BBC Studios and African streamer Showmax have unveiled a groundbreaking format agreement to bring a South African adaptation of the globally acclaimed series The Office; to both Showmax and kykNET, DStv’s popular Afrikaans channel, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The Showmax Original will be produced locally by Rapid Blue, who are part of BBC Studios’ international family of production companies.
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Over 20 years ago, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant introduced the world to the hilariously dark mockumentary universe of The Office.
The British version remains a pinnacle of comedic acclaim, holding the top spot on MetaCritic’s list of best-reviewed comedy series of all time.
Meanwhile, the American adaptation garnered five Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and was the most streamed show globally in 2020.
This universal appeal has led to the BAFTA- and Golden Globe-winning cult comedy being remade for audiences across the globe, including in Australia, France, Canada, Chile, Israel, India, the Middle East, and Poland.
The South African edition of The Office, which will be the 14th adaptation and filmed predominantly in Afrikaans, is poised to add its unique flair to the beloved series.
The Afrikaans version of The Office will be the latest addition to a series of successful adaptations of the mockumentary sitcom.
MultiChoice has a proven track record with this format, having previously adapted it through kykNET’s long-running Hotel and the recent Pronk Primêr, which bears similarities to Abbott Elementary.
‘Our very first Showmax Original was a mockumentary, Tali’s Wedding Diary, so we’re delighted, just seven years later, to start reimagining the most iconic mockumentary of them all,’ says Showmax’s acting head of content, Nicola van Niekerk.
According to Showmax, BBC Studios’ South African production company, Rapid Blue, will begin production in 2025.
Rapid Blue produced Is’thunzi, which earned Thuso Mbedu two International Emmy nominations, as well as formats such as Dancing With The Stars, The Bachelor, Family Feud, Got Talent, Shark Tank, Come Dine With Me and Homegrown Tastes South Africa, to name just a few.
‘We are proud to be producing the first African version of The Office for Showmax and kykNET,’ says Rapid Blue Managing Director Ziyanda Ngcaba.
‘The format is globally recognised and adored by audiences all over the world.’
In February, Showmax relaunched in partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky, now powered by the Peacock platform.
The relaunch slate featured all nine seasons of the American version of The Office, which quickly soared into the top five international series on the platform for the month.
This strong performance underscores the audience’s enthusiasm for the show, making the anticipation for the South African adaptation even higher.
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Picture: The Office / Facebook
