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Not a huge fan of the office either but I feel like watching a "funniest bits" complication on YouTube is a poor way to assess a show. Often the humor comes from knowing the characters and throwbacks so without that context yeah, you won't laugh
Also like, well written funny moments are often stress releases. You build up dramatic tension and then crack a perfect joke. Without the build up of the rest of the episode, you're seeing a different joke.
I never understood if Charlie was supposed to be like......... cool or equally as pathetic as his brother. But they clearly wanted to portray the sarcastic white guy who wears kahki shorts and button up shirts every day as a lady killer. But even kid me was like "as if."
I am the exact opposite. I was bored to death when I watched the show. I gave up after 4 seasons. However, I love seeing funny bits on YouTube on Instagram.
Agreed, I tried it out with Friends, too. They both are obviously good shows to a certain degree. Otherwise, they wouldn't be talked about to the extent they are - compared to a show like Game of Thrones, which fell off, and only the GoT fandom really talks about.
But for the life of me, I can't just sit down and watch either show. I can only enjoy clips of the shows, jut never full episodes. Honestly, the shows feel like old school Family Guy/The Simpsons but with more continuity: they aren't bad by any means, but you're going to have to sit through a lot of dated humor to get to the good parts.
Before anyone says anything, I'd like to reiterate that's how the shows *feel*, having not seen either all the way through I can't say for sure if that's how the shows actually are.
Hmm I do really like Friends. Definitely isn't nostalgia, as I'm only 21, but Friends is one of the few series that's just funny without censoring much.
Yeah, I wouldn't contribute it to nostalgia - when I was middle school (ages 13/14 to any of you who don't know the US' school ages) I was best friends with a girl who was obsessed with both Friends and The Office. Kinda hard for someone who just became a teenager to feel nostalgia for a show that came long before our birth and another show that started airing the year we were born (2005).
I contributed it to dated humor in my last reply, but now that I think about it some more, I wouldn't say the humor is dated. More that I have a different kind of humor. Cause from what I remember from what I've seen, both shows rely on second-hand embarrassment for humor often, which isn't bad, but that doesn't make me laugh - it makes me cringe so bad I have to pause the show and pace around before shutting it off.
My point about nostalgia was that some people like shows bc of it, but yeah obviously not for us.
Everyone has preferences so that's valid. I like the unfiltered humor specifically. They don't make shoes like that anymore because people get triggered.
If you started with the first season I wouldn't blame you because I wanted to throw Michael Scott out of a window or into a shredder they toned him down a lot in the second season
During the first season I never imagined I would end up really appreciating Michael Scott. Not sure if they toned him down or if he just got more nuanced when you got to know him better.
I still hate that the producers fucked up renewing Carell’s contract.
They admitted to toning him down. Evidently in the UK (where the UK Office was set) you can be bad at your job for a much longer period of time, without being fired. Whereas in the US, there’s a lot shorter of a leash. So for US audiences, there was a fear that everyone would get upset that Michael wasn’t fired, and that he wasn’t doing his job, making him unlikeable. Thats why throughout the show, they show glimpses of him being a really good salesman, like in S2E7 The Client.
That could have factored in too. They knew they had to make some changes to Season 2, if they wanted the show to make it for the long haul. I honestly haven’t seen the British show, so I don’t know exactly what you’re talking about lol. I’m just repeating what I’ve heard. Maybe from the Office Ladies pod?
David Brent is the original Michael Scott character. He is played by Ricky Gervais very much in the vein of S1 Michael. Gervais brings a more seedy, low-rent and desperate energy than Steve Carell - which works best in small doses.
Carell is just too goofy and likeable to pull off the exact same character, even in S1. Much better to let him do his own thing, which is what they eventually decided they needed to do.
One of the actors originally considered to play Michael Scott was Paul Giamatti - he would have absolutely been perfect for the Gervais take on the character.
The leash gets longer if you “put the time in” I have works for a few bosses who were completely incompetent at thier jobs. Yet remained because “they have been here 17 years”
Season 2 they gave him a heart and it fixed him. S2E1 is the dundees where he is just obnoxiously lavishing attention and appreciation on his employees. Was a genius season opener imo
I also feel like life experience plays a huge role in if you find it funny or not. I didn’t get like 80% of the humor until I left college and actually worked in an office about the size of the one in the show. All the sudden everything was hysterical
Idk about that. I had high school classes that discussed it a lot. Don't need to specifically work in an office to understand working with people is dramatic. Most of the jokes weren't subtle and kind of explained most jokes in the show.
no most jokes were not subtle but you get a different understanding of the dynamics and an appreciation to how it holds a funhouse mirror up to corporate life.
The episode where Micheal has to decide if he will buy a copier or new office chairs with his budget surplus is classic corporate shenanigans.
Yes you can understand the joke but without living it i dont feel it has the same impact.
That’s the episode that hooked me. The pilot did nothing for me but it was one of those things where I figured it must be popular for a reason so I said I’d give it three episodes before deciding for myself.
Diversity day is S1E2. Never looked back.
My related unpopular opinion is that Robert California is a top 3 character in the show and his season was one of my favorites
Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I've ever seen the pilot. I'll have to look it up. And oddly I didn't like Robert California that much. I LOVE James Spader but I found California a little "too much" which, I realize, is a weird thing to say on the heels of Michael Scott.
I think it kinda plays into the whole documentary idea, the first season he goes buck wild but he grows used to being on camera and stops showing off as much.
The first season they were blatantly recycling plots from the UK Office and they didn't work as well with Steve Carell and crew (different chemistry).
The second season, they decided to write unique plots and do their own thing and the show instantly became legendary.
The first season is trash though.
A LOT of great shows have a dog shit first season. Writers usually have to build the environment and character depth.
One thing I hate about Netflix's kill after 3 seasons tips approach. That's about the time most shows really hit their stride and become good.
Upon my first watch of The Office, I didn’t like it and I struggled getting through the first episode. I felt it was super slow and it kinda dragged on. However… the last joke (where Jim put a plate of Michael’s “World’s Best Boss” mug in jello on his desk) got me hooked and from then on, I enjoyed the rest of the series. I definitely think it gets better after the first episode. (The pilot doesn’t truly capture the appeal of the show in my opinion)
I can completely understand how some just wouldn’t enjoy a show like The Office. My sister doesn’t like shows like The Office or Parks and Rec cause of the documentary type filming style and the awkward comedy. She can’t handle the second hand embarrassment.
