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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-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.

Apr-15-2005 04:07

I think America needs another British based humor show as there has to be a cap on all these reality shows. I love to watch the BBC. Who can forget Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab). I know Comedy Central even paid to have a season or 2 more made to satisfy the American Market.The office is a very good program but hope it doesn't get lost in translation.lol British comedy is quite refreshing and yes they do get away with so much more.lol We are now finally getting the same kind of comedy like Will and Grace versus/Are you being Served? Sad to say it's taken 20 years to get there.lol

Apr-15-2005 12:47

Texan and I love "Are you Being Served", "Keeping up Appearances", and of course "American Idol", which originated out of Britian. As far as Mr. Bean, we liked him better when he didn't speak. Some American comedians feel if their jokes are not sexual, they're not funny.

Apr-15-2005 13:07

jstkdn: I agree about "Jerry Springer". I think it should be a crime to air, or make it pay-per-view only. Plus, I'm with you Ben about the "Simsons". We think "The Simsons, and Hank Hill", are so funny. We watch episodes over and over again laughing our heads off.

Apr-15-2005 23:09

I loved watching Mr Bean....I'd laugh so hard at him...but he is much funnier when he isnt speaking, than when he does speak. I dont know why that is :)

Apr-16-2005 02:16

What about the show with the two chicks AbFab the blonde high society who sleeps around and is smashed only when she is awake. Her friend runs a magazine and her daughter who doesn't get along with the blonde one.
Blaise I am with you on the Friends type and I know real life people that are kinda the same except way funnier because they aren't acting bad either.
And jstkdn you must be kidding the masters have got to be the Japanese. Old Samurai movies maybe you don't count them but they are pretty awesome even with sub titles.Cartoons,game shows, the commercials and infomercials are just about to die for. They are so far ahead thay had a childrens show about 25yrs ago called the Go(5) Rangers they had little trading cards and if youhave ever seen Power Rangers Talk about copy they whole show is even filmed in same manner.
And finally they are so far ahead that they have to make the televisions and recorders for the rest of us so we can at least have the same picture quality.

Apr-16-2005 02:43

American primetime tv is made and promoted on trends that seem to be so played up to be good or even great when they are really temporary passing Fads. that appeals to those who can relate at that time. Good has to be when it is watched by those who can relate and those who cnnd appeals to people who don't really care for the shows

Apr-17-2005 00:29

Please forget that last thread I must have been in bar sipping Cutty.This must be what jstkdn feels like typing so much

Apr-17-2005 15:33

Okay, how about Jeeves & Wooster? I love it so much I had to buy all the episodes on dvd. Now I get a kick out of watching "House" on FOX, partly just to see Hugh Laurie use an American accent.

Apr-17-2005 17:20

I guess that the TV industry, is an industry before it is an art. :)