If any show disproves the idea that all remakes are crap, it’s The office. The Steve Carrell-led comedy, which first aired in 2005, was initially met with skepticism. Critics understandably raised concerns about how American optimism would combine with the caustic cynicism of Ricky Gervais’ much-loved original, and early reactions suggested that The office would go the way of other reckless transatlantic TV clones. 19 years later, not only The office has come out of the shadow of the short-lived BBC series, but deserves to be considered on its own terms as one of the greatest comedy series of all time.
Much of The officeits effectiveness stems from its simplicity. Centering on an ignominious regional branch of a paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, The show explores the dynamics and relationships that define an ostensibly ordinary and instantly recognizable workplace. Like any office, Dunder Mifflin features overbearing managers, annoying coworkers, and unrequited crushes. However, what sets the show apart is how it explores these universal themes with compassion, a wicked sense of humor, and a humanity that makes the comedy far more effective than it has any right to be. The result is a timeless comedy that deserves to be considered a classic.
The Office grew to become an iconic comedy
He changed and developed as the series progressed
Where Gervais and Merchant’s two-season series was immediately defined by dry desert wit, subtle understatement, and moments of excruciating social awkwardness, the USA Desk It took a while to find your feet. Season 1 is often considered an unfortunate necessity by series finalists – determinedly repeating the greatest hits of the original. Carrell’s Michael Scott, a character who redefined sitcom characters in the workplace, began life as a poor man’s David Brent – imitating mannerisms that were once the cutting edge of comedy that had become tired and ineffective. Looking back at the series, there is little in the first season that indicates where the series would end.
One of the series’ biggest strengths is that extended seasons give time and space to different plots – a big advantage over the truncated original.
The office really stands out when he carves his own path. After a tepid first season, the show soon gave the vibrant Dunder Mifflin family breathing room. Not only can characters like Michael, Dwight, Jim and Pam set themselves apart from their British counterparts (each presenting personalities that are uniquely endearing and charismatic), but supporting players like Kevin, Stanley, Phyllis and even Eeyore-like HR rep Toby also starts to shine. One of the series’ biggest strengths is that extended seasons give time and space to different plots – a big advantage over the truncated original.
Served by richer stories, the performances in The office are uniformly exceptional. Carrell, as Scott, can masterfully alternate between irritating, unpleasant, empathetic and moving – often in the same scene. John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, as photocopier lovers Jim and Pam, offer the perfect blend of romantic tension and believable chemistry. For many, Rainn Wilson is the real star of the showwith his performance as eccentric salesman-turned-beet farmer Dwight Schrute, a masterclass in independent energy. Together, the main cast makes for an incredible comedy team, setting the standard in the genre.
Later seasons stop The Office from being perfect
Strayed from what made him so good
In The officeThe show’s middle seasons, combination of central characters, lovable supporting characters, engaging and believable storylines, and genuinely inspired jokes make the show a must-see for any sitcom fan. However, while the “Golden Age“Seasons 2 through 6 set a new benchmark for workplace comedythere’s a wrinkle in the show’s reputation. Even obstinate Desk fans would be hard-pressed to argue that later seasons – especially after the departure of central players like Carrell – can serve as a nod to the show’s glory days.
The introduction of crazy new characters and less than credible subplots compromises what is at its best Desk episodes its power. Even when Michael was at his most ridiculous, the show still felt grounded and somewhat believable, maintaining a fig leaf of authenticity, whatever madness unfolded on screen. Near the end, The office tends to take things a little too farfollowing characters who seem like caricatures rather than authentic recreations of real-life experiences.
However, even if it ends in the end, there is no denying the greatness of the comedy displayed in The officemain seasons. The fact that the show’s influence can be seen in basic genres of Parks and Recreation to Brooklyn Nine-Nine it’s a testament to how impactful and effective the series’ approach can be. It may not be perfect, but The office is a comedy classic that still feels essential, nearly two decades later.
The Office is the American remake of the British comedy documentary series of the same name. The show follows the misadventures of a Dunder Mifflin Paper Company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania, led by its unconventional and clueless boss, Michael Scott. The series covers nine years of footage as they are recorded during their work days and days off.
- The Office really managed to differentiate itself from the original
- The fantastic cast was not only funny, but kept the series grounded
- The show’s main seasons balanced good stories with iconic humor
- Later seasons of the series included more cartoonish characters