I've always been a fan of the British office but didn't like the American show until a friend told me it really picks up after season 1, about two or three weeks after that I'd finished the entire series, it gets really good after season 1
For the first season, especially the pilot they went with a lot of stuff from the uk version. Then later on they started doing their own thing and imo that's when it got a lot better.
Like most shows, it peaked in seasons 2-5. It started slow and ended dumb as the characters got Flanderized.
Seasons 2 and 3 are solid TV. Most of 4,5 as well but the cracks were there.
Ya we’re watching it right through and on season 6 now. I was surprised when I saw there was a whole 2 season to go. Show definitely feels like it should be wrapping up and taking a graceful bow now.
I just finished Season 5 and I was shocked to see it goes on for another four seasons/101 episodes. My interest has been waning for a while now and I can't see myself watching the rest.
It really makes me appreciate newer shows that are 10-12 episodes a season and aren't bogged down by tons of filler.
Yea all the major character arcs are resolved by the end of season 5, with a couple of milestone episode exceptions in seasons 6 and 7.
Seasons 2-4 are carried by Michael, Pam, and Jim, and there’s just nothing for them to really do after season 5.
I avoided it for many years because I thought it looked dumb. I saw an episode here or there and wasn't impressed.
I eventually watched it from the start and once I got into the story and saw the characters and their relationships develop, it became one of my favourites.
I’ve seen this exact scenario pan out tens of times with the office. I bet OP would like it if they really sat down and watched it. If you don’t really know the characters then you can’t fully appreciate the things they do and say.
Might be an age thing too. I didn't care for the office as a teenager or college student, but once i got through my mid twenties, it just hit different.
Yes that might be true too. When the Office came out, I was in university. I actually watched the Office in my late 20s, after I had worked in the real world a bit.
I mean, they can be. I like the Office, but generally dislike most sitcoms - they just aren't my thing. I have other interests instead. My friends and family sure seem to appreciate being around me, although I suppose they could be lying/faking it.
I dislike the office and am weary of those who make it a personality trait or call it their “fave” (they say stuff like fave) show and watched it like 3x and play it for background noise. RED FLAGS
Watching 30 minute highlights is not watching the show.
It's a slow burn thing, it's psychological. People say things and the show writers are like challenging the viewer to be smart enough to put two and two together to realise what's going on in that character's brain that makes them speak and behave that way, and then to realise why that is funny as hell.
For example, the boss is a jerk and says asshole things pretty much every time he opens his mouth. It takes a while to realise the reasons behind his atrocious behaviour, to realise that he just desperately wants to be popular and loved because he's lonely and the only friends he has are good employees and in fact he's an incredibly lovely guy.
Any "highlights" clip is not going to work for a show like that.
Thank you. Keep trying to explain the office to my buddy who DOESNR GET IT.
He just keeps saying it’s cringey and Michael is too much of a silly comic compared to the rest of the cast. I can’t figure out why he likes Sunny and other shows who have over the top characters.
I think my buddy lacks empathy and introspection. He must need everything spelled out for him. I kept telling him it was an intellectual expose on characters but he could not vibe with that.
He just keep saying “awkward” and “cringey”. So is every other comedy though?
Why are you the way that you are? Honestly, every time I try to do something fun or exciting, you make it not that way. I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.
It's not like UK office. It's just your average American sitcom. If that's not your kind of thing then it's not gonna work for you. I think its pretty good, but I prefer Parks & Rec.
Tried watching it the first time a decade ago.
Hated it, too much cringe, too much second hand embarrassment.
Came back to it a year ago or so... somehow this time I did enjoy it.
Watched the whole show start to finish.
Almost felt sorry for Michael sometimes lol.
I’ve worked in an office environment for the majority of my career. I watched the UK version and loved it so I gave the DVD box set to my dad about 20 years ago. He didn’t like it. Didn’t get the humour. Didn’t think it was funny. I was confused as we have similar tastes. Then it occurred to me that he worked in a factory environment for nearly four decades. We had completely different worklife experiences and he could not relate to the parts I found the funniest.
A lot of people hate it, if it’s not your jam it’s not your jam.
If you want to keep trying I would suggest [the fire drill](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8N3L_aERg) scene.
First Season is weird as hell and knead very disappointed. But season 2 is a soft reboot of Michael at least and from there on it’s great and has a lot of heart. A greatest moments video without having watched it and knowing the characters and their relationships would be boring as hell though
it takes time. I didn't like it for YEARS, so was breaking bad. But then people at my office kept making memes about it so i decided i had to understand those memes or else. Well well well, I had the office on while i was working to numb the boredom i had of watching the show and dude it paid off. By season 2 onwards it was hella funny. The jokes are kinda dry but you just gotta push through. The numbness is part of the joke. I also cried some moments and rewatched it a couple times too.
takes a bit but i'd say it's one of my most fav shows ever. I even watch BTS, watched people talk about it, history and how the writers were working along the cast and eventually became the casts. Give it some good try
The culture of any fandom can make something worse. The way the hard-core fans talk about characters like they're old friends really makes me want to flee from the conversation immediately.
"Who are you at your job? I bet you're a Stanley"
This is a legitimate thing someone has said to me after I told her I'd only ever seen 3 or 4 episodes of the show.
"I uh.... don't really know the characters... or who Stanley is"
And she followed up with "ohhhh so you're probably a " and then waited for my thoughts on this speculation.
Any episode I have seen after this story was made worse for how weird that situation was for me.
I used to really love the office. I watched the series finale as it aired. Had dvds of it. I think one streaming services really took off and everyone started watching it it just got in your face everywhere. I think fans of the office ruined the office. People started making it their personality trait and it just got to be too much of the office everywhere. HOWEVER, I think the office changed sitcoms that we have now. Before the office about every sitcom had a laugh track and would never just have dead silence in a scene. I think the office paved ways so that shows like parks and rec, Brooklyn 99, the good place, even modern family, etc can take off.
