The Office: UK vs. US version: which is better?

[pc4th]

I have seen both and personally I like the US version more. Maybe because the fact that I seen the US version first has something to do with it. Both versions are great and the David Brent character is halarious.


Michael Scott vs David Brent: David win
Pam vs. Dawn: tie (though I would prefer Pam)
Jim vs. Tim: tie
Dwight vs. Gareth: Dwight by a mile

the temp?: the American version wins hand down.

[Henry Porter]

The US slightly for me as I like the more American feel but you can't go wrong either way.

[BayernWake]

I've seen maybe seven episodes of the US version, but recently bought the entire UK series. The UK series was just brilliant...laugh out loud funny and poignant.

I like the US version too, but it will take a lot of episodes for it to reach the level of the UK version.

[dark knight]

I started with the US version and I like it but it's really no contest.

[sanariot]

I declined to vote in this poll because there was no "I watched the original version and I initially thought that an American version would be a bad idea, but came around to realize that both shows can stand on their own two legs" option...

[Spartak]

I was starting to feel the NBC version might have surpassed the BBC version. That was until I rewatched two of the BBC episodes the other day. In those episodes there were a couple things that made me chuckle that I didn't see the other 5-10 times I watched those episodes. That made me realize the genius of the BBC version. If you can find something different to laugh at each time you watch then it is a comedy classic.

[quentinc]

There will never be TV as good as the UK version of the office.

[ForeverRed]

I voted for the UK version, even though I watched the US version first, which I find excellent.

The UK version is just a lot wittier with more replay value I find, the acting feels less scripted and just spontaneously hillarious.

While Dwight is indeed a freaking hillarious character, I don't think it gets better than Garath....just looking at him can tell you a million stories which will all make you piss yer pants.

[quentinc]

Michael Scott vs David Brent: David win
Pam vs. Dawn: tie (though I would prefer Pam)
Jim vs. Tim: tie
Dwight vs. Gareth: Dwight by a mile

the temp?: the American version wins hand down.
I don't think it's fair to compare the American temp with the British temp. It's clear that, in the US version, there's alot more lines focused on character's outside the big four. And none of the US characters really have the same archetypes. There's no Chris Finch for example.

The only ones that are replicated from the UK version are the regional manager; the fat, deadpan dude; the temp; Jim/Tim's girlfriend; and to a certain extent, the old, crotchety dude (Creed in the US, and I can't remember the US guy's name)

And of those, the regional manager and the fat guy are the only two that are similar.

[MikeLastort2]

Don't let the Eurosnobs fool ya. The US version is better. :)

[emp2b3]

So far I would also vote UK version.
I need to watch more US shows, but are they really going for the same feel? The BBC version didn't seem to me to market itself as a comedy; a lot of the laughs aren't immediately obvious and i would say that during the majority of the show the characters are in some really uncomfortable situations.

[sarabella]

I voted a tie, but I get the feeling that I miss so many jokes on the UK version. Sometimes I know they've said something cultural-specific that is supposed to be funny, but I don't really get it because I didn't grow up there and I've never lived there.

I imagine the US version is the same for the UK viewers.

Both are brilliant.

[Doctor Stamen]

The UK version is an example of the cringing comedy that isn't immediately funny like Airplane, but is still funny. To see characters like David Brent or Alan Partridge dig themselves deeper and deeper is probably uniquely funny to the British. Not seen the US version, as I feel it will be like most US sitcoms-lacking that something that sets it apart.

I did prefer Alan Partridge to The Office though.

[monster]

I declined to vote in this poll because there was no "I watched the original version and I initially thought that an American version would be a bad idea, but came around to realize that both shows can stand on their own two legs" option...
Yeah, I was looking for the Why does it have to be a contest? Can't the shows stand on their own as unique looks at office life in different cultures? Just sit back and enjoy option

[M]

No contest for me. Prudish US TV means that the US version has little or none of the sexual banter of the UK version (two sisters, lesbians, just watching - thankyou for sharing Gareth).

[peledre]

There's no Chris Finch for example.

Yes there is. David Koechner's character Todd Packer is the US version of Finchy.
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/photo/david_koechner.jpg

[peledre]

Both shows are great, and shouldn't be compared. Both shows are perfect for the audience's they were geared for. I think soccer fans, being a bit more worldly than the average Yank can appreciate how both shows stand on their own legs, and can appreciate the different kinds of humor.

[Haole]

I haven't watched the US version fearing the worst.

The UK series made me cringe, howl and hang on every exchange. Great stuff and don't want to venture into American-style wit...it's too broad for me.

[Henry Porter]

I really think you should give it a shot. What's a half hour of your time?

[obie]

The US shows have more weekly plot, more dialogue, faster pacing, and are trying more for the out-loud laugh. Not better nor worse, just different.