The Office
- Networks: NBC, Syndicated
- Genre: Comedy
What parents need to know
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.
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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.
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?
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 |
| Available on: | DVD, Streaming |
| Awards: | Emmy, Golden Globe |
About Our Rating System
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What parents and kids say
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Love it!
Can you say, Tivo?
Cautious for 12 year olds, but good for anyone older
