The Office (BBC and American Versions)

Has anyone else here seen the British version of The Office? Well, of course someone has; I just don't know who yet. Anyway, did you like Ricky Gervais' spot-on job as the oblivious David Brent?

I don't think I need to talk about the other one, but I'll go play the PSA anyway. They started the American remake/reimagining on NBC and the boss role is played by Steve Carell.

"Okay Gareth, so tell us your fantasy."
"Two girls, twins, I'm just watching."
"...okay. Tim, now why don't you tell us yours?"
"I never thought I'd hear myself say this but I'd like to hear more from Gareth."

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I like the American version a hell of alot better, I downloaded some of the British version...and much like every other British show...it sucked. A friend told me about this show on NBC...and said it was hilarious...and I agree. Love the cast, love how they work together.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

How do they not work together in the BBC version?

EDIT: Heh.

Most amazing jew boots

I absolutely love the British version, it's got some great cringe-worthy scenes, and Ricky Gervais is hilarious, especially with his character's interaction with Gareth. It also has a real heart to it, you care for David Brent even though he's an asshole. He still has a tender side, he's just ignorant to common manners.

The American show is almost as good, many people just cut it down too easily. It's a different kind of humor, and since the show is about 7 minutes shorter than the BBC version, it's faster. You have to be in a slightly different mood to enjoy the American version. A bit more on race humor (US version) than raunchy sex humor (BBC version).

Plus, the US version seems to lack a bit of the natural acting and plays up more slapstick / sitcom-style predicaments. Still pretty funny though.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

They're both damn good and got/get intense viewings from me. I actually thought they canceled The Office for a little bit, but then again, I was out of the country for awhile so it was hard to keep track ^^; Good to see that it has become a staple of NBC's lineup.

I think the major source of humor comes from the way Gervais and Carell play the boss, which at its height, becomes so funny it's extremely difficult to watch. They're both executed well which says a lot of the respective actors (and adds a lot of credibility to the American remake).

I'd like to see how closely it follows with the British version, although they've already started to grow slightly apart. If the American version sticks around for awhile, they'll have to start cooking up more storylines (because if they follow the British version to its resolution in the special and *then* continue on...insanity!).

I was speaking idiomatically.

I've seen both and so far I still prefer the BBC version. I was a little underwhelmed by the NBC version at first, but it's gotten much better as it's progressed. The BBC version is a bit darker, the workplace is actually kind of depressing, and it feels more like an actual documentary.

Though they're obviously both funny, I think the NBC version is easier to watch. Since I'm American, there were quite a few references in the BBC version that went over my head. The environment in the NBC version is brighter overall, and there's more physical comedy (Michael Scott in the warehouse, for example) than awkward moments, though both versions provide plenty of both.

I wasn't expecting much at all out of the American version, but I think it's become a great counterpart to the original.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

The BBC version, the Ricky Gervais original, is one of my favorite comedies ever on TV. The whole idea of the show was brilliant, and Gervais played his role to perfection. The BBC version just seemed more realistic to me, and the funny parts were less in-your-face funny. The awkwardness at times, particurally with David and Gareth, was hilarious. I absolutely loved everything about the show. The special closed everything up perfectly. I was left thouroughly happy, something I can't say about many finales. Whoever the op here is obviously not smart enough to appreciate the beauty of this gem of a show.

Then, there's the American NBC version. While this show started off pretty weakly, with a terrible first season, the second season has been much better. I am enjoying the story, and there are a bunch of funny parts, but it still pales in comparison to the BBC Office. Gervais is sorely missed here, although Steve Carrel is pretty good. The main difference between the two shows is the realism and type of humor. The NBC Office feels more like a sitcom, compared to the BBC one. Also, as said before, the NBC version is more in your face, and completely loses the subtlety factor. It's still a good show, it's just not on the level of it's predecessor.

FELIPE NO

I haven't had opportunity to watch the American version yet, but my cousin rented the BBC DVDs a few weeks back and we watched the whole thing, and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters are very well written and executed, and the interactions are fantastic.

