The Polygamist remains one of the most-watched shows on Netflix worldwide
The Polygamist has secured a spot among Netflix’s 10 most-watched shows worldwide.
Four weeks after its release on Netflix, The Polygamist remains one of the biggest television series to come out of South Africa. Since its release on 12 June, the 22-episode drama series has captivated audiences locally and internationally, with many viewers praising its storyline, outstanding performances and its honest portrayal of issues that affect many families - infidelity, abuse, power, fame, and consequences of risky sexual behaviour.
The series stars Sdumo Mtshali as Jonasi Gomora, alongside Gugu Gumede as Joyce Gomora, with Celeste Ntuli and Kenneth Nkosi also delivering memorable performances.
Since its debut, The Polygamist has dominated conversations on social media, with many describing it as one of South Africa’s finest productions. While the series quickly became a local favourite, it wasn’t long before it reached an international audience.
Among its international fans is Sherri Shepherd, who took to Instagram to share how hooked she was on the series. Her endorsement was followed by Taraji P. Henson, who also revealed that she had been binge-watching the show.
American comedian and actor KevOnStage, whose real name is Kevin Fredericks, has also been regularly analysing the series on his social media platforms, further boosting its international visibility.
The show’s growing popularity is now reflected in Netflix’s latest viewing figures. According to Netflix’s Tudum rankings, The Polygamist ranked No. 7 among the most-watched TV shows in the United States for the week of 29 June to 5 July 2026.
Other countries where The Polygamist ranked in the top 10 include, Argentina (#3), Bahamas (#3), Brazil (#5), Costa Rica (#1), Colombia (#1) and France (#10).
The story follows Jonasi, a wealthy businessman who disguises repeated infidelity as polygamy. Beyond the drama, the series explores the emotional, psychological and physical consequences of toxic relationships, including emotional abuse and the spread of sexually transmitted infections when partners are unfaithful.
Read more about why The Polygamist has become one of South Africa’s biggest television success stories in our full feature.