Is The Office (The US version, not that UK one) the most rewatchable show ever made?

[Suleiman]

Just finished watching it about 2 weeks ago (yes, took full advantage of my Ramzaan like a good Muslim doing halal things like this ) and have heard from a lot of people who convinced me to watch it in the first place that they have seen it 4, 7, and even 10+ times. Thought they were over-exaggerating before I started watching, but now it seems true.

No matter how many times you watch it, the jokes are still hilarious, and it's still a nice feel good show.

I know there are a lot of US naysayers here, but the US has finally trumped trump2) the UK by making a superior version of the same series, when you usually hear the UK version of a certain show or work is better than its US counterpart.

The UK version just doesn't have the same energy and emotion as well as the humor.

I'm inclined to say The Office is the best comedy series of all time, only maybe rivaled by Arrested Development or maybe Friends, but that's it.

What do you guys think? Is The Office the be all end all of comedy series?

[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] [MENTION=140459]SandyB[/MENTION] [MENTION=130700]TM Riddle[/MENTION] [MENTION=138318]Belawal2014[/MENTION] [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

 

[TM Riddle]

I literally remember all the episodes upto season 4.Best show to pass the time.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Dude I LOVE this show. I have rewatched the show literally about 10-12 times on rerun. It's 20 mins an episode so its great time pass. Easily my all time favorite show in the genre of comedy.

 

[kingusama92]

Absolute classic.

Definitely one of the most rewatchable shows of all time.

 

[James]

'Not that UK one' what you mean one of the most acclaimed comedy series of all time on both sides of the Atlantic, the most widely syndicated mockumentary format ever, without which many subsequent artistic works including the US Office would not have existed?

I don't see why everything has to be a competition. Both the UK and US versions of The Office have huge merit - why not just respect both?

 

[JaDed]

Its good but I find it overrated probably coz I find some of the things bizzare,can see why North Americans love it though.

 

[Robert]

Never watched it.

The BBC show was the most poignant, heart-wrenching comedy I ever saw.

 

[Junaids]

Never watched it.

The BBC show was the most poignant, heart-wrenching comedy I ever saw.

This is why I respectfully disagree with the OP.

The American version completely misses the point of "The Office".

The comedy of David Brent (and the monstrosity of Gareth) is actually a distraction from the real purpose of the show.

The whole point is the frustrated love of Dawn and Tim. All the human emotions we recognise: respect, fear, avoidance etc. Her fiancé Lee is a lout who doesn't respect or value her.

"The Office" is not about comedy. The key scene is just before the end, when Dawn returns to the Christmas Party with "Only You" by Yazoo playing.

It literally had the entire country crying like babies. It still does: I watched it again yesterday because I'd just watched an early 1984 Top Of The Pops in which The Flying Pickets were Number 1 with their acapella cover version of "Only You."

So I went to YouTube last night and entered "Office Tim Dawn Christmas."

My eyes welled up as Dawn was in the taxi taking her back to her hellish life in Florida. By the time Brent, Gareth and Tim were chatting to the sound of "Only You" the tears were streaming down my cheeks. When Dawn came back I was as incontinently tearful as the first time I saw it.

That's the magic of the British version. Tears, not laughter.

 

[Junaids]

Just finished watching it about 2 weeks ago (yes, took full advantage of my Ramzaan like a good Muslim doing halal things like this ) and have heard from a lot of people who convinced me to watch it in the first place that they have seen it 4, 7, and even 10+ times. Thought they were over-exaggerating before I started watching, but now it seems true.

No matter how many times you watch it, the jokes are still hilarious, and it's still a nice feel good show.

I know there are a lot of US naysayers here, but the US has finally trumped trump2) the UK by making a superior version of the same series, when you usually hear the UK version of a certain show or work is better than its US counterpart.

The UK version just doesn't have the same energy and emotion as well as the humor.

I'm inclined to say The Office is the best comedy series of all time, only maybe rivaled by Arrested Development or maybe Friends, but that's it.

What do you guys think? Is The Office the be all end all of comedy series?

[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] [MENTION=140459]SandyB[/MENTION] [MENTION=130700]TM Riddle[/MENTION] [MENTION=138318]Belawal2014[/MENTION] [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

To me, the Greatest Comedy Series of All Time is a shortlist of one.

It's "Fawlty Towers", and it's miles ahead of anything else.

In second place I'd put the English TV version - definitely NOT the movies - of "The Inbetweeners."

And in third place I'd put "One Foot In The Grave."

I'd add a commendation for "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads" at Number 4, with "Seinfeld" at 5.

 

[Junaids]

Goodness me, I forgot "Father Ted"!

That would have to be the second greatest comedy ever after Fawlty Towers.

If Fawlty Towers' "The Germans" is the greatest comedy episode in history, Father Ted's "Speed 3" is arguably the second best. Although "A Christmassy Ted" was amazing too.

Last year I flew down to Sydney to see the first ever stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers. It's certainly as cherished and adored in Australia as it is in Britain.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

watched it atleast 5 plus times .

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Just finished watching it about 2 weeks ago (yes, took full advantage of my Ramzaan like a good Muslim doing halal things like this ) and have heard from a lot of people who convinced me to watch it in the first place that they have seen it 4, 7, and even 10+ times. Thought they were over-exaggerating before I started watching, but now it seems true.

No matter how many times you watch it, the jokes are still hilarious, and it's still a nice feel good show.

I know there are a lot of US naysayers here, but the US has finally trumped trump2) the UK by making a superior version of the same series, when you usually hear the UK version of a certain show or work is better than its US counterpart.

The UK version just doesn't have the same energy and emotion as well as the humor.

I'm inclined to say The Office is the best comedy series of all time, only maybe rivaled by Arrested Development or maybe Friends, but that's it.

What do you guys think? Is The Office the be all end all of comedy series?

[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] [MENTION=140459]SandyB[/MENTION] [MENTION=130700]TM Riddle[/MENTION] [MENTION=138318]Belawal2014[/MENTION] [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

I haven't seen either version... Have to watch both asap

 

[A.A.Z]

Yes Minister for me. Keep watching it again and again

 

[TM Riddle]

Only British comedy I have liked so far is the inbetweeners.Rest were meh including the office .

 

[Bewal Express]

Only Fools and Horses bar the first series and the final few episodes was just amazing and without doubt the greatest ever British comedy. Blackadder bar the 1st series was sensational, Porridge was brilliant, Chris Morris- The Day Today and more recently the IT crowd. The Office was also excellent but for me not in the same class as the others.

 

[JaDed]

Only British comedy I have liked so far is the inbetweeners.Rest were meh including the office .

Coupling was funny long ago unable to rewatch though, Goodness gracious me was pretty good as well.

 

[Pakpak]

Only Fools and Horses bar the first series and the final few episodes was just amazing and without doubt the greatest ever British comedy. Blackadder bar the 1st series was sensational, Porridge was brilliant, Chris Morris- The Day Today and more recently the IT crowd. The Office was also excellent but for me not in the same class as the others.

Only fools was so hilarious

I loved the UK Office, USA version not even close for me.

 

[Robert]

This is why I respectfully disagree with the OP.

The American version completely misses the point of "The Office".

The comedy of David Brent (and the monstrosity of Gareth) is actually a distraction from the real purpose of the show.

The whole point is the frustrated love of Dawn and Tim. All the human emotions we recognise: respect, fear, avoidance etc. Her fiancé Lee is a lout who doesn't respect or value her.

"The Office" is not about comedy. The key scene is just before the end, when Dawn returns to the Christmas Party with "Only You" by Yazoo playing.

It literally had the entire country crying like babies. It still does: I watched it again yesterday because I'd just watched an early 1984 Top Of The Pops in which The Flying Pickets were Number 1 with their acapella cover version of "Only You."

So I went to YouTube last night and entered "Office Tim Dawn Christmas."

My eyes welled up as Dawn was in the taxi taking her back to her hellish life in Florida. By the time Brent, Gareth and Tim were chatting to the sound of "Only You" the tears were streaming down my cheeks. When Dawn came back I was as incontinently tearful as the first time I saw it.

That's the magic of the British version. Tears, not laughter.

Fully agree. In the beginning, and in the end, it was all about Dawn and Tim.

Remember the desperate Brent begging for his job? We had spent two seasons wincing at him, then he became sympathetic. Then there was the revelation that he had a nascent pop career and had given it up for the security of his little fiefdom. And how Tim gave up a place at uni for a £500 a year pay rise.

All about broken dreams, which made the ending so powerful.

 

[Robert]

One US show that does make me laugh out loud is Veep. The British-written version is so subtle and so clever, but the American-written version delivers the belly laughs.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

An English teacher of mine recommended me 'The Office'.

Watched the US version first tho. Loved every second of it. Jim/Pam/Dwight were my favorite characters of the show.

Would definitely re-watch it, spare time being the condition!

 

[Ghazinator1313]

Have watched it 4 times now. Still my favorite go to show. You literally start feeling like a part of "The Office." Makes it super easy to identify and feel all the characters.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Fire safety is GOAT!

 

[Mamoon]

The Office (UK) is probably the greatest TV show I have watched. Have heard good things about the U.S. one, but I don't feel the motivation to watch what is basically a rip-off.

 

[TM Riddle]

The Office (UK) is probably the greatest TV show I have watched. Have heard good things about the U.S. one, but I don't feel the motivation to watch what is basically a rip-off.

