The Office (NBC, Syndicated)

common sense media says

Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.


parents & educators say
  • 32% say language is an issue
  • 27% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this adult-oriented office comedy paints a pretty bleak picture of corporate culture, mining most of its laughs from management faux pas. There’s some sexual humor, including interoffice affairs, as well as some low-level violence that’s played for laughs. In addition, some characters make racist and sexist remarks, and two secondary characters have problems with drugs and alcohol, also played for laughs.

Positive messages: For the most part, corporate culture is portrayed as dysfunctional and grossly inefficient … and there isn’t a whole lot of "working" going on. There’s also an overarching message that you can be completely incompetent and still keep your job, as long as you’re loyal to the company.
Positive role models: The core characters are a mixed bag (and one even has a drinking problem), but at least a handful seem to actually like their jobs. Some are unintentionally sexist or racist. Jim and Pam are kind and likeable, and among the most normal of the bunch.
Violence: Some semi-violent incidents are played for comedy, such as an employee getting injured on the job and having to be hospitalized, etc.
Sex: Frequent jokes about sex and some sexual innuendo, but nothing overt, with occasional (but comical) blurred nudity. Some co-workers are involved in on-again, off-again physical relationships and/or interoffice affairs.
Language: Inappropriate comments about race and gender that are either ignored or met with disbelief. Occasional use of words like "bitch," "ass," "hell," etc.
Consumerism: Some product placement -- notably by Staples. One episode took place at Hooters, another at Chili's, etc.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One character has an ongoing problem with alcohol (played for laughs), occasionally getting drunk at office functions where alcohol is served. Another has a history of drug use and still uses marijuana, etc.

More on The Office

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the award-winning British comedy upon which this series is based. How do the two compare, and which do you prefer? What types of changes were made to the plot and characters in altering the series for an American audience?

  • Can clever writing really poke fun at serious subjects like racism or sexism? Has the line of what’s considered acceptable vs. offensive changed, and is that line different for cable and network shows? Should it be?

  • Do you think the series paints an accurate picture of office behavior? Has corporate culture been exaggerated for the sake of comedy?

What's the story?

What's the story?

In this mockumentary series covering the 9-to-5 antics at a Pennsylvania-based paper company branch, there isn't a lot of actual work getting done. But THE OFFICE is filled with colorful characters, including wannabe manager Dwight (Rainn Wilson), who runs the family beet farm when he's not functioning as the office hall monitor; cat-loving accountant Angela (Angela Kinsey), Dwight's former office flame; and everyman Jim (John Krasinski), an underachieving sales rep who eventually marries his co-worker Pam (Jenna Fischer).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Inefficiency runs amok in this deft remake of Ricky Gervais' classic BBC mockumentary that's proven to be a stand-alone hit from its British predecessor, using only the framework of the previous series and adding storylines that are more reflective of American office culture. And though some viewers unfamiliar with the original series' tone might find it difficult to adapt to The Office's painfully intentional awkwardness, for mature audiences, it's well worth the investment.

As bumbling branch manager Michael Scott, former Office star Steve Carell set the bar high (and won a Golden Globe Award) by creating a character who was both offensive -- and oddly endearing -- for seven successful seasons. But while it's a different sort of workplace for sure in the wake of his absence, it's still one that keeps us punching in for more.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: NBC
Cast: Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: NBC

This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 44 parent & educator reviews:
  • 32% say language is an issue
  • 27% say sexual content is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

ilovecookiez
teen, 14 years old
 
Love it!
This show is so funny! It's one of the only teen and adult shows that don't make fun of Christ. (Family guy, The Simpsons, South park) Because I was raised a Christan, and thats not acceptable.

qriel
teen, 15 years old
 
"not for kids"?
that's what she said

Never Mind
parent of 17 year old
 
Classic Characters
This is one of those times where the plot is character driven. The characters were so well designed, keeping the viewer eager for more! With each of them having their own personality, they have all the basics, skills, and potential to have a great show. Thumbs up for The Office!

acmrockstar
kid, 10 years old
 
good for teens
I like the show but manly for teens.

blonde_reb
teen, 16 years old
 
Great Show
The Office is probably one of the cleanest shows on primetime television out there. As a Christian I usually don't watch anything off color, and the Office wasn't bad. To start "good role models"- Jim and Pam (main characters) are a pretty good role model. Although, she did have a baby out of wedlock and he might not try as hard as he could, they are the most normal and sensible of the show. Sexuality- All talk. There has never been a sex scene in the history of the show other than hinted at. And that right there is a big deal or tv. Language- So far I don't see that much curse words as I do offensive jokes about race and background. Product Placement- The show is set in a "normal office" so obviously it's going to use product placement. Everything in the show is something you would find in everyday life (which make sense because it's a documentary) and who really cares about product placement? Drinking/Drugs- This might be the worst. They have frequent parties and usually have alcohol. One of the members is an alcoholic. Also, another character was on drugs, and there is a whole episode focused on a joint found in the parking lot. Overall, this is a great show (my favorite) and I think it's hilarious. While I rated with a 13, I did so because they might not understand the subtle humor of the show becuase it does not use a laughtrack. We will miss you Michael Scott! TV legend!

