The Office is getting a reboot: Everything you need to know

The Office is about to get a new reboot Down Under. Plans are underway for an Australian version of the classic sitcom, which puts both a female lead and a post-pandemic spin on the formula.

Created by Ricky Gervais in 2001, The Office launched him to global stardom. At its heart was a simple premise of a lowly office manager who thinks he’s far smarter and more popular than he actually is. His bungling is offset by the antics of his co-workers who simply want to survive a mind-numbing job.

The series was a success and its appeal has led to over a dozen versions made in various countries. Easily the most famous is the NBC version starring Steve Carrell, which ran for nine seasons and was a critical favorite.

Now Australia is working on their own version, which puts a new take on the classic setup.

What is the new version of The Office about?

Under development by Amazon Prime Australia, the new version of The Office stars veteran Australian comedian Felicity Ward as Hannah Howard, manager for packaging company Flinley Craddick. Like many companies, the place was doing remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic. When she hears that the bosses want to shut the main office down and make work at home permanent, Hannah goes to wild lengths, including making promises she can’t keep to keep her “work family” together…. whether they want it or not.

In a statement, Sarah Christie, Senior Development Executive Prime Video Australia, talked of the series.

"“We are thrilled to be bringing one of the biggest comedy franchises ever made to Prime Video customers in Australia and around the world. It is an honour to continue the international comedy legacy of The Office locally while introducing new, quintessentially Australian characters. We can’t wait for audiences to meet Hannah Howard, the first female boss The Office format has explored.”"

Gervais himself chimed in to give his stamp of approval for the new show.

"“I’m very excited about Australia remaking my little show from the turn of the century. Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so can’t wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent.”"

Who stars in the new version of The Office?

Besides Ward, the series will star a variety of popular Australian TV actors and comics: Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Power of the Dog), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess, Feel Good), Shari Sebbens (The Sapphires, Thor: Love and Thunder), Josh Thomson (How to Please a Woman, Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (Thor: Love and Thunder, What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Reckoning, Hungry Ghosts), Raj Labade, Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani (Underbelly, House Husbands).

When does The Office premiere?

There’s no exact air date yet, as the series is set to begin filming in Sydney in June. It’s expected to launch globally on Prime Video (excluding the U.S.) in 2024.

With a female lead, a new take and a fun cast, this version of The Office should keep up the fun show and prove any country has to handle a bumbling boss.

The Office (U.S.) is streaming on Peacock.