'The Polygamist' breaks records and opens doors for South African storytelling globally
Netflix says the South African drama series 'The Polygamist' has become one of its biggest African hits, breaking records and bringing local storytelling to audiences worldwide.
According to a statement, the 22-episode series, which premiered on the streaming platform on 12 June, reached number one in 21 countries and entered the Top 10 in 62 countries, recording 27.6 million views and counting.
The series also made history after debuting at number two on its Global Top 10 Non-English Shows list and spending seven consecutive weeks on the chart — the longest run for a South African Netflix title.
Based on Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi's 2012 novel of the same name, The Polygamist follows a social media personality whose husband's infidelities trigger a scandalous emotional crisis, while exploring themes of love, betrayal, family relationships and self-worth.
The streaming giant has attributed the success of the adaptation to a revival of interest in Nyathi’s original book, with sales tripling after the series' release, more than a decade after its first publication.
Nyathi says the global response to the story has affirmed her work.
"It feels great, and it is an affirmation of my work. Of all my books, The Polygamist was dismissed as fluff. To hear people call it a masterpiece and be able to draw so many life lessons from it is incredible."
The series was filmed in South Africa with Stained Glass Productions over nearly 100 days, creating employment opportunities for local creatives and businesses.
According to Netflix, the production involved around 150 cast and crew members, more than 70 extras and daily hires, and over 45 local vendors.
Executive producer Gugu Zuma-Ncube says the authenticity of the story has helped it connect with audiences internationally.
"It’s set against a backdrop of polygamy, which is very African — and the more authentic we were to that, the more universally appealing and relatable the themes became."
Zuma-Ncube says the series' themes extend beyond its African setting.
"The themes that the show covers — love, adultery, betrayal, struggling with feelings of self-worth, kids feeling they aren’t being met emotionally by their parents, coming-of-age — they definitely have universal appeal."
Netflix says the show’s success has also boosted Nyathi’s wider literary career. Her 2020 novel 'A Family Affair' reached number six on South Africa’s Exclusive Books bestseller list during the same week. The Polygamist topped the charts, while her 2024 novel ‘An Angel’s Demise’ sold out its first print run after the Netflix debut.
Nyathi says the global recognition has created new opportunities for African writers.
The series is currently streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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