‘Reckless’ on Showmax

Kenya’s High-Octane Drama Powered by Local Talent and Production Muscle

Filmed across Nairobi and rural Kenya, this youth series is redefining local television with bold visuals and a powerhouse creative team

Reckless, which premiered on June 23, 2025, is one of Showmax’s most ambitious Kenyan productions to date. Produced by Live Eye Limited, the series blends street racing aesthetics with family drama, but what truly sets it apart is the scale of its production and the depth of its creative team.

Production Facts and Figures

  • Production Company: Live Eye Limited
  • Directors: Carol Ochieng (Selina, Salem), Gilbert Lukalia (Kam U Stay, A Merry X-Mess), and Isaya Evans (Second Family, Nilichoma)
  • Head Writer: Jim Malakwen (Faithless, Igiza)
  • Executive Producers: Auka Gecheo and Eddah Kiruhi
  • Filming Locations: Nairobi CBD, Ngong Hills, Machakos, and remote villages in Kajiado County
  • Production Timeline: Filmed over 14 weeks between February and May 2025
  • Crew Size: Over 120 local cast and crew members employed
  • Camera Setup: Multi-cam RED Komodo and Sony FX6 rigs for high-speed chase scenes
  • Post-Production: Edited at Live Eye Studios in Nairobi with Dolby Atmos sound mastering

Budget and Support

  • Estimated Budget: KES 42 million
  • Funding Sources: Private investment, Showmax Originals fund, and Kenya Film Commission incentives
  • Tax Benefits: Qualified for 100% investment deduction on filming equipment under Kenya’s creative economy stimulus
  • Sponsorships: Costume and vehicle support from Toyota Kenya and Urban Streetwear Nairobi

Distribution and Viewer Engagement

  • Platform: Showmax (exclusive release)
  • Episode Count: 10 episodes in Season 1
  • Release Schedule: New episodes every Monday and Tuesday
  • Viewer Stats: Over 1.2 million views in the first two weeks across East Africa
  • Social Media Reach: #RecklessShowmax trending on X (formerly Twitter) with 18,000+ mentions in the first week

Cast Highlights

  • Brian Abajah as Pete Sonoko – known for Mission to Rescue
  • Sammy Okore as Mika Sonoko – breakout role after Machachari
  • Eddie Mbugua, Georgina Mbira, Godfrey Odhiambo, and Ntinyari Mburukua round out the ensemble
  • Supporting Cast: Includes over 20 actors from Kenya’s rising talent pool, many of whom trained at Kenya National Theatre and Talanta Institute

Industry Impact

  • Reckless is part of Showmax’s push to invest in youth-centered Kenyan stories, following the success of Faithless and Second Family
  • The series has been praised for its cinematic quality, sound design, and authentic casting, setting a new benchmark for local drama
  • Actor Brian Abajah has used the platform to advocate for inclusive filmmaking, citing his work with Deaf actors in other projects

Plot Glimpse Reckless opens with a deadly street race that forces brothers Pete and Mika Sonoko into hiding. As they leave behind Nairobi’s elite circles and confront buried family secrets, they must rebuild trust, face betrayal, and decide whether redemption is worth the risk. Their journey collides with rural life, urban power struggles, and a ticking clock that threatens everything they still hold dear.

Conclusion

With its robust production values, strategic partnerships, and commitment to local storytelling, Reckless is more than just a TV show—it’s a statement about the future of Kenyan entertainment. It proves that with the right investment and vision, homegrown drama can rival international standards while staying rooted in local culture.