Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Office
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 88 parent reviews
Parents say that the show is generally appropriate for kids ages 12 and up, particularly when watched with parental guidance, as it contains some mature humor and themes. The humor, while often lighthearted and character-driven, includes sexual innuendos and occasional swearing, leading many reviews to recommend it for older tweens and teens who can understand these jokes, although some viewers feel it should be restricted to older audiences due to its content.
- appropriate for teens
- mature humor
- parental guidance
- lighthearted comedy
- character-driven
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 557 kid reviews
Kids say this show is absolutely hilarious and a classic that many recommend for older kids and teenagers, particularly those aged 12 and up. While it features a mix of crude jokes and mature themes, most agree it's enjoyable for those who are mature enough to understand the humor, even if some content may not be suitable for younger viewers.
- hilarious comedy
- appropriate for teens
- mature themes
- mixed reviews
- character development
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this mockumentary sitcom 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. There's bumbling branch manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell); 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 on-and-off office flame; dry-humored Jim (John Krasinski), a prank-loving sales rep who's in love with his co-worker Pam (Jenna Fischer); and many other memorable folks.
Is It Any Good?
Though some viewers might find this series' intentional awkwardness uncomfortable, others will think it's well worth the investment. Inefficiency runs amok in The Office, a deft remake of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's classic BBC mockumentary that cemented its status as a stand-alone hit. As Michael Scott, Carell set the bar high (and won a Golden Globe Award) by creating a character who is both offensive and oddly endearing. While The Office became a different sort of workplace for sure once he left the show after season 7, it's still one that keeps fans punching in for more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the award-winning British comedy upon which The Office 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 get away with poking fun at serious subjects like racism or sexism?
Do you think the series paints an accurate picture of office behavior? Or has corporate culture been exaggerated for the sake of comedy?
How do the characters on The Office demonstrate self-control and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What are some pitfalls Michael stumbles into as he attempts to build team morale? How would you foster a positive work culture if you were in his shoes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 24, 2005
- Cast : Jenna Fischer , John Krasinski , Rainn Wilson , Steve Carell
- Networks : NBC , Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Self-control , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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