heavymetalchick
teen, 13 years old
 
Hilarious show, but not appropriate for younger kids
First off, I just want to say how hilarious this show is and I have loved it ever since I was 10 years old. But then again, my parents aren't as strict towards sex and language in movies. I learned all that I needed to know in 3rd grade, and I consider myself very mature towards those subjects. I am responsible and I don't plan on copying anything that the characters on "The Office" do. But not all people are like that. This show has the following,- A basically all the time drunk working in the office, a boss who says "that's what she said" often, some characters that are terrible role models, etc. But now that Steve Carrel is gone, replaced by Will Ferrel, i don't know how inappropriate things will be. I suggest this for the age of 12-14. Younger kids will simply not get most of the jokes, and just be bored of it. Also, there is some drinking throughout, some race jokes, comments about being overweight, etc. I think that this is/was (not sure about the whole Will Ferrel thing) a great show for young adults and adults of any age.

ThreeDaysGrace ...
teen, 15 years old
 
What are you talking about? This show is great!

MRW2
kid, 8 years old
 
hilarious.
Hilarious show. not for anyone under an at least mildly mature 3 or 4. Season two episodes 3 and four and season 8 episode one are the best.

Alice
teen, 13 years old
 
One of the Funniest Shows on Tv (Right now, anyway)
The Office is a 30 minute sitcom about the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. It is extremely funny, and it lives up to the hype.

Cecilia
adult
 
Can you say, Tivo?
The show is hilarious, but not every episode is appropriate for kids. Definitely watch it before you let your kids watch it, especially if they're under 13 or you want to prepare them for what's in the episode. You can't rewind life once they've seen or heard something. You have to be responsible and do your homework ahead of time. You'll laugh while you're doing it! :) Some of the sexual content is way too inappropriate for my liking. There has been a show or two that I did not feel was "okay" and I just didn’t let them see it. I’m always by their side or in the room watching it with them the first run through so I can comment on what is funny, but not so smart to do in real life. You might think my kids hate my being in the room with them, but to the contrary, we're so close and they like being able to express their take on a scenario on the show. I don't push my beliefs or commentaries down their throats, but it's a great opportunity to open dialog without it being forced or out of context. Life's gonna happen and they're going to see things I can't control, but in my home at least I do have that option. Tivo!

chaitanyaamalik
teen, 13 years old
 
child approved

Christ-Lover
parent of and 7 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 14 year old
 
Great show, my not for children under the age of twelve.
This show is very funny.

 
Hilarious but not for small children
I know I shouldn't let my preteen boys watch this show. and in general I am more strict than most parents I know, but this show is so funny and I know that they hear and see worse at school and friends houses. So we laugh so hard and actually have quite a few conversations about the things that happen in the show. I would not recommend to any children, but it is so funny to watch all of the what not to do situations.

pielover1088
kid, 12 years old
 
Great, NOT for kids
It is such a funny show:) I love it, but sometimes it does'nt make much sense. Not for kids....at all!!!

bccjg2001
kid, 10 years old
 
one of my fav shows
I LOVE THE OFFICE

 

 
Children below 14-15 may not be able to distinguish humour from reality.
Clever, witty, insightful show. However, nearly all of the characters have serious flaws either socially, intellectually, or emotionally and thus are not very good role models. The main character in particular says and does very offensive things nearly every show. Children 14 and above may be able to understand that much of the show is not to be taken seriously but below that, because of the dry sense of humour, children may take much of the show's sarcastic remarks literally.

otto555
teen, 14 years old
 
an iffy show
this may be the best show on TV, but no body under 12, or, for some, 11. i was 11 when i saw it, but thats just me.

Rednaxela
teen, 16 years old
 
halarious!!!!
This is my favorite show in TV to date! I love it!!! there is some inappropriate stuff in it. Micheal, the main character, is socially inept, and makes sex jokes a lot! like "that's what she said". one character gets drunk every 5 episodes or so, and there are several racial jokes about Stanly-who's black. But all in all, this show is on top! That's what she said.

EpicKevinMan
teen, 13 years old
 
HAHAHAHAHA!
This is a very good show! Sexual Content isn't terrible, but not kid friendly, But this is a very, very, very good show. Off 2-10, iffy 11, on 12+!

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age