Power and deception are at the heart of Netflix’s true crime show Beauty and the Bester, which proves that, once again, life can be stranger than fiction. The docuseries premiered on the platform in September 2025 and quickly entered the Top 10, with 2.5 million views this week.
The story of South African criminal Thabo Bester is shocking. Add in great viewership numbers, and you might be wondering whether a sequel is on the way. Here’s what we know so far.
Beauty and the Bester Season 2 Release Date
At the time of writing, there’s no news about a potential Beauty and the Bester season 2. Additionally, the title is listed as a limited series on Netflix, and it tells a fairly complete story.
We’re not ruling out a sequel altogether. The case is fascinating and might evolve in the future. For now, however, we’re pretty sure this is all we get.
Beauty and the Bester Cast
- Judge Edwin Cameron
- Megan Baardjies
- Pearl Thusi
- Meisie Mabaso
- Marecia Damons
- Dr. Lucy Higgins
- Nkosinathi Sekeleni
What Is Beauty and the Bester About?
Beauty and the Bester dissects one of South Africa’s most sensational true crime scandals. It recently made headlines when its subject, convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, attempted to block it from being released. He wasn’t successful.
The show covers Bester’s rise, crimes, and downfall. It also touches on his relationship with celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana.
Dubbed the “Facebook Rapist” for luring women online, Bester was sentenced to life in prison in 2012 after a string of violent crimes, including the murder of his girlfriend. A decade later, in 2022, authorities declared him dead after a fire in his prison cell seemingly claimed his life.
However, it was later revealed that the charred body wasn’t his. The discovery unraveled a shocking escape plot allegedly aided by Magudumana. Her reputation as a respected physician made her involvement even more disturbing.
Bester’s time on the run ended when he and Magudumana were arrested in Tanzania and extradited to South Africa.
The series is scattered at times, but it manages to tell the tale in gripping fashion. Through interviews, archival footage, and investigative reporting, it also exposes how far manipulation can go. There’s a fine line between devotion and destruction, and it’s easier than you may think to fall prey to charm.
Beauty and the Bester season 2 might not become a reality, but the three episodes available are thrilling on their own. If you’re into true crime, we recommend tuning in.
Are There Other Shows Like Beauty and the Bester?
If you enjoyed Beauty and the Bester, you might also like the recent Netflix docuseries Love Con Revenge, which centres on victims of romance scams.
Other popular docuseries on the platform include Katrina: Come Hell and High Water, Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser, Critical: Between Life and Death, and Amy Bradley Is Missing.
