Netflix's South African telenovela The Polygamist has viewers binge-watching all episodes until 3am, with the show quickly becoming the platform's biggest African hit and reaching the no.1 spot in 21 countries.
Released on June 12, 2026, the series was produced by Stained Glass TV Productions for Netflix. It has drawn praise on social media, where one TikTok user known as Mom Finds asked for a "dangerously addictive Netflix show to watch that will have me binging until 3am and begging for another episode."
What is The Polygamist about?
The series begins at the funeral of Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy, charismatic self-made banking tycoon and CEO. Through flashbacks, it uncovers his web of lies, showing how he maintained the "perfect" life with his wife Joyce, an audacious social media influencer, while secretly running a network of hidden affairs, mistresses and secret families.
Things get complicated when Joyce and the other women in his life discover the scale of betrayals, as the family structure implodes into high-stakes psychological and emotional warfare. The Polygamist examines the difference between traditional cultural polygamy and modern infidelity, and explores how money, status and patriarchal control warp relationships.
While not based on a true story, the 22-episode drama is adapted from Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi's 2012 debut novel of the same name. The plot and characters are fictional, but the writer drew inspiration from her early career observations of men pretending to live monogamous lives while secretly maintaining multiple families.
What do people say?
Since the TikTok user asked for suggestions, many had positive remarks about the drama. One said: "Go watch The Polygamist and please don't forget to breathe when watching it." Another added: "I am waiting for y'all to finish The Polygamist so I can watch," while a third chimed in: "The Polygamist! Jaw-dropping." Someone else recommended: "The Polygamist but please be single before watching."
All episodes of The Polygamist season one were released on Netflix UK in June this year. While the platform hasn't officially renewed it for a second season yet, producer Thuli Zuma stated the creative team has ideas for a follow-up and wish to continue.
