The Office (UK)

[matty_f]

I saw a tweet from Ricky Gervais earlier saying that it's 23 years today since The Office hit the screens for the first time.

I still think it's as good today as it was back then. It certainly wasn't the first fly on the wall mockumentary, but it was the one that really launched the format.

For me, it's a near perfect show. The writing, the way it's shot, the character arcs, the cast, all the wee subtle moments in it (Gareth checking his watch when Brent is caught out phoning the talking clock, for example)..

If you worked in an office environment at that time you would almost certainly have seen characteristics of colleagues and even yourself in the characters in the show.

I feel like I might need to watch it all again.

[Del Boy]

Easily the most quotable comedy ever and for my money the funniest.

[Pretty Boy]

I rewatched it recently. It still stands up even if it was off it's time.

I was discussing it elsewhere earlier and we all agreed Tim was the most rounded character. He is a mass on cofliction. He has delusions of ambition but is too apathetic/lazy to do anything about it and he is both repulsed by Brent yet the only character to show real sympathy for him because he can see similarities as well. No friends, happy in his little kingdom, a wee bit of a bully on occasion, not great with women and when he gets that promotion at the start of series 2 a bit power mad. The tie straightened and his offhand and aloof manner with Dawn.

It works because it's laugh out loud funny, instantly quotable but isn't cheap. There is loads of character development and it's verging on tragedy in points.

[Trinity Hibee]

Love the show. Also really liked the US office early series 1-3.

[Smartie]

It's a masterpiece.

I remember first watching and REALLY not getting it at all. I'd seen Ricky Gervais on the 11 o'clock show and liked him a lot (whilst knowing little about him) so was keen to give it a go but because it was "different" I didn't get it. Then a mate of mine (and absolutely avowed Office fan to this day) advised me to persevere and it just clicked.

It's up there with the best of them for me - personal other favourites being Father Ted, Phoenix Nights and the first few series of Alan Partridge.

I defy anyone who has ever been in a leadership position at work and who has seen the Office to say that they haven't spent far too much time worrying about whether or not they're coming over all David Brent.

[Keith_M]

David Brent works in my office.... 5th floor, Scottish Power HQ in Glasgow.


He calls himself Iain, but we all know who he really is.

[Del Boy]

David Brent works in my office.... 5th floor, Scottish Power HQ in Glasgow.


He calls himself Iain, but we all know who he really is.

There are David Brent’s everywhere

[Smartie]

There are David Brent’s everywhere

Chilled out entertainers?

[Pretty Boy]

Chilled out entertainers?

Men who will be remembered for putting a smile on the face of everyone they met.

We must remember to thank them.

[matty_f]

Men who will be remembered for putting a smile on the face of everyone they met.

We must remember to thank them.

I've got a mate who uses whether or not someone likes The Office as a guide to their character. He doesn't trust folk who don't like it.

[The Modfather]

One of my all time favourites. The team bonding episode and Gareth & Tim solving the chicken, feed & fox problem. “Well he shouldn’t be allowed to work with animals then” line gets me every time.

[matty_f]

One of my all time favourites. The team bonding episode and Gareth & Tim solving the chicken, feed & fox problem. “Well he shouldn’t be allowed to work with animals then” line gets me every time.

The training day episode is start to finish genius.

[Del Boy]

The training day episode is start to finish genius.

Go and get the guitar

[matty_f]

Go and get the guitar

She's not dead.

[Scouse Hibee]

Never watched it. Maybe will get round to it one day!

[Pretty Boy]

She's not dead.

Get. Their. Attention.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

It must resonate more with people who have experienced the joys of office work, tremendous programme though.

[Pete70]

Never watched the UK version as I can’t stand Ricky Gervais. I’ve seen the US version and it’s quite funny.

[JimBHibees]

Never watched the UK version as I can’t stand Ricky Gervais. I’ve seen the US version and it’s quite funny.

Enjoyed the US one also. The best bits of the uk one is amazing tv

[Jim44]

My 12 year old grandson is hooked on this.

[Hiber-nation]

My 12 year old grandson is hooked on this.

That's incredible. Must be an intelligent laddie!

I worked in offices all my days and I can't recall watching anything less funny and all my mates agree. Age thing obviously.