The Office

Parents say
Based on 101 reviews
Kids say
Based on 529 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Office
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Office is an adult-oriented comedy that paints a pretty bleak -- but hilarious -- 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.
Community Reviews
Great show!
Report this review
Report this review
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. They include 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 dry-humored Jim (John Krasinski), an underachieving sales rep who's in love with his co-worker Pam (Jenna Fischer).
Is It Any Good?
Though some viewers might find it difficult to adapt to this series' painfully intentional awkwardness, for older audiences, it's well worth the investment. Inefficiency runs amok in The Office, a deft remake of Ricky Gervais' classic BBC mockumentary that's proven to be a hit that stands alone from its British predecessor, using only the framework of the previous series and adding storylines that are more reflective of American office culture. As bumbling branch manager Michael Scott, 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.
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 really poke fun at serious subjects like racism or sexism? Has the line between what's considered acceptable and what's 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? 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?
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: TV-14
- Awards: Emmy, Golden Globe
- Last updated: March 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love quirky humor
Character Strengths
Find more tv shows that help kids build character.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate