The Australian adaptation of “The Office” has reached its end, with confirmation that the series has been cancelled after just one season. This decision brings the brief journey of the show, which debuted last year, to an official close.
Set in the bustling city of Sydney, the series starred Felicity Ward in the role of Hannah Howard, the manager of a packaging company. The cast was rounded out by talents such as Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, and Shari Sebbens. The show was guided by the creative direction of New Zealand’s Jackie Van Beek and co-director Julie de Fina.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding its launch, the show faced an uncertain fate from the beginning. It struggled to capture the same acclaim as its American and British predecessors, garnering lukewarm reviews. The Amazon Prime series has now been officially shelved, with the streaming service opting not to move forward with additional seasons.
In the world of social media, reactions to “The Office Australia” have been a mixed bag, reflecting a spectrum of opinions from viewers. The decision to cancel the show marks the end of its short-lived presence in the lineup of global “The Office” adaptations.
Now, it has been confirmed that the comedy series won’t be returning to screens, with Prime deciding to pull the plug.
Since the first season aired, The Office Australia has received a mixed bag when it comes to responses on social media.
The Office Australia has been officially cancelled
The TV series, which only ran for one season, premiered last year and stars Felicity Ward as Hannah Howard, who manages a packaging company in Sydney
‘Loved the show, really hope you get a season 2, every episode gets better than the last!’ one person gushed on a fan account.
Another added: ‘The show is actually pretty good.’
However, others seemed to disagree, writing: ‘A cheap and bad imitation.’
‘I really tried not to compare to either British or US office, but even as a stand-alone, I didn’t find it funny or entertaining. I’m sorry to say it coz I’m all for supporting Aussie comedy,’ another person added.
In August, Head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand Hwei Loke did little to dispel rumours of the show getting the chop after one season.
‘We were so pleased with the global reception for The Office. And at the moment, that’s where we’re kind of leaving it,’ Hwei said at the time.
‘We’re still considering things and we haven’t made a decision.’
In October last year, lead star Felicity Ward defended the controversial Australian reboot after it came under fire from fans.
Also making up the cast are Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, and Shari Sebbens, with Kiwi director Jackie Van Beek helming the show alongside Julie de Fina (Pictured: Felicity Ward, Josh Thomson, Jonny Brugh, Lucy Schmidt, Susan Ling Young, Zoe Terakes, Claude Jabbour, Jason Perini, Susie Youssef and Chris Bunton)
The actress hit back at haters, urging viewers to give the show a chance before passing judgement while acknowledging the scepticism that comes with reimagining such a beloved franchise.
‘Look, I know what it’s like to love something and feel protective over it being remade. I absolutely understand that,’ she told Yahoo Lifestyle.
‘But if you look at the American one, there was a huge backlash. People were very, very angry. And it’s its own thing. And that’s the same with the Australian one.’
‘People will be angry, and people will be really happy about it as well, and have your feelings, and we’re all just doing our best.’
Felicity encouraged viewers to watch the comedy show before forming an opinion.
‘I would say, just watch it and then decide, like, with anything we can all have our contempt prior to investigation, but if you watch it, then have an opinion,’ she added.
