This study critically examines the portrayal of isithembu (polygyny) in the South African television shows Mnakwethu (Season 3) and Mnakwethu: Happily Ever After?, focusing on how polygamy and women's experiences are represented. Using a qualitative desktop approach, content and textual analyses of the shows were conducted, which were complemented by relevant literature on polygamy and media representation. The study was guided by Media Framing Theory and African Feminism Theory, enabling an exploration of how television producers construct narratives around polygamy and how these narratives impact women's agency and gender dynamics. Findings reveal that men often introduce additional wives in highly mediated, public settings, creating pressure and reinforcing patriarchal norms, while women's responses reflect negotiation, resistance and emotional complexity. The study also highlights the misrepresentation of polygamy in media, including inaccurate use of marital terminology and justifications for unfaithfulness. The research calls for culturally informed media practices to ensure accurate representation of African cultural practices and suggests further investigation into the long-term social, emotional and familial impacts of polygamy.
