Here's a close-up on each of them, followed by their truth:
The Patriarch: Schalk Viljoen
Played by Izak Davel (Egoli, Isidingo)
Schalk is a former Olympic marathon runner and triathlete whose life is defined by discipline, ambition, and control.
Schalk has transformed his sporting career into a profitable family social media empire.
At home, however, his relentless drive comes at a cost. He pits his two sons against one another, convinced that competition breeds greatness, while forcing his daughter to conform to his vision.
Respected in the sporting world but feared in his own home, Schalk must learn that love is worth more than medals.
The Matriarch: Leandri Viljoen
Played by Christel van den Bergh (Getroud met Rugby)
Leandri was once an Olympic hurdler, now the matriarch and image-keeper of the family.
Leandri is elegant, dignified, and fiercely protective of the Viljoen brand.
She is the glue that holds together the family’s polished public image, carefully cultivating their flawless online presence.
While she publicly supports Schalk’s strict leadership, cracks begin to show privately as she struggles with the cost of perfection on her children’s happiness.
The Golden Son: Marco Viljoen
Played by Xander Venter (Reënboogrant)
Marco is the pride of the Viljoen family. At 19, he is confident, driven and has fully embraced his father’s “success at all costs” mentality.
As the strongest of the siblings, he is groomed to carry the Viljoen name to Olympic glory.
Yet behind his alpha façade lies deep insecurity - he knows his parents’ love is conditional and failure is not an option.
His rivalry with his brother Danie is both his driving force and his greatest weakness.
The Underdog: Danie Viljoen
Chartyn van Heerden (Binnelanders)
At 18, Danie is just as talented as Marco, but far more sensitive and introspective.
Danie quietly follows orders but secretly hates living in his brother’s shadow. He longs for his parents' approval but feels invisible next to Marco’s dominance.
Danie has a natural swimming talent but dreams of being seen as more than just an extension of the Viljoen brand.
Flash fact:
Chartyn played the guest role of Damion on the first season of Diepe Waters.
The Silent Rebel: Hanneli Viljoen
Played by Carla Schönfeldt (TV newcomer)
Hanneli Viljoen is the youngest of the family and the one with the strongest will.
Unlike her brothers, Hanneli has no desire to keep swimming or live her life as a marketing product.
She dreams of secretly escaping her father’s iron grip and pursuing her own passions.
For now, she plays the role expected of her - but her quiet rebellion could either destroy the family or save them.
The Insta filter cover-up
The Viljoens want to convey the idea that they're more than just a household - that they're a brand, a business and a force to be reckoned with.
They may appear flawless online - a perfect sporting dynasty - but behind the cameras lie intense rivalries, suppressed dreams, and the heavy cost of perfection.