The Office Overcame the 1 Fatal Flaw That Dooms Most UK Comedy Adaptations
The Office US brilliantly diverges from the original UK show's comedy style, avoiding a common trap in adaptations It sets an exemplary path for success in remaking UK comedies
The US version of The Office achieved great success by avoiding a common problem that typically leads to the failure of US adaptations of UK comedic shows. The two countries have distinct comedic styles, and the sitcom format perfectly highlights these differences. US sitcoms usually have a lighthearted tone, focusing on endearing goofballs and rarely allowing the main characters to experience true failure. On the other hand, UK sitcoms tend to embrace the flaws and shortcomings of their protagonists.
Although The Office's Michael Scott and Holly did go through a breakup, they ultimately reached a happy ending. This sentimentality extended to Jim, Pam, and most of the other main characters in the show's finale. This underscores the fundamental disparity between UK and US sitcoms. Generally, UK sitcoms mock their main characters, while US sitcoms laugh alongside them. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, such as the more dry and deadpan nature of some US sitcoms like Arrested Development and the kinder portrayal of heroes in some warmer UK sitcoms like The Vicar of Dibley. Nonetheless, in general, this distinction explains why The Office's adaptation thrived.
The Office Didn't Copy The Original UK Show's Comedy Style
In its cringeworthy debut season, the American version of The Office closely resembled its UK counterpart. The detached documentary style, dry humor, and embarrassing leading character were all present, along with the show's mean-spirited treatment of its main protagonist. However, this changed for the better as The Office US evolved and diverged from The Office UK's style. While the overall concept persisted throughout the series (as indicated by the controversial Brian subplot that even acknowledged the documentary team), the US adaptation embraced a completely different comedic approach that was less cynical and more lighthearted, aligning with typical American sitcoms.
The appeal of The Office UK stemmed from witnessing David Brent's failures. Although he was the central character, David was far from a heroic figure, and his unpleasant traits were only somewhat mitigated by his constant self-sabotage. While there were occasional tender moments, particularly in the romance between Tim and Dawn, most of The Office UK's humor derived from a dislike of humanity. In contrast, The Office US encouraged viewers to root for its heroes. Despite their flaws, the only episode that treated Jim and Pam similarly to David Brent, particularly during Roy's season 9 wedding, was widely disliked.
The Office Avoided A Trap Other UK Comedy Adaptations Fall Into
The US adaptations of The IT Crowd and The Inbetweeners failed to effectively capture the essence of the original shows. Instead of creating US-specific remakes, these shows ended up being cheap parodies that lacked the dry British humor present in the originals. Unlike The Office, which successfully replaced the British humor with broader, more relatable character comedy, these failed adaptations became generic and awkward sitcoms that lost touch with their source material. On the other hand, The Office US managed to maintain the cringe humor of the UK version while reinterpreting the show's style to resonate with American audiences. By creating a more likable protagonist in Michael Scott who resembled beloved US comedy heroes like Joey Tribbiani or Father Mulcahy from MASH, The Office US was able to win over viewers.
A successful US adaptation of The Inbetweeners would ideally evoke the same feel as Superbad, while a US version of The IT Crowd would thrive as a workplace comedy similar to Parks and Recreation. Merely replicating the original shows without considering their cultural context resulted in American remakes that felt devoid of soul and disconnected from their roots. In contrast, The Office US intelligently crafted Michael Scott as a contrasting character to David Brent. While David Brent represented unlikable and doomed British comedy protagonists like Basil Fawlty and Alan Partridge, Michael Scott embodied foolhardy yet ultimately well-intentioned US comedy heroes.
The Office Shows How Other Adaptations Of UK Shows Can Succeed
US adaptations of UK comedy shows can indeed succeed, as exemplified by the longevity of The Office compared to its original version. However, this success hinges on the show's creators' ability to navigate cultural differences. While sitcoms like Gavin & Stacey are distinctly tied to their specific geographical settings, The Office UK, for instance, is more subtly influenced by its country of origin. In order for US adaptations of UK sitcoms to truly thrive, they must alter their main characters and subtly adjust the comedic focus, allowing the show to establish its own unique identity. Unfortunately, many imitators of The Office failed to accomplish this crucial shift.
