More than two decades have passed since Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant introduced audiences to the brilliantly bleak mockumentary universe of The Office.
The original British version is considered one of the best comedy series of all time, while the American adaptation claimed five Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and became the most-streamed show globally in 2020.
This widespread appeal has spawned remakes for audiences worldwide, with the proudly South African version – Die Kantoor — marking the winning format’s 14th international adaptation.
When and where to watch ‘Die Kantoor’
The first episode will preview on kykNET at 8pm this Sunday, 18 January, ahead of the Showmax double-bill premiere on Tuesday, 20 January, followed by an episode a week on both platforms.
WATCH: First-look trailer
The first-look trailer released this week gives South Africans a taste of 2025 Fleur du Cap and Woordfees winner Albert Pretorius (Niggies; Nêrens, Noord-Kaap) as Flip, the manager at polony distributors Deluxe Processed Meats.
‘Die Kantoor’: Schalk Bezuidenhout and more
In addition to Pretorius, the cast includes Safta winner Schalk Bezuidenhout (Kanarie, Hotel), screen legend Lida Botha (Die Kwiksilvers), Carl Beukes (Jozi, The Shakedown), Silwerskerm winner Ilse Oppelt (Oh Schuks I’m Gatvol, Fishy Fêshuns), Daniah de Villiers (Mia in Mia and the White Lion), Mehboob Bawa (Bhai in Bhai’s Cafe), former KFM presenter Sipumziwe Lucwaba, and newcomer Gert du Plessis.
Rapid-fire Q&A with Albert Pretorius – Flip from ‘Die Kantoor’
The manager is an iconic role that earned both Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell their first Golden Globes. Did you feel the pressure?
Yes, it’s a scary one; this is one of the dream ones. Very few people ever get to play a role this big.
Tell us about Flip…
Flip thinks of himself as the Rassie Erasmus of polony. In his mind, the documentary crew is making his Chasing the Sun, about how he’s taking this team to the next level.
He grew up watching Leon Schuster, so he also loves Candid Camera pranks and is trying to bring those into the documentary, too.
He’s grappling with what it means to be a man – an Afrikaans man – but he doesn’t realise that a lot of the qualities he aspires to are archaic. Or that he actually has very few of these qualities. That’s where the comedy lies, because he tries so bloody hard just to be liked.
Isn’t that what cringe is? People trying their best by being the absolute worst.
Were you a fan of ‘The Office’ before you started shooting?
I watched the UK version in drama school at UCT and didn’t realise it was fake for the first 15 minutes. Then I was like, “You guys! Oh, wow! Okay, okay, this is genius.”
I loved it so much that I refused to watch the American version at first. But that one carried me through Covid. They’re very different but both brilliant.
Which did you prefer?
I can’t say. I love the cringe of the UK one and the heart of the American one.
I love Ricky Gervais: He’s the original, and it’s his brainchild. But there’s also something about Steve Carrel, and I think his relationship with Holly is one of the most beautiful romances in the history of TV.
Which one is ‘Die Kantoor‘ closest to?
We have our own sense of humour, so ours is different from both. It’s not quite the UK cringe or as over-the-top as the American humour. It’s something else again.
- Also binge the American version of The Office S1-S9 and its spin-off, The Paper, on Showmax.
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