4 Nigerian TV Shows That Are Hard to Forget

Before streaming services and social media turned entertainment into an on-demand experience, Nigerian TV shows were more than just pastimes, they were cultural moments. Families gathered around their televisions, sharing laughter, suspense, and drama that stayed with them long after the credits rolled.

From slapstick comedy to gripping drama, some shows didn’t just entertain us, they defined an era. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to four unforgettable Nigerian TV shows that left a lasting impression.

Papa Ajasco 

Long before memes and skits took over, Papa Ajasco was the undisputed champion of Nigerian comedy. Created by Wale Adenuga, this sitcom started as a comic strip before making its way to television, where it became a household staple.

At the heart of the show was the ever-hilarious Papa Ajasco, with his signature bald head, rotund belly, and the unforgettable “Ojigbijigbijigbi!” exclamation. His antics, along with the womanizing Boy Alinco, the mischievous Ajasco Junior, the gossip-loving Miss Pepeye, and the forever-clueless Pa James, made for endless comedy gold.

What made Papa Ajasco special was its universal humor. The jokes were simple yet effective, and the storylines often carried subtle life lessons wrapped in exaggerated fun. Whether you were watching alone or with family, laughter was guaranteed.

Super Story

“This is a super story… A life of struggle and pain…” Just hearing this theme song again is enough to send shivers down the spine of anyone who grew up watching Super Story. This anthology drama series, another creation by Wale Adenuga, was unlike anything else on TV. 

Each season brought a new, deeply emotional storyline, reflecting the everyday struggles of Nigerians.

Perhaps the most unforgettable season was Oh Father, Oh Daughter, the tragic tale of Suara, a poor mechanic whose greed led him down a dark path. His betrayal of his loyal wife, Abike, for a wealthy woman was a story that had Nigerians talking for weeks.

From tales of betrayal and revenge to stories of resilience and hope, Super Story wasn’t just TV—it was a reflection of real life, delivered with gripping performances that made you laugh, cry, and sometimes even shout at your screen.

Checkmate 

Before Tinsel became the face of Nigerian TV drama, there was Checkmate, a show that set the gold standard for storytelling in the 90s. Created by the legendary Amaka Igwe, this drama series brought intrigue, business politics, and crime into the living rooms of Nigerians.

The plot revolved around the powerful Haatrope family, particularly Ann Haatrope, a strong-willed woman struggling to keep her late father’s company afloat while dealing with family drama, betrayals, and high-stakes business rivalries.

What made Checkmate legendary wasn’t just its storytelling—it was also a launchpad for actors like Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Norbert Young, who went on to become Nollywood greats. It was a show ahead of its time, balancing intelligent plots with compelling performances.

Fuji House of Commotion 

If there’s one Nigerian TV show that perfectly captured the beautiful madness of a polygamous household, it was Fuji House of Commotion. 

A spin-off from Checkmate, this sitcom, also created by Amaka Igwe, took family dysfunction to a whole new level with hilariously disastrous results.

Chief Fuji, a wealthy polygamist, had multiple wives, each with her own quirks, and a battalion of children who were always up to something. From the dramatic Peaceful Peace to the ever-troublesome Ireti, every episode delivered misunderstandings, petty quarrels, and the kind of comedy that made you laugh till your ribs hurt.