Is ‘The Polygamist’ Based on a True Story?

If you’re in need of a juicy telenovela, you have to stream The Polygamist.

Netflix just released all 22 episodes of the first season, and fans are loving the drama. The South African series follows Jonasi Gomora (S’dumo Mtshali), a CEO whose world is turned upside down as secrets of his double life with mistresses and families come to light. In the first season, the lives of the women in Gomora’s life become intertwined as he faces his downfall. With all the crazy twists and turns in the series, audiences will not be able to believe what’s unfolding before their very eyes.

It understandably seems wild that all those heightened emotions and bonkers plot lines have no truth to them. The series seems too juicy to be made up! Maybe that’s why many people have been wondering: Is The Polygamist a true story?

Is The Polygamist Based on a True Story?

No.

This revenge story is a work of fiction. However, the story may be familiar to many as the series is adapted from the well-known novel by Sue Nyatahi. According to Pan Macmillan, the novel “weaves a tale of four women whose lives become intertwined when they all fall for a wealthy banking magnate, Jonasi Gomora. Seemingly indomitable and oozing money, power, and sex appeal, Jonasi is about to complicate all their lives forever.”

Who stars in The Polygamist on Netflix?

All your favorite characters from the novel come to life in Netflix’s adaptation. Jonasi Gomora, the businessman who starts the entire mess, is played by Sdumo Mtshali. His social media influencer wife, Joyce, is played by Gugu Gumede. Kwanele Mthethwa plays Matipa, Gomora’s mistress.

Essie, Gomora’s secret second wife, is played by Celeste Ntuli. Luyanda Zwane plays Lindani, another woman in Gomora’s life who desperately wants to be his wife.