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| Where Was The Polygamist Filmed? Every Major Shooting Location Behind Netflix's South African Drama Series. (Credits: Netflix) |
The stylish cityscapes, luxury office towers and vibrant urban settings seen throughout The Polygamist quickly became one of the biggest talking points among viewers. While the Netflix drama follows the complicated life of businessman Jonasi Gomora in Zimbabwe, the production actually brought most of its world to life in South Africa, using some of Johannesburg's most recognisable locations. Unsurprisingly, many fans finished the series with two questions: "Where was this filmed?" and "Can I actually visit these places?" The answer is yes for many of them.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Sue Nyathi, The Polygamist stars Gugu Gumede, S'dumo Mtshali, Kwanele Mthethwa, Kenneth Nkosi, and Noluthando Shabalala. The series combines family drama, business rivalries and emotional conflicts against a backdrop of modern African city life.
Although not every filming spot was publicly revealed during production, largely to avoid interruptions while cameras were rolling, several major locations have now been identified.
One of the most important filming hubs was Johannesburg, often called the City of Gold. The city's mix of corporate skyscrapers, residential districts and bustling commercial areas made it an ideal stand-in for the world of Jonasi Gomora.
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Throughout the series, viewers are treated to sweeping skyline shots that help establish the scale of his business empire. Johannesburg also gives the show a polished international feel, proving once again why it remains one of Africa's most popular filming destinations.
A significant amount of filming also took place in Sandton, Johannesburg's financial district. If any location in the series screams wealth, influence and expensive decisions, it is Sandton.
The area doubled as the city where Jonasi runs his businesses and manages the increasingly chaotic situations in his personal life. With luxury hotels, corporate headquarters and modern architecture dominating the skyline, Sandton was practically playing a character of its own.
Among the most recognisable buildings featured throughout the production is The Leonardo, currently one of the tallest buildings in Africa.
Its sleek design and premium surroundings perfectly match the ambitious world inhabited by several characters. Fans quickly noticed its distinctive appearance in various establishing shots and city sequences.
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Another standout location is Michelangelo Towers, a landmark known for its luxury apartments and iconic presence within Sandton's skyline. The building helps reinforce the series' themes of wealth, status and social influence.
Let's be honest, if a television character walks out of Michelangelo Towers looking stressed, viewers automatically assume something dramatic is about to happen.
The production also utilised areas around Nelson Mandela Square, one of Johannesburg's most visited public destinations.
Famous for its restaurants, shopping experiences and the towering Nelson Mandela statue, the square adds energy and sophistication to several city sequences. It remains a popular stop for tourists looking to experience one of Johannesburg's most famous landmarks.
Another location connected to the production is Sandton City Office Tower, a major business landmark within the district. The modern structure blends naturally into the corporate environment portrayed throughout the series, helping create a believable backdrop for boardroom discussions and business manoeuvres.
The impressive Metropolitan Sandton Office also appears within the urban landscape showcased in the drama. Its contemporary design fits seamlessly with the polished corporate image that dominates much of Jonasi's professional world.
Viewers with a sharp eye may also recognise Marble Towers, one of Johannesburg's classic high-rise buildings. The tower has long been part of the city's skyline and adds additional depth to the metropolitan atmosphere seen throughout the series.
Another noteworthy filming location is the historic Schlesinger Building, which contributes architectural variety to the visual identity of the show. While newer skyscrapers dominate many scenes, locations like this help present a fuller picture of Johannesburg's urban character.
The production further expanded its filming footprint to Montecasino, one of South Africa's most famous entertainment destinations.
Designed to resemble an Italian village, the complex offers a completely different visual style compared to the corporate towers elsewhere in the series. Its distinctive appearance helps create memorable transitions and social scenes.
Additional filming reportedly incorporated sections of Rosebank, a district known for its mix of business, culture and lifestyle attractions.
The neighbourhood's contemporary atmosphere aligns perfectly with the ambitious and fast-moving lives of many characters featured in the drama.
Several scenes were also captured around Melrose Arch, a stylish mixed-use precinct that combines offices, restaurants and residential spaces. Its modern streets and polished environment fit naturally into the upscale world portrayed throughout the series.
Since the release of The Polygamist, fan reactions to the filming locations have been surprisingly enthusiastic. Many viewers have praised the production for showcasing Johannesburg's modern side rather than relying solely on familiar tourist imagery.
Others admitted they spent half the series trying to identify buildings instead of concentrating on the actual storyline. Social media discussions have been filled with comments about Sandton's skyline, luxury towers and the striking contrast between glamorous city life and the increasingly complicated situations faced by the characters.
For travellers planning a future visit to South Africa, many of these locations are accessible and offer a chance to experience the atmosphere seen throughout the series firsthand.
Whether you want to admire the skyline from Sandton, explore Nelson Mandela Square, stroll through Melrose Arch or simply take photos of the famous towers featured on screen, The Polygamist has accidentally become a travel guide as much as a television drama.
Which filming location impressed you the most while watching the series, and if you could visit just one place from the show, where would it be? Let us know your choice and compare notes with fellow viewers.