The Office on NBC

The American version of 'The Office' is all set to premiere on NBC this Thursday. The original BBC comedy with Ricky Gervais as the excruciatingly insufferable boss of the dullest office you can imagine became insanely popular, winning Gervais a Golden Globe for best actor. The sly humor, absence of a laughtrack and amazing performances from the entire cast have given it a cult following, so naturally there are fears that the American version may bungle it. (Remember what a dud the remake of 'Coupling' turned out to be!)

Initial reviews are not very flattering, but you can judge for yourself since the first episode is available online. (Check out btefnet for the torrent after Thursday night.) Steve Carell is no Ricky Gervais (who was endearing in a certain way even when he was acting like a jerk) and the 'Gareth' character, well isn't quite the naturally weird Gareth we know. The 'Tim' guy is quite a copy of the original Tim, down to the small mannerisms. Whether you like this version or not, get the DVD of the original and I assure you that you will be hooked!

Tags: the office, television, comedy