The final season of Adulting is almost here, and we can hardly wait! Premiering on 25 January 2025, with new episodes every Wednesday, the third season promises higher stakes and more growth for the beloved characters. This time, Bonga is adjusting to married life, Mpho is navigating post-divorce reality, Vuyani is opening his dream nightclub, and Eric is learning to juggle fatherhood and a 9-to-5 job.
2024 SAFTA Best Actor winner for Shaka iLembe Thembinkosi Mthembu is back as Bonga, with Nhlanhla Kunene returning in his SAFTA-nominated role as Tsiki Tsiki, alongside Thabiso Rammusi and Luthando BU Mthembu as Mpho and Vuyani.
Adulting has been a hit since its debut, breaking records as Showmax’s most-watched drama series launch. Produced by the award-winning Tshedza Pictures, the bromance has captivated audiences with its mix of humour, heart, and raw emotion.
We caught up with Nhlanhla Kunene, who plays Eric (aka Tsiki Tsiki), to chat about what fans can expect from the highly anticipated final season.
“Eric has grown”: Navigating fatherhood and life
When asked how viewers will see Eric handle life as a single dad raising a teenage daughter, “Viewers are in for a ride!” he said. “Eric has grown significantly. This season is so well-written and layered that every decision he makes feels authentic and grounded. Audiences will be taken on a journey, witnessing how and why Eric makes certain choices.”
With a teenage daughter to care for, Eric’s priorities shift, and his growth as a father becomes central to his storyline. “His growth will keep viewers glued to the screen as the story comes full circle,” Nhlanhla added.
The brotherhood between Eric and Bonga deepens.
One of the show’s most loved dynamics is the brotherhood between Eric and Bonga (played by Thembinkosi Mthembu). This season, the bond takes on new meaning. “This season, their brotherhood becomes stronger and more honest,” Nhlanhla explained. “Previously, Bonga tolerated Eric’s mistakes, but now it’s about telling hard truths. The writers have done an exceptional job showing the growth in their friendship. It’s no longer just about friends living life; it’s about friends holding each other accountable.”
Tackling abandonment issues and vulnerability
Season 3 also dives deeper into Eric’s struggles with abandonment. “He begins to receive the love he’s always yearned for, though he’s scared to accept it,” Nhlanhla shared. “Viewers will see his vulnerability—not because he’s in danger, but because he’s finally experiencing something meaningful.”
Sharing the screen with the legendary Mam’Nandi Nyembe
A key figure in Eric’s growth is Mam’Nandi Nyembe, who plays a mother figure in his life. For Nhlanhla, working with the acting veteran was a dream come true. “Mam’Nandi brings decades of experience, so every scene with her is a masterclass,” he said. “She draws from her own life and delivers such authenticity that you can’t help but learn from her. Working with her taught me the importance of discipline and being truthful in every moment.”
Filming intimate scenes
When asked about filming intimate scenes, Nhlanhla was candid about the challenges and the importance of trust. “Trust is everything, especially when dealing with sensitive scenes. We have intimacy workshops where we discuss boundaries, like green and red zones, to ensure everyone feels safe,” he explained. “But beyond the workshop, it’s up to the performers to respect and reinforce those boundaries. Open communication before and during filming builds trust, which enhances the performance.”
He admitted to hesitating when he first took on the role, given the lasting impact of such scenes online. “Yes, I hesitated at first. Those scenes stay online forever, and people can fixate on them, overshadowing your other work. Ultimately, I decided to embrace the challenge. If you want to be a true storyteller, you have to give your all but without compromising your craft.”
Keeping personal and professional separate
When it comes to handling audience perceptions of intimacy scenes, Nhlanhla keeps things simple. “You can’t control how people perceive you,” he said. “I remind myself that what they see isn’t real—it’s acting. Ngiyakholwa mina (I’m a believer), and acting is a mental discipline. Also, I’m not that active on social media, which helps me avoid comments that could affect my work. Self-awareness is crucial for drawing the line between yourself and your character.”
The bromance of the decade
As Adulting wraps up, Nhlanhla hopes viewers will walk away feeling inspired by the journey of Eric and the rest of the crew. “Eric resonates with viewers because he’s relatable,” he said. “Everyone knows someone like him, if not directly, then through others. This season sheds even more layers of his personality, and viewers are in for a shock. I hope it continues to feel truthful to the audience.”
While waiting for the final season, fans can catch up on the first two seasons of Adulting on Showmax.
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