Why everyone is talking about Netflix’s The Polygamist
· The South African
The moment Netflix announced The Polygamist, many viewers assumed it was just another drama about a wealthy man juggling multiple relationships.
The 22-episode Netflix series is based on The Polygamist, the debut novel by Zimbabwean-born author Sue Nyathi.
Visit esporist.com for more information.
Published in 2012, the book gained a loyal following across Southern Africa.
The story has found a new audience through Netflix more than a decade later.
What the storyline is about.
Netflix has cast Sdumo Mtshali as Jonasi Gomora, with Gugu Gumede playing Joyce, his first wife.
The novel introduced readers to Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy businessman whose relationships with four women shape the story.
Through Joyce, Matipa, Essie and Lindani, Nyathi (the author) explored themes of marriage, power, betrayal and the realities faced by women connected to influential men.
At its core, The Polygamist is less about polygamy and more about power and its influence.
The story examines what happens when one man’s decisions not only affect his life but also the lives of the women around him.
Questions around marriage, infidelity, patriarchy and gender roles continue to spark debate, helping explain why the series has attracted attention since its release.
What others had to say about The Polygamist
On X, Lasizwe also joined the conversation, questioning Matipa’s behaviour. This comes after Matipa left her twin daughters with Jonasi’s first wife.
He also asked when exactly friends would start giving each other good advice about dating a married man.
#ThePolygamist has me wondering… where do we draw the line as friends? Is it support when you watch your friend build a life around a married man, have his children (TWINS!!!!), and say nothing? Or is that enabling? Do we speak up, set boundaries, or stay silent because we’re…
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) June 13, 2026
Another thread by X user @NicNotic argued that in as much as Jonasi has a flawed character.
The women around him were also toxic in their own ways and shared responsibility for much of the drama.
My Take – The Polygamist
— #EmperorZ (@NicNotic) June 14, 2026
uJonasi was a deeply flawed character, and many women are quick to demonise him. However, I can make a strong case that the women in his life were equally flawed, and in some cases, far worse.#ThePolygamist #ThePolygamistNetflix @netflix
A Thread
User @koketsomashilee, also commented on Lindani’s storyline.
She is adding the contest in life life situations saying that even a daughter’s seemingly innocent friends can sometimes bring unexpected trouble into a family’s life.
From now on I won't allow my daughter to bring any of her lil cute friends in my house🤭 #ThePolygamist pic.twitter.com/hu0bQD3pEQ
— Koketso (@koketsomashilee) June 14, 2026
Another user, @NyashaJenami, after finding out the author was Zimbabwean quickly understood why Jonasi was like that as she allegedly claim that is Zimbabwean men character.
Finding out The Polygamist is an adaptation of a novel by Sue Nyathi, a Zimbabwean woman from Bulawayo… yeah, that accuracy makes sense now.
— ✨Nyasha Jenami✨ (@NyashaJenami) June 13, 2026
Jonasi was giving ‘Zim men!’😂🙌🏾
What do you have to say about The Polygamist? Let us know in the comments below.