The Office (2005–2013)

A mockumentary on a group of typical office workers, where the workday consists of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, and tedium. Based on the hit BBC series.

Creators:

Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant

Stars:

Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 26 wins & 127 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Rainn Wilson	...	Dwight Schrute (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
John Krasinski	...	Jim Halpert (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
Jenna Fischer	...	Pam Beesly (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
Leslie David Baker	...	Stanley Hudson (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
Brian Baumgartner	...	Kevin Malone (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
Angela Kinsey	...	Angela Martin (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
Phyllis Smith	...	Phyllis Vance (187 episodes, 2005-2013)
Kate Flannery	...	Meredith Palmer (186 episodes, 2005-2013)
Oscar Nuñez	...	Oscar Martinez (176 episodes, 2005-2013)
Creed Bratton	...	Creed Bratton (174 episodes, 2005-2013)
B.J. Novak	...	Ryan Howard (166 episodes, 2005-2013)
Mindy Kaling	...	Kelly Kapoor (159 episodes, 2005-2013)
Ed Helms	...	Andy Bernard (152 episodes, 2006-2013)
Paul Lieberstein	...	Toby Flenderson (142 episodes, 2005-2013)
Steve Carell	...	Michael Scott (137 episodes, 2005-2011)
Craig Robinson	...	Darryl Philbin (119 episodes, 2005-2013)
Ellie Kemper	...	Kelly Erin Hannon (102 episodes, 2009-2013)

Storyline

A remake of the hit 2001 BBC TV series The Office (2001), this is a mockumentary that documents the exploits of a paper supply company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Made up of head chief Michael Scott, a harmlessly deluded and ignorantly insensitive boss who cares about the welfare of his employees while trying to put his own spin on company policy. With an office including the likes of various peers who have their own hangups, The Office (2005) takes a look at the lives of its co-workers: bored but talented salesman Jim, his mildly sociopathic, butt kissing enemy Dwight, mildly righteous receptionist Pam, and indifferent temp Ryan.

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Plot Keywords:

office | mockumentary | remake | scranton pennsylvania | pennsylvania | 

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Taglines:

America's stuck in (crossed out) on the office.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Official Sites:

NBC [United States] Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 March 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Office: An American Workplace

Filming Locations:

Chandler Valley Center Studios - 13927 Saticoy Street, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Reveille Productions, NBC Universal Television, Deedle-Dee Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

22 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jim Zulevic and Bill Chott also auditioned for the role of Michael.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
Michael Scott: That's what *she* said.

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Connections

Referenced in Wheel of Fortune: Great Escapes 1 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Stars"
Written and Performed by Lamar

User Reviews

Surpasses the brilliant original.

After reading all of the horrible reviews coming from the UK, I felt the strong desire to comment. I learned that most of the reviewers bashing it have only seen a few (at most) episodes from the first season - many haven't seen it at all, and are simply bashing it because of an overwhelming sense of pride in the original. I'd be surprised if this review isn't skimmed over and marked unhelpful by them. Obviously I'm not speaking to all the British, but the majority that unfairly judge this show with little to no basis in the truth.

This whole fanaticism is juvenile and petty. The casts of the US and UK versions love each show. Ricky Gervais even wrote and executive produced a few episodes of the US version. Open your minds, people! Most of the US fans KNOW that it's based on a British version. It has gotten the credit it deserves for being a brilliant and hilarious show.

But the American version is also brilliant and hilarious. I've read comments ranging from 'bad acting' to 'direct copy', neither of which are true. The first season may have had its borrowed bits, but that was to get it on its feet. The second and third seasons have proved that it is a show entirely on its own, with scenarios and characters having NOTHING to do with the UK version at all. The acting is just as convincing and real as the UK version.

I've even read that Michael Scott is devoid of David Brent's humanity! In actuality, Michael Scott is shown as far more human than David Brent, who was more manipulative (albeit, poorly) and heartless. The US version still has the cruel elements of the UK version, but it balances these awkward, painful moments with tender, human moments, which makes it more enjoyable and watchable.

As for the humor, each show has its own moments of subtlety, detail, absolutely outrageous moments, awkwardness, pain, cuteness, ridiculousness, and vulgarity. The UK version was groundbreaking. But instead of blindly basing your opinions on bias and arrogance, see the US version for what it is - a brilliant, brighter version that, in its first season, simply used the framework of the original (the characters and basic situations) to get started with.

This is the funniest, smartest American television show in recent history besides Arrested Development. Not since Seinfeld has a show made me laugh so hard and smile so much. These three shows get better with each viewing and are great because there's so many levels of humor, from the apparent outrageousness to the minute details that are noticed after repeated viewings and are often funnier than the surface material.