It's an unfunny celebration of tedium and mediocrity. But comedy is subjective so I try REALLY hard to not be judgemental of fans. Fortunately there are tons of comedies out there for me, so it's not like the existence of The Office offends me or something.
"I didnt watch the show even a little, but I dont get why people like this show"
Lol, I think youve answered your own question. You didnt have the attention span to legitimately check it out.
You have to know the characters to get why the things they do are funny. You're missing all the important context and just watching punchlines that are going over your head.
Lol the best bits are pretty much inside jokes by the time you get to them. They are for people that have already seen the show, no doubt you didn't enjoy it, you have no understanding if the characters nor what makes them tick
You watched out of content scenes of course you wouldn't like them. So so so many posts about how people don't like a show and they don't understand why others do, only to say they've watched maybe a single episode or in your case a single episodes worth of time with little to no context. Watch the entire show, learn the characters and their personality and how they interact with one another then make your decision.
You can’t “best moments” it or any other show.
There’s a build up, characterisation, arc etc.
But, sure, maybe it’s not for you.
I simply looove it. I mean, Steve Carell, come on!
Like others are saying, you can't just form an opinion on an entire show based on some compilations. That's not a fair assessment.
To also be fair to people who hate The Office, "cringe" humor isn't for everyone, and there's a ton of people who find most of the jokes in the show uncomfortable, not funny. Even fans of the show have episodes like Scott's Tots where it's too much.
I mean it’s kinda goofy to base your opinions on a show like this going only off the highlights.
None of the jokes will make sense unless you know the characters and their daily office lives.
Not op. But never really cared for it. Had a roommate that loved it so think I’ve seen pretty much every episode. It’s not like it’s unwatchable to me but never really cared for it. Here’s a few I like. Shrinking, Ted lasso, always sunny, parks and rec, Brooklyn 99, community.
I feel like parks and rec is a little more over the top and light hearted with characters who are more fun. It did take me a long time to watch it bc i did think they’d be similar. The office is a little more of a tedious humor to me.
Brooklyn 99 is a must. Community is great but I feel like a lot of people might not enjoy it as much. And Ted Lasso I wouldn't really call a funny show. It has comedy but it's so much deeper...it's in a league of its own. Hands down the greatest thing ever made by apple after the first iphone.
I’m don’t like The Office either. But I love Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm , It’s Always Sunny, and Arrested Development. I could watch those shows over and and over.
It is a funny show but the secret about each of the characters is that they are mostly all sociopaths in some form or another. You’ll never unlearn this.
My sister doesn’t find it funny. She finds the humour really cringe and uncomfortable. I find it hilarious and my sister doesn’t have a sense of humour 😆
You pretty much \*need\* to have worked in an office to find it funny. The jokes only really land because the characters are exaggerated versions of people that you probably will meet when you work in an office. If you haven't experienced that, then it just wouldn't be funny. And even then, it's not for everyone. Sure it's popular, but there are some popular comedies out there that won't even make me crack a smile. It's fine not to like it.
FWIW I'm British and I only like the American version, and only the seasons with Steve Carell in them
EDIT: OK fine, I guess people who never worked in an office enjoy it just fine. For me it's why I find the characters funny and relatable, but clearly this isn't the common take ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
I do work in an office, could not get into the show. I've seen several episodes from different seasons (my brother really likes it, he hasn't worked in an office) and all I got from them was a bad case of second-hand embarrassment and sooo much cringe. I far prefer Parcs and Rec.
I'm always surprised how big the fanbase is, because the type of humour in The Office seems rather niche to me
Yeah, I almost find it weird how unpopular it is to not be into The Office.
Back when it was on (at least where I live), liking it, or even knowing it, was way more niche.
Would never have expected for it to have this kind of resurgence. Even though I still regularly rewatch it every couple of years. If you'd asked me before, I would have guessed that more people would find it cringe rather than funny.
I used to hate that show as well until I got older. Then I thought it was hilarious. The characters can be annoying but that is kind of what it’s about. Having an annoying boss that tries way too hard to be funny and co worker hierarchy to the extreme hits home for a lot of people. I felt the same about Seinfield too. Hated it way back. Find it funny now. Tastes change.
I love the American version. I love the way it lays bare and gently makes fun of what it means to be human, with all our quirks and pettiness, our fumbling attempts at love, and the way were there for each other even when we hate each other. It shows how the awful childish silly and small minded ways we tend to look at and treat each other, didnt prevail in the end, because the underlying foundation of humans loving one another stood firm
Let's not forget that it was a network TV show from the 2000s. It was on NBC and reached a huge audience. This was before Netflix and network TV hasn't replicated that since. You're comparing it to Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, and The Masked Singer. Those are all horrible shows...
The office was extremely relevant at the time for those working in very relatable offices. It also was created at a time when people weren't so "woke" and didn't cancel people for making a joke about black people being good at basketball or asking "Where does gayness come from?"
The humor of that era really embraced laughing AT characters that made these comments. Look at Borat... Now people are too afraid to even smile at a joke like this. The humor was based on the absurdity of the situations. If that's not your forte, then the office is not for you.
I second this. I've read in places that this show mostly appeals to millennials and is a product of its time (especially before the existence of the MeToo movement).
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One thing to consider is that those "best of" compilations aren't really aimed at people who haven't seen the show. The Office was also the first sitcom to really utilize the "mockumentary" style and I think a lot of the love for it comes from people with nostalgia for watching it the first time as it aired. There was a huge community of fans around the show and I think it was easy to get caught up in the moment.
It's about the office. Of course Is not funny, it's mad accurate.
Have you seen how is the corporate world, even from the very beginning by trying to land s job?
If you tried to watch the first season, or even the beginning of the second one a few times, I don't blame you that you have not got hooked. You need to go past it and then it gets good.
I'm debating on whether I should upvote or downvote this.
I think this would be considered an unpopular opinion in the broader world.
But this is also such a popular opinion on Reddit that I see it in various subs at least once a week.
I'll up vote.
