Premiering March 3, 2025, on Acorn TV, Recipes for Love and Murder Season 2 returns to the sunbaked plains of South Africa’s Karoo, where advice columnist-turned-sleuth Tannie Maria (Maria Doyle Kennedy) stirs up another pot of danger, romance, and intrigue. This season, Maria’s knack for solving crimes through her culinary wisdom and sharp intuition is put to the test as new mysteries simmer beneath the surface. With fresh secrets, simmering tensions, and a dash of dark humor, the show serves up its signature mix of cozy mystery and social commentary, all set against the backdrop of a community where everyone has something to hide.
Based on Sally Andrew’s beloved novels, the series continues to blend mouthwatering food scenes with gripping whodunit twists. Season 2 introduces new faces and deeper conflicts, as Maria navigates her budding romance with detective Kaya Meyer (Tony Kgoroge) while untangling a web of lies that threatens her loved ones. From kitchen chaos to deadly betrayals, the show’s warmth and wit make it a standout in the mystery genre—perfect for fans who crave stories with heart, humor, and a pinch of peril.
Meet the Cast of Recipes for Love and Murder Season 2
Maria Doyle Kennedy as Tannie Maria (Maria Purvis)
Maria Doyle Kennedy, born September 25, 1964, in Dublin, Ireland, is a powerhouse actress and singer known for her roles in The Tudors, Orphan Black, and Outlander. A veteran of stage and screen, Kennedy brings warmth, wit, and quiet resilience to Tannie Maria, the amateur sleuth whose culinary advice column masks her sharp investigative instincts. Her performance in Season 1 earned acclaim for balancing humor and gravitas, making Maria a beloved underdog hero.
Kennedy’s career spans decades, with standout roles in films like Sing Street (2016) and Albert Nobbs (2011). Her musical talent also shines—she’s performed with artists like U2 and contributed to soundtracks for The Commitments. In Recipes for Love and Murder, she elevates Tannie Maria into a relatable, multifaceted figure, blending vulnerability with steely determination.
Tony Kgoroge as Khaya Meyer
Tony Kgoroge, born November 22, 1974, in Soweto, South Africa, is a celebrated actor known for his roles in Hotel Rwanda, Invictus, and Blood Diamond. As Detective Khaya Meyer, Kgoroge brings quiet intensity and moral complexity to the series, portraying a man torn between duty and his growing feelings for Tannie Maria. His chemistry with Kennedy anchors the show’s emotional core.
Kgoroge’s career highlights include collaborations with directors like Clint Eastwood and Terry George. A stalwart of South African cinema, he’s also starred in TV hits like Isibaya and Queen Sono. His portrayal of Khaya—a detective with a troubled past and unwavering integrity—adds depth to the show’s exploration of justice and redemption.
Kylie Fisher as Jessie September
Kylie Fisher, a rising South African actress, shines as Jessie September, Tannie Maria’s sharp-tongued but loyal colleague at the Karoo Gazette. Fisher’s background in theater and TV (including Binnelanders) informs her nuanced performance, balancing Jessie’s sarcasm with hidden vulnerability.
Fisher’s Jessie is a fan favorite, delivering biting one-liners while secretly rooting for Maria’s success. Her dynamic with Kennedy’s character provides both comic relief and emotional resonance, showcasing Fisher’s ability to navigate humor and heartbreak.
Elton Landrew as Piet Kasin
Elton Landrew, a versatile South African actor, plays Piet Kasin, the Karoo Gazette’s eccentric photographer. Known for roles in Suidooster and Arendsvlei, Landrew injects Piet with quirky charm and unexpected depth, making him a scene-stealer in every episode.
Landrew’s improvisational skills and comedic timing make Piet a standout. Behind his goofy exterior lies a character with surprising wisdom, adding layers to the show’s ensemble dynamic.
Arno Greeff as Regardt Snyman
Arno Greeff, born in Cape Town, South Africa, portrays Regardt Snyman, the ambitious and often scheming editor of the Karoo Gazette. Greeff’s TV credits include 7de Laan and Die Boekklub, where he’s honed his knack for playing morally ambiguous characters.
