Die Kantoor: A Fresh Take on a Global Classic

Showmax has unveiled the highly anticipated first trailer for Die Kantoor, a South African adaptation of the iconic series The Office, licensed by BBC Studios. With its signature mockumentary style, Die Kantoor promises to deliver a uniquely local flavor to the beloved premise of office life, featuring a boss who believes he’s a source of inspiration for his team, despite the stark contrast in perception.

When and Where to Watch

The series kicks off on kykNET at 8 PM on Sunday, January 18, and will subsequently debut on Showmax as a double bill on Tuesday, January 20. Following the premiere, viewers can look forward to weekly episodes being made available on both platforms, allowing fans to savor each comedic moment as it unfolds.

Meet Flip: The New Office Boss

At the heart of Die Kantoor is Flip, portrayed by the talented Albert Pretorius, a recognized figure in the South African entertainment industry and a 2025 Fleur du Cap and Woordfees winner. Flip dons the role of the manager at Deluxe Processed Meats, a polony distributor, and sees himself as a groundbreaking leader. However, there’s a humorous disconnect; he’s blissfully unaware of how others truly perceive him.

“Flip thinks of himself as the Rassie Erasmus of polony,” Pretorius reveals, reflecting Flip’s delusions of grandeur. In his mind, the cameras are rolling for his very own documentary akin to Chasing the Sun, showcasing his supposed leadership prowess.

Big Shoes and Real Pressure

Taking on the boss role in such a renowned franchise brings a significant weight of expectation. Iconic portrayals by Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell have set a high benchmark in the realm of workplace comedy. Pretorius acknowledges the challenge, stating, “Yes, it’s a scary one. This is one of the dream roles. Very few people ever get to play a character this big.”

Cringe Comedy with a Local Edge

Pretorius paints Flip as a character struggling with outdated concepts of masculinity, yearning for acceptance while wielding disruptive humor in the workplace, often with cringe-worthy results. “He’s grappling with what it means to be an Afrikaans man,” Pretorius notes, pointing to Flip’s naivety regarding his own lack of desirable traits.

Describing the essence of comedy in Die Kantoor, he shares, “Cringe is people trying their best by being the absolute worst.” The series aims to navigate this hilariously uncomfortable territory, driving laughter through relatability.

Shock Value vs. Authenticity

The initial scripts were a confronting surprise for Pretorius, who recalls thinking, “We cannot say any of this.” However, as he delved deeper into the material, his perspective shifted. “There is idiocy, but there is also heart and relatability,” he explains. The show doesn’t just rely on shock; it incorporates audience reactions and incorporates deeper character insights, creating a more nuanced experience.

A Lifelong Fan of The Office

For Pretorius, the journey with The Office began during his studies at the University of Cape Town, where he found the original UK version so convincing that he thought it was real for the first quarter-hour. Later, he embraced the American reboot during lockdown, appreciating the strengths of both versions. “We have our own humour,” he reflects, acknowledging that Die Kantoor embraces a comedic identity that is neither UK cringe nor American exaggeration but distinctly South African.

An Ensemble-Driven Workplace

Maintaining the authenticity of the mockumentary format, the cast stayed in character even during downtime on set. “The cameras could catch them at any moment, so everyone stayed in character. It felt like a real office,” Pretorius reveals. This commitment to realism is set to enhance the comedic depth, with subtle interactions and raised eyebrows adding layers to the humor.

The Cast

Die Kantoor features a diverse and talented ensemble, including:

• Albert Pretorius as Flip
• Schalk Bezuidenhout
• Lida Botha
• Carl Beukes
• Ilse Oppelt
• Daniah de Villiers
• Mehboob Bawa
• Sipumziwe Lucwaba
• Gert du Plessis

This ensemble brings varied dynamics to the office, ensuring that every episode is stacked with engaging performances and memorable moments.

By fusing local humor with the recognizable structure of The Office, Die Kantoor is poised to resonate with both fans of the franchise and new viewers, making it a must-watch this January.