A new Netflix drama based on a Zimbabwean bestselling novel has climbed to the top of the streaming service's charts in three countries less than a week after its release.
The Polygamist, an eight-part South African series, debuted on Netflix on June 12 and ranked No. 1 in Kenya, South Africa, and Jamaica by the week of June 8 to 14, according to Screen Rant. On Netflix's Global Top 10 for non-English shows, it landed at No. 4 with 2 million views in its first tracked week.
The series is based on the novel of the same name by Sue Nyathi and follows a social media personality named Joyce whose carefully maintained image of marital perfection unravels after her cheating husband's affairs trigger a public emotional collapse. Akin Omotoso, known for The Brave Ones, serves as showrunner.
The cast includes Gugu Gumede, Kwanele Mthethwa, S'Thandiwe Kgoroge, Vuyo Biyela, S'Dumo Mtshali, and Celeste Ntuli, among others.
The show has only two reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, not enough to generate an official critics score, but both are positive. Joel Keller of Decider wrote that the show is "about as realistic as any classic telenovela, but that's a good thing, given that every episode is full of extreme emotions and crazy scenes." Karishma Dipa of Independent Online in South Africa wrote that "the show is sure to keep you enthralled with its heightened emotions, explosive confrontations and shocking twists."
Viewer responses have pointed to gripping family drama, strong performances, and addictive storytelling as reasons to keep watching, though some have noted that voice-over narration is a distraction.
The Polygamist joins a broader trend of Netflix international dramas breaking through to global audiences. The streamer's other non-English hits earlier in 2026 include Teach You a Lesson and My Royal Nemesis, which currently rank above it on the Global Top 10. The show sits above Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine, Viral Hit season 1, and several other international titles.
Netflix has built a strong track record adapting bestselling novels into popular series, including Fool Me Once, 3 Body Problem, and Bridgerton.
