Picture Credit: Netflix
A perfect marriage. A thriving business empire. A family that looks flawless on social media. But in Netflix’s new South African drama series The Polygamist, that dream world is built on lies, secrets, and betrayal. Spanning an impressive 22 episodes, and already setting up for future instalments, Netflix is clearly betting big on this new production from Stained Glass Productions, the studio behind acclaimed African dramas like Uzalo, The Wife, and Ifalakhe.
The Polygamist is based on the bestselling novel by author Sue Nyathi. Originally published in 2012, the book quickly became a hit and has now been adapted into an ambitious Netflix drama series. Netflix describes the show as a “supernovela,” a genre hugely popular across parts of Africa and Latin America. Expect explosive family drama, nonstop cliffhangers, forbidden relationships, and characters constantly battling over love, power, and loyalty.
Netflix is already teasing more stories beyond the first season. The streamer hints: “But every marriage has two sides. Part 2: Jonasi Gomora’s story is coming…” That strongly suggests Netflix has much bigger plans for the series beyond this initial 22-episode run.
When does The Polygamist premiere on Netflix?
The Polygamist premieres exclusively on Netflix on June 12 and is already shaping up to be one of the biggest South African Netflix releases of the summer. The series is another major addition to Netflix’s growing lineup of African productions.
Here’s the first-look trailer:
In recent years, the streaming giant has invested heavily in stories from South Africa and across the continent. Previous successes include Fatal Seduction, Unseen, Blood & Water, and Kings of Jo’Burg. African documentaries have also found worldwide acclaim, with titles like the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher and The Beauty and the Bester attracting international audiences.
What is The Polygamist about?
The story follows Joyce Gomora, played by Gugu Gumede. To the outside world, her life looks perfect. On social media, she presents the image of an ideal family surrounded by luxury, stability, and success. Her signature white outfits only add to the carefully crafted image of elegance and control. But behind closed doors, everything slowly starts falling apart.
Her husband, Jonasi Gomora, portrayed by Sdumo Mtshali, is a self-made CEO who has built a massive business empire. But the double life he’s been hiding is becoming impossible to keep under wraps. Money, power, and status can only cover up affairs, manipulation, and betrayal for so long.
Netflix has provided the official synopsis for The Polygamist:
“A self-made CEO, Jonasi Gomora, builds an empire and a complicated personal life that begins to collapse under the weight of his choices, as the wives and mistresses in his life confront the man behind the power.”
Who are the cast members of The Polygamist?
The lead roles are played by Gugu Gumede (Umjolo: The Gone Girl) and Sdumo Mtshali (Marked). The supporting cast also includes:
- Kwanele Mthethwa
- S’thandiwe Kgoroge
- Kenneth Nkosi
- Celeste Ntuli
- Luyanda Zwane
- Wonder Ndlovu
- Noluthando Shabalala
- Vuyo Biyela
- Lwazie Keith Tsebesha
Who created The Polygamist?
The series is produced by Netflix in collaboration with Stained Glass Productions. Executive producers include Gugu Zuma-Ncube, Thuli Zuma, and Pepsi Pokane. Several directors are attached to the project, including Rolie Nikiwe, Nthabi Tau, and Akin Omotoso. Creative directors Gugu Zuma-Ncube, Thuli Zuma, and Akin Omotoso worked closely with head writer Busisiwe Zwane. The writing team also includes Nontuthuzelo Magoxo, Lorato Phefo, and Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube.
First look at The Polygamist on Netflix
The Polygamist arrives on Netflix on June 12, and viewers can already set a reminder on the platform. There’s still no word on when Part 2 will be released, but Netflix clearly seems confident that audiences will want more once the drama kicks off. The streamer has also shared several first-look images teasing the glamorous but chaotic world of the Gomora family.
Here are some select stills from the upcoming first season:
Are you looking forward to watching The Polygamist? Let us know in the comments below!
