A Zulu-language drama series centered on a wealthy Johannesburg family's scandalous double life has captivated audiences worldwide, challenging standard international portrayals of African life while breaking viewership records on Netflix.
The Polygamist, a 22-episode telenovela set in Johannesburg, racked up more than 23 million views in its first month. The series reached the top ten list in 62 countries, including the United States, and took the number one spot in almost two dozen nations. The story follows the Gomora family, focusing on matriarch Joyce as she struggles to keep up appearances while her businessman husband, Jonasi, secretly sets up house with another woman.
Filled with high-stakes family drama, intense betrayals, and lavish settings, the show has drawn widespread praise from viewers and public figures alike. Former host of The View Sherri Shepherd highlighted the show's depiction of luxury on social media, comparing its glamour to the 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians.
The series is adapted from a novel by Zimbabwean writer Sue Nyathi. Nyathi noted that international viewers are often surprised by the show's focus on an affluent lifestyle featuring gilded mansions, high-end vehicles, and designer clothing. She explained that while international media frequently focuses on poverty in Africa, The Polygamist showcases a well-off segment of society while exploring universal themes of marital infidelity. Inspired by how some men create secret second families, Nyathi wrote the story specifically from the female perspective to give voice to the women involved.
Adding another layer of real-world context, the series was produced by Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Thuli Zuma, daughters of former South African President Jacob Zuma, a high-profile polygamist who has four wives. Zuma-Ncube shared that her own childhood experiences helped her understand and portray the complex family dynamics shown on screen.
Although polygamy is recognized under traditional law in South Africa, traditional customs require open knowledge among wives rather than secretive double lives. The show's creators hope the international popularity of The Polygamist will benefit the wider African entertainment industry and pave the way for more diverse storytelling from the continent.