It's not.They did try to copy straight away from the British version in season 1 but it didn't work and looked absolutely fake(though the last two episodes were quite good).It was only from season 2 that they decided to go on their different path keeping distance from bland , useless British humor and adding the distinctive American touch which led to the show becoming one of the greatest shows of 21st century with some brilliant individual performances. [MENTION=136729]Suleiman[/MENTION] who was your favorite character? I absolutely loved Creed.What a guy!

 

[mmkextreme_1]

The Office (UK) is probably the greatest TV show I have watched. Have heard good things about the U.S. one, but I don't feel the motivation to watch what is basically a rip-off.

No way is it a rip off, give it a shot.

I couldn't bring myself to watching the UK version. US version blows it out of the water.

 

[Suleiman]

Fire safety is GOAT!

Yes that is a classic, also Survivor Man and The Convention, especially the scene where Michael is sitting all alone in his hotel room with that techno song playing lmao.

It's not.They did try to copy straight away from the British version in season 1 but it didn't work and looked absolutely fake(though the last two episodes were quite good).It was only from season 2 that they decided to go on their different path keeping distance from bland , useless British humor and adding the distinctive American touch which led to the show becoming one of the greatest shows of 21st century with some brilliant individual performances. @<a href="http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/member.php?u=136729" target="_blank">Suleiman</a> who was your favorite character? I absolutely loved Creed.What a guy!

Has to be Michael bro, was legit sad when you know what happened, don't want to spoil it for others. Taking off the mic etc at the airport :'(

The lack of self awareness he has is amazing and what makes his character so hilarious.

But obviously he is everyone's go-to favorite, aside from him I'd say Jim. It's a toss up between him or Dwight. His glances to the camera are legendary. My favorite was when Phyllis asks about one night stands during the office relationship episodes and he's like O_O hahaha. and how he knowingly messes with people.

Also, this scene:

 

[kingusama92]

Steve Carell was fantastic in the US version.

 

[Bewal Express]

I forgot to add Brass Eye- another gem from Chris Morris.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

I forgot to add Brass Eye- another gem from Chris Morris.

Chris Morris worked with the incredibly talented Kayvan Novak - Facejacker - on four lions. The latter recently worked a new show,. Britain Today, Tonight, very much in the mould of Brass Eye. Channel 4 , check it out

 

[Suleiman]

'Not that UK one' what you mean one of the most acclaimed comedy series of all time on both sides of the Atlantic, the most widely syndicated mockumentary format ever, without which many subsequent artistic works including the US Office would not have existed?

I don't see why everything has to be a competition. Both the UK and US versions of The Office have huge merit - why not just respect both?

Just pulling ya leg mate

Trying to capitalize on the US vs rest of the world sentiment on Time Pass recently for more hits

 

[Asad T]

Some of these unscripted moments make this show very special imo

https://x.com/i/web/status/1750743868843163769

 

[Itachi]

I will put it alongside with friends.

 

[JaDed]

Its good but I find it overrated probably coz I find some of the things bizzare,can see why North Americans love it though.

My opinion on it has changed ever since i came to states and working here.

Definitely top 3 rewatch able shows of all time.

 

[JaDed]

I will put it alongside with friends.

Not even close imho, I think Friends is the least diverse famous show set in Ny and the jokes aren’t funny to me at this age.

 

[shortbread]

Gem of a show, no questions US did it better!

 

[Itachi]

Not even close imho, I think Friends is the least diverse famous show set in Ny and the jokes aren’t funny to me at this age.

the comedies won't work now because we aren't in the targeted audience anymore (we are passed that age).

I like the dynamics between the characters, those little moments between the comedies which all of a sudden, can make you a bit emotional.

 

[Statpadder Inc]

Not even close imho, I think Friends is the least diverse famous show set in Ny and the jokes aren’t funny to me at this age.

Who cares about diversity lol. As Jerry Seinfeld said- if you are funny, I am interested. And people of the same racial group always tend to hang out together, it's a basic human tendency.
Friends is bad because it's not funny after a while, not because of diversity lol.

 

[JaDed]

Who cares about diversity lol. As Jerry Seinfeld said- if you are funny, I am interested. And people of the same racial group always tend to hang out together, it's a basic human tendency.
Friends is bad because it's not funny after a while, not because of diversity lol.

I partially agree, but i think diversity mattered to because unlike Seinfeld ,Friends had a very one sided humor that just became a symbol of American white dream in NY, the writing unfortunately didn’t age well and I realised that it was one of those shows were laugh track was required to convey the joke.

Diversity here it mattered because that would had helped it have more jokes and reach a wide on comedy spectrum, like Family guy or Office(Mindy contribution).

 

[Major]

its a great show. Love the humor