How Many Episodes Of ' The Office ' Do I Have To Watch Before I Like It?

[naomi24]

Carrying on from the long conversation we had here about Ricky Gervais and his quite brilliant ‘After Life’ and ‘Derek’, I was advised to watch ‘The Office’. I’d been put off by the few bits I’ve seen of it in the past but, thinking I must have missed something, took that advice. Having watched the first three episodes I’m still wondering why it’s good. Should I continue - or will I never ‘get it’?

[royfromaus]

Can't really answer the Q but I'd sooner watch Extras again rather than The Office.

[JimF]

If you've watched the first three and still don't "get it", I doubt you ever will. It was hugely popular of course and won awards but, like The Simpsons and The Beatles, doesn't appeal to everyone.

[Buenchico]

I suspect that you'll never 'get it'. I certainly never could. I detested the characterisations and, in particular, the hand-held camera shots (intended to make it look like a documentary). I found the whole thing to be totally cringeworthy.

I never understood why 'The Office' kept winning so many awards when there were other comedy series at around the same time which were far, far better (notably the totally brilliant 'Still Game') that kept getting overlooked. (Perhaps it was because most of the critics were London-based, with anything from BBC Scotland to be deemed not even worthy of looking at by them?)

[Ken4155]

Must admit, Naomi, I never took to The Office either. I have watched clips from it since, which I've found quite amusing, but I wouldn't like to have watched a whole episode for the one laugh. I much preferred Extras but After Life and Derek are his two best creations thus far. In my very humble opinion, of course.

[Pooka1950]

I never 'got it' either but then I don't like Ricky Gervais. However, the American version (the U.S. Office) is totally brilliant and much funnier IMO.

[JimF]

I absolutely loved it, especially the double-episode Christmas finale in 2003. As far as I'm concerned, the moment where Dawn appears at the end and walks over and kisses Tim ranks right up there with Capt George saying "Actually, I'm scared, sir.", Kevin the teenager finally losing his virginity or Tony telling Debs that he doesn't feel like it and then saying "Ha! That's what it feels like!"

[andy-hughes]

I adored it from the first minute onwards, mainly because I have worked for bosses like Brent, and worse!!

[Mamyalynne]

I wanted to get it but I simply couldn't - I guess you either do or don't.

[ladybirder]

Give up Naomi and wait till next Spring when hopefully there will be a third series of After Life.

[tiggerblue10]

Have a go at watching Extras, Naomi. You might find that more amusing. I watched both series again last weekend and forgot how funny it was. A few cringy bits but well worth it.

I also watched The Office again which I love but can understand why others may not find it funny. Series 2 was a lot funnier and once you get to know the characters it kind of flows better.

[emmie]

i don't get the appeal of Ricky Gervais at all, he is to me at least, cringeworthy.

[waterboatman]

I watched about half of one episode, that was enough!

[Old_Geezer]

I never found out. It seemed to close to reality and thus uncomfortable rather than humourous.

[Prudie]

I'm with JimF, I watch it repeatedly and have the final Xmas scene with Dawn recorded in my planner for regular re-watch. It helps that I think Ricky Gervais is brilliant plus as I work in a similar office set-up and although parodied, some of the daily goings on are so true to life. It never fails to make me laugh.

[mallyh]

jim what show are tony and debs on ?

[douglas9401]

Men behaving badly

[mallyh]

oh ,thankyou x

[douglas9401]

You're actually allowed not to get or like something, Naomi.

It's only the telly. :-)

[iluvmargie]

I was a big fan and would love to watch it all again, even though it's terribly cringeworthy a lot of the time! My favourite was the one where his blind date turned up at the office 'do' and they hit it off, but I did prefer Derek. I really like Ricky Gervais.

[tiggerblue10]

My favourite funny seen from any Ricky Gervais show was in Extras, series 2, with the water bottle. I literally was Rolling On the Floor Laughing :o)