The Office theory ties the US version to the original UK version in more ways than one

Is The Office a stand-alone mockumentary or part of an interconnected experiment that spanned countries? According to this theory, it might be the latter. The mockumentary following a company in Scranton is an adaptation of Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais' original based in the UK. According to this theory about the shows, there is a connection between the two shows, not just off-screen, but in the universe of the shows as well.

It is true off-screen that The Office was shot in the U.S. after the format's success in the U.K., but that is also true in-universe as well and would have significant interpretations. This theory would mean that the Scranton paper company was chosen for the documentary after the success of the format in the UK. Dunder Mifflin Paper Company allowed the documentary crew after they were approached based on the format's success in the UK.

Here's what this theory about The Office would imply about the fan-favorite show.

The Office, based out of Scranton, was a sequel to its British counterpart, according to this theory

If the theory that The Office is a sequel to its British counterpart is considered for the universe of the show, it would mean that everyone at the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin paper company was aware of the existence of the UK show. More than just aware, they were actively trying to copy the tried-and-tested formula of the U.K. show in an attempt to deliver something equally successful.

From Michael Scott's "performances" to Jim and Pam's secret glances of love to Dwight's antics of being a stickler to rules, everything that only looked somewhat similar to the British counterpart was actually the employees of Dunder Mifflin trying to behave a certain way, which they know have impressed the viewers in the past.

The employees at The Office knew what kind of stuff made it into the mockumentary, giving them a rough framework on how to behave. From Jim's smirks at the camera to the interviews, they are consciously or subconsciously imitating in front of the camