Netflix is moving to adapt Sue Nyathi’s hit novel The Polygamist for the screen, with Gugu Gumede and Sdumo Mtshali starring in what’s shaping up to be a tense, high-stakes telenovela-style drama.
Set to premiere on 12 June, the 22-episode series is being billed as one of the streaming platform’s biggest African adaptations so far, bringing Nyathi’s multi-layered storytelling to life through a visually immersive and emotionally intense viewing experience.
At the center of the drama is Jonasi Gomora, portrayed by Mtshali. He’s a self-made chief executive whose life appears flawless—until buried truths begin to unravel everything he has built.
Gumede plays Joyce Gomora, a wife drawn into the collision of affection, betrayal, and the everyday pressures that come with being part of a polygamous marriage.
Based on Nyathi’s acclaimed book, The Polygamist leans into the complicated pull of ambition and longing, while spotlighting the emotional fallout that can follow a double life.
In adapting the novel, the series broadens the original story into a polished, suspense-driven drama where several relationships intersect—each one threatening to chip away at Jonasi’s carefully constructed world.
Backed by Stained Glass Productions, the show taps into classic telenovela ingredients, including surprise twists, character-rich storytelling, and heightened emotional tension, while still preserving the cultural specificity that helped the novel connect with readers across the continent.
Alongside its leading pair, the series features an ensemble cast with Luyanda Zwane, Noluthando Shabalala, Kwanele Mthethwa, Sthandiwe Kgoroge, Kenneth Nkosi, and Celeste Ntuli, bringing additional layers to the unfolding conflicts.
One of the voices adding to the buzz is Mbuyiselo Vilakazi, a television producer, researcher, and media personality, who shared his on-set experience with Drum after spending a full day behind the scenes in July last year.
“I have read Sue Nyathi’s book, and it’s amazing. I know bookshops are about to sell out, but people must also understand there’s always creative license; things may not necessarily be as the book is. But I’m excited for this film, especially for Gugu Gumede and Luyanda Zwane, and there’s rising phenomenal actress Noluthando Shabalala,” he said.
Vilakazi also commended the production’s work ethic, adding, “Overall, good. The dedication from the team is impressive, and I got to see Sue Nyathi on set, which is great to see how she was involved.”
