The Office: An American Workplace - Seasons 1-3 Boxset (9 Discs)

When the UK version of The Office ended a while back, I never even imagined the US would pick it up - And when it eventually did, I genuinely believed it would butcher the hell out of a British classic.

My God, was I suprised?! The Office US is brilliant. Great cast and brilliant writing, this show could've run on its own without ever having the UK version for reference.

Steve Carell, was not an obvious choice in some opinions as the David Brent counterpart. But as the Seasons progress, his character (Michael Scott) becomes not only funnier, dim-witted and more self-appreciating than Brent, but a more sympathetic loser in some respects, and it's hilarious to watch.

The first season is not very strong in terms of originality. It picks odd episodes from the UK version and rehashes them as their own - therefore looking more like a mimic show than an alternate. When you reach Season 3, the less prominent characters begin to shine, such as Quality Assurance rep, Creed Bratton, accountant, Kevin Malone, and the increasingly smug buzzkill, Angela.

The show has reached the end of Season 5 in the States, where it's still going strong and continues to be refreshing. Now it has moved very much away from the standardised 'awkward humour' played so cringingly well by Ricky Gervais. However, it's definitely become its own show, and that's what has made it so great to watch - With original storylines that bring satire, sensitivity, downright dumbness, and a humour that 99% of all American comedies don't even touch on.

5 Stars. A triumph in comedy.

Ignore series 1 go straight to series 2, 3, etc they are hilarious! more like a sitcom, more character development! can't wait for the new series!

American remakes of British shows always seem pointless, except the British 'Office' ended too soon. Ricky Gervais wanted to finish "on top" but the American counterpart proves there was more mileage in it. Not quite as genius as the original, hence my score of 4 stars, but once the first series is out of the way (which drew heavily from the Brit version) the show takes wings. I like how many of the starring actors have taken turns writing. The guy who used to be in Punk'd must have come in handy for scripting the many office pranks played on Dwight (Gareth's equivalent)! Well worth checking out.

I did not like the British version but this is much better the first season is OK but after the second season kicks of it is one of the best sitcoms on TV at the moment.

I loved the UK Office with a passion and when I first heard about the American one I wasn't too keen. I still bought the first series however and although I liked it, it took a bit to get used too.

BUT! From the 2nd series onwards, it easily takes over it's British version and this is from a Hard Core UK Office fan. It's miles better, the characters are far more likeable and it's SO funny. The storylines are fantastic and you just want more and more everytime you watch it.

Steve Carrell is absolutely brilliant and how he hasn't won awards for this I don't know. He makes Michael Scott (David Brent) a totally different character but just as cringeworthy but more humouress and loveable. Pam and Jim (Tim and Dawn) are such a good partnership and the cliffhangers are there but even more so than the UK version. PS - I LOVE JIM HALPERT!

Can't recommend this any higher and what a bargain for 15.99!!