# Tinsel (TV series)

Tinsel is a Nigerian soap opera that began airing in August 2008. On 23 May 2013, the show's 1000th episode aired. It has been called "the most successful television drama on Nigerian television in recent times". On April 30, 2015, the show aired its 1500th episode.On March 23, 2017, the show aired the 2000th episode of the series.On February 21, 2019, the show aired its 2500th episode. On 21 Jan 2021, the show's 3000th episode aired.On December 21, 2022, the show aired a special 3500th documentary.On November 21, 2024 the show hit 4000 episodes.

## Series overview

| Season | Episodes | Episodes | Originally released | Originally released |
| Season | Episodes | Episodes | First released | Last released |
| 1 | 65 | 65 | September 1, 2008 (2008-9-1) | 2009 (2009) |
| 2 | 156 | 156 | 2009 (2009) | 2010 (2010) |
| 3 | 261 | 261 | May 31, 2010 (2010-5-31) | May 30, 2011 (2011-5-30) |
| 4 | 261 | 261 | May 31, 2011 (2011-5-31) | May 29, 2012 (2012-5-29) |
| 5 | 261 | 261 | May 30, 2012 (2012-5-30) | May 29, 2013 (2013-5-29) |
| 6 | 260 | 260 | May 30, 2013 (2013-5-30) | May 28, 2014 (2014-5-28) |
| 7 | 260 | 260 | May 29, 2014 (2014-5-29) | May 27, 2015 (2015-5-27) |
| 8 | 260 | 260 | May 28, 2015 (2015-5-28) | May 25, 2016 (2016-5-25) |
| 9 | 260 | 260 | May 26, 2016 (2016-5-26) | May 24, 2017 (2017-5-24) |
| 10 | 260 | 260 | May 25, 2017 (2017-5-25) | May 23, 2018 (2018-5-23) |
| 11 | 260 | 260 | May 24, 2018 (2018-5-24) | May 22, 2019 (2019-5-22) |
| 12 | 260 | 260 | May 23, 2019 (2019-5-23) | May 20, 2020 (2020-5-20) |
| 13 | 260 | 260 | May 21, 2020 (2020-5-21) | May 19, 2021 (2021-5-19) |
| 14 | 260 | 260 | May 20, 2021 (2021-5-20) | May 18, 2022 (2022-5-18) |
| 15 | 260 | 260 | May 19, 2022 (2022-5-19) | May 17, 2023 (2023-5-17) |
| 16 | 260 | 260 | May 18, 2023 (2023-5-18) | May 15, 2024 (2024-5-15) |
| 17 | TBA | TBA | May 16, 2024 (2024-5-16) | TBD |

## Plot summary

Tinsel's plot revolves around two rival film companies: Reel Studios, founded by Fred Ade-Williams (Victor Olaotan), and Odyssey Pictures, headed by Brenda "Nana" Mensah (Funmilola Aofiyebi-Raimi). Tinsel is a tale of drama, romance, betrayal and triumph. The show returned for its eighth season on 25 May 2015.

## Cast

* Victor Olaotan as Fred Ade Williams(2008–13)
* Gideon Okeke as Philip Ade Williams(2008–17,2023)
* Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi as Brenda Nana Mensah (2009 – present)
* Funmi Holder as Amaka Ade Williams(2008–Present)
* Matilda Obaseki as Angela Dede(2008-2016;2019-2022)
* Chris Attoh as Kwame Mensah(2008–13)
* Kunle Coker as Ziggy(2008–12)
* Ireti Doyle as Sheila Ade-Williams(2009–Present)
* Gbenro Ajibade as Soji Bankole(2008–17)
* Damilola Adegbite as Telema Duke(2008–12;2015–17)
* Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe(2008–Present)

## Production

Tinsel was in pre-production for over ninety months. Over 500 actors auditioned for the lead role of Fred Ade-Williams before the decision to cast Victor Olaotan was made. As of June 2013, the show's production cost per minute was 900 dollars, and total costs exceeded four billion naira. The show was shot in a studio in Ojota, Lagos until March 2013 when a fire destroyed that location. Since then the show has been shot at a studio and a private residence in Ikeja, Lagos.
It airs on AM Urban and AM Family.

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Longest running TV show in Africa | Won | |