Queen Soapie Why Viewers Cannot Stop Talking About It
What is "Queen Soapie"?
"Queen soapie" refers to The Queen, a highly popular South African telenovela that aired on Mzansi Magic from August 1, 2016, until its series finale on January 13, 2023. The show follows the Khoza family, drug lords who operate behind a logistics company, with matriarch Harriet Khoza (played by Connie Ferguson) known as "The Queen" leading the dynasty after her husband's death.
Key Facts About The Queen Soapie
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Network | Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 142) |
| Premiere Date | August 1, 2016 |
| Finale Date | January 13, 2023 |
| Total Seasons | 7 seasons |
| Total Episodes | 1,553 episodes across all seasons |
| Production Company | Ferguson Films (Connie & Shona Ferguson) |
| Air Time | Monday-Friday at 21:00 SAST |
Who are the main characters in The Queen?
- Harriet Khoza (Connie Ferguson) - The female protagonist and matriarch of the criminal Khoza family
- Captain Jerry Maake (Shona Ferguson) - Tough police officer determined to bring down the Khoza drug operation
- Uncle Brutus Khoza (Themba Ndaba) - Male protagonist and Khoza family patriarch alongside Harriet
- Kagiso "Muscle Man" Khoza (Loyiso MacDonald) - Youngest son, former army pilot with complex romantic relationships
- Vuyiswa "Sis Vee" Maake-Sebata (Zandile Msutwana) - Dedicated detective who seeks justice after Jerry's death
- Thando Sebata (Jessica Nkosi) - Powerful drug lord heiress and ambitious enemy who becomes new drug queenpin
Season Breakdown and Episode Counts
- Season 1: 208 episodes (August 1, 2016 - July 27, 2017)
- Season 2: 260 episodes (July 31, 2017 - July 27, 2018)
- Season 3: 260 episodes (July 30, 2018 - July 26, 2019)
- Season 4: 260 episodes (July 29, 2019 - July 24, 2020)
- Season 5: 260 episodes (July 27, 2020 - July 23, 2021)
- Season 6: 260 episodes (July 26, 2021 - July 22, 2022)
- Season 7: 125 episodes (July 25, 2022 - January 13, 2023)
Awards and Recognition
The Queen received multiple award nominations and wins throughout its run, demonstrating its cultural impact on South African television. At the Royalty Soapie Awards in 2020, the show won Outstanding Lighting, Outstanding Wardrobe, and Sthembiso "SK" Khoza won Outstanding Supporting Actor. Jessica Nkosi won Outstanding Female Villain in 2021 for her role as Thando Sebata. At the SAFTAs, Loyiso MacDonald won Best Supporting Actor - Telenovela in 2020.
Cultural Significance in South African Media
The Queen became The South African drama taking over television screens during its 7-year run, produced by Ferguson Films owned by acting veterans Connie Ferguson and her late husband Shona Ferguson [reference title]. Only Connie Ferguson and Themba Ndaba appeared in both the premiere and the series finale, making them the show's longest-tenured stars. The show's cancellation marked the end of an era for Mzansi Magic's original programming.
Key concerns and solutions for Queen Soapie Why Viewers Cannot Stop Talking About It
What is the plot of The Queen soapie?
The show revolves around the Khoza family drug empire and their conflicts with competitors and the Tembisa Police Service. Harriet Khoza takes over the dynasty after her husband's death and fights to protect her family from Captain Jerry Maake, a police captain who believes Harriet killed his son. As the series progresses, Harriet faces new enemies including Gracious Mabuza, Goodness Mabuza, and Thando Sebata-a powerful drug lord heiress who becomes the new drug queenpin of Midrand.
Why was The Queen soapie cancelled?
Mzansi Magic cancelled The Queen soapie in March 2022, with entertainment commentator Phil Mphela reporting that Season 7 was the final season. The show was renewed for a shortened seventh season with only 125 episodes instead of the usual 260-episode order. After almost 7 years on air, the telenovela was replaced by Gqeberha: The Empire, a Xhosa-language telenovela produced by Tshedza Pictures.
What themes does The Queen explore?
The plot touches on power, betrayal, infidelity, ambition, love, poverty, crime, and polygamy. The show explores criminal activities hidden behind legitimate business operations, family dynamics in criminal enterprises, police-criminal conflicts, and the consequences of drug trafficking.
Where can I watch The Queen now?
The Queen originally aired on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 142) every weekday at 9 p.m.. After its finale on January 13, 2023, reruns may be available through DStv streaming services or Showmax, though official streaming availability should be verified with current DStv offerings.
