I normally like British comedy, but even with only 12 episodes I couldn't finish the series. All I see is terrible, abusive people being terrible and abusive to one another and I can't find any comedy in that? Am I missing something? Considering it's near-universal praise, this is probably the most disappointed I've ever been with a TV show.

About as good as you can get with British humour! I've watched this series, about, 6 times (including the Christmas special)....and it never gets old. That's about the equivalent of 4 seasons of American television. And I've yet to see 4 consecutive seasons of American comedy that are better than this (although, the American Office comes damn close during it's first 100 episodes)

The mockumentary aspect of this show is what sets it apart from other comedy shows of this type.Everyone from the hilarious Martin Freeman and Lucy Davies to the wonderfully awkward Mackenzie Crook and of course one of Ricky Gervais's greatest characters David Brent(Also Keith you can't forget Keith)all do a fantastic job.Cringe-enducing comedy can be very...you know cringy but because the realism portayed through that cringe can be very relatable you learn to tolarate with it.

i could write thousands of words on the difference between Tim and Jim, and how the differences between the two are emblematic of everything that is right with the UK original and wrong with the US adaptation. and as a bar trivia host, the quiz night episode is perfect.

Any scene with Gervais is gold, but whenever he's offscreen... well, it's almost two different shows in how much everything suffers without his presence.

The most believable, honest and of course exruciatingly embarrassing comedy series ever written. Perfect!

Am I going to TV hell because I like the American remake better?

Not only is the some of the best "cringe comedy" ever written. It spawned the youtube series Learn Guitar with David Brent which showcases Ricky's talent as a horrible song writer. If you enjoyed The Office even a little bit, Learn Guitar with David Brent is a must see.

You still see the cultural impact today which is impressive as hell for a series with only 12 episodes. Ricky Gervais is perfect as David Brent and there's enough humor to make it rewatchable and still great. You wish there was more but the Brits are notorious for ending things prematurely

I prefer other Brit comedies, like Peep Show or The Thick of It. Could use a rewatch.

Came out of nowhere when it was first on TV and has had a massive influence on so much comedy since. Gervais has been hit-and-miss ever since also. But undeniably it's hilariously uncomfortable and awkward. The whole series is beautifully written and performed, and is undoubtedly a classic.

Better than the US version of the Office, but still not my cup of tea.

S1: 80 - S2: 90

[through season 2+christmas specials]

my assumptions about both shows gave me apprehensions for a long time. pretty accurate for this one. both seasons had good moments, better ones in season 2 but it felt more aimless like they just wanted to fuck around. that coworker romance i didn't pay attention to enough but bet it still wouldnt have felt set up lol. season 3 is when ricky became more like his modern self, and they focused more on him properly, which made me actually like the last 2 episodes. bird suit fire great though :P

Superstupid, boring as hell!

Funny and trend-setting.

SO much better than the American knock-off.

s1 - 75

1. sezon 85, 2. sezon 90, 3. sezon 80.

While the american version is better, this is still really good. Love Ricky Gervais, although the David Brent spinoff movie was lame.

Although the UK version captures the British charm I adore, I slightly preferred the US version. I think the character development was a lot more prominent in the US version.

very good series

(Completed) People act like it could pass for a real documentary, which is nuts. Keith's Scotch egg bit alone is so over-the-top sitcom-y it makes me cringe. But Ricky gives a pitch perfect performance, and every scene he's in is hilarious.

The mockumentary style and everyone's acting convey an authenticity that's very rare, and that's the case with the array of awkward moments taking up most of the show's time to the extent where it can be hard to watch due to the high levels of pure cringe. That's how well-made this is. Gervais tackles Brent in an excellent way and Freeman absolutely shines in one of the most likable roles. Brent is a one-of-a-kind creation but it's the subtle characterization of the others that makes this fly.

The British version of the Office, the original version, was a solid TV show that lasted all of, what? One season? And then the Americans came in and redefined it and made it better. We had a quality program for 4-5 seasons before it finally started to go downhill. Still, UK Office is original, and was a very solid show, as are most Gervais and Merchant collaborations.

Hilarious.

lovely bit of British comedy

Never afraid to be exactly what it wants to be.

Painful rather than hilarious - but overated

I just finished watching the entire show, and wow, that really was something. It has such a great, unique, lifelike sense of humor. And the final episode was just so amazing

Short and to the point. Funny, charming, relatable. Much better than the american version (which isn't bad in itself).

Has the distinct advantage of only being two short seasons long. Almost enough to make me forget how obnoxious Gervais has subsequently become. Let's just pretend the US version doesn't exist, shall we?

At times very discomforting.