A Netflix series has been described as "dangerously addictive," with viewers staying up until 3am binge-watching on the sofa. The South African telenovela The Polygamist has gained attention after a TikTok user asked for recommendations for a show that would keep her up all night.
Known as Mom Finds on TikTok, she asked: "Give me a dangerously addictive Netflix show to watch that will have me binging until 3am and begging for another episode." In her caption, she admitted: "I'm afraid there's nothing left."
Viewers praise the series
The request drew numerous suggestions, with The Polygamist receiving the most attention. Social media users have been enthusiastic in their praise. One said: "Go watch The Polygamist and please don't forget to breathe when watching it." Another added: "The Polygamist! Jaw-dropping."
A third commented: "I am waiting for y'all to finish The Polygamist so I can watch." As a fourth posted: "The Polygamist but please be single before watching."
What is The Polygamist about?
The series begins at the funeral of Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy, charismatic self-made banking tycoon and CEO. Throughout the episodes, it takes viewers back to uncover his web of lives, despite maintaining the "perfect" life with his wife Joyce, a social media influencer.
The show reveals how he secretly ran a network of hidden affairs, mistresses and secret families before things get complicated when Joyce and the other women uncover his dishonesty. The Polygamist also examines the difference between traditional cultural polygamy and modern infidelity, exploring how money, status and patriarchal control warp relationships and impact the people caught in the middle.
Although 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 where she noticed men pretending to live monogamous lives while secretly maintaining multiple families.
Originally produced by Stained Glass TV Productions for Netflix, the series was released last June and quickly became one of the platform's biggest African hits. All episodes are currently available on Netflix. Although the platform hasn't announced a second season yet, producer Thuli Zuma said the creative team has ideas for a follow-up and wish to continue.
