Showmax is bringing the hit US series Superstore to South Africa with a fresh, Zulu-language adaptation.
The announcement, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Superstore’s debut, has comedy lovers buzzing about how the quirky Cloud 9 crew will translate into a uniquely South African setting.
This isn’t Showmax’s first rodeo with big-name comedies. Following their adaptation of The Office, they’re teaming up with NBCUniversal Formats to create the first African take on Superstore. Production kicks off this year, handled by Barkers Media, the team behind acclaimed shows like Shebeen Queens and The Bala Family.
The original Superstore, created by Justin Spitzer (The Office), captured the chaos and camaraderie of a mega-store workplace, attracting over six million viewers per episode during its six-season run. Packed with humor, heart, and relatable antics, the show earned its place as a modern comedy classic, with Rotten Tomatoes hailing it as “one of TV’s greatest workplace comedies.”
The South African version promises to retain the universal themes of community and friendship while infusing the storylines with local flavor. Nicola van Niekerk, MultiChoice’s executive head of programming, expressed excitement: “I laughed my way through every episode of Superstore and can’t wait to see how these funny and loveable characters are reimagined in our complex country.”
NBCUniversal’s Hannah Mabruk echoed the sentiment: “Superstore resonates globally because of its humor and heart. We’re thrilled to see it come to life in South Africa, reflecting the unique culture and stories of the region.”
While you wait for this fresh spin, you can re-watch the original Superstore on Showmax to relive the laughs and prepare for what’s next.
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