The popular workplace comedy mockumentary format, which has been remade in countries around the world, is still alive. La Oficina brings the spirit of The Office to a Mexican setting, using a familiar style to explore often awkward workplace dynamics.
Set in the city of Aguascalientes (the Scranton of Mexico, we presume), the series takes place inside Jabones Olimpo, a soap company where a group of employees navigates meetings, on-the-spot decisions, and situations that reflect the everyday reality of any workplace. With a comedic tone, the show looks at professional relationships, management mistakes, and the small tensions that simmer between coworkers.
This production is part of the well-known format created by BBC Studios, which has been adapted in 17 countries over the years. The Mexican version aims to translate the original’s workplace dynamics into a specific cultural context, using humor to portray everyday situations in a professional environment.
The action centers on a group of employees who are constantly trying to keep the business running while dealing with questionable decisions, organizational problems, and the unexpected situations of the daily grind.
At the center of the story is Jerónimo Ponce III, the company’s regional manager. The character got the position by inheriting it from the family business, but he lacks the experience needed to run it. His management style and decisions constantly create awkward situations.
Fernando Bonilla plays Jerónimo Ponce III and leads the cast. His character becomes the focal point around which many of the situations employees face revolve, as they’re often left to clean up the mess left by their boss’s decisions.
The workplace — which bears a striking resemblance to Dunder Mifflin in Scranton — brings together a mix of personalities. Some are just trying to do their jobs while dealing with personal or financial problems that spill over into daily office life.
Mockumentary Style as a Storytelling Tool
La Oficina uses the tried-and-true mockumentary style that defines the original format. This technique allows characters to speak directly to the camera and share their thoughts on workplace situations, giving viewers an inside look at how coworkers interact.
This narrative approach has been one of the keys to The Office’s success in its different international versions. The structure lets audiences observe power dynamics, workplace conflicts, and each character’s quirks from a perspective that blends observation with humor.
La Officna Production and Creative Team
The series is directed and produced by Gaz Alazraki, with Marcos Bucay as showrunner. Both are part of the creative team responsible for adapting the format to the Mexican context.
The production is part of a global agreement among Amazon, MGM Studios, and Máquina Vega to develop local content with international appeal. La Oficina will premiere on Prime Video on March 13.