A new South African crime drama is set to hit screens this week, telling the story of a desperate single mother who turns to selling counterfeit luxury bags with the help of a social media influencer. “Bad Influencer” will be available to stream on Netflix starting October 31, 2025. The series explores the high-stakes world of fraud and digital fame in contemporary South Africa.
The Storyline: Crime and Social Media
The series follows BK, a single mother and small-time con artist who is struggling to provide for her son, who has special needs. In her financial struggle, she has built a operation creating and selling cheap copies of high-end handbags. When the debt she owes to loan sharks becomes overwhelming, she finds an unlikely partner in Pinky, a self-obsessed wannabe luxury influencer.
Together, they team up to sell the fake bags online to Pinky’s followers. Their scheme quickly escalates, pulling them into a dangerous web. As the official synopsis states:
“When a small-time con artist and single mom, BK, must provide for her son with special needs, she teams up with wannabe luxury 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.”
The two women find themselves caught between a criminal mafia and the police, forcing them to outsmart both sides to avoid prison and survive.
Meet the Cast and Characters
The series features a cast of talented South African actors. Jo-Anne Reyneke takes on the lead role of BK, the counterfeiting single mother. Reyneke is known for her roles in shows like “The Estate” and “High Rollers.” Playing the influencer Pinky is Cindy Mahlangu, recognized for her performances in “The Queen” and “Soft Love.”
They are joined by Vincent Mahlape, who portrays the threatening crime lord Bra Alex. Mahlape is known for his role in the film “Silverton Siege.” The supporting cast includes a number of well-known South African faces, including former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, and actors Thapelo Mokoena, Hamilton Dlamini, and Brendon Daniels.
Behind the Scenes of the Series
“Bad Influencer” is the first series to come out of the Realness Institute and Netflix’s Episodic Lab. The show was created by Kudi Maradzika, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Nosipho Ngoasheng Dumisa, Bradley Joshua, and Travis Taute, among others. The series is produced by Gambit Films in association with Lincoln Green Media.
Directors Keitumetse Qhali and Ari Kruger helmed the project, with writing by Kudi Maradzika, Daniel Zimbler, and Sydney Dire. The series promises to mix social criticism with dark humor and tense drama, drawing comparisons to popular shows like “Good Girls” and the story of “Inventing Anna.”
How to Watch the Show
All episodes of “Bad Influencer” will be released on Netflix on October 31, 2025. Netflix typically releases new content at 12:00 AM Pacific Time, which is 3:00 AM Eastern Time. The entire season will be available at once for binge-watching.
To stream the series, viewers will need an active Netflix subscription. The platform offers several plans, including a Standard plan with ads for $7.99 per month, a Standard ad-free plan for $17.99 per month, and a Premium 4K Ultra HD ad-free plan for $24.99 per month. The series will be available to Netflix subscribers not only in South Africa but in international markets around the world.
A Tale of Two Women in a Digital World
Through the unlikely partnership between BK and Pinky, “Bad Influencer” examines modern themes of morality, ambition, and what it takes to survive in a world where success is often measured by online popularity and financial gain. The series is set to offer a sharp, satirical look at social media culture and the extremes of life in a society dominated by appearances.
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Credits: Tudum Netflix