As Regardt, Greeff delivers a deliciously slippery performance, oscillating between ally and antagonist to Tannie Maria. His character’s greed and ambition drive many of the season’s conflicts, showcasing Greeff’s talent for nuanced villainy.
Grant Swanby as Marius Rabie
Grant Swanby, a seasoned South African actor, plays Marius Rabie, a wealthy farmer with ties to the region’s darker secrets. Swanby’s filmography includes Black Sails and Blood Drive, where he’s mastered the art of playing charismatic yet dangerous figures.
Swanby’s Marius is a magnetic presence, exuding charm while hiding a ruthless streak. His clashes with Tannie Maria add suspense, making him a key player in Season 2’s mysteries.
Kazi Khuboni as Georgie
Kazi Khuboni, a dynamic actress and dancer, brings energy to Georgie, a newcomer to the Karoo with a mysterious past. Khuboni’s stage work and TV roles (Isithembiso) inform her vibrant, layered performance.
Detail: Recipes for Love and Murder Season 2: Here’s cast, release date, trailer, plot and where to watch
Georgie’s arrival shakes up the community, and Khuboni’s portrayal balances warmth with an edge of secrecy. Her character’s interactions with Maria hint at deeper connections to the season’s central mystery.
Jennifer Steyn as Hattie Wilson
Jennifer Steyn, a legend of South African theater and film, plays Hattie Wilson, Maria’s wise yet mischievous neighbor. Steyn’s credits include The Crown (as Princess Alice) and Black Sails, where she’s showcased her regal presence and wit.
Steyn’s Hattie is a scene-stealer, offering sage advice and sly humor. Her friendship with Maria provides moments of levity and poignancy, underscoring Steyn’s ability to command attention with subtlety.
Khadija Heeger as Charlene September
Khadija Heeger, a rising star in South African TV (Suidooster, Getroud met Rugby), portrays Charlene September, Jessie’s fiery younger sister. Heeger’s Charlene is a force of nature, challenging the status quo and clashing with her sibling.
Heeger’s performance adds youthful energy and emotional stakes to the series. Charlene’s rebellious spirit and hidden vulnerabilities make her a standout new addition to Season 2.
Terence Bridgett as Doep
Terence Bridgett, a veteran actor and director, plays Doep, a reclusive farmer with a tragic past. Bridgett’s stage work (including Shakespearean roles) informs his haunting, understated performance.
Doep’s quiet intensity and cryptic warnings to Maria add eerie undertones to the season. Bridgett’s ability to convey depth with minimal dialogue makes his character unforgettable.
Robyn Scott as Aileen McKlintlock
Robyn Scott, known for The Book of Negroes and Black Mirror, joins the cast as Aileen McKlintlock, a enigmatic entrepreneur with ties to the Karoo’s elite. Scott’s poised, calculating portrayal makes Aileen a formidable foil for Maria.
Scott’s Aileen is a masterclass in subtle menace, blending sophistication with hidden ruthlessness. Her power plays drive much of the season’s tension, showcasing Scott’s range.
Loren Loubser as Lucille
Loren Loubser, a fresh face in South African TV, plays Lucille, a waitress at the local diner with dreams of escaping the Karoo. Loubser’s naturalistic performance makes Lucille an empathetic figure caught in the crossfire of the town’s secrets.
Lucille’s optimism and quiet resilience mirror Tannie Maria’s journey, adding emotional texture to the ensemble. Loubser’s breakout role hints at a promising career ahead.
Kelly Damon as Bronwyn September
Kelly Damon, a stage and screen actress, rounds out the cast as Bronwyn September, the matriarch of the September family. Damon’s theater background (Mamma Mia!, Chicago) lends gravitas to Bronwyn’s struggle to protect her daughters.
Damon’s portrayal balances toughness and tenderness, making Bronwyn a pillar of strength in a community teetering on chaos. Her scenes with Kylie Fisher and Khadija Heeger are Season 2 highlights.
