20 Years of The US Office

On March 25, The Office US will mark 20 years since it first graced our screens. To celebrate, let’s compare it to the UK version and determine which awkward comedy truly reigns supreme.

Both versions of The Office share a signature prank war, with the stapler-in-jelly gag being one of the most iconic. The UK version features Gareth Keenan’s stapler submerged in jelly, much to his dismay. David Brent hilariously tries to lecture Gareth about ‘people starving in the world,’ but when Gareth points out that the stapler has his name on it, Brent quickly backpedals.

Later, Keenan takes the opportunity to prank Brent, calling him with an Irish accent. The US version, while building on the stapler-in-jelly prank, has its own legendary gags—like Jim Halpert impersonating Dwight Schrute, Dwight being recruited by the CIA, and the "Asian Jim" prank. While the UK laid the groundwork, the US took pranking to new heights, making it the winner in this category.

The UK version revolves around a tight-knit core of characters, especially Brent. As the general manager of Wernham Hogg paper merchants in Slough, Brent’s self-assured, delusional persona steals the spotlight. His obliviousness to social cues and awkward attempts at humour make him the show’s driving force. Classic moments, like his confusing flirtations or his offer to “stay at Dawn’s,” leave viewers positively cringing.

The supporting cast in the UK version is equally memorable. Keenan, the overzealous assistant regional manager, constantly clashes with Tim Canterbury, the sharp-witted lead. Canterbury, secretly in love with Dawn Tinsley, provides the perfect counterbalance to Keenan’s antics, with his dry humour. Tinsley, the receptionist caught between Tim and Gareth, adds depth to the dynamic. This cast brings a perfect blend of comedy and awkwardness that made the series unforgettable.

In the US version, the ensemble cast expands beyond Michael Scott, Schrute, Halpert, and Pam Beesly, introducing characters like Stanley, Kelly, Kevin, and Meredith. Each one has a distinct personality, adding layers to the show’s dynamic. Over nine seasons, the characters grow and evolve, and the show is notable for allowing even minor characters to shine. Despite its larger cast, the US version loses some of the raw authenticity the UK show captured with its smaller, more grounded group. Therefore, the UK version earns the win for its more authentic portrayal of office life.

When it comes to romance, both shows feature slow-burn relationships. In the UK version, Canterbury and Tinsley’s connection builds from innocent flirtation to awkward mutual attraction, and finally to a satisfying, if understated, conclusion. Halpert and Beesly’s relationship in the US version starts with the typical "will they, won’t they" drama, but it becomes less compelling once they marry.

While Halpert and Beesly’s arc spans the entire series, their married life loses some of the charm of their earlier flirtations. Ultimately, the UK version takes the win for its more concise and satisfying romantic storyline.

In terms of the office "idiots," Brent and Scott are both hilariously awkward, but Brent takes the crown. While Scott is immature and fumbling, Brent’s delusions of grandeur and clumsy attempts at leadership make him an endearing figure. His iconic dance moves are unforgettable, and his character has become a part of British cultural history. Scott, meanwhile, improved upon Brent’s character in some ways, but Brent’s cringeworthy humour makes him the clear winner.

Both versions wrap up their storylines in memorable ways. The UK series ends with a two-part Christmas special, where Brent, after losing his job, tries to transition into a music career and revisits his old office. The Canterbury and Tinsley romance is resolved when Dawn leaves her fiancé to be with him, offering a fitting conclusion to their story. Brent’s reflection on his legacy—“Simply as the man who put a smile on the face of all he met”—caps off his awkward yet lovable character. In contrast, the US version ends with a nostalgic, feel-good finale, where the whole Dunder Mifflin crew reunites, capped off by Schrute’s and Angela’s wedding. Scott, who had been absent in the final seasons, returns for a final joke, and the show ends on a sentimental note. Both endings are fitting, but the true winner is Ricky Gervais, who created both versions.

Ultimately, the UK version of The Office paved the way, but the US version expanded on its humour and became a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Despite the differences, both series have left a lasting impact on comedy and television, and their legacy will continue for years to come.