“Superstore Takes a Bold Leap: isiZulu Adaptation Unveiled!”

Showmax and NBCUniversal Formats have announced a new format agreement to develop an isiZulu version of the well-loved US comedy Superstore. The original Superstore is available for streaming on Showmax, with production for this adaptation anticipated to commence later this year (2025).

The Showmax Original will be locally produced by Barkers Media – the organization behind Killer Front Page, Shebeen Queens, The Bala Family, and the SA Film and Television Awards-nominated How to Manifest a Man – in collaboration with Universal International Studios.

A decade ago, on 14 January 2015, NBC greenlit the pilot for the original Superstore, which subsequently attracted over six million viewers per episode and ran for six seasons.

Initially conceived and overseen by Justin Spitzer (The Office) and produced in association with Universal Television, along with Spitzer Holding Company, Miller Green Broadcasting, and The District for NBC, Superstore centers around a family of workers at Cloud 9, a gigantic mega store. Featuring enthusiastic newcomers, seasoned veterans, naïve summer recruits, and devoted managers, they face the daily challenges of avid bargain hunters, chaotic sales, and monotonous training sessions with humor and camaraderie.

As floor manager Amy, America Ferrera earned a Gracie Allen Award and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award, among other honors. Lauren Ash was nominated for a Hollywood Critics Association Television Award for her role as assistant manager Dina, and Nico Santos received two Critics Choice Awards nominations as new employee Mateo. The ensemble cast also included Emmy nominees Ben Feldman, Colton Dunn, and Mark McKinney, with cameo appearances from stars like Dean Norris, Fred Armisen, and Jason Ritter.

“We’re on Cloud 9,” expresses Nicola van Niekerk, executive head of programming at MultiChoice. “I found myself laughing through every episode of Superstore and cannot wait to see how the amusing and endearing characters are interpreted in our diverse country.”

Reneilwe Sema, executive producer of Barkers Media, remarks: “We are thrilled to be creating the first African adaptation of Superstore for Showmax.”

Mpho Lengane, executive producer of Barkers Media, adds: “This format is globally recognized and cherished by audiences worldwide, so we eagerly anticipate infusing it with a distinctly South African essence.”

Hannah Mabruk, VP of format sales for NBCUniversal Formats, states: “I am excited to witness Superstore embark on a new journey in SA. This format resonates with viewers globally due to its irresistible humor, heartfelt moments, and omnipresent themes of community and friendship thriving in the workplace. Together with our longtime associates at Showmax and the team at Barkers Media, we are eager to present a uniquely South African twist on these delightful characters in an innovative and engaging manner.”

The South African Superstore adaptation will be Showmax’s second comedic format reinterpretation, following their acquisition of The Office from the BBC.