The aisles of Cloud 9 are about to get a uniquely South African twist! NBCUniversal Formats and Showmax have announced an exciting new format agreement to produce a Zulu-language adaptation of the beloved US comedy Superstore.
This marks Showmax’s second foray into reimagining iconic international comedies, following their successful licensing of The Office from the BBC. Fans of workplace hilarity are in for a treat as the retail chaos and quirky camaraderie of Superstore take root in South African soil.
A Global Hit Meets Local Flavour
Licensed worldwide by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal International Studios, Superstore has already found international success, with the Latin American adaptation Supertitlán delighting audiences in Mexico. Now, it’s South Africa’s turn to shine, with Barkers Media (Killer Front Page, Shebeen Queens, The Bala Family) leading the local production in collaboration with Universal International Studios. Filming is set to kick off later this year, and the buzz is already palpable.
“We’re on Cloud 9,” beams Nicola van Niekerk, executive head of programming at MultiChoice. “I laughed my way through every episode of Superstore and can’t wait to see how the funny and lovable characters are reimagined in our complex country.”
Adding to the enthusiasm, Reneilwe Sema of Barkers Media says, “We are proud to be producing the first African version of Superstore for Showmax.” Mpho Lengane, also from Barkers Media, echoes the sentiment, promising to infuse the show with a distinctly South African flavour.
Hannah Mabruk, VP of Format Sales for NBCUniversal Formats, is equally thrilled. “Superstore resonates with audiences worldwide because of its humour, heart, and universal themes of community and friendship flourishing in the workplace. We’re excited to see these lovable characters take on new life in South Africa.”
From Global Success to Local Adaptation
When Superstore first hit US screens in 2015, it quickly became one of television’s greatest workplace comedies, garnering over six million viewers per episode. Created by Justin Spitzer (The Office), the show’s ensemble cast, led by America Ferrera, delivered laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt storylines.
The series racked up accolades, including Critics Choice and Writers Guild of America nominations, cementing its place in sitcom history. Now, as the South African adaptation takes shape, audiences can look forward to the same blend of sharp humour and workplace camaraderie, with a vibrant local twist.
A Show That Keeps Giving
Even after its finale in 2021, Superstore continues to resonate, with its iconic Cloud 9 setting making cameo appearances in other NBCUniversal series. The South African version promises to carry forward the legacy of this fan-favourite series, making it accessible to a whole new audience in their home language.
While we eagerly await this fresh take on Superstore, fans can revisit all six seasons of the original on Showmax. Stock up on snacks, hit the couch, and prepare for the retail chaos, witty banter, and lovable characters that made Superstore a global sensation.
Stream Superstore Seasons 1-6 on Showmax and get ready for a Zulu-powered workplace comedy like no other!
Main Image: Showmax
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