When comparing The Office to its American counterpart, it is evident that both shows standout in their own ways. The British version features humor that is much more risky. The American version features humor that is more or less what Americans are used to. We see people do strange or silly things and we laugh at them. When it comes to Americans enjoying the British version, it is hard to say what people will think. I think that many people will probably enjoy the American version better because it features elements that people are accustomed to. “The greatest testament to the American version is its accessibility, which appealed to the masses and grumpy critics alike. Writers built the show primarily by creating characters we know from our own office experiences” (Green). The British version, despite being the original, features jokes that only those with an understanding of British culture will fully understand.
Both versions take different approaches to conveying similar ideas. While both shows focus on a ‘real’ office setting, the type of programs being filmed is different. The British version seems to be like a documentary about the paper supply company. The American version is more of a reality TV show that follows the lives of the people working. This may not seem like a big difference, but it adds an element of drama to the British show that is often missing from the American version. In another respect, American viewers of The Office expect crazy pranks to occur, such as when Michael leads an ‘invasion’ on another branch of the paper supply company in order to steal a copy machine. The British version has more subtle humor. Employees at the paper supply company are faced with the crushing depression of being in ‘dead end jobs.’ This is something the NBC show quickly moved to the back burner following the pilot episode. The first episodes of the British and American versions are virtually the same: the boss pretends to fire the receptionist for stealing post-its and someone puts a stapler in jello. However, I think that Americans wanted more action, which is why future episodes were quite different from the original British version. People wanted more things to happen and not something that just appeared to be documentary styled.
Acceptance is Key - The Office
All Fun and No Work at The Office
I found it very interesting that your research showed that British humor tended to be more risque than the typical American brand. I myself have never really watched any sort of media from Britain besides the movie 'Shaun of the Dead' and a romantic piece on BBC dealing with Jane Austin's works.
ReplyDeleteThus, my own personal experience with British comedy is rather limited.
You're correct in what you say about American Humor. I have seen the humor portrayed in the way you described it to be throughout my entire life. It is what we are used to. So, when an American like myself watches British comedy, it could fail in producing laughter from me while succeeding with native Brits.
Over all, I found both your research and the presentation of that research to be very thorough and thought-evoking. I'm going to check out the links you've provided and have fun comparing the two brands of humor.