If you thought Marked was the peak of South African binge culture — think again. Netflix’s Bad Influencer just snatched that title and added a little chaos, contour, and clout-chasing to the mix.
I’ll admit it: I finished the entire season in two days (don’t judge me). By the last episode, I was convinced there had to be more — not because the story felt incomplete, but because it felt too real. This isn’t your average fiction; it’s basically a mirror held up to Johannesburg’s influencer scene — ring lights, drama, desperation, and all.
What makes Bad Influencer addictive is that it doesn’t just dramatize; it exposes. It peels back the glossy filter on influencer culture and shows us the chaotic hustle behind every “soft life” Instagram post. You’ll find yourself side-eyeing your feed, wondering which #OOTD was paid for with moral compromise and a side of scandal.
But let’s talk plot for a second. Our lead character is out here doing heist-like robberies again and “for a child in need”. And while the emotional depth is appreciated, I’m deducting one point for déjà vu. We’ve been here before (Marked, anyone? A child who needed surgery and a mother who would do anything for her child). That storyline has officially earned retirement status.
That said, the writing, acting, direction, and overall production? Chef’s kiss. The series delivers drama, heart, and a healthy dose of “that could totally happen in Joburg” energy.
So yes, Bad Influencer might just be the most binge-worthy South African series since Marked — a chaotic, captivating, and sometimes too-close-to-home masterpiece.
Netflix, if you’re reading this, we need Season 2 immediately. Preferably with fewer sob stories and more scandal.