It also made watching last week's (or was it two weeks ago's?) Simpsons all that much more enjoyable.

Most amazing jew boots

I've only seen the British one and it took a few goes to realy get into it. The show almost seemed too highbrow at first. But shit it's classic. It's one of the few comedies that you could also consider a good drama as well.

I was a little dissapointed with the Christmas specials though.

Spoiler:

Mostly because after two seasons of watching their lives completely fall apart, the second Christimas special somehow tied everything up and the characters we liked ended up happy.

It was sorta odd in that regard.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

The British one is a total classic, I don't think the American Office cuts anywhere close. Gervais is briliant, he blends the line between comedy and seriousness very well, and the general casting enhances the comedy.

If any of you haven't seen Ricky Gervais in his stand up 'Animals' I suggest you go buy the DVD, had me laughing all the way through, the 'politics' one isn't that good.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by El Ray Fernando

If any of you haven't seen Ricky Gervais in his stand up 'Animals' I suggest you go buy the DVD, had me laughing all the way through, the 'politics' one isn't that good.

I actually thought 'Politics' was far better than 'Animals', it enabled him to cover so many more subjects/topics which kept it interesting.

Animals was Ok for 10 minutes or so but the fact that there was no other topics made it a bit repetitive, for me.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I watched the British version and absolutely loved it. It was such a perfect mockumentary, and the acting was spot on! ^___^ I laughed, I sympathised, and I especially cringed (oh how hard David Brent's antics made me cringe ^o^ ... I swear, the script, acting and presentation in the British version were absolutely fantastic)

... Then I saw the American remake.. >____>; It just didn't work; at all. It was too forced and lost the mockumentary feel. It was like Coupling all over again (another awesome British comedy that they tried to remake in America, failing dismally). American and British humour are two completely different styles, and so trying to remake one into another is like trying to fit a large square through a small circular hole . It just doesn't work

Don't get me wrong, there are American comedies out that which I absolutely love too, but it's when they start trying to cross-pollinate that things don't seem to work

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I love the office, I have every show of the British version on DVD. They aired the American version one night here, and I thought it was pretty crap. I'm not a big fan on American remakes anyway. Extra's is awesome as well, have they showed that in America?

I was speaking idiomatically.

Not having seen the British version, I can't compare the American version's appearent massive inferiority. But I can say that it's my favorite network live action comedy currently airing by far. I wrote it off at first as well, mainly because of the import aspect of it turned me off from it. I started picking back up on it in its second season at my brother's suggestion and was surprised at how a melting pot of caricature characters, bone dry humor, and genuinely uncomfortable situations with the socially inept could work so well. The cast plays each role very well, very natural in my opinion. I don't see what the complaints against it coming off as forced are coming from. I'm glad people started to pick up on this show this year, a season that barely managed to make it on the air.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Sian

I love the office, I have every show of the British version on DVD. They aired the American version one night here, and I thought it was pretty crap. I'm not a big fan on American remakes anyway. Extra's is awesome as well, have they showed that in America?

They aired a six episode season here on HBO. It was terrific. I'm eagerly awaiting the next seasons of both BBC/HBO shows, Rome and Extras.

FELIPE NO

I love the BBC version, at first I only had watched little segments of it ,here and there, and I didn't care for it much. I then watched it on DVD and loved it. Admittedly, I haven't seen all of the US re-make, but what I have seen so far, I don't like it as much as the original. Still a good show, though.

Originally Posted by Knighthawk

I like the American version a hell of alot better, I downloaded some of the British version...and much like every other British show...it sucked.

Man, I am so glad I don't have your sense of humour.

How ya doing, buddy?

Just picked up the BBC Office DVD... I'm a huge fan of NBC's Office so I'll let you all know what I think to add to the discussion. I've seen some episodes, but not many yet. What I do know is that I like the BBC's boss better then Carrell. But Jim, Dwight and Pam I think are infinitely better in the American version. I say that primarily because they are easier for an American (like myself) to identify with, but also, I see their characterizations (especially Dwight) as more over-the-top than their BBC counterparts. Again, as I watch more this opinion might change, but that's my first impression.

