The Office (U.S.)

A remake of the British original that was also broadcasted in the Czech Republic. If you have personal experience with the “reality of the office", then I can highly recommend this, because it really is funny and precise (as of episode two). If you haven’t ever worked in an office, then there is probably no reason to take any notice of this. It certainly isn’t a sitcom, but more a satire presented in quasi-documentary form. It all takes place in one office with a great cast and the absolutely fantastic Steve Carrell in the role of a boss who you would certainly never want to work under. P.S.: Comparison with the original, British version of The Office is certainly appropriate and, surprisingly, the version from across the pond doesn’t fare too badly because, after the first few episodes that are similar, they both go on their own tangents. (21.04.2022)

I've avoided this for years because the English version is rather hard to find, I don't normally trust American remakes, and I've never gone corporate so I was worried I wouldn't get into it. Whatevs. The Office is mostly absolutely a meticulous study in awkwardness. There are places that are almost physically painful; more than once the show pushed me into downright agony. No laugh track, just excruciating pauses, disgusted looks, burnt-out office rats, and button-up shirts with short sleeves. And the entire time the individual jokes and character typology here are so terribly well-rehearsed that I completely feel sorry for the filmmakers, because they must have actually come into contact with someone like Michael Scott over an extended period of time. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by the well-written and really nice, tender romance between the two main characters. _____ In the second episode of the second season, you won't even have a chance to roll your eyes at how prophetic it is nowadays. When after a meeting with management about the need to curb sexual harassment in the workplace, Michael walks out among his subordinates and sulkily begins his speech with "I just want you to know that, this is not my decision, but from here on out, we can no longer be friends", that's exactly where I saw a gimp like Jakub Horák or Dan Vávra instead. (29.09.2020)

The only sitcom (and actually series in general) where I watched all (9!) seasons twice in less than a year. Michael Scott is the most sympathetic idiot I've ever had the opportunity to see. It's rare to see someone act with such gusto. And despite all the side characters, I'm still most eager to learn more about Creed. (21.09.2015)

By far the best comedy series of all time. I don't know how the rest of you passed the time during the first spring coronavirus wave, but what I did during those otherwise boring weeks and months was binge-watch all 9 seasons of The Office. I'd compare the experience to finding an oil field in a desert, but instead of oil, pure comedy gold was pouring out of the rig. I love humor based on awkward situations which is why I loved the British original, but it wasn't until the American remake that the sitcom, in the form of a mockumentary set in an office environment, really lived up to its full potential. A perfect cast, where Steve Carell stands out in particular. He is, hands down, an absolute genius. Most importantly, the legacy of this series lives on even after all these years. If any piece of pop culture can be considered a truly bottomless source of memes, it is the American version of The Office. S01: 10/10. S02: 10/10. S03: 10/10. S04: 10/10. S05: 10/10. S06: 10/10. S07: 10/10. S08: 10/10. S09: 10/10. (01.12.2020)

The American version of The Office is primarily a perfectly unnecessary project, especially since its first season blindly copies the British original. I have only seen a few episodes, but as a fan of the British original, it has nothing to offer me. Its further direction toward a classic sitcom format is likely and logical because this office ride full of awkwardness is not for everyone, and the American producer definitely wants maximum commercial success. I'm not saying that the American actors didn't deliver decent performances, but I have simply gotten used to their British counterparts, and the American project lacks the stamp of originality. Additionally, the British version ended just in time to avoid diluting the original idea. Overall impression: 50%. (07.07.2010)