The Office

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 24, 2005
Season #: 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 433 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 381 out of 433
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 433
  3. Negative: 18 out of 433
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User Reviews

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  1. LetzTalkMoveez
    Dec 10, 2011
    6
    In its first season, particularly the first few episodes, "The Office (US)" does not separate itself well from its British inspiration. However, with an episode like "Basketball" that sets up the characters so spectacularly, it's hard not to see the terrific direction the show is headed.
  2. GnarledOak
    Mar 16, 2011
    5
    There has been an alarming falloff in humor in this once fine comedy series. Steve Carrell has ceased being funny at all and is now mostly pitiable. It's good that this will be his last year. Perhaps things will pick up next season --or perhaps the show has passed its best-before date.
  3. ChelCbb
    Aug 2, 2013
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This comedy series is great. I've been watching it recently from season 1 and im now in season 7. The only thing that really bothers me is the Michael- Holly relationship. I was already relieved when Holly was put out for Nashua but when she came back it got worse. First off the actress didnt fit for the role. She's not as pretty as the character supposes and she looks older not to mention her annoying voice! There was a greater chemistry between Michael and Jan Levingson. She's perfect for Michael's character. She's the real hottie in the show and this show needs one. I hate it when they take her out and when they made her insane. She needs to be back in the show and no Holly show ups anymore please!!… Expand
  4. bjepsen25
    Jan 25, 2016
    5
    My Rating: (8.9/10.0)

    Season 1 of the Office was the perfect way to kick off a potentially terrific show. If it follows through like the BBC version did, it will be absolutely legendary. Looking forward to seeing Seasons 2-9. Highly recommend seeing Season 1 though, if you haven't already.
  5. schmageggey
    Jan 18, 2013
    6
    In Season 1 and 2, this was an incredibly funny and sweet show, with great characters, great plot lines, great humor, great everything. Sadly, now it is in somewhat of a decline, and I find myself slogging through it, instead of enjoying it. My biggest complaints, Steve Carrell. I thought I'd never say this, but instead of being incredibly funny, and scene stealing, his character is justIn Season 1 and 2, this was an incredibly funny and sweet show, with great characters, great plot lines, great humor, great everything. Sadly, now it is in somewhat of a decline, and I find myself slogging through it, instead of enjoying it. My biggest complaints, Steve Carrell. I thought I'd never say this, but instead of being incredibly funny, and scene stealing, his character is just plain annoying. It's because now the whole bumbling idiot schtick is wearing extremely thin, and for some reason, they writers choose to focus on him more and more and the other characters, most notably Jim and Dwight, get about 5 mins to shine, which they do. However, when Michael is looming around, and the other characters have their time, the show is at it's greatest and delivers great laughs. This show was great and had potential to grow and shine even more, but sadly it is quickly fading on me.… Expand
  6. drlowdon
    Sep 22, 2019
    6
    There often seems very little reason for these US remakes of successful television shows and many attempts, such as Life on Mars or The Inbetweeners, have failed completely as their creators simply don't grasp the concepts that made the originals great.

    With Michael Schur involved The US Office certainly comes with good pedigree but this short (by US standards) opening season, while    There often seems very little reason for these US remakes of successful television shows and many attempts, such as Life on Mars or The Inbetweeners, have failed completely as their creators simply don't grasp the concepts that made the originals great.

    With Michael Schur involved The US Office certainly comes with good pedigree but this short (by US standards) opening season, while sometimes genuinely funny thanks to its great cast, still suffers from direct comparison. Even ignoring the pilot, which is pointlessly an almost word for word copy of the UK versions pilot, many of the plots in these first six episodes are taken from the original with only minor changes being made. This in itself is not a problem but the script simply lacks the subtlety that made Gervais's creation so different to any 'sit-com' that had come before.

    As witnessed by other great UK comedies, such as Peep Show and The Inbetweeners in recent times, I think it is safe to say that we as a nation also do cringe-worthy or car-crash humour better than anyone else. Sure, Steve Carell does an impressive job in the lead role but his politically incorrect and desperate fumbling's just never quite connect in the same way as David Brent did when in full flow.

    For me The US Office has just about done enough to convince me to come back for another try next season but, with a full twenty plus episode order it must start to carve its own niche if it is to avoid continual unfavourable comparisons to its inspiration.    … Expand
  7. fishPhileo
    Aug 1, 2011
    6
    The first season was a bit mixed. It was OK, but, first, Steve Carell's character was so annoying. The humor was borderline grating. But I'm glad that future seasons would improve. Watching these episodes again, my opinion hardly changes. But I, at least, decided on giving this a 6 instead of a 5.
  8. TheApplegnome
    Jun 24, 2016
    6
    From the creators of ’Parks and Recreation’ comes ’The Office’. This first six-episode introduction shines with embarrassing and relatable characters — but that might not bring that many laughs to the screen. The humor is good, so there’s a great foundation for even more of that! Its direction is somewhat unique, very ’Parks & Rec-ish’ but it stands on it’s own! The plot however reallyFrom the creators of ’Parks and Recreation’ comes ’The Office’. This first six-episode introduction shines with embarrassing and relatable characters — but that might not bring that many laughs to the screen. The humor is good, so there’s a great foundation for even more of that! Its direction is somewhat unique, very ’Parks & Rec-ish’ but it stands on it’s own! The plot however really needs some refreshment — it’s not that interesting (yet), it needs a big boost in energy and interest. Still; the characters are very good with much depth, splendid chemistry & actor performances. For a first six-episode season — it might not have fulfilled my expectations to a 100 %, but I have high hopes that it will in the future!

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 65.3/100

    Personal rating: 60/100
    Critical rating: 75/100    … Expand
  9. eagleeyeviking
    May 1, 2020
    5
    "The Office" (U.S.) starts off as an uncreative imitation of the British version but soon develops a unique and hilarious identity of its own. However, it lacks the same payoff that "The Office" (U.K.) had in it's first six episodes.
  10. LinttaFlamingo
    Nov 3, 2017
    6
    Scenes with Dwight were definitely the most entertaining and actually funny, and I enjoyed some of the more awkward characters too like Kevin and Stanley. It's a short season but it shows a lot of promise if it goes in the right direction. The show works best when it's NOT showing Steve Carell, he was annoying.
  11. GrantD243
    May 15, 2019
    5
    Given that it's only 6 episodes, the first season of The Office didn't have much of a chance to make much of an impression on me. But considering I've constantly been told this is the greatest comedy series ever, I came away pretty disappointed.
  12. JeBjBo
    Feb 13, 2022
    5
    I wanted to like this show so much after everybody told me I had to watch it because it's supposed to be the greatest thing ever made. Well... it's not.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best TV Season of 2005
19
#19 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005
9
#9 Most Shared TV Season of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Jul 1, 2013
    90
    It's ironic that NBC's most original sitcom in years is a remake, but who cares? The Office is a daring, unflinching take on very American workplace tensions.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Jun 28, 2013
    75
    Devotees are probably poised to dismiss the adaptation out of hand, but I found enough funny business here to overcome my sales resistance.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Gillian Flynn
    Jun 18, 2013
    83
    The good news for fans — and neophytes — is that the new sitcom is clever and insular, capturing all the drudgery, awkwardness, and rivalry of cubicle living. ... Ultimately, though, The Office lacks the aching subtlety of the BBC version.
    Read full review
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