini Tunzi in her first major acting role.
Rreal-life influencers Mihlali Ndamase, Sarah Langa, and Mohale Motaung make cameo appearances — a clever meta nod to the world the series satirizes.
Bad Influencer premieres October 31, 2025, exclusively on Netflix South Africa — just in time for a binge-worthy Halloween weekend.