The Polygamist
| The Polygamist | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Telenovela |
| Created by | Akin Omotoso |
| Written by | Busisiwe Zwane, Nontuthuzelo Magoxo, Lorato Phefo, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube |
| Directed by | Akin Omotoso, Rolie Nikiwe, Nthabi Tau |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Zethu Mashika |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original languages | |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 22 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Cinematography | Akin Omotso |
| Running time | 22-26 minutes |
| Production company | Stained Glass TV Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 12 June 2026 |
The Polygamist is a South African telenovela produced by Stained Glass TV Productions for Netflix. Upon its release on June 12, 2026, it became one of the streamer's biggest African hits, reaching No. 2 globally and No. 1 in 16 countries. By the end of its second week it ranked in the top 10 in 63 countries including the United States.[1][2][3] The series is based on Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi's novel of the same name.[4][5]
Premise
[edit]The Polygamist follows the story of Joyce Gomora, who's an audacious social media darling keeping a perfect family front, until her husband's betrayal pushes her to do the unthinkable. The series is based on the novel of the same name written by Sue Nyathi.[6][7]
Cast
[edit]- Gugu Gumede as Joyce Gomora[8]
- Sdumo Mtshali as Jonasi Gomora[9]
- Ntobeko Mathebula as the young Jonasi Gomora[10]
- Kwanele Mthethwa as Matipa Nkosi[11]
- Kenneth Nkosi as Magesh Gomora[12]
- Noluthando Shabalala as Mpume Gomora[10]
- Wonder Ndlovu as Menzi Gomora
- Celeste Ntuli as Essie Gomora
- Sibusiswe Shangase as young Essie[10]
- Lwazi Keith Tshebesha as Sarah Gomora[10]
- Luyanda Zwane as Lindani Mbatha
- Sthandiwe Kgoroge as Mama Grace
- Vuyo Biyela as Freedom
- Siyamthanda Banda as Bongani
- Thandolwethu Olly Zondi as Xolani
- Sophie Ndaba as Herself
- Annie Mthembu as Bank Assistant
- Ferida Matsileng as Buhle
Production
[edit]The TV series was produced by Stained Glass TV Productions, with executive producers including Gugu Zuma-Ncube and Thuli Zuma, two children of former president Jacob Zuma, a polygamist. One of their siblings, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, is also credited as a writer on the series. Thuli Zuma-Ncube said that a number of scenes were drawn directly from their family's own experiences.[13]
Akin Omotoso served as showrunner and directed the series alongside Rolie Nikiwe and Nthabi Tau, while Busisiwe Zwane led the writing team.[2]
Release and reception
[edit]All 22 episodes of The Polygamist were released globally on Netflix on 12 June 2026. It also debuted at No. 4 on Netflix's Top 10 Non-English TV chart globally, recording two million views and 19.1 million hours viewed during its first week.[14]
The series premiered amid ongoing public discussion of polygamy in South Africa, fueled in part by reality television programs such as Uthando Nes'Thembu. Its storylines explore the emotional, financial and health-related challenges associated with polygamous relationships, as well as the pursuit of wealth and social status, particularly from the perspective of women.[15] The series trended across social media platforms, where much of the discussion centered on Sdumo Mtshali's portrayal of Jonasi Gomora. Viewers debated the moral ambiguity surrounding the character, questioning whether the women in Jonasi's life were victims of his manipulation or of their own ethical compromises.[16]
References
[edit]- ↑ Khulu, Compiled by Ntombi. "What To Watch | Gugu Gumede in The Polygamist and 4 more local shows about to dominate screens". News24. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- 1 2 Komane, Tankiso (18 June 2026). "The Polygamist hits No. 3 on Netflix global chart | Film & TV". NOW in SA. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ "Top 10 Most Popular Shows on Netflix Right Now in United States - Netflix Tudum". Netflix Tudum. Archived from the original on 9 June 2026. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ "Exclusive: Sue Nyathi on The Polygamist's journey from debut novel to screen adaptation". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ Nontsele, Chuma. "Mbuyiselo Vilakazi shares BTS experience on Netflix's 'The Polygamist' set". News24. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance. "No publisher wanted it: How Sue Nyathi's rejected novel became Netflix show 'The Polygamist'". News24. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Netflix Adapts Sue Nyathi's Novel The Polygamist 13 Years After It Was First Published". Brittle Paper. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ Maako, Keitumetse. "'Pinnacle of my career': Gugu Gumede breaks mould as audacious Joyce Gomora in 'The Polygamist'". News24. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ Ayeni, Ibukunoluwa (9 May 2026). "Netflix Premieres South African Series "The Polygamist" Starring Sdumo Mtshali & Gugu Gumede On 12 June". ShockNG. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Nontsele, Chuma. "Meet the fresh faces stealing the spotlight in Netflix's 'The Polygamist'". News24. Retrieved 18 June 2026.
- ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (12 June 2026). "Kwanele Mthethwa introduces her character on 'The Polygamist'". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ Maako, Keitumetse. "Kenneth Nkosi 'happy to be number two' as he embraces supporting role in The Polygamist". News24. Retrieved 12 June 2026.
- ↑ "Netflix's The Polygamist gets South Africa and the world talking about cheating". www.bbc.com. 26 June 2026. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ @yomzansi (18 June 2026). "The Polygamist breaks into Netflix global top 4 non-english shows". YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE. Retrieved 18 June 2026.
- ↑ Malema, Poelano (19 June 2026). "The Polygamist: Jozi series sparking debate in communities". Time Out Johannesburg. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ Sibiya, Silver (16 June 2026). "The Polygamist Dominates Netflix SA as Viewers Can't Stop Talking About Jonas Gomora". newsnote. Retrieved 18 June 2026.