When image becomes everything, truth is the first casualty. Bad Influencer, the stylish new South African drama created by Kudi Maradzika, dives into the ruthless world of online fame – where luxury, power, and danger mix in equal measure. Through the story of a hustling single mom and a reckless influencer, the series peels back the filters of the influencer economy to reveal what really happens when likes turn into lies.
Sharp, seductive, and full of tension, Bad Influencer explores how the hunger for viral success can push ordinary people into extraordinary risk. Here’s everything you need to know about Bad Influencer — from the plot and cast to behind-the-scenes details.
All the key details about Bad Influencer
- Title: Bad Influencer
- Format: Series (Season 1)
- Runtime: 7 episodes (approx. 45 min each)
- Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Social-media culture
- Country of production: South Africa
- Original language: English
- Year of release: 2025
- Creator: Kudi Maradzika
- Main cast: Jo-Anne Reyneke, Cindy Mahlangu, Thapelo Mokoena
- Produced by: Lincoln Green Media / Netflix
What happens in Bad Influencer?
BK, a single mother drowning in debt, runs a quiet counterfeit handbag business on the streets of Johannesburg. But when she crosses paths with Pinky — a glamorous influencer chasing fame and luxury at any cost — the two women strike a risky partnership that quickly spirals out of control.
As BK’s hidden world collides with Pinky’s curated one, Bad Influencer turns into a stylish and fast-paced descent into obsession, deception, and survival. What begins as a quick fix to make money becomes a high-stakes power play that exposes the toxic side of social-media fame and the blurred line between ambition and crime.
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Who’s in the cast of Bad Influencer?
Jo-Anne Reyneke brings grit and emotional depth to BK — a woman torn between protecting her child and chasing financial survival. Cindy Mahlangu shines as Pinky, the self-absorbed influencer whose charm hides dangerous insecurities. Thapelo Mokoena rounds out the trio as a mysterious businessman caught in their web of lies.
Creator Kudi Maradzika, a Zimbabwean-South African writer and producer, brings her sharp perspective on class, power, and image to the screen — crafting one of the most talked-about African Netflix dramas of 2025.
Is Bad Influencer based on a true story?
No, but it’s rooted in real-world issues. The story draws inspiration from South Africa’s booming influencer scene and the global counterfeit luxury trade. Maradzika’s script mixes fiction with authentic details from the fashion and social-media worlds to build a story that feels both glamorous and dangerously real.
What are the reviews on Bad Influencer?
Critics have praised the show for its “magnetic storytelling and fierce performances.” South African press outlets called it “a bold, unapologetic look at digital morality,” while viewers lauded its slick production and sharp writing. Early IMDb ratings hover around 7/10, and fans highlight its mix of social commentary and binge-worthy drama. Several reviewers noted that it balances entertainment with a clear-eyed critique of influencer culture, exposing the loneliness behind the spotlight. The performances of Jo-Anne Reyneke and Cindy Mahlangu, in particular, have been described as “electric” and “uncomfortably real,” capturing both glamour and grit in every scene.
Where was Bad Influencer filmed?
Filmed entirely in and around Johannesburg, the series uses real neighborhoods, nightclubs, and fashion studios to create a vivid backdrop that mirrors the duality of luxury and struggle. The city’s energy — fast, chaotic, and full of contradictions — becomes a character of its own. Cinematographer Sipho Mahlangu captures Johannesburg in striking contrasts — neon-lit nights against dusty daylight hustle — giving the series a visual rhythm that feels raw yet cinematic. The production team also collaborated with local artists and stylists to infuse each scene with authentic South African textures, from street art to township fashion.
Bad Influencer: Behind the scenes and fun facts
- Creator Kudi Maradzika previously worked on multiple South African TV dramas before launching her own production company, Lincoln Green Media.
- The show’s wardrobe team collaborated with local designers to recreate authentic “Instagram luxury” looks using real South African brands.
- Each episode opens with a quote about influence and morality — a nod to the show’s psychological undertone.
What’s Bad Influencer like?
If you enjoyed Inventing Anna, Blood & Water, or You, this one’s for you. Bad Influencer blends the thrill of a crime drama with the glossy world of influencer marketing — exposing how fame, money, and manipulation can destroy even the most picture-perfect life.
When is Bad Influencer coming out on streaming?
Available now. Bad Influencer is streaming on Netflix USA, offering a fresh African voice in the global drama lineup. Release date: October 31, 2025. Watch on Netflix.
Watch the trailer
In the meantime, here’s the trailer.
