The Office, a groundbreaking mockumentary-style sitcom, has left an indelible mark on the world of television comedy. At the heart of this iconic series lies the genius of Ricky Gervais, the co-creator, writer, and star of the original UK version.
The Office wasn’t just a hit in the UK; it went on to spawn numerous adaptations around the world, including the highly successful US version starring Steve Carell. But did Gervais enjoy the US version as much as he did with the UK one? Was the attachment equal?
He Felt less Attached to the US Version
The Office, a mockumentary-style sitcom that has become a cultural phenomenon, exists in two distinct iterations—the UK original created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and the US adaptation starring Steve Carell.
These two versions have left an indelible mark on the world of television comedy and sparked endless debates about which is superior.
The UK version of The Office is where it all began. Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the show made its debut in 2001. In 2005, NBC introduced the US version of The Office, spearheaded by Steve Carell as Michael Scott.
Ricky Gervais in an interview with GQ said that he had no attachment to the US version of The Office. He said:
“You know, it wasn’t my baby. It was my rights, so I cashed the checks. I think it was good, but I didn’t have the same emotional attachment to it.”
It’s noteworthy that Gervais’s work on The Office garnered critical acclaim and awards, establishing him as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
But It was the US Office that Made Him Rich
With his amusing opinion on which version is superior, Ricky Gervais has put an end to the debate. When asked lately on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, which version of The Office was superior, Gervais said that he personally believes the UK version is superior, but his accountant said it’s the US version.
“Well, I thought the British Office was the best, but my accountant assures me that it’s the American Office.” the actor said
The UK version of The Office ran from July 2001 to December 2003 while the US version ran from March 2005 to May 2013. While the UK Office only ever had 14 episodes, the US one ran to 201 episodes over nine seasons.
Watch The Office (U.S.) on Netflix.
Source: GQ
