Exclusive: There’s something new Big store Opening in Africa.
African streaming company Showmax has ordered a local version of the NBCUniversal format show, which began life exactly ten years ago, when NBC optioned a pilot for the American sitcom.
Showmax will be a Zulu language adaptation produced locally by Barkers Media, known for shows such as Killer front page, Shebeen Queens and How to show a man In cooperation with Universal Studios International. Production is scheduled to begin this year.
American version, created by Justin Spitzer (The office) ran for six seasons, starring America Ferrera and Ben Feldman among a group of workers at a Cloud 9 supermarket in the middle of America. Lauren Ash, Nico Santos, Colton Dunne and Mark McKinney also starred with the likes of Dean Norris and Fred Armisen. And Jason Ritter. Produced by Universal Television in association with Spitzer Holding Company, Miller Green Broadcasting and The District.
Showmax is already offering its spinoff seasons 1 through 6 of the American show, and the format arrangement is a second comedy remake deal in recent times. This comes after the broadcaster ordered the film to be remade The office Following a licensing deal with BBC Studios.
“We’re on cloud 9,” says Nicola van Niekerk, chief programming officer at Showmax’s South African-based parent MultiChoice. “I laughed my way through every episode Big store And I can’t wait to see how the funny and beloved characters are reimagined for our complex country.
“I can’t wait to see Big store “Enjoy a whole new life in South Africa,” added Hannah Mabrouk, Vice President of Format Sales at NBCUniversal Formats. “It’s a format that resonates with audiences around the world because of its undeniable humor, heart and universal themes of community and friendship that thrive in the workplace. Together with our long-standing partners at Showmax and the Barkers Media team, we look forward to bringing a uniquely South African touch to these beloved characters in a New and exciting.”
Comcast-owned NBCU was instrumental in the relaunch of Showmax in February 2024, with streaming platform Peacock now powering the service. NBCU has a 30% stake in the streamer, and another Comcast subsidiary, Sky, has also participated in the overhaul. Showmax parent MultiChoice is currently undergoing a $2.9 billion takeover by Canal+, with the pair approaching regulators over the agreement in October. South Africa has strict foreign ownership rules that could hinder the deal.
