Afrikaans Version of The Office Premieres January 2026

Afrikaans Adaptation of The Office to Premiere in January 2026

African streaming platform Showmax is bringing a fresh South African twist to one of the world’s most beloved comedy formats. The Afrikaans adaptation of The Office, titled Die Kantoor, will debut in January 2026, licensed by BBC Studios and produced by Rapid Blue.

Viewers will get a first taste when kykNET screens the opening episode at 8PM on Sunday, 18 January, ahead of Showmax’s double-episode launch on Tuesday, 20 January.

A Local Reimagining of a Global Classic

More than two decades after Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant introduced the world to the bleak, brilliant humour of The Office, the show continues to resonate across generations. The original UK series is still ranked by MetaCritic as the best-reviewed comedy of all time, while the U.S. version became the most streamed show globally in 2020 and won five Emmy Awards.

Its universal appeal has led to adaptations in more than a dozen countries, including France, Israel, Australia, Canada, and Chile. Die Kantoor becomes the 14th official international version.

Award-Winning Talent Behind the Camera

The series is being written and directed by Bennie Fourie, the SAFTA and Silwerskerm-winning creator behind the hit mockumentary Hotel. After a decade working in the genre, Fourie says the time is perfect for a full-scale reimagining of this iconic comedy:

“When we started with Hotel, this was the type of show we were trying to emulate. Now we’re ready, and everything has fallen into place.”

Importantly, Fourie stresses that Die Kantoor is not a direct translation. Instead, it has been rebuilt from the ground up to reflect South African culture, humour, and everyday realities.

From Paper to Processed Meats

Instead of a paper company, the South African office is set at Deluxe Processed Meats, a fictional polony manufacturer. The staff operate under pressure and insecurity, especially after a BBBEE business consortium buys into the company—leaving no one certain about their future.

“South Africa is a proud meat-eating nation… but polony isn’t exactly something you brag about at a braai. That gap between reality and pride is where the comedy lives.”
Fourie says the industry shift was key to grounding the series locally:

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

Leading the cast is 2025 Fleur du Cap winner Albert Pretorius (Niggies, Nêrens, Noord-Kaap), starring as Flip, the enthusiastic – and occasionally misguided – office manager determined to prove himself to the documentary crew.

The ensemble also includes a mix of celebrated names and rising talent:

Schalk Bezuidenhout (Kanarie, Hotel)
Lida Botha (Die Kwiksilvers)
Carl Beukes (Jozi, The Shakedown)
Ilse Oppelt (Oh Schuks I’m Gatvol)
Daniah de Villiers (Mia and the White Lion)
Mehboob Bawa (Bhai’s Café)
Sipumziwe Lucwaba
Gert du Plessis

BBC Studios will handle global sales, continuing the franchise’s international legacy.

A Full Circle Moment for Showmax

Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, executive head of content for Showmax, describes the adaptation as a milestone:

“Our very first Showmax Original was a mockumentary, Tali’s Wedding Diary, so reimagining the most iconic mockumentary of them all has been a full circle moment.”

The announcement also comes as the South African industry celebrates major recognition at the International Emmy Awards, where the country placed third globally with a record five nominations across drama, documentary, and kids’ programming.

Countdown to January

With its uniquely South African flavour, richly drawn characters, and a fresh mockumentary setting, Die Kantoor is gearing up to bring awkward laughs, workplace chaos, and new cult characters to local screens.