The Office, UK: a timeless epic. It’s been over a decade since it was first aired on BBC2 and still, the legend of the self-proclaimed: “friend first, entertainer second and boss third,” David Brent lives on. In only two seasons (six episodes in each) and a two-part special, the creators, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant managed to influence the entire world!
In these twelve episodes lie a brilliantly thought out pattern of uncomfortable tension, awkward silences, humiliation and borderline tragedy set to make your sides split with laughter.
Out of this UK “mockumentaty” was born the legendary USA version, first aired on the 24th March 2005, staring Steve Carell (who has confirmed that season seven will be his last).
Season one followed in the UK’s footprints by consisting of only six episodes, while seasons two through seven each consisted of 22-28 episodes. The main characters are similar to their UK counterparts and yet still maintain an individuality which is hard to resist. With all the talent and ingenuity in America, the show has managed to stay relevant and continue to capture its audience for over five years.
With a distinct American flavour, The Office has continued to entertain the viewers with that awkward silence, uncomfortable tension and humiliation which was so much a part of the UK original.
It is also worth noting that the USA was not the only country to replicate this series. France aired their version “Le Bureau” in 2004, and Germany followed with “Stromberg” later in the same year. Brazil modelled their show, “Os Aspones”, after the series, Quebec introduced “La Job” and even a Hebrew version was broadcast on an Israeli satellite channel.
As long as Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have an idea and a pen and paper at hand, the world will continue to laugh at the satirical nature of everyday life.