I ❤️ the OG UK series set in Slough AND The Office US (or An American Workplace).

Because I’ve definitely rewatched the US version more times, I’ve decided to talk about the US version specifically. After all, it has become an annual rewatch.

Why do I love this version so much?

It reimagined and built on the original with more seasons and more character arcs. Just more to enjoy. Especially, from season two onward. I think the first season was too uncannily similar to the UK episodes, then Michael Scott stepped out of David Brent’s shadow with aplomb and applause.

The Office US is also one of those shows that manages to simultaneously be uncomfortable to watch while being a ‘comfort watch.’ Which sounds ironically and impossible.

Well, except for the ‘Scott’s Tots’ episode. I agree wholeheartedly with Jenna and Angela AKA The Office Ladies podcast. (Which was one of the first podcasts I started listening to back in lockdown… and love.) It is the most uncomfortable episode to watch… and perhaps one we fear is looming and want to skip.

But it’s this overall sitcom style of discomfort really appeals to us. (It’s not just me.)

There are awkward silences, inappropriate antics, cringe humour, questionable management decisions. And all of this makes you wonder:

“Who would ever work in this office?” And, “How the hell can you get any work done?”

We get it some of the character motivations:

Jim is there for Pam and vice-versa.

Dwight is there because… well, nowhere else will put up with his behaviour, despite his stellar sales record.

Also, he doesn’t actually need to work, does he? Isn’t he ridiculously wealthy with a fortune buried underneath Schrute Farm? Or am I thinking of Ron Swanson and his hidden gold? (Imagine a cross-over/ spin-off: Dwight ‘n Ron: Bears. Beets. Bacon and More Breakfast Food.)

But why haven’t the others handed in their notice long ago? It’s BAFFLING.

Well, maybe not Meredith… or Kevin… or Creed.

I think the Scranton-Stamford merger episode in season three is the one that has the most ‘realistic’ character reaction: when Tony quits due to Michael’s management style and being humiliated.

I know we shouldn’t be comparing the sitcom to an accurate representation of an office environment. It’s not like it’s a documentary…

Well, it’s not like a real office OR a real documentary.

But, we can see real people in the beloved characters. Some we may have worked with or heard about. Some we may have simply nightmared about.

Ultimately, we love the show which is also one of the most ridiculously quotable shows, including:

“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.”

“Who is Justice Beaver?” – “It’s a crime-fighting beaver.”

“It is your birthday.”- “It’s a statement of fact.”

“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.”

“Well, well, well. How the turntables…”

“Dwight, you ignorant slut.”

(That last one is my favourite.)

And I think The Office US is more than a sitcom…

It’s a bit of a masterclass in good-bad team dynamics.

Both the kind you want… and really don’t.

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