 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Office
- NBC, Syndicated
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
September 26, 2011
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
May 17, 2011
AGE
good for teens
I like the show but manly for teens.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Networks: | NBC, Syndicated |
| Cast: | Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
