What is The Office UK?
The Office is a British mockumentary sitcom created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, first broadcast on BBC Two in 2001. It follows employees at a paper company office in Slough, led by the awkward manager David Brent.
Ricky Gervais played David Brent, a manager who thinks he is funny and popular but often embarrasses himself and his staff.
The show was filmed in the style of a documentary, with characters speaking directly to the camera.
Short but influential
The original series had only 12 episodes and two Christmas specials. It won many awards, including a Golden Globe.
The Office was adapted in many countries, most famously in the United States, where it starred Steve Carell and ran for nine seasons.
Characters such as Tim, Dawn and Gareth became well known. The romance between Tim and Dawn was a central storyline.
In 2016, Gervais starred in a film, David Brent: Life on the Road. The Office is often credited with changing television comedy.
Gervais and Merchant later created other comedies, including Extras, and the show's awkward style influenced many later sitcoms. David Brent's dancing and guitar songs became famous internet clips.