Zari: ‘The Polygamist’ will trigger women who have experienced betrayal in relationships

Tanzanian-Ugandan businesswoman and socialite Zari Hassan has shared her thoughts on the trending drama series The Polygamist, warning viewers that the show could bring back painful memories for people who have experienced betrayal, heartbreak or difficult relationships.

Speaking in a Snapchat video on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Zari said the storyline touches on real-life situations that many people may relate to, especially those who have experienced emotional struggles in their own relationships or witnessed similar situations within their families.

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The mother of five said some viewers need to be emotionally prepared before watching the series because its themes may be triggering for those who have gone through painful relationship experiences.

“Watching The Polygamist is going to trigger you if you are not strong enough. If you have been through something like that, and maybe it was a past relationship, or you saw it, maybe it was your parent, your mother and such,” Zari said.

She urged women who find themselves relating to the struggles portrayed in the series to prioritise their own happiness and wellbeing rather than remaining in situations that negatively affect them.

“Listen, choose yourself,” she advised.

Zari also revisited the importance of financial independence in relationships, saying financially stable women may have more freedom to make decisions about their lives without feeling trapped by circumstances.

According to the socialite, financial stability gives people confidence and the ability to walk away from situations that affect their peace.

“You see why we keep saying have financial stability, that you will not care because you have your life together. But if you are not well off, you will remain with Jonasi because you don’t have a way to go,” she said.

Zari questioned whether staying in an unhappy relationship at the expense of one’s mental wellbeing was worth it.

“Is it worth it? The mental wellbeing?” she asked.

The businesswoman encouraged people who have not watched the show to do so, saying it highlights realities that many people experience in relationships.

“The Polygamist is going to trigger you in many ways because I know we have all been in such relationships someplace, somewhere. If you haven’t watched The Polygamist, go and watch it,” Zari said.

She further shared her interpretation of the main message she believes the series communicates, saying it shows how some men prioritise their own interests even when their actions hurt their partners.

“Men are always going to choose themselves; that is one thing the series makes clear,” she said.

Zari also stated that she would not allow herself to become like Joyce, one of the central characters in the drama, whose life is affected by her husband Jonasi’s secret relationships.

“I will never allow myself to be a Joyce like the lady in that movie. Men love themselves to the point they don’t care if you are in depression,” she added.

What is The Polygamist about?

The Polygamist is a South African drama series that has gained widespread attention for its storyline centred on marriage, secrecy, betrayal and the consequences of living a double life.

The series follows Jonasi Gomora, a wealthy and successful businessman whose carefully built image begins to collapse when his hidden relationships and secret family arrangements come to light.

At the centre of the story is Jonasi’s complicated relationship with Joyce, a woman who believes she is in a stable marriage until she discovers the extent of his deception. The revelation forces her to confront questions about love, loyalty, self-worth and whether she can continue staying in a relationship built on secrets.

The show also explores the experiences of other women connected to Jonasi, including those who discover that the man they trusted was not fully honest about his life.

Beyond the drama of infidelity, The Polygamist examines deeper issues such as financial dependence, emotional manipulation, power struggles within relationships and the difficult choices people face when love conflicts with personal well-being.

The series has sparked major discussions among viewers because of its portrayal of modern relationships and the different ways people respond when confronted with betrayal.

Characters such as Jonasi and Joyce have become major talking points online, with many viewers debating whether Joyce’s choices reflect the reality faced by people who feel trapped in complicated relationships.