So I just devoted the past 2 weeks to watching the entire British version of The Office, which sounds kinda impressive (for other Americans at least) but the British version of the Office is only 12 episodes long spread over 2 seasons (with two bonus episodes that take place three years later) So it was rather easy.
The total length is very unlike American TV, I must say, and I was kinda shocked in the beginning to find that the British version was only 12 episodes long.
In comparison the American version of The Office breaks down like this:
Season 1: 6 episodes (just like the UK version)
Season 2: 22 episodes
Season 3: 25 episodes
Season 4: Was supposed to have 30 episodes but due to a writers’ strike in the States, this season only had 19 episodes
Season 5: 29 episodes
Season 6: it’s not out yet but I’m sure they are slated for 30+ episodes.
As you can see, very very different… Americans do not like to let go I suppose. (Look at "Friends")
So as I said, I have finished watching the British version and I have some things I want to talk about.
First off I am not debating the overall genius and originality of the British Office. Ricky Gervais is a brilliant entertainer and comedian, and without him there would be no The Office anywhere. I’m not touching on this as it is a given.
However, before I watched the British version of The Office I heard that it was “far superior” and “more awkward/funnier” and so on and so on than the American Version. Having not seen the British version I just accepted it and simply enjoyed the American version.
But now I have seen the British version and I have to say that…I don’t agree with the criticisms. This is my opinion of course, and don’t get me wrong, I was definitely loling many times while watching the British version of The Office. It was very good, very enjoyable and quiet frankly all around excellent TV, but “far superior”? No. That it is not.
But this shouldn’t be quite as surprising. The American version has about 100 more episodes than the British version (with more coming) which lends itself to a more developed and engaging storyline. It also offers more chances to get in-depth with characters and explore relationships more thoroughly.
I also have to poke at the “more awkward/funnier” comment. Both have their awkward moments for sure (it wouldn’t be The Office without them) and again the American version is aided by having more episodes. But while watching the American version there were several moments that the awkwardness was just too much that I felt I had to leave the room, and even other times when it was too much that I actually did leave the room. With the British version I got close many many times but never to that level.
I got three possible reasons for this. One, I was somewhat desensitized from the American one that I have now come to expect it. This is possible, but yet I’ve been watching the American version for 5 seasons now and I still have these awkward moments of wanting to leave the room. So I don’t think it is this.
The other reason is that I was watching the British Office episodes back to back so maybe perhaps I didn’t have the break to calm down and start again with a fresh mind, but instead I was kept in the awkwardness. This too I don’t think is the answer as that is how I watched the American version (I wait until the end of the season and watch it over the course of the next few weeks…I don’t like waiting for each episode to come out.)
The third reason, and this is the one I think is right, is the American one has more/better awkward moments, is funnier, and is generally better than the British version, overall, afterall.
If there are any Britons (or anyone else) that have a knee jerk reaction to wanting to debate this then I would remind them that this is a discussion on the two Offices as a whole, so the entire British Office and the entire American Office. One would have had to watch both shows up until this point to understand where I stand.
I know it is a huge time investment, but…who am I kidding? It’s The Office no matter what. It’s completely worth the time investment.
Also this isn't a challenge of any sort, I'm not trying to put down the British Office. But I think the American Office might be discarded as hmmm, amateur perhaps or just a copycat show in the UK since you guys had it first.
I mean, we had Rock N' Roll first, but I enjoy the Beatles.
The total length is very unlike American TV, I must say, and I was kinda shocked in the beginning to find that the British version was only 12 episodes long.
In comparison the American version of The Office breaks down like this:
Season 1: 6 episodes (just like the UK version)
Season 2: 22 episodes
Season 3: 25 episodes
Season 4: Was supposed to have 30 episodes but due to a writers’ strike in the States, this season only had 19 episodes
Season 5: 29 episodes
Season 6: it’s not out yet but I’m sure they are slated for 30+ episodes.
As you can see, very very different… Americans do not like to let go I suppose. (Look at "Friends")
So as I said, I have finished watching the British version and I have some things I want to talk about.
First off I am not debating the overall genius and originality of the British Office. Ricky Gervais is a brilliant entertainer and comedian, and without him there would be no The Office anywhere. I’m not touching on this as it is a given.
However, before I watched the British version of The Office I heard that it was “far superior” and “more awkward/funnier” and so on and so on than the American Version. Having not seen the British version I just accepted it and simply enjoyed the American version.
But now I have seen the British version and I have to say that…I don’t agree with the criticisms. This is my opinion of course, and don’t get me wrong, I was definitely loling many times while watching the British version of The Office. It was very good, very enjoyable and quiet frankly all around excellent TV, but “far superior”? No. That it is not.
But this shouldn’t be quite as surprising. The American version has about 100 more episodes than the British version (with more coming) which lends itself to a more developed and engaging storyline. It also offers more chances to get in-depth with characters and explore relationships more thoroughly.
I also have to poke at the “more awkward/funnier” comment. Both have their awkward moments for sure (it wouldn’t be The Office without them) and again the American version is aided by having more episodes. But while watching the American version there were several moments that the awkwardness was just too much that I felt I had to leave the room, and even other times when it was too much that I actually did leave the room. With the British version I got close many many times but never to that level.
I got three possible reasons for this. One, I was somewhat desensitized from the American one that I have now come to expect it. This is possible, but yet I’ve been watching the American version for 5 seasons now and I still have these awkward moments of wanting to leave the room. So I don’t think it is this.
The other reason is that I was watching the British Office episodes back to back so maybe perhaps I didn’t have the break to calm down and start again with a fresh mind, but instead I was kept in the awkwardness. This too I don’t think is the answer as that is how I watched the American version (I wait until the end of the season and watch it over the course of the next few weeks…I don’t like waiting for each episode to come out.)
The third reason, and this is the one I think is right, is the American one has more/better awkward moments, is funnier, and is generally better than the British version, overall, afterall.
If there are any Britons (or anyone else) that have a knee jerk reaction to wanting to debate this then I would remind them that this is a discussion on the two Offices as a whole, so the entire British Office and the entire American Office. One would have had to watch both shows up until this point to understand where I stand.
I know it is a huge time investment, but…who am I kidding? It’s The Office no matter what. It’s completely worth the time investment.
Also this isn't a challenge of any sort, I'm not trying to put down the British Office. But I think the American Office might be discarded as hmmm, amateur perhaps or just a copycat show in the UK since you guys had it first.
I mean, we had Rock N' Roll first, but I enjoy the Beatles.
I've only seen the American version of the Office, which is what I was commenting on. 