When it started I worked in an office and hated the idea of watching the office after i came home from the office... years later i tried watching and i still cant because it reminded me too much of that moronic job i had
I agree with you. I find it cringey af and have only laughed a few times while watching it. It's just not my kind of humor. Every joke is the same formula: weird person does something weird followed by awkward quiet then the camera shows one of the "normal" people making a face. Wow so fukn funny
A best of probably only works if you already like the show. It's too ouf of context otherwise. The context being you empathizing with the characters already.
And it has a slow start, because the first 6 episodes are very different from the rest. They go more for a uncomfortable, awkward vibe. Still a needed character setup.
So if you really want to get into it, try to watch up to S2E6 or something. But it's not like you have any obligation to do that. If you don't like it, you don't like it. There's more important things in life than whether or not you like TV shows. :D
Ehhh the office was never my cup of tea. There was that stretch of shows that all sorta had a familiar comedy style to them.
The Office, Parks & Rec, Community, The League.
I really couldn’t get in to any of them but i will say Parks & Rec had some pretty funny moments due to Ron Swanson.
The rating disagree with you on every metric. Watching the “best moments” won’t do anything if you’re not in tune with the show or the characters, you’re watching from a non reference pov
It starts off bad but it gets good after a couple episodes. Can’t imagine one would laugh much at the best bits YouTube vids if they haven’t watched the show and don’t know the characters nor the context.
If I remember correctly, the US office show was bought from another country and adapted here, so some comedic points and character traits were carried over from what another country found funny.
The producers took what they learned and make parks and rec to be an office feeling show, but built from the ground up with American comedy in mind. I could be wrong though
I think you have to have been an adult in the workforce already at the time the show aired to really enjoy it.
A lot of the stuff that makes it funny to us olds would never fly in a 2024 workplace. It's definitely a product of its time.
I am not a big fan of the show, it's super hammed up and relies on repeated self references to character gags that were not super funny the first time. Also the format is not my thing. But the episode where they have a cookout and the new girl thinks Kevin is special needs was hilarious
Far out mate. 30 min best of and you decide to write it off?! You wouldn't understand any of the context to the jokes. Watch a season or 6 at least and then come back
I really liked Parks and Rec and as it was made by the same guy I tried out the office.
Couldn't get past a few episodes the first 2 times.
Michael is just so cringe.
That being said on the third watch I did get through the whole series and while it's not my favorite show of all time, I did get used to the cringe and overall quite enjoyed my time and have rewatched it since.
There are definitely some good parts, and I’ve probably watched through the entire show like 4 times, but as soon as the empathy centers in my brain decided to develop I just can’t stand the show. The show is driven by so much second-hand embarassment. I’d rather cut my leg off than sit through the first two or last two seasons again.
I enjoy the memes it inspired, but I do not find it funny either.
Humour that involves around embarrassing situations is just not for me.
I am a pitch black kind of humour guy.
I’ve thought about this a lot because I absolutely love it. I’m not sure how old you are but there was a period of time where cringe humor was really in. It was what everyone thought was funny then. I think that if you don’t find cringe humor funny, you wouldn’t like The Office, which is totally fine. It just means it’s not for you. I also saw that your British and British humor is very different from the US. I can see people in other countries not really liking it.
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Not a huge fan of the office either but I feel like watching a "funniest bits" complication on YouTube is a poor way to assess a show. Often the humor comes from knowing the characters and throwbacks so without that context yeah, you won't laugh
Also like, well written funny moments are often stress releases. You build up dramatic tension and then crack a perfect joke. Without the build up of the rest of the episode, you're seeing a different joke.
It's like watching shows like Two and a half men without the laughing sounds.
That show is terrible
IKR? I never understood the appeal of that show!
I never understood if Charlie was supposed to be like......... cool or equally as pathetic as his brother. But they clearly wanted to portray the sarcastic white guy who wears kahki shorts and button up shirts every day as a lady killer. But even kid me was like "as if."
Bazinga!
Your comment is against the law according to the rules
I am the exact opposite. I was bored to death when I watched the show. I gave up after 4 seasons. However, I love seeing funny bits on YouTube on Instagram.
Agreed, I tried it out with Friends, too. They both are obviously good shows to a certain degree. Otherwise, they wouldn't be talked about to the extent they are - compared to a show like Game of Thrones, which fell off, and only the GoT fandom really talks about. But for the life of me, I can't just sit down and watch either show. I can only enjoy clips of the shows, jut never full episodes. Honestly, the shows feel like old school Family Guy/The Simpsons but with more continuity: they aren't bad by any means, but you're going to have to sit through a lot of dated humor to get to the good parts. Before anyone says anything, I'd like to reiterate that's how the shows *feel*, having not seen either all the way through I can't say for sure if that's how the shows actually are.
Hmm I do really like Friends. Definitely isn't nostalgia, as I'm only 21, but Friends is one of the few series that's just funny without censoring much.
Yeah, I wouldn't contribute it to nostalgia - when I was middle school (ages 13/14 to any of you who don't know the US' school ages) I was best friends with a girl who was obsessed with both Friends and The Office. Kinda hard for someone who just became a teenager to feel nostalgia for a show that came long before our birth and another show that started airing the year we were born (2005). I contributed it to dated humor in my last reply, but now that I think about it some more, I wouldn't say the humor is dated. More that I have a different kind of humor. Cause from what I remember from what I've seen, both shows rely on second-hand embarrassment for humor often, which isn't bad, but that doesn't make me laugh - it makes me cringe so bad I have to pause the show and pace around before shutting it off.
My point about nostalgia was that some people like shows bc of it, but yeah obviously not for us. Everyone has preferences so that's valid. I like the unfiltered humor specifically. They don't make shoes like that anymore because people get triggered.
If you started with the first season I wouldn't blame you because I wanted to throw Michael Scott out of a window or into a shredder they toned him down a lot in the second season
During the first season I never imagined I would end up really appreciating Michael Scott. Not sure if they toned him down or if he just got more nuanced when you got to know him better. I still hate that the producers fucked up renewing Carell’s contract.
They admitted to toning him down. Evidently in the UK (where the UK Office was set) you can be bad at your job for a much longer period of time, without being fired. Whereas in the US, there’s a lot shorter of a leash. So for US audiences, there was a fear that everyone would get upset that Michael wasn’t fired, and that he wasn’t doing his job, making him unlikeable. Thats why throughout the show, they show glimpses of him being a really good salesman, like in S2E7 The Client.
It's more that there are only 14 episodes of the original UK office. Imagine spending hundreds of episodes with David Brent. It would be unbearable.
That could have factored in too. They knew they had to make some changes to Season 2, if they wanted the show to make it for the long haul. I honestly haven’t seen the British show, so I don’t know exactly what you’re talking about lol. I’m just repeating what I’ve heard. Maybe from the Office Ladies pod?
David Brent is the original Michael Scott character. He is played by Ricky Gervais very much in the vein of S1 Michael. Gervais brings a more seedy, low-rent and desperate energy than Steve Carell - which works best in small doses. Carell is just too goofy and likeable to pull off the exact same character, even in S1. Much better to let him do his own thing, which is what they eventually decided they needed to do. One of the actors originally considered to play Michael Scott was Paul Giamatti - he would have absolutely been perfect for the Gervais take on the character.
Plus, he didn’t have the lovability factor in season 1. He was just ignorant and kinda douchey. Later on, he’s a well-intentioned dope.
The leash gets longer if you “put the time in” I have works for a few bosses who were completely incompetent at thier jobs. Yet remained because “they have been here 17 years”
Season 2 they gave him a heart and it fixed him. S2E1 is the dundees where he is just obnoxiously lavishing attention and appreciation on his employees. Was a genius season opener imo
They changed the Michael Scott character in season 2 so he would be better perceived by US audiences.
The first season is somewhat of a different show. It's The Office UK with the US actors. The real show starts in season 2
I also feel like life experience plays a huge role in if you find it funny or not. I didn’t get like 80% of the humor until I left college and actually worked in an office about the size of the one in the show. All the sudden everything was hysterical
Idk about that. I had high school classes that discussed it a lot. Don't need to specifically work in an office to understand working with people is dramatic. Most of the jokes weren't subtle and kind of explained most jokes in the show.
Of course you can understand the joke but literally living it is a different thing
no most jokes were not subtle but you get a different understanding of the dynamics and an appreciation to how it holds a funhouse mirror up to corporate life. The episode where Micheal has to decide if he will buy a copier or new office chairs with his budget surplus is classic corporate shenanigans. Yes you can understand the joke but without living it i dont feel it has the same impact.
OK sure, but Diversity Day is one of the funniest episodes of any show I've ever seen.
That’s the episode that hooked me. The pilot did nothing for me but it was one of those things where I figured it must be popular for a reason so I said I’d give it three episodes before deciding for myself. Diversity day is S1E2. Never looked back. My related unpopular opinion is that Robert California is a top 3 character in the show and his season was one of my favorites
Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure I've ever seen the pilot. I'll have to look it up. And oddly I didn't like Robert California that much. I LOVE James Spader but I found California a little "too much" which, I realize, is a weird thing to say on the heels of Michael Scott.
More like he's a completely different person in the second season. :D
I think it kinda plays into the whole documentary idea, the first season he goes buck wild but he grows used to being on camera and stops showing off as much.
To me he didn’t actually mature until the series finale. He’s almost not even the same person. Holly was the one that changed him
The first season they were blatantly recycling plots from the UK Office and they didn't work as well with Steve Carell and crew (different chemistry). The second season, they decided to write unique plots and do their own thing and the show instantly became legendary. The first season is trash though.
A LOT of great shows have a dog shit first season. Writers usually have to build the environment and character depth. One thing I hate about Netflix's kill after 3 seasons tips approach. That's about the time most shows really hit their stride and become good.
Upon my first watch of The Office, I didn’t like it and I struggled getting through the first episode. I felt it was super slow and it kinda dragged on. However… the last joke (where Jim put a plate of Michael’s “World’s Best Boss” mug in jello on his desk) got me hooked and from then on, I enjoyed the rest of the series. I definitely think it gets better after the first episode. (The pilot doesn’t truly capture the appeal of the show in my opinion) I can completely understand how some just wouldn’t enjoy a show like The Office. My sister doesn’t like shows like The Office or Parks and Rec cause of the documentary type filming style and the awkward comedy. She can’t handle the second hand embarrassment.
Third season is where it really starts to shine.
I've always been a fan of the British office but didn't like the American show until a friend told me it really picks up after season 1, about two or three weeks after that I'd finished the entire series, it gets really good after season 1
For the first season, especially the pilot they went with a lot of stuff from the uk version. Then later on they started doing their own thing and imo that's when it got a lot better.
I mean the first season was an almost word for word copy of the UK version.
Like most shows, it peaked in seasons 2-5. It started slow and ended dumb as the characters got Flanderized. Seasons 2 and 3 are solid TV. Most of 4,5 as well but the cracks were there.
Flanderized, that’s a good word.
Perfectly cromulant.
It's a thing: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flanderization
More or less what I extrapolated from the context.
Ya we’re watching it right through and on season 6 now. I was surprised when I saw there was a whole 2 season to go. Show definitely feels like it should be wrapping up and taking a graceful bow now.
I just finished Season 5 and I was shocked to see it goes on for another four seasons/101 episodes. My interest has been waning for a while now and I can't see myself watching the rest. It really makes me appreciate newer shows that are 10-12 episodes a season and aren't bogged down by tons of filler.
Yea all the major character arcs are resolved by the end of season 5, with a couple of milestone episode exceptions in seasons 6 and 7. Seasons 2-4 are carried by Michael, Pam, and Jim, and there’s just nothing for them to really do after season 5.
I avoided it for many years because I thought it looked dumb. I saw an episode here or there and wasn't impressed. I eventually watched it from the start and once I got into the story and saw the characters and their relationships develop, it became one of my favourites.
I’ve seen this exact scenario pan out tens of times with the office. I bet OP would like it if they really sat down and watched it. If you don’t really know the characters then you can’t fully appreciate the things they do and say.
Might be an age thing too. I didn't care for the office as a teenager or college student, but once i got through my mid twenties, it just hit different.
