The River is a South African telenovela created by Phathu Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon. It is an M-Net original production produced by Tshedza Pictures for DStv's general entertainment subscription channel 1Magic, and is available for streaming on Naspers' subscription-based video-on-demand service Showmax. From 2019, reruns began airing on Mzansi Magic, broadcasting weekdays (from Monday to Friday) at 19:00, and other older reruns on Mzansi Wethu, broadcasting weekdays at 20:00 since 2021.

In 2021, series lead Sindi Dlathu was announced as co-executive producer for the show's fourth season. In November 2021, The River was renewed for season 5, which premiered on 7 February 2022. The series was renewed for a sixth and final season, which premiered on 6 February 2023.

Season six stars Dlathu, Presley Chweneyagae, Siyabonga Thwala, Tsholofelo Matshaba, Tinah Mnumzane, Bheki Mkhwane and Brenda Mhlongo. It co-stars Lunga Mofokeng, Lunathi Mampofu, Galaletsang Koffman, Matshepo Sekgopi, Thapelo Sebogodi, Tina Dlathu, Thapelo Ramotshehla, Siya Sepotokele, Chuck Shisane Wa Sekgobela, Linda Mtoba, Kagiso Rathebe, and Nokuthula Ledwaba.

The drama series is set in Pretoria against the backdrop of South Africa's mining sector. A diamond discovery in the river running between the poor township of Refilwe and the affluent neighborhood of Silver Lakes quickly turns from a blessing to a curse.