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Apr-7-2005 07:19

I saw on the news the other night that the American version of 'The Office' has just been launched. Has anyone seen it yet? The Office became one of my all time comedy favourites (I don't know how well it's known yet outside Britain) and I am curious to know the reaction to the American version - particularly how it will translate into American humour which is vastly different from British.

Apr-8-2005 01:19

I would agree with Ben on the Simpsons. I often see jokes or remarks about things in American Culture where it is different from here, both good and bad.

I still want Jerry Springer to be taken off international TV. And some other shows should have a disclaimer. The thing is many shows have charicatures or even people that would be considered abnormal and extreme over there. The problem is that for those abroad that don't know the difference, actually start thinking Americans are like that, or find a confirmation of the way they stereotyped Americans wrongly.

I think many misunderstandings about culture happen when we view even normal foreign behaviour through our own national glasses.

For instance, Americans tend to speak a bit louder in tone then some other cultures. This is not because they feel superior, or want to center point of attention. This is just because Americans just speak louder, the end. It works the other way around too, people sometimes get heavily annoyed with Dutchies, for always having an opinion about everything and speaking up about it. This is annoying to some Americans, but over here it is normal behaviour. In fact, when you don't have an opinion, you are considered weak or unknowledgeable, or a scardy pants. We like to debate them endlessly too. This is not a fight as it seems to other cultures, this is just like having a cup of coffee. :)

Apr-8-2005 04:50

I was having a conversation recently with a French-speaking friend of mine about the differences between British and French etiquette. She was telling me that you don't ask people's names in France straight away, even though it's the first thing we do. However, you can argue about, be dismissive of and directly contradict the other person's view from the very first.

So ... if I, as an Englishman, was introduced to a Frenchman at a party, I would very quickly be able to say "I think your President is the biggest moron in politics" (which I don't - that's just an example!) and he would be fine, but I wouldn't be able to say "So what's your name?" without him thinking I'm quite forward.

All of which seems utterly bizarre to me but, of course, a Frenchman (apparently) would find my etiquette equally odd.

Apr-8-2005 09:15

I love BBC!!! I like all the comidies Absolutely Faboulus is one of my favorites and The Young Ones. But I like all of them. There is not a supposed comedy in prime time on American TV that I watch. Well, maybe King of Queens but that is it!! I don't think American TV has had an original idea in the past two decades. My favorites are Survivor and The Amazing Race. Lost is quite good but lately going nowhere fast.

Apr-8-2005 10:24

I still love the classic british series, such as Dad's Army, Fawlty Towers, and Some Mother's Do Ave 'em. Dad's Army must be my favourite. I only have to hear Captain Mannering say "You Stupid Boy!" or Corporal Jones running around shouting "Don't Panic, Don't Panic," and I'm laughing until I cry. In fact, I think I have everyone ever made on video and I watch them when I am feeling down.

Apr-8-2005 10:31

Generally I like brit TV/comedies better than US -

Saw my first episode of the Office last night - mixed feelings but I think it will grow on me. I spent a year and a half in England, and suspect the Boss was patterned on my boyfriend's brother (at least I hope there aren't two of them) - funny to laugh at but also so sad, and that distracts me.

Episode ended with his 'practical' joke firing the receptionist for stealing. Made me want to cry. I don't know if that's the 'typical' American reaction. But I'm going to watch the next episode tonight.

Apr-8-2005 13:18

Stick with it Dogberta ... it's a definite grower : o )

Apr-9-2005 09:25

Blaise, I have seen chunks of The Office and I must say I've loved what I've seen. Most of my friends are massive fans and have told me that the American version while still funny has missed the mark somewhat! They've done little things like changing the word 'wanker' to 'jerk' to suit the American vernacular, and to me it doesn't seem to pack the same punch. Also the camera comes into play a little more ie. The David Brent character will actually motion the camera over to film something he wants to say. So mostly it's similar dialouge but little things have changed and it loses a bit of that quirky English humour/charm, or so I have been told.

Apr-9-2005 09:51

I've never heard of The Office. Im in US, where can I find that show on tv? what time does it usually come on? and what day? So full of questions...:)

I'm not much of a tv watcher anyways,I'd rather read, unless Im watching my sappy soap opera or Survivor. Ok, and Super Nanny,Wife Swap and American Idol heehee I'd like to check out The Office tho, not that I need anymore shows to watch, I can't keep up with the few I watch now. *smile*

Apr-9-2005 22:01

Jstkdn: I'm not sure about this, But I saw a show here in the USA years ago, about different types of shows in other countries. One of them was Survivor. But it was Japenese. Don't know where it came from and to tired to do any googling to make sure. Just my 2 cents worth. I also saw a show a couple of months ago, where the producer of Survivor said that the show was an American original basically. A bunch of bunk, but 90% of Americans will think it's true.

I understand British humour, don't always get it, but I love it and am glad it is there! This will probably make me look silly in some circles, but my favorite British comedy is 'Allo 'Allo. I find it hilarious. What an excellent satire on everyone!

I think alot of shows depend on the writers to "translate" from other countries and make things more customized for the country they are in. If the writers suck, the show will suck, no matter how good it was elsewhere.

I don't watch alot of TV so I haven't heard of the Office anywhere. There have been a couple of restaurant reality shows here and a couple of home improvement race type shows that never took off. Although I thought one of them was excellent.

And just for you Blaise, I don't get either Friends, or Black Adder, but I wholly get Malcolm and Faulty Towers!!!

In the words of the silly Englishman diguised as a French police officer, " Good Moaning".

Apr-10-2005 05:44

It is funny that you mention the "Good Moaning." When I arrived to work in Paris, I had to go past the housing office. I opened with "Good moaning, do you have rum?" This joke was NOT appreciated by the French.

I think it depends on where you consider the original coming from. Some times the basic concept came from one place, and then built out somewhere else. And not always are the shows close enough, to have to deal with the legal rights. I mean is the step from Survivor to Big Brother a big one? And considering it was a dutch company that made up the idea for Fear Factor, it was aired in the US first.

I am thinking I need to take Blaises offer to lend me his copy of The Office.

I am really curious now.