The actresses joined the growing list of fans praising the South African drama as it climbed to the third most-watched show globally on Netflix.
By Bulelwa Hoala

American actresses Sherri Shepherd and Taraji P. Henson have shared their obsession with the trending South African series The Polygamist on Netflix.
In a social media post, former The View co-host Shepherd, who is still in the process of watching the show, said she was in disbelief over the storyline after it was recommended to her.
“Can we talk about #ThePolygamist on @Netflix … I thought #CrazyRichAsians was something, but these #CrazyRichAfricans are on a whole ‘nother level!!! I can’t turn it off!” she wrote.
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Hollywood stars can’t stop watching
This prompted a response from Henson, the star of Acrimony, who confessed that the show also had her in a chokehold.
“GIRL YOU AIN’T SEEN SHIT YET!!!! Had me in a chokehold. Watched THE ENTIRE 22 eps on my one day off!!!!!!!!!!! THE END IS GOING TO FUU!!!!!!!!!!! I will be back for your commentary,” she said.
The Polygamist climbs Netflix’s global charts
On Friday, 19 June 2026, the production company behind the Netflix show, Stained Glass TV, announced on social media that The Polygamist is now the third most-watched show globally on the streaming platform.
“At this point we’re running out of ways to say THANK YOU!
“The Polygamist isn’t just topping charts at home anymore! We’re now the #3 show globally on Netflix and the #1 show in 16 countries across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. EXCUSE US?! We appreciate you!” the production house wrote.
Why viewers are obsessed with The Polygamist
The Polygamist is a 22-episode supernovela that premiered globally on Netflix on 12 June.
It is adapted from Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s 2012 novel of the same name.
The entire first season dropped at once, sending social media into overdrive over its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
The show has also sparked endless commentary and memes about the unhinged behaviour of its central character, Jonasi Gomora, played by Sdumo Mtshali.
The story follows Gomora, a self-made CEO and banker whose carefully curated empire begins to unravel as his wife Joyce Gomora (Gugu Gumede), secret second wife Essie (Celeste Ntuli), mistress Matipa (Kwanele Mthethwa) and girlfriend Lindani (Luyanda Zwane) battle for his life and wealth.
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