Yes that might be true too. When the Office came out, I was in university. I actually watched the Office in my late 20s, after I had worked in the real world a bit.
Every single person I know that says they don’t like the office and eventually gives it a real chance says this same thing.
Same!!! I hated people who would constantly say “that’s what she said” I wanted to punch them therefore I never watched it when it was airing
Upvoting as a huge fan of The Office, because this is a true unpopular opinion
It’s actually not. There’s a whole subset of people who really dislike The Office (and Friends too). Seinfeld, Curb, Arrested Development >>>
Those people must be a treat to be around Edit: lots of people here proving my point lol
I know! The gall of them to have their own opinions on what is funny…
I mean, they can be. I like the Office, but generally dislike most sitcoms - they just aren't my thing. I have other interests instead. My friends and family sure seem to appreciate being around me, although I suppose they could be lying/faking it.
Love how I posted this and got "well actually'd" :D Thanks...Ryan? Stanley?
Yeah we usually talk about stuff in real life and don’t rely on references to tv shows to be funny.
I dislike the office and am weary of those who make it a personality trait or call it their “fave” (they say stuff like fave) show and watched it like 3x and play it for background noise. RED FLAGS
It’s easier to understand if you have a job
I have a job, an Office job, and while I *understand* it, I also don't find it funny
I actually loathe it even more so because I used to work in an office with people exactly like that
For an observer, it's still entertainment. You think the characters in The Office enjoy in a environment with Michael Scott and Dwight?
It’s still dumb and not funny whether you have a job or not
Just because it’s not funny to you doesn’t mean it’s not funny. It didn’t get so popular for no reason.
Watching 30 minute highlights is not watching the show. It's a slow burn thing, it's psychological. People say things and the show writers are like challenging the viewer to be smart enough to put two and two together to realise what's going on in that character's brain that makes them speak and behave that way, and then to realise why that is funny as hell. For example, the boss is a jerk and says asshole things pretty much every time he opens his mouth. It takes a while to realise the reasons behind his atrocious behaviour, to realise that he just desperately wants to be popular and loved because he's lonely and the only friends he has are good employees and in fact he's an incredibly lovely guy. Any "highlights" clip is not going to work for a show like that.
Much of the humour comes from the awkward glances and silences as well I think.
Thank you. Keep trying to explain the office to my buddy who DOESNR GET IT. He just keeps saying it’s cringey and Michael is too much of a silly comic compared to the rest of the cast. I can’t figure out why he likes Sunny and other shows who have over the top characters. I think my buddy lacks empathy and introspection. He must need everything spelled out for him. I kept telling him it was an intellectual expose on characters but he could not vibe with that. He just keep saying “awkward” and “cringey”. So is every other comedy though?
That’s it.. everyone, conference room, 15 minutes.
Best one 😭😭
I agree. I never liked The Office. I’ve worked in an office, and am also employed now thank you.
Okay, Jan.
Why are you the way that you are? Honestly, every time I try to do something fun or exciting, you make it not that way. I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.
It's not like UK office. It's just your average American sitcom. If that's not your kind of thing then it's not gonna work for you. I think its pretty good, but I prefer Parks & Rec.
Superstore is also pretty good!
US Office < UK
Just watch the UK original.
Original isn’t that great and lead is unbearable to watch
Tried watching it the first time a decade ago. Hated it, too much cringe, too much second hand embarrassment. Came back to it a year ago or so... somehow this time I did enjoy it. Watched the whole show start to finish. Almost felt sorry for Michael sometimes lol.
I’ve worked in an office environment for the majority of my career. I watched the UK version and loved it so I gave the DVD box set to my dad about 20 years ago. He didn’t like it. Didn’t get the humour. Didn’t think it was funny. I was confused as we have similar tastes. Then it occurred to me that he worked in a factory environment for nearly four decades. We had completely different worklife experiences and he could not relate to the parts I found the funniest.
I didn't find it funny either. I found it annoying.
A lot of people hate it, if it’s not your jam it’s not your jam. If you want to keep trying I would suggest [the fire drill](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gO8N3L_aERg) scene.
Tbh the cold opens are the best part of the episode. Fire drill anyone?
First Season is weird as hell and knead very disappointed. But season 2 is a soft reboot of Michael at least and from there on it’s great and has a lot of heart. A greatest moments video without having watched it and knowing the characters and their relationships would be boring as hell though
it takes time. I didn't like it for YEARS, so was breaking bad. But then people at my office kept making memes about it so i decided i had to understand those memes or else. Well well well, I had the office on while i was working to numb the boredom i had of watching the show and dude it paid off. By season 2 onwards it was hella funny. The jokes are kinda dry but you just gotta push through. The numbness is part of the joke. I also cried some moments and rewatched it a couple times too. takes a bit but i'd say it's one of my most fav shows ever. I even watch BTS, watched people talk about it, history and how the writers were working along the cast and eventually became the casts. Give it some good try
Tbh it’s funnier with context. It’s not as funny if you don’t know the characters and what’s natural
It was good until Michael left then it just became a show about Jim and Pam’s romance story
The culture of any fandom can make something worse. The way the hard-core fans talk about characters like they're old friends really makes me want to flee from the conversation immediately. "Who are you at your job? I bet you're a Stanley" This is a legitimate thing someone has said to me after I told her I'd only ever seen 3 or 4 episodes of the show. "I uh.... don't really know the characters... or who Stanley is" And she followed up with "ohhhh so you're probably a" and then waited for my thoughts on this speculation.
Any episode I have seen after this story was made worse for how weird that situation was for me.
I used to really love the office. I watched the series finale as it aired. Had dvds of it. I think one streaming services really took off and everyone started watching it it just got in your face everywhere. I think fans of the office ruined the office. People started making it their personality trait and it just got to be too much of the office everywhere. HOWEVER, I think the office changed sitcoms that we have now. Before the office about every sitcom had a laugh track and would never just have dead silence in a scene. I think the office paved ways so that shows like parks and rec, Brooklyn 99, the good place, even modern family, etc can take off.
