I'm British and I only just recently learned how popular the US version of The Office is. I think Ricky Gervais is a genius and The Office and Extras are some of the best things from the BBC but I was wondering, people who have seen both American and British versions of the office, which one do they think is better.
Poll: The Office: UK or US?
- Thread starter agerdemon
- Start date
I'm British, and the UK Office never really caught my imagination, but I caught a couple of American ones and I thought they were excellent. I'm now completely up to date and, in my humble opinion, it's far funnier than any episode of the British version (which I got up to date on, having run out of the American Office).
I guess that makes me a traitor, huh?
I guess that makes me a traitor, huh?
Well in my opinion the humour in the UK version is more subtle and foot-in-mouth whereas the american one they spoon feed you it. So it does depend on personal preference but I'm going to say here I like subtler satire and so the UK version is better for me.
only watched the english one not the american version. But i can't imagine its as good as gervais's version which like nearly all his work is 24 carat comedy gold.
The UK version is so much fucking better.
Its the first ever sit com to make me cry. That raises it to legendary status in my book.
Its the first ever sit com to make me cry. That raises it to legendary status in my book.
They're just different. After the first couple of episodes, the US Office wasn't trying to be the original, so it's almost unfair to compare them directly. Even though it made me cringe more than laugh, I gave my vote to the UK version. It's just like cover versions of songs: the cover has to be significantly different and better before you can comfortably consider it a better work of art than the original. The US one is different and just as good, but not better.
Incidentally, has anyone seen the US version of the Australian comedy Kath and Kim? Now there is a show that Does Not Translate.
Incidentally, has anyone seen the US version of the Australian comedy Kath and Kim? Now there is a show that Does Not Translate.
I like both versions, but I prefer the UK version. I think it's funnier than the US version, yet also more subtle, moving, and relatable. The US version is funny as well (well, apart from the first 1,5 seasons, before it created its own identity), but misses the aspect of relatibility and realism, instead moving slowly towards a traditional sitcom setup. Not saying that's a bad thing, it's just less realistic.
Quoted for truth, both endings (season 2 and Christmas) were moving as all hell.H.R.Shovenstuff said:
I didn't like the UK one at all really... I've seen a single episode of the US one, and found it mildly amusing. But then I think Ricky Gervais is a no tallent tosser, whos should sit in the same grouping as Russel Brand...