Is anyone anticipating the coming NBC Office season?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Dayvon

Is anyone anticipating the coming NBC Office season?

Yes. Me. I am.

NBC's The Office is one of the three network shows that I strive to keep up with, and the only one that I'm absolutely fanatical about at the moment. They ended last season with one of the biggest cliffhangers I've had to experience in real-time (most of the television I watch is done via DVD or BitTorrent) and I am awaiting the premier next Thursday with bated breath.

I bought the Season 2 DVDs a couple days ago, and they're terrific. ESPECIALLY the deleted scenes. Most of the time, I'll watch deleted scenes and think, "Well I can see why they cut that. Not bad, though." Not so with The Office, it's all golden.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Been obsessively in love with The Office. Been following the new season and managed to grab the second disc of the second season for Blockbuster today. Hilarious, although some of it is absolutely cringeworthy, like the whole Jan and Michael ordeal.

I also rented the BBC original and I got to say, I don't like it as much. I think the dynamics of the two versions are completely different, the comedy is different but I think the whole vibe and feel of the show is just complete night and day.

The first episode of this year was hysterical, Micheal and Oscar kissing was just too good.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

For everyone outside the US and the UK - did your local TV stations try to steal the concept of The Office, too?

On german television there is a show called "Stromberg" taking place in the offices of an insurance company. The boss is played by very good comedian, but I never watched it because of the obvious rip-off.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I've watched both versions and I would have to lean towards the British version. I just don't find the American on as funny as the British one. I think I will have to watch them both a little more to finally make a strong decision.

I was speaking idiomatically.

The American version just seems so... Dumbed-down. I don't watch either often, but the humour is a whole lot more played out and thrown at you in the US adaptation, and I don't like that.

The one thing they did with Call of Duty had me giggling though.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

I am a big fan of The Office American version. I haven't seen an episode of the British version and probably never will. I just dont care enough. In my opinion, you can't get any funnier than Steve Carell.

FELIPE NO

I got to say, after a season 1 and 2 marathon, Steve Carell's Michael Scott gets kind of annoying

Spoilers for the new season!

Spoiler:

Apparently Michael is supposed to get fired this season. Jan gets Pam to spy on him, supposedly since Jan is jealous of Michael's real estate lover source. I wonder if this is just a plot ploy or Steve Carell's way of weaseling out of the show for bigger movie roles.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I have to give mad props to the NBC Office. I spent some good time with the BBC Office, and it's good, but not quite as good as NBC. Why? Not Steve Carrell, but Pam and Jim, Dwight and a better supporting cast.

Pam vs Dawn:
Pam is sooo much better than the British counterpart Dawn, not only in looks but also having a much more open personality giving her character more life.

Jim vs Tim:
Jim and Tim are neck and neck, but I have to give Jim the nod because he and Pam interact so well together flirting as well as tormenting Dwight, but his performance at the end of season two clinches all doubts. Conflict Resolution and Casino Night give Jim the inch he needs to pull the win.

Dwight vs Gareth:
Dwight is a bit more in your face than Gareth, and I prefer this. Gareth is more subtly annoying where as Dwight is flambouyant. I can see how some might prefer the slight approach for with Gareth is superb. From the Healthcare episode to the Conflict Resolution episode, Dwight is over-the-top in ways that Gareth cannot seem to achieve thus capturing superiority.

The better supporting cast going to NBC is primarily due to the longer season runs in America enabling more development so there is little to say there.

Michael Scott vs David Brent:
This is what so much debate comes down to. They are both fantastic. Personally, I have to give the win to David. He just has a believable naivity that Michael doesn't have. David's mannerisms are fantastic, and his subtlety for being an ass is refreshing compared to Micheal's constant ridiculous ineptness. I would actually prefer sticking Gervais in Carrell's spot with the NBC cast and I think that would be the best Office possible.

Either way, both shows are stunningly good, and I hope the NBC Office continues on for a few seasons with out turning rotten.

Jam it back in, in the dark.