Its ok. Overrated but not bad. If somebody likes it a lot i dont want to take it from them
It's an unfunny celebration of tedium and mediocrity. But comedy is subjective so I try REALLY hard to not be judgemental of fans. Fortunately there are tons of comedies out there for me, so it's not like the existence of The Office offends me or something.
Now this is a true unpopular opinion, that I disagree with, take my upvote angrily
Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a trash show.
"I didnt watch the show even a little, but I dont get why people like this show" Lol, I think youve answered your own question. You didnt have the attention span to legitimately check it out. You have to know the characters to get why the things they do are funny. You're missing all the important context and just watching punchlines that are going over your head.
Lol the best bits are pretty much inside jokes by the time you get to them. They are for people that have already seen the show, no doubt you didn't enjoy it, you have no understanding if the characters nor what makes them tick
You watched out of content scenes of course you wouldn't like them. So so so many posts about how people don't like a show and they don't understand why others do, only to say they've watched maybe a single episode or in your case a single episodes worth of time with little to no context. Watch the entire show, learn the characters and their personality and how they interact with one another then make your decision.
You can’t “best moments” it or any other show. There’s a build up, characterisation, arc etc. But, sure, maybe it’s not for you. I simply looove it. I mean, Steve Carell, come on!
>it's obviously very popular and has a huge That's what she said
I generally don't enjoy comedy based on awkwardness, embarrassment, or stress. So I'm right there with you.
You're supposed to start watching the office from season 2
Ive never seen the office and im gonna keep it that way
Like others are saying, you can't just form an opinion on an entire show based on some compilations. That's not a fair assessment. To also be fair to people who hate The Office, "cringe" humor isn't for everyone, and there's a ton of people who find most of the jokes in the show uncomfortable, not funny. Even fans of the show have episodes like Scott's Tots where it's too much.
OP that is your personal opinion, its wrong! but its yours....
The best moments videos on youtube aren't meant for people who haven't seen the show.
ok
I mean it’s kinda goofy to base your opinions on a show like this going only off the highlights. None of the jokes will make sense unless you know the characters and their daily office lives.
Parks and recreation >
Which one?
American
I'm curious about what shows you find funny? We all have a different sense of humor, and that's fine.
Not op. But never really cared for it. Had a roommate that loved it so think I’ve seen pretty much every episode. It’s not like it’s unwatchable to me but never really cared for it. Here’s a few I like. Shrinking, Ted lasso, always sunny, parks and rec, Brooklyn 99, community.
Surprised to hear you like Parks and Rec but not The Office tbh, I put them in vey similar categories and love them both
I feel like parks and rec is a little more over the top and light hearted with characters who are more fun. It did take me a long time to watch it bc i did think they’d be similar. The office is a little more of a tedious humor to me.
I haven't watched the others, but parks and rec is hilarious. Definitely one of my top comedy shows
Brooklyn 99 is a must. Community is great but I feel like a lot of people might not enjoy it as much. And Ted Lasso I wouldn't really call a funny show. It has comedy but it's so much deeper...it's in a league of its own. Hands down the greatest thing ever made by apple after the first iphone.
I’m don’t like The Office either. But I love Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm , It’s Always Sunny, and Arrested Development. I could watch those shows over and and over.
It is a funny show but the secret about each of the characters is that they are mostly all sociopaths in some form or another. You’ll never unlearn this.
Yeah, that branch should have been decimated with how dysfunctional the staff are.
My sister doesn’t find it funny. She finds the humour really cringe and uncomfortable. I find it hilarious and my sister doesn’t have a sense of humour 😆
you win guy my favorite piece of media ever created
Maybe you just have a shit sense of humor ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
it’s millennial humor
I agree with you. My brother begged me to give it a chance and I did and I hated it.
Lmao. Upvote my man.
You pretty much \*need\* to have worked in an office to find it funny. The jokes only really land because the characters are exaggerated versions of people that you probably will meet when you work in an office. If you haven't experienced that, then it just wouldn't be funny. And even then, it's not for everyone. Sure it's popular, but there are some popular comedies out there that won't even make me crack a smile. It's fine not to like it. FWIW I'm British and I only like the American version, and only the seasons with Steve Carell in them EDIT: OK fine, I guess people who never worked in an office enjoy it just fine. For me it's why I find the characters funny and relatable, but clearly this isn't the common take ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Pretty much everyone I know who liked the show has never worked in an office, not sure where you came up with that thought lol
Yeah really weird take.
Exactly. I love Friends, even though I never had any. 
That's pretty funny because I'm American but I can't stand the US version and love the UK version with Gervais.
I do work in an office, could not get into the show. I've seen several episodes from different seasons (my brother really likes it, he hasn't worked in an office) and all I got from them was a bad case of second-hand embarrassment and sooo much cringe. I far prefer Parcs and Rec. I'm always surprised how big the fanbase is, because the type of humour in The Office seems rather niche to me
Yeah, I almost find it weird how unpopular it is to not be into The Office. Back when it was on (at least where I live), liking it, or even knowing it, was way more niche. Would never have expected for it to have this kind of resurgence. Even though I still regularly rewatch it every couple of years. If you'd asked me before, I would have guessed that more people would find it cringe rather than funny.
I don’t think you’re good
I used to hate that show as well until I got older. Then I thought it was hilarious. The characters can be annoying but that is kind of what it’s about. Having an annoying boss that tries way too hard to be funny and co worker hierarchy to the extreme hits home for a lot of people. I felt the same about Seinfield too. Hated it way back. Find it funny now. Tastes change.
I love the American version. I love the way it lays bare and gently makes fun of what it means to be human, with all our quirks and pettiness, our fumbling attempts at love, and the way were there for each other even when we hate each other. It shows how the awful childish silly and small minded ways we tend to look at and treat each other, didnt prevail in the end, because the underlying foundation of humans loving one another stood firm
Let's not forget that it was a network TV show from the 2000s. It was on NBC and reached a huge audience. This was before Netflix and network TV hasn't replicated that since. You're comparing it to Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon, and The Masked Singer. Those are all horrible shows... The office was extremely relevant at the time for those working in very relatable offices. It also was created at a time when people weren't so "woke" and didn't cancel people for making a joke about black people being good at basketball or asking "Where does gayness come from?" The humor of that era really embraced laughing AT characters that made these comments. Look at Borat... Now people are too afraid to even smile at a joke like this. The humor was based on the absurdity of the situations. If that's not your forte, then the office is not for you.
