The Story of The Polygamist: From Rejected Book to Global Netflix Hit

The trending Netflix series known as The Polygamist was originally a book before it was adapted into a screen production. The author, Sue Nyathi, self-published the novel in 2012 after it was rejected by multiple publishers.

Following the rejections, Nyathi took it upon herself to publish the book independently.

More than a decade later, the novel was adapted into a 22-episode Netflix series.

The series premiered on June 12, 2026, and was produced by Stained Glass Productions in partnership with Netflix.

Netflix Series

The journey from book to a global screen took thirteen years, and now both the book and the Netflix series have a larger audience than before.

The streaming platform has described it as its biggest South African telenovela to date.

The adaptation stars Sdumo Mtshali as businessman Jonasi Gomora and Gugu Gumede as his wife, Joyce Gomora.

Other cast members include Kenneth Nkosi, Celeste Ntuli, Luyanda Zwane, Wonder Ndlovu, Noluthando Shabalala, and Kwanele Mthethwa.

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Movie Cast

Set against a backdrop of wealth, family tensions, and complicated relationships, the series follows the life of a self-made businessman whose personal choices begin to unravel the empire he has built.

The story explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge, elements that helped make Sue’s novel popular among readers.

The television adaptation was led by acclaimed filmmaker Akin Omotoso alongside directors Rolie Nikiwe and Nthabi Tau, with Busisiwe Zwane serving as head writer.

Sue Nyathi

Sue, a Zimbabwean-born author based in Johannesburg, published The Polygamist as her debut novel in 2012.

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The Polygamist is one of her many published books, including a Family Affair, The Angel’s Demise, among many other titles that she has produced in her writing career.

The production of Sue’s novel from a self-published book to a widely watched Netflix series highlights the growing global reach of African storytelling and its potential in reaching the global stage through films and television.

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The Polygamist cast during the premiere
PHOTO/Sue IG