South Africa’s favourite funny man, SAFTA-winning Kenneth Nkosi, brings Joseph Ngema to life, a well-meaning father and husband perpetually sidetracked by his work ambitions. To make up for lost time, he plans an extravagant family holiday to Zanzibar, promising a work-free escape with no laptops or calls intruding on their family time. However, when an unexpected work assignment calls him to Durban for a critical pitch, Joseph sneakily reframes the business trip as a family getaway, convincing his unsuspecting wife and children that they’re headed for a fun-filled road trip and holiday.

Caught up between his wife Nandi (played by Lunathi Mampofu in her first comedic role) and his litigious and controlling ex Dora, starring the acclaimed Tina Jaxa, the road trip has unpredictable but hilarious detours. A run-in with an eccentric shebeen queen, Ma Rosie, portrayed by the award-winning Deli Malinga, turns the journey on its head, and what was meant to be a bonding experience quickly turns into a series of mishaps that test Joseph’s patience, the family’s resilience, and everyone’s sense of humour. 

The cast includes young talents Kopano Mahlasi, Lubabalo Tala, and Yeya Ralarala, who bring fresh energy to the comedy. 

Nothing makes a quintessential South African romantic comedy pop quite like a story with copious amounts of humour with well-timed jokes. The 3-episode-format allows for action-packed episodes, with witty performances that feature an ensemble cast comprised of new faces, popular talent and beloved industry veterans. Viewers will love the indulgence, perfectly backdropped to the cheer and laughter of the Dezemba holidays. 

Busisiwe Lurayi stars as Tumi Sello, the family rebel and disappointment who begrudgingly joins her dysfunctional family for the first Christmas holidays in years. It is, however, not the merry return of the prodigal daughter everyone was hoping for. She manages to ruin her younger sister’s, Beauty Sello (Thando Thabethe), Christmas wedding before it even takes place, and spends the next three days frantically trying to get things back on track. 

Executive producer for the three-part series, Rethabile Ramaphakela, reflects on this being Burnt Onion’s second collaboration with Netflix, and how it felt like a first because this time around the stakes were higher.

“Shooting during a global pandemic was very different to what we’re used to. How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding is a very COVID conscious production. The safety of the crew and cast was paramount to being able to bring this story to life and having the support of a partner that is committed to diverse storytelling and that believes in uniquely African stories proved essential to our success. That we can still use our voices, talent and creativity, to bring the spirit of the holidays to audiences on a global platform like Netflix at this time, is remarkable and exemplary of the strength of this partnership.”

Dorothy Ghettuba who leads African Original Series at Netflix, speaking to the streaming service’s continued investment in the African continent said, “Christmas is a time to have fun, kick back and enjoy some holiday cheer. We are excited to bring to our viewers this truly South African Christmas Special. We hope to bring our local and global viewers laughter, joy and spur them into the spirit of Dezemba!”

The three-part series, produced by Burnt Onion Productions, a Johannesburg-based production company, is led by industry game-changers, Katleho, Tshepo and Rethabile Ramaphakela. From concept to delivery, the trio brings to life a combination of fresh creativity and a commitment to quality, which How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding promises to deliver in large doses.