EXCLUSIVE: There’s a new Superstore opening in Africa.
African streamer Showmax has ordered a local version of the NBCUniversal format show, which began life exactly ten years ago, when NBC picked up a pilot for the U.S. sitcom.
Showmax’s will be a Zulu-language adaptation produced locally by Barkers Media, which is known for shows such as Killer Front Page, Shebeen Queens and How to Manifest a Man in association with Universal International Studios. Production is set to begin this year.
The U.S. version, created by Justin Spitzer (The Office) ran for six seasons, starring America Ferrera and Ben Feldman among an ensemble cast of workers at mid-American superstore Cloud 9. Lauren Ash, Nico Santos, Colton Dunn and Mark McKinney also starred with cameos from the likes of Dean Norris, Fred Armisen and Jason Ritter. It was produced by Universal Television in association with Spitzer Holding Company, Miller Green Broadcasting and The District.
Showmax already offers its subs Seasons 1-6 of the American show, and the format order is a second comedy remake deal of recent times. It comes after the streamer ordered a remake of The Office following a licensing deal with BBC Studios.
“We’re on Cloud 9,” says Nicola van Niekerk, Executive Head of Programming at Showmax’s South Africa-based parent MultiChoice. “I laughed my way through every episode of Superstore and can’t wait to see how the funny and loveable characters are reimagined in our complex country.”
“I cannot wait to see Superstore take on a whole new life in South Africa,” added Hannah Mabruk, VP, Format Sales for NBCUniversal Formats. “It’s a format that resonates with audiences around the world because of its undeniable humour, heart, and universal themes of community and friendship flourishing in the workplace. Together with our longtime partners at Showmax and the team at Barkers Media, we look forward to bringing a uniquely South African spin to these lovable characters in a fresh and exciting new way.”
Comcast-owned NBCU was instrumental in a February 2024 relaunch of Showmax, with the Peacock streaming platform now powering the service. NBCU has a 30% stake in the streamer, and another Comcast business, Sky, was also involved in the overhaul. Showmax parent MultiChoice is current subject to a $2.9B takeover by Canal+, with the pair approaching regulators about the agreement back in October. South Africa has strict foreign ownership rules that could scupper the deal.
