The Director Of “The Office US” Opened Up About The One Huge Difference From The Original British Sitcom

1 year ago 34

“British audiences really like taking the piss out of a out of a boar, but American audiences can't make that their lead person – they have to have some kind of emotional investment in that person."

We can all agree that The Office US is a heavyweight in the sitcom landscape.

Office staff pose with a confident leader in a suit, showing a busy workplace environment with desks and paperwork

Well, Paul Feig, who directed many of the US episodes, has opened up about one of the major differences from the original. Speaking to BuzzFeed UK, Paul shared that he and the team transformed the protagonist for American audiences, due to differences in humour across the pond.

BuzzFeed UK

In the British version, Ricky Gervais plays Wernham Hogg manager David Brent, while Steve Carell led the US adaptation as Michael Scott.

“British audiences really like taking the piss out of a out of a boar, but American audiences can't make that their lead person – they have to have some kind of emotional investment in that person. If they don’t, they're just kind of like, ‘why am I following this terrible person around?’”

Two men in dress shirts and ties, each grimacing

So how did The Office US win our hearts? “The key to the show was humanising Michael,” Paul shared.

Man in a suit smirking at the camera; another man in a suit is blurred in the background, sitting on a couch

He revealed that the turning point was in the iconic office Olympics episode in season two, which was where we saw a softer side to Michael for the first time, courtesy of an artistic decision from Steve Carell.

Three office workers stand solemnly with hands on hearts. One in a suit, others in shirts and ties, wearing fake medals in an office setting

In the episode, Michael had just bought a condo, and while he was initially the butt of the joke, when it came to him receiving his award, Steve started getting emotional.

Smiling man in a suit stands in front of hangers and cardboard boxes in a storage-like area

So that was the show's turning point, giving audiences an insight into the character's more vulnerable side – something that became a key part of Michael's growth throughout the series.

Scene from a TV show where two people, drenched and smiling, stand closely together indoors, creating a joyful and comedic atmosphere

While Michael’s foot-in-mouth moments are hilarious, it’s safe to say his emotional side played a huge part in why Michael remains one of the most lovable sitcom characters.

Two people embrace warmly in an airport setting, with travelers and luggage in the background

How do you think The Office UK compares to The Office US? Let us know in the comments below!

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