Is The Office the next Seinfeld?

The US version of The Office sucks it should've been taken off after 1 or 2 seasons. I don't think that they treat women good on that show either. NBC is losing me as a veiwer to.

According to all the featurettes on the Seinfeld DVDs, Seinfeld wasn't actually that popular during its first few seasons. It didn't achieve its breakout popularity until after a few seasons when it changed days and moved into a slot after Wings/Cheers (I can't remember which one). So, it doesn't really make sense to compare The Office (season 2) to Seinfeld (at the high of its popularity) in terms of ratings; even Seinfeld didn't become "Seinfeld" until a few seasons into the show.

As for the comparison of The Office to Seinfeld in terms of the quality...well, I think The Office is a great show, but the comparisons to Seinfeld are not deserved (at least not just yet). There was no show on TV like Seinfeld at the time, with its focus on the comedy of the mundane...analysis of humorous social standards/situations...being the show about nothing.

"The Office" has become quite its own entity. The British version focused more on the life of David Brent than the people in the office. The American version has focused less on Michael Scott and shares equal time with its underlings. For character exploration, "US" surpasses "UK". For character cringing moments, sharp, biting, wincing moments of unparalleled awkwardness, and the depressing genuine feel of an office environment, "US" is the champ. They're both great, and "US" has only strengths to climb.

I think we need to put to rest the comparisons between the UK and US versions. True, the US version was inspired by the UK version, but it has become an entirely different vehicle.

In regards to the Seinfeld comparison - I think you can say it is today's Seinfeld because of the ability to establish an attachment to the characters. But I don't think it will enjoy Seinfeld ratings anytime soon. Dramas rule the day right now. At the same time, I don't think it has to worry about meeting AD's fate.

I am a relative late-comer to the American 'Office' party, mostly because I'm a rabid (like, rip your guts out if you disagree) fan of the British version. The U.S. "pilot" and it's painful adaptation of the U.K. script just made me want to vomit on myself and not care after all, I'd just seen something more embarassing and sad. Now I get to the point, and it's one I've made on this site before, but I just sort of got sucked in to watching season two after Earl (ahem, see 'don't split up earl/office' post).

It became rapidly obvious that as soon as the American Office found its own direction, it was destined to become one of the best comedies on TV right now, which it's done.

Now, as to Seinfeld, I agree - can't really compare, since Seinfeld is, quite literally, legendary. I simply can't think of another phrase, to be honest. Lots of people say it's overrated, and they're entitled to that thought, but the effect on our society from that show is undeniable; therefore I label it legendary. So, no, you can't compare.

On this blog I've pretty much always disagreed with, well, mostly everything Bob says (sorry man, doesn't stop me from reading though!). HOWEVER, this time I'm going to come to Bob's defense and say "chill out rabid Seinfeld people." I don't think Bob or Verne are trying to say The Office is "as good as" or "going to replace" Seinfeld - but as far as taking that "I miss Seinfeld" spot? I think it does.

'Earl' is an amazing new comedy, but one of its brilliant points is that it has an innocent approach with the adult stuff packed in the subtext (more or less). The Office, however, is pretty squarely adult. You've got to have lived some life, done some work, paid some dues to understand it - just like Seinfeld. It's a more "real-life" comedy, and those just hit home with us in a different way.

So, in short, yes. I think the American 'The Office' takes that 'Seinfeldian' place in our TV-watching lives these days. Is the show as good as, or iconic as, or whatever as Seinfeld? Hell no, but what could? I mean it's Seinfeld for crying out loud.

I would dispute that U.K Office is miles better than the U.S. version. Don't get me wrong, I loved the U.K. version. But the U.S. version took the premise and ran with it. With the last couple episodes, the U.S. version has at least equaled, and possibly surpassed, the U.K. version. In my opinion, it is one of the best T.V. comedies ever.

I always pegged Arrested development as the next Sienfield, The comedic writing on that show is just hilarious and original.I still can't believe that no one caught on to keep it going. While the office is funny I can't get away from always knowing that it is ripped from a british show which takes away its originallity in my opinion.

I seem to recall Ricky Gervais (sp?) saying in an interview regarding the American episode he was involved in that in some ways he thought the American version was better. Certainly he thought the dynamic between the American Jim and Pam was far better than they'd pulled off in the UK. I think the interview was either in EW or TV Guide.

I agree with Pranav Kabra (3) in that this show doesn't hold a candle to the Brit version. But I think they've realized that and have tried to (if you'll pardon the PaulaAbdulism) "make it their own." They've been pretty successful at that, I think, so maybe it's not fair to make the comparison anymore. I like this show a lot.
And, while I just said I'd stop making the comparison, I have to add one thing: The UK Office made a conscious decision not to carry on beyond two seasons (with the exception of the two-part special) because they believed they went as far as they could with the premise. It would be a shame if the US version jumps the shark and slips even more into standard American sitcom territory.

Seinfield was Seinfield; there will never be a show to compare it to. I think that The Office is safer than AD because the show has characters you can relate to, especially Jim and Pam.

However, if you expect a long run of the series like Seinfield there may be a bit of disappointment since I feel that this type of show could not stand a nine-year run. There would need to be alot of cast turnover to keep it fresh year after year.