Watch Cape Town

Cape Town is an enthralling South African drama television series that was launched in 2015. The series is a one-of-a-kind crime thriller that encapsulates the raw energy of South African drama. This gripping series is based upon a novel titled "Dead before Dying" by Deon Meyer, which adds a brilliant edge of reality to the storyline. The series captures the essence of Cape Town, the second most populous city of South Africa, in its title and backdrop, offering viewers a chance to explore the intricate dynamics of the city along with the unfolding of the plot.

The main protagonist of the show, Mat Joubert, is portrayed brilliantly by Trond Espen Seim, a renowned Norwegian actor well known for his enigmatic and emboldened performances. Mat Joubert was once the best detective in the homicide division of South African police. However, the tragic death of his wife results in him battling with his own distress, causing his life to spiral out of control. Suffering from deep-seated grief and wrestling with his personal demons, he undergoes a physical and emotional change to gain his life back. This transformation of Mat Joubert forms the crux of the storyline and is a recurring theme throughout the series, adding depth to the crime-solving aspects of the plot.

Engulfed in his struggles, Mat's career takes a downward plunge, and he finds himself in a pit of stagnancy and unproductiveness. However, a new chief of police named De Beer who comes with an unwavering determination to clean up the system and tackle crime tirelessly, assigns him a new partner, Sanctus Snook. The interaction and the dynamic between Joubert and Sanctus, who has a starkly different approach towards crime-solving, add more substance to the narrative. This pairing of the eternally optimistic and enthusiastic Sanctus with the aloof and troubled Mat, forms an unintentionally humorous and complementary detective duo, providing engaging subplots and character development.

Each episode of Cape Town invariably features a new murder that the duo must solve, which propels the narrative forward. The murders are convicting, and often there is more to them than what meets the eye. To unmask the culprits, the duo must traverse the gritty streets of Cape Town, exposing the underbelly of the city while grappling with the intense socio-political challenges that South Africa faces.

Cape Town thus offers a unique combination of individual struggle mixed with the omnipresent quest for truth and justice. The lethal combination of grief, guilt, redemption, and comeback are skillfully woven into the individual character growth of Mat Joubert. This along with the local color of Cape Town culture, its deep-seated problems and the work setting of a local police station, make the series an engrossing watch.

Moreover, the show’s cinematography skillfully captures the beautiful yet complex city of Cape Town, giving viewers a snapshot of the dualistic nature of the city - its remarkable beauty contrasting against the gritty reality of crime. Each scene is beautifully shot, establishing the cityscape as an indelible character in the plot. Colorful streets, scenic landscapes, and the untamed South African wild are intricately draped into a narrative of murder and mystery, making Cape Town visually spectacular and thematically poignant.

Besides the gripping storyline, the characters in Cape Town are brought to life by brilliant performances from a cast including Boris Kodjoe, Arnold Vosloo, and Saint Seseli. Their stellar performances add an air of authenticity to the series, which helps draw viewers in from the first episode.

In conclusion, Cape Town is not just a crime drama but a complex narrative that explores the human psyche and the constant struggle for justice in a world intertwined with personal battles of redemption. Its enticing storyline, captivating characters, and scenic backdrop make it a television show worth investing in. This series is surely a must-watch for those who enjoy a good crime drama that goes beyond the surface, delving into the troubles of its characters and the society they live in. Overall, this series successfully combines the thrills of a criminal investigation with the very real internal struggles of its characters, making for a captivating watch.

Cape Town is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on June 29, 2018.