The Office, a series that has become a global phenomenon, is set to get its very own South African adaptation; adding another layer to the beloved franchise. This is big news for fans who have followed the series from its original British roots through to the hugely popular American version, and then onto adaptations in places like India, France, and beyond. Originally reported by Variety, The Office South Africa will bring its own unique twist to the world of office politics, cringe-worthy humour, and the awkward silences that have made the show iconic.

A Fresh Local Take on a Global Classic

African streamer Showmax, in partnership with BBC Studios, has secured the rights to adapt the hit format for South African audiences. The new version, set to debut on both Showmax and kykNET (DStv’s Afrikaans channel), will be the first African take on this iconic mockumentary style. Production, led by Rapid Blue – a part of BBC Studios’ international production network – will begin in 2025, with filming primarily in Afrikaans.

Meet the New Boss (Same as the Old Boss?)

While details about the cast and characters remain under wraps for The Office South Africa, fans can expect a brand-new version of the clueless yet endearing boss figure at the heart of the series. Whether this new character will be more David Brent, Michael Scott, or an entirely fresh take; remains to be seen. However, the appeal of The Office has always been in how it manages to capture the universal absurdities of the workplace, no matter where it is set, and this adaptation promises to be no different.

AI generated render of what The Office South Africa could look like.
AI generated render of what The Office South Africa could look like.

The Office South Africa Comes Home to Showmax

Showmax’s recent partnership with NBCUniversal and Sky has transformed the platform, which is now powered by Peacock. It also helps that all nine seasons of the American version of The Office are on the service, and have proven to be a solid hit with local audiences. “The American version went straight into our top five international series”, says Nicola van Niekerk, Showmax’s acting head of content. “We know our audience will be as excited to see our hyperlocal version as we are to make it.”

Adapting the Humour for a South African Audience

Adapting a show as iconic as The Office is no small feat, especially when it comes to the humour. The South African version will need to balance paying homage to the original while ensuring the comedy resonates with a local audience – and goodness knows South African’s have some of the best humour. Given South Africa’s diverse and often complex cultural landscape, the show-runners have a unique opportunity to create something reflecting the nuances of South African life while staying true to the spirit of the original show. As such, fans can likely expect sharp commentary on office politics, awkward team-building exercises, and those oh-so-familiar watercooler moments— only now, with a local ‘lekker’ twist.

AI generated render of what The Office South Africa could look like.
AI generated render of what The Office South Africa could look like.

Expectations and Release

Although a release date has not been officially confirmed for The Office South Africa, production is set to begin in 2025. The series will then be available on Showmax and kykNET. Whether released in full or weekly, remains to be seen (perhaps weekly on the latter and all at once on the former). The adaptation marks the 14th international version of The Office, joining a list of global hits including adaptations in France, Canada, India and even Australia. Rapid Blue, which has produced popular formats like Dancing With The Stars and The Bachelor, will bring their expertise to ensure this localised version captures both the essence of the original and the unique flavour of South African office culture.

[Source: Variety]

Showmax and BBC Studios are bringing The Office South Africa to local screens, blending the beloved mockumentary style with a unique Afrikaans twist.
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Owner, founder and editor-in-chief at Vamers, Hans has a vested interest in geek culture and the interactive entertainment industry. With a Masters degree in Communications and Ludology, he is well read and versed in matters relating to video games and communication media, among many other topics of interest.

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