Smoke & Mirrors is a South African drama television series set in the fictional mining town of Emnyameni and follows the story of Thandiswa, a hairdresser by day and an escort by night, who is on a mission to rid the town of the “Unholy Trinity,” a group of morally corrupt men who run Emnyameni.
Premiere episodes of Smoke & Mirrors air on e.tv from Mondays to Fridays at 21h00.
Thursday 1 January 2026
Episode 189
Sakhile prepares for a showdown as the community rallies behind him, and Jaxon provokes him. New Year tensions rise for the gang when Petunia feels sidelined, Tim faces heartbreak, and a serious charge looms.
Friday 2 January 2026
Episode 190
Kayise grows closer to Martha, deepening tensions with Philile, while Tim spirals as Tiny steps in to help. Sakhile’s no confidence vote against Jaxon backfires, leaving him humiliated as Jaxon celebrates his victory.
Monday 5 January 2026
Episode 191
Philile is hurt by Kayise’s growing closeness to Martha, while Tim spirals despite Tiny’s care. As doubts creep in, Sakhile stands firm and vows to keep fighting Jaxon.
Tuesday 6 January 2026
Episode 192
Sakhile finds new hope when evidence exposing Jaxon’s corruption lands in his hands. Martha’s materialism worries Philile and Fanyana, while Tim is moved by an intervention from Leroy, Tiny and Mamiki.
Wednesday 7 January 2026
Episode 193
Jaxon reels as reports expose his corruption, and his position is threatened. Martha’s parenting alarms Philile and Fanyana, while Tim finds comfort with Tiny and workers fear for their jobs.
Thursday 8 January 2026
Episode 194
Jaxon scrambles after the corruption exposé as the community rallies behind Sakhile. Tensions erupt when Tim confronts Tiny, sparking a heated clash with Petunia that turns violent.
Friday 9 January 2026
Episode 195
As hopes rise for Jaxon’s downfall, an anti-corruption investigator closes in while Ngcuka offers a lifeline. Martha spoils Kayise, defying Petunia, as efforts to end the Buthelezi feud fail.
Monday 12 January 2026
Episode 196
Sakhile pushes for a family truce, but Tiny and Petunia’s meeting erupts. As tensions rise, Ngcuka’s return sparks trouble and Jaxon is blindsided by corruption charges.
Tuesday 13 January 2026
Episode 197
Jaxon regains community support amid party backlash. Kayise celebrates her matric success but feels let down. Tiny and Petunia reconcile, ending their feud, while family tensions simmer on.
Wednesday 14 January 2026
Episode 198
Jaxon scrambles to repay R20-million to the municipality. Kayise’s party derails when Msizi overdoses. Tiny pressures Tim for Sipho’s job, and he gives in to stop her leaving.
Thursday 15 January 2026
Episode 199
Jaxon sells his depot shares to Zwelethu but still falls short, forcing him to call Ngcuka. After the party fallout, Kayise faces a drug test, and Tiny is approved for Sipho’s job.
Friday 16 January 2026
Episode 200
Jaxon races to raise R20-million as Ngubane’s evidence seals his fate. Kayise moves back home after Martha’s apology. Tiny plans to leave for KZN until Tim offers her a job.
Monday 19 January 2026
Episode 201
Sakhile is satisfied as Phakathi confirms enough evidence to bring Jaxon down. Mandla and Philile are upset about Martha drinking with Kayise, while Tiny skives at work and takes the credit.
Tuesday 20 January 2026
Episode 202
Stan loans Jaxon R10-million and demands surety, with Martha’s hotel offered. Kayise chooses UCT, fueling tension between Martha and Philile. Tiny fakes illness to dodge work, but Tim catches her out.
Wednesday 21 January 2026
Episode 203
Martha urges Kayise to choose Wits University, but she turns to Fanyana for guidance. Tiny collapses after rallying workers. Ngubane pressures Jaxon over JM Construction, but he survives by giving Stan the surety.
Thursday 22 January 2026
Episode 204
Jaxon repays the money but is expelled mid-speech. Milli advises Kayise on Wits and Tiny protests work but Tim shuts it down, sending her to explore other depot areas instead of heavy lifting.
Friday 23 January 2026
Episode 205
Jaxon fails to raise R10-million, loses support, and Martha fears for the hotel. Kayise worries about varsity, and Tiny crashes the depot forklift, getting fired on her last probation day.
Monday 26 January 2026
Episode 206
Sakhile is offered and accepts the mayorship. Jaxon races to save Martha’s hotel. Martha nearly misses Kayise leaving for varsity. Philile struggles with the loss. Tim comforts Tiny and they share a kiss.
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Episode 207
Jaxon loses Martha’s hotel to Stan, but she vows to fight on. The community celebrates Sakhile as mayor, while Tim confesses his feelings to Tiny, who shuts him down.
Wednesday 28 January 2026
Episode 208
Martha plots to save the hotel by winning over Stan, humiliating Jaxon. Sakhile settles into office as mayor. Petunia eyes resignation. Tiny thanks Tim, while Mandla warns him.
Thursday 29 January 2026
Episode 209
Martha loses the hotel as Jaxon’s empire collapses. Mamiki takes over the salon. Petunia clashes with Sakhile, who uncovers corruption and vows reform in Emnyameni.
Friday 30 January 2026
Episode 210
Jaxon spirals after selling the hotel, alarming Mandla and staff. Martha breaks down. Mamiki reinvents the salon. Petunia hides disappointment as Sakhile delivers his first mayoral speech.
