The [American] Office Tonight

Gothamist was pretty wary about NBC's version of The Office, but the commercials and previews have make it look very watchable. And we love shows that touch upon how insanely soul-crushing the office life can be. The American cast even looks pretty schlubby - a rarity this side of dumb-oaf-male leads on some sitcoms (you know, the ones where you're wondering "How did he land Leah Remini?") - which must have been an answered prayer to all those people labeled "character actors." We'll be tuning in tonight at 9:30PM, after the other office comedy, The Apprentice.

NBC has a
Dunder Mifflin, the faux-company/Werner Hogg counterpart in the show. Dan Dickinson noted Ricky Gervais's thoughts about the Americanized Office. The NY Times gives the show a positive review (Alessandra Stanley objects to one character being good-looking), while the Post's Adam Buckman admits he never saw the original Office (he thinks this one is pretty good, too). And you can see the original The Office on BBC America or via DVD.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on March 24, 2005 11:57 AM

Comments [rss]

Think2wice

"All in the Family" was based on the UK's "Till Death Us Do Part".

Bee-Bau

Three's Company is a great show -- Ritter's Brilliant slapstick, suzanne somers ditzy hotness (and all her various incarnations before and after), and...uh...Janet. Not to mention Farley and Roper...what's not to love?

...as for The Americanized Office -- I'm not sure what to make -- it kinda seems like a show for people in the know, but those in the know have probably all seen the Office by now and will constantly be comparing it...but Steve Carrel is hilarious (but possibly too familiar?)...

dirtgirl

at least we can rest assured that networks will never try to do an americanized version of MI-5.

that's the best show still on TV as far as i'm concerned.

Captain Obvious

Simon hit the nail on the head.

If a comedy or drama is done in a British accent. Take the exact same story and put it in America, people hate it and think it stinks.

Same with action films. Most Hong Kong action films are pure garbage. But because they are foreign and in a different language, people trip over themselves adoring it. The same action film in the U.S. would be derided.

And as far as people being upset about an Americanized version being garbage, you all realize that 'Three's Company' was the U.S. remake of the U.K.'s 'Man About The House'. And you know what? 'Man About The House' was as bad as 'Three's Company' but with a British accent.

Ditto with 'American Idol' vs. 'Pop Idol'. Get over the cultural xenophobia and appreciate it as-is.

kbc

A misfire -- will be gone by summer. As with the US remake of "Coupling," best thing about this is it will hopefully turn on some uninitiated folks to the UK version - now blessedly on DVD.

kbc

simon

Sometimes things are just funnier in an English accent.

S.D.

I think this is a Disaster waiting to happen.

Didn't they learn after "Couples"?? Even if it is funny, it will come accross as a Knock off.

Hope the original creator of the show was paid up front.

Dan Dickinson

Just a reminder to the faithful - the pilot episode is supposed to exactly match the UK first episode; every episode after that is supposed to be original.

So you may not want to give up after the first episode...

Elias Diggs

I got my hands on a bootlegged copy of the American Office pilot and it's just sad, terrible, maddening. The BBC version is so perfect, so beautifully acted and so funny. Trying to redo it, to Americanize it, is a shame, like seeing a museum piece ravaged by vandals. It pains my heart to see such superior writing and performances basterdized and watered down for the unknowing, dim-witted network television audiences.