A major global comedy series is the latest to join South Africa’s fast-growing wave of TV remakes, and excitement is already building.
South African TV remakes have surged in popularity as streaming platforms invest in fresh, localised versions of international favourites. Now, one of the world’s most iconic workplace comedies is getting a proudly South African twist, complete with a new cast, new setting and its own uniquely local humour.
Here’s everything we know about the upcoming adaptation — and how it fits into South Africa’s booming remake trend.
South African TV remakes: Showmax confirms local version of The Office
Showmax has officially announced a South African adaptation of The Office, titled Die Kantoor, which is set to land in January 2026. The Showmax Original, licensed by BBC Studios, reimagines the mockumentary format for a South African workplace.
This time, the story shifts to Deluxe Processed Meats, where Flip (Fleur du Cap winner Albert Pretorius) steps into the role of the awkward, overly enthusiastic manager.
Creator Bennie Fourie directs and writes the series. He emphasises that Die Kantoor is not a shot-for-shot remake:
“South Africa is not the UK or the US, and we wanted to reflect that.”
Fourie says the switch from a paper company to a processed meat factory made instant sense, especially given South Africa’s strong meat culture and the comic potential of a product like polony.
A star-studded South African cast
Die Kantoor features a strong and diverse cast, including:
- Schalk Bezuidenhout (Kanarie, Hotel)
- Lida Botha (Die Kwiksilvers)
- Carl Beukes (Jozi, The Shakedown)
- Ilse Oppelt (Fishy Fêshuns)
- Daniah de Villiers (Mia and the White Lion)
- Mehboob Bawa (Bhai in Bhai’s Cafe)
- Sipumziwe Lucwaba (Former KFM presenter)
- Newcomer Gert du Plessis
Rapid Blue, known for acclaimed local shows including Is’thunzi, leads the production side.
South Africa’s rising trend of global remakes
Die Kantoor joins a growing list of South African TV remakes, reflecting strong viewer appetite for familiar formats with a local twist. This marks the 14th international version of The Office.
Recent and upcoming remakes include:
- Superstore (Zulu adaptation of the US comedy)
- The Real Housewives franchises: Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Wynlande
- Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa
- Blood Legacy, adapted from the Spanish crime thriller series Monarca.
South Africans love a familiar format, especially when it’s packed with local humour, local drama and local chaos.
Why South African TV remakes are thriving
- Big-name global titles draw instant attention
- Local settings make the stories feel fresh
- They tap into SA’s unique humour and languages
- Streaming platforms are betting big on local content
South Africa’s rising presence on the global stage, including recent International Emmy nominations for Koek, Chasing the Sun 2 and School Ties, makes the timing even better.
Where to stream The Office while you wait
All seasons of The Office are streaming on Showmax.
Release dates for Die Kantoor
- kykNET preview: Sunday, 18 January at 20:00
- Double-episode premiere on Showmax: Tuesday, 20 January 2026
