In almost every country in the world and in every business firm there are offices, and in every office there is a group of people and in every group of people there has to be a leader; the manager, the boss.
The Office is a TV series set in this office environment with characters typical to those you would meet in ordinary office situations, although slightly exaggerated for comedy purposes. Created and launched on BBC Two in the UK back in 2001, it was written and directed by Ricky Gervais, who also played the main character David Brent in the series, and Stephen Merchant.
Office workers who watch the programme can mirror themselves with different characters such as Brent, portrayed by Ricky Gervais, who is the General Manager of the Slough office. He over-rates himself and arrogantly watches over and embarrasses the people underneath him, who actually dislike his sarcasm. He is a self-proclaimed, self-righteous, self-contained character but in reality he has tremendous immaturity.
Tim Canterbury, a sales representative, is a more likable character in the Office but personally he leads a discontented and unfocused life. He doesn’t know exactly what he wants.
Gareth Keenan, the arrogant Assistant Regional Manager, over imposes his authority and doesn’t realise that, by doing so, he becomes a laughing stock for colleagues.
Dawn Tinsley, the receptionist, has issues in her love life in the form of fiancé Lee. Secretly she has affection for Tim, but does she know it?
The characters work for a branch of Wernham Hogg Paper Company, based in Slough in the south of England.
The Office initially had very low ratings and acclaim in the media and was due for cancellation, yet it survived and has grown to become one of the most successful British comedies of all time, and is popular all over the world, including the U.S, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and 80 other countries.