Bad Influencer is a South African drama television series produced for the streaming service Netflix created by Kudi Maradzika that premiered on from 31 October 2025. It details the high stakes collision of social media glamour and the criminal underground in Johannesburg.
Contents
Premise
Set in Johannesburg, Bad Influencer follows BK played by Jo-Anne Reyneke, a struggling fashion designer and single mother who joins forces with Pinky played by Cindy Mahlangu a social media influencer to run a counterfeit luxury handbag business.
Cast
Main cast
Jo-Anne Reyneke as BK
Cindy Mahlangu as Pinky
Thapelo Mokoena as Themba
Zozibini Tunzi as Naomi
Hamilton Dhlamini as Jobs "Flames" Jiyane
Tina Jaxa as Doreen
Aubrey Poo as Mandla
Kamohelo Pule as Lelz
Zikhona Sodlaka as Thandz
Emmanuel Castis as Babi Barlos
Masasa Mbangeni as Gorata
Brendon Daniels as Brigadier Booysens
Julia Anastasopoulos as Dunia Barlos
Lerato Nxumalo as Barbie
Modise Motaung as Bheki
Vincent Mahlape Sekuba as Bra Alex
Mandisa Nduma as Joyce
Nat Ramabulana as Dingane
Supporting cast
Zenokuhle Maseko as Thulz
Kudi Maradzika as French Executive
Akhenime Mfenyana as Lindiwe
Mich Mazibuko as Moose
Emmanuel Mkhatshwa as Felix
Sthandile Nkosi as Young Doreen
Tshego Koke as Gym Jock #1
Tadeus Mbatha as Gym Jock #2
Olwethu Mackay as Lower influencer
Mpilo Shabalala as Leo
Recurring cast
Liema Pantsi
Sarah Langa
Mihlali Ndamase
Blue Mbombo
Yolanda Monyai
Pumla Dineo
Mohale Motaung
Production
Bad Influencer was created by Zimbabwean born filmmaker Kudi Maradzika, and produced by South Africa’s Gambit Films and developed by Lincoln Green Media for Netflix. The series, which consists of 1 season with 7 episodes was filmed primarily in Johannesburg and is set against the local influencer culture, crime and fashion counterfeiting scene. Bad Influencer's creator Kudi Maradzika revealed in a Coffee Chat interview that she used to be an influencer, "and when the Realness Episodic Lab call came out, the idea of BK, a woman trying to fit into this world of influencers while hiding a criminal life, came to mind"
Executive producers include Kudi Maradzika, Nosipho Ngoasheng Dumisa, Bradley Joshua, Benjamin Overmeyer, Simon Beesley, Travis Taute and Daryne Joshua. Daniel Zimbler serves as Co-Executive Producer. The show was produced using a Multi-camera setup and blends crime drama with commentary on social media influence, luxury branding and digital deception.
Release
The series premiered on Netflix on 31 October 2025.
Reception
The show has had generally positive responses although its as yet unrated on Rotten Tomatoes. Jo-Anne Reyneke has received praise for her portrayal of BK, a single parent doing all that she can to take care of her special needs child.