Top 10 Nigerian TV Series

TV drama series have become a household program in Nigeria. Although some are just for laughs, others are quite instructive in teaching valuable life lessons, but whatever the intentions, they turn out to be very captivating and thoroughly entertaining. Here is a list of the top 10 TV drama series made in Nigeria.  

1. Tinsel

Tinsel is a Nigerian soap opera that began airing in August 2008. It has been referred to as “the most successful television drama on Nigerian television in recent times” Tinsel’s plot is spun around two competing film companies: Reel Studios, founded by Fred Ade-Williams (Victor Olaotan), and Odyssey Pictures, headed by Brenda “Nana” Mensah (Funmilola Aofiyebi-Raimi). The show was shot in a studio in Ojota, Lagos until March 2013. Since then, it has been shot at a studio and a private residence in Ikeja, Lagos It parades a line-up of A-class actors including Ireti Doyle, Bimbo Manuel, Yul Edochia, Linda Ejiofor, and Alex Okoroji It shows on DSTV Channel 154 and there is never a dull moment  

2. Jennifa’s Diary

 

Jennifa’s Diary is Funke Akindele’s television comedy series, as part of the Jenifa franchise.     This series tells a story of a naive village girl who leaves her village in a desperate attempt to better her life. She decides to stay back in Lagos after her effort to travel to America fails. There she meets Toyo baby who helps her get some education, and Kiki who accommodates her, Segun who she falls in love with.   The TV comedy series is an account of Jenifa’s daily experiences as she tries to cope with Lagos life.   The series which began in 2008, is in its eighth year and its 11th season.  

3. The Johnsons

The Johnsons is a comedy series which airs on Africa Magic channel 154. It tells the story of on an average Nigerian family in Lagos, Nigeria and the challenges they face. The hilarious TV series stars Chinedu Ikedieze, Charles Inojie, Ada Ameh Samuel Ajibola, Seun Adebajo Osigbesan, Sharon Abadoni and more  

4. Fifty – The series

Set in the ever-bustling and vibrant mega-city of Lagos, the series follows the lives of four women (Tola, Elizabeth, Kate and Maria) who are forced to take mid-life inventories, as ambitions and betrayals threaten their relationships. The series continues  from the story of the popular EbonylifeTV movie that goes by the same title. It currently in its 2nd season and airs on  DStv Channel 165 every Thursday  

5. Before 30

The Airtel sponsored TV drama series Before 30, also known as B430 started in 2015. It is directed by Bodunrin ‘BB’ Sasore and stars Damilola Adegbite, OC Ukeje, Beverly Naya, Meg Otanwa and Anee Icha. It is, set and shot in Lagos, started airing on DStv’s Africa Magic on 29 March 2015. First Bank is also a co-sponsor of the show.   The drama series follows the lives of four urban, career women and the challenges they face in their relationships as well as how they try to cope with the societal pressures to be married before they turn 30. It is narrated by a central character through whose eyes we experience the stories.   It shows on DSTV Africa Magic channel 153.    

6. MTV Shuga Naija

Shuga Naija tells the story of how different Lagos youths deal with romance, sex and relationships. It is a National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) partnered multimedia campaign, which educates young people on HIV, safe sex and teen pregnancy.  It also touches on other issues like maternal and child health, family planning, gender-based violence, and women empowerment. Dorcas Shola Fapson, Ikubese Emmanuel, Timini Egbuson, Chris Attoh, Olumide Oworu among others have featured in the many seasons of the TV drama series.  

7. My Flatmates

My Flatmates is a situational comedy documenting the lives of four friends who share an apartment. All sorts of chaotic and hilarious things happen as they go about their daily escapades in pursuit of a better life for themselves. It features Basket mouth, Okey Bakassi, Yaw, Frank Donga and more rib cracking acts.   My Flatmate shows on African Magic Showcase  

8. Professor John Bull

The Glo sponsored TV series is produced by Tchidi Chikere. Professor Johnbull is an situational comedy woven around the family of a retired Professor, who resides in a neighborhood in Enugu with his daughter, his house-help, and his kinsman, Jeroboam, with his house becoming the people’s court and a melting pot for his neighbours who come around to resolve all manner of issues.   The programme airs on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV Channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes on Tuesdays at 8.30 p.m. with a repeat broadcast on Fridays on the same channels and time. The show is currently in its 6th season, and its star-studded cast include Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Bimbo Akintola, Queen Nwokoye, Angela Okorie, Bidemi Kosoko, Osita Iheme, Imeh Bishop, Patience Ozokwor, a.k.a. Mama G, and Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)   Chika Okpala (chief Zebrudaya) and RMD are consultants to the production crew of the series.    

9. Husbands of Lagos

Husbands of Lagos is set In Lagos, Nigeria; the city that never sleeps, a melting pot of business, politics, power and love, it follows the lives of seven men caught up in the hustle and bustle of the city, and the women in their lives.   The series debuted on December 1, 2015, is produced by ROK Studios and directed by Kabat E. Egbon. You can catch it on Iroko TV.    

10. Gidi Up

Gidi Up is a television and web drama series that shows on Ndani TV. It was originally released on 20th April, 2013 stars OC Ukeje, Deyemi Okanlawon, Somkele Iyamah, and Titilope Sonuga in lead roles. The series is created by Jadesola Osiberu and executively produced by Lola Odedina. It is produced by Ndani TV and sponsored by GTBank.