The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s
Few TV situation comedies (sitcoms) have the staying power to entertain multiple generations. There is a pantheon of shows depending on who you ask (and when they were most influenced by TV.) The short list usually includes familiar names like M.A.S.H., The Bob Newhart Show, Friends, Seinfeld, and The Office.
Of these, the last show is the most recent, and it emerged and survived through a time when TV viewing changed. After its network run on NBC (2005-2013), the show found replay through syndication. More importantly, it found access to entirely new audiences as Netflix bought the rights during the dawn of streaming. The Office has logged millions of minutes with streaming viewers and continues to invite watch parties, trivia nights, and other social gatherings.
Fascinated with the show like many other viewers, Andy Greene of Rolling Stone decided to research The Office and to write a book about it. His research includes interviews with 86 members of the cast, the crew, critics, and fans. It follows the show largely in episodic fashion, but it also provides an opportunity to look into the many circumstances that influenced the show.
The American version for NBC was based on the British version of the show, which was very short-lived. That version was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. When Greg Daniels decided to pitch it to American networks, it was identical, and that is not an overstatement. The pilot episode is a scene-by-scene remake of the British pilot episode. It wasn’t until the show was picked up and actor/writer B.J. Novak penned “Diversity Days” that the show had a voice of its own.
Even with its own cast and spin, The Office didn’t find its legs right away. Much of the show’s early success (and later award-winning episodes) hinged on the boss character, Michael Scott. Scott was played by comedian Steve Carrell, who many of the cast refer to as the soul, the captain, and the king of the series. He was number one on the call sheet, along with actors who owe much of their fame to the show; Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer, among others.
Greene’s work captures the unique environment of the show. Not only did it do away with familiar formulas like multiple camera angles and laugh tracks, but Daniels was quick to take writers and put them on the show. Novak, Mindy Kaling, and Paul Lieberstein are a few examples. Beyond the cast dynamics, the show faced external upheaval. The 2008 writers’ strike occurred right at the show’s pinnacle of success. Many of the actors developed challenging schedules due to filming other projects. The network was sold, and new leaders were brought in.
Greene’s interviews provide extensive information about all these changes. None of it will make readers like any of the cast or crew any less (okay, maybe, an executive or two). Instead, it will provide some valuable insight into how (and sometimes why) a shot or a joke or a piece of dialogue made it on the air. It’s not a commentary track like a DVD, but it’s a well-researched, thorough, and entertaining commentary on the show itself.
Fans of The Office will enjoy reading Greene’s compiled treasure trove of information about one of TV’s greatest sitcoms. Enjoy the read, and then go rewatch the series for the umpteenth time like the rest of us.