The bright lights of social media collide with the shadows of desperation in Bad Influencer, set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on 31 October. Blending gripping crime drama with sharp and witty social commentary, the seven-part series balances high-stakes survival with the glossy illusions of influencer culture.
In a city that thrives on appearances, two women are pulled into a dangerous double life – one lived online, the other in the underworld.
At its heart is BK (Jo-Anne Reyneke), a street-smart single mom whose greatest hustle is protecting her son. Destiny puts her in the path of Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu ), a rising influencer with flair and chaos to spare. Both broken in their own ways, they spark a combustible partnership that thrives on ambition and risk.
Together, BK and Pinky descend into Jo’burg’s counterfeit economy, selling fake luxury handbags. Fame and fraud become indistinguishable, likes and lies trade places, and instinct demands they walk the knife-edge between heart and hustle.
In the shadows, darker forces stir; Bra Alex (Vincent Mahlape) and Jobs ‘Flames’ Jiyane (Hamilton Dlamini ) rule the city’s underbelly with ruthless authority. Their presence is a constant reminder that in Jo’burg’s relentless grind, there is always a bigger predator.
Featuring a powerhouse ensemble that includes Zozibini Tunzi in her first major acting role alongside Emmanuel Castis, Nat Ramabulana, Julia Anastasopoulos, Kamohelo Pule, Aubrey Poo, Modise Motaung, Brendon Daniels, Thapelo Mokoena, and Lerato Nxumalo, Bad Influencer unfolds in a world where everyone is faking it until they’re found out. The series also features Relebogile Mabotja, Masasa Mbangeni, Zikhona Sodlaka, and Tina Jaxa, along with cameo appearances from some of South Africa’s top influencers, including Mihlali Ndamase, Sarah Langa and Mohale Motaung.
Synopsis
When a small-time con artist and single mom, BK, must provide for her special needs son, she teams up with wannabe luxe influencer Pinky to sell fake luxury handbags online. Their scheme draws the attention of Bra Alex, a notorious criminal in a counterfeiting syndicate, as well as law enforcement. Caught between criminals and cops, the unlikely duo must outfox both to stay out of jail, survive, and thrive.
Cast & Crew
Developed by Lincoln Green Media
Production company: Gambit Films
Created By: Kudi Maradzika
Creative Producer: Nosipho Ngoasheng - Dumisa
Executive Producers: Kudi Maradzika, Nosipho Ngoasheng Dumisa, Bradley Joshua, Benjamin Overmeyer, Simon Beesley, Travis Taute, and Daryne Joshua.
Co-Executive Producer: Daniel Zimbler
Director: Keitumetse Qhali, Ari Kruger
Head Writers: Kudi Maradzika and Daniel Zimbler.
Writers: Kudi Maradzika, Sydney Dire, and Daniel Zimber.
Key Cast:
- Jo-Anne Reyneke
- Cindy Mahlangu
- Thapelo Mokoena
- Mpilo Shabalala
- Hamilton Dlamini
- Vincent Mahlape
- Modise Motaung
- Zozibini Tunzi
- Kamo Pule
- Emmanuel Castis
- Julia Anastasopoulos
- Brendon Daniels
- Aubrey Poo
- Nat Ramabulana
- Lerato Nxumalo