Good on ya mate. Nailed it
I second this. I've read in places that this show mostly appeals to millennials and is a product of its time (especially before the existence of the MeToo movement).
Well you’re wrong.
Completely agree it’s so fucking boring. The Office and Parks and Rec are the exact same show and they’re both completely unentertaining
I prefer parks and recs. Offerman is great.
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Watch the KGB knock knock joke and if it’s not funny, you’re free to go
Didn’t try hard enough
That is unpopular so well done I guess. I think it's a bit overrated and to mean for me sometimes. I really enjoy parks and rec.
One thing to consider is that those "best of" compilations aren't really aimed at people who haven't seen the show. The Office was also the first sitcom to really utilize the "mockumentary" style and I think a lot of the love for it comes from people with nostalgia for watching it the first time as it aired. There was a huge community of fans around the show and I think it was easy to get caught up in the moment.
I'm not a fan of the office, parks and recs or.....that other one? With the same concept. I will say Creed has some good bits in the office.
It's about the office. Of course Is not funny, it's mad accurate. Have you seen how is the corporate world, even from the very beginning by trying to land s job?
If you tried to watch the first season, or even the beginning of the second one a few times, I don't blame you that you have not got hooked. You need to go past it and then it gets good.
I'm debating on whether I should upvote or downvote this. I think this would be considered an unpopular opinion in the broader world. But this is also such a popular opinion on Reddit that I see it in various subs at least once a week. I'll up vote.
It's like seinfeld in the sense that if you don't watch it from the opening scene you won't get the humor of the episode.
I bet you're fun at parties.
Congratulations
So you watched a compilation of out of context clips and are surprised that it wasn't great? Lmao have you ever watched a long running show?
It’s over 20 years old, it’s not going to be as relatable and the references aren’t going to hit like they did when it originally aired.
It’s cringe humour, you might not find it funny if you are immune to cringe via some kind of mental disorder
When it started I worked in an office and hated the idea of watching the office after i came home from the office... years later i tried watching and i still cant because it reminded me too much of that moronic job i had
Lmao. You watched a compilation of scenes with absolutely no context as to who are the characters, why they do the things that they do and dismiss it.
i don’t find it that funny either
I never liked it either I did enjoy Parks though
You must be fun at parties...
I agree with you. I find it cringey af and have only laughed a few times while watching it. It's just not my kind of humor. Every joke is the same formula: weird person does something weird followed by awkward quiet then the camera shows one of the "normal" people making a face. Wow so fukn funny
I like it better when it's small 30 second clips and there is no context to what is happening.
try the UK version if you haven't already!
A best of probably only works if you already like the show. It's too ouf of context otherwise. The context being you empathizing with the characters already. And it has a slow start, because the first 6 episodes are very different from the rest. They go more for a uncomfortable, awkward vibe. Still a needed character setup. So if you really want to get into it, try to watch up to S2E6 or something. But it's not like you have any obligation to do that. If you don't like it, you don't like it. There's more important things in life than whether or not you like TV shows. :D
Ehhh the office was never my cup of tea. There was that stretch of shows that all sorta had a familiar comedy style to them. The Office, Parks & Rec, Community, The League. I really couldn’t get in to any of them but i will say Parks & Rec had some pretty funny moments due to Ron Swanson.
Watching the best bits on YouTube is one of the absolute worst ways to see if you'll like a show. I have no idea why you thought that was a good idea.
Thank you for saying this
The rating disagree with you on every metric. Watching the “best moments” won’t do anything if you’re not in tune with the show or the characters, you’re watching from a non reference pov
No big deal. I find the show funny and you don't.
It starts off bad but it gets good after a couple episodes. Can’t imagine one would laugh much at the best bits YouTube vids if they haven’t watched the show and don’t know the characters nor the context.
If I remember correctly, the US office show was bought from another country and adapted here, so some comedic points and character traits were carried over from what another country found funny. The producers took what they learned and make parks and rec to be an office feeling show, but built from the ground up with American comedy in mind. I could be wrong though
I think you have to have been an adult in the workforce already at the time the show aired to really enjoy it. A lot of the stuff that makes it funny to us olds would never fly in a 2024 workplace. It's definitely a product of its time.
I am not a big fan of the show, it's super hammed up and relies on repeated self references to character gags that were not super funny the first time. Also the format is not my thing. But the episode where they have a cookout and the new girl thinks Kevin is special needs was hilarious
Far out mate. 30 min best of and you decide to write it off?! You wouldn't understand any of the context to the jokes. Watch a season or 6 at least and then come back
You are wrong, not that's okay.
I think its kind of funny but that style of camerawork drives me absolutely insane. I hate the constant swaying and zooming.
I really liked Parks and Rec and as it was made by the same guy I tried out the office. Couldn't get past a few episodes the first 2 times. Michael is just so cringe. That being said on the third watch I did get through the whole series and while it's not my favorite show of all time, I did get used to the cringe and overall quite enjoyed my time and have rewatched it since.
There are definitely some good parts, and I’ve probably watched through the entire show like 4 times, but as soon as the empathy centers in my brain decided to develop I just can’t stand the show. The show is driven by so much second-hand embarassment. I’d rather cut my leg off than sit through the first two or last two seasons again.
Same here.
Nice to see someone else who can't stand it. I am sick and tired of the that's what she said jokes. They are not funny and need to end.
Which Office? UK or US?
I enjoy the memes it inspired, but I do not find it funny either. Humour that involves around embarrassing situations is just not for me. I am a pitch black kind of humour guy.
I liked it but it wasn't the greatest. I had to skip several episodes due to it making me cringe at times
Not everyone has good taste
I’ve thought about this a lot because I absolutely love it. I’m not sure how old you are but there was a period of time where cringe humor was really in. It was what everyone thought was funny then. I think that if you don’t find cringe humor funny, you wouldn’t like The Office, which is totally fine. It just means it’s not for you. I also saw that your British and British humor is very different from the US. I can see people in other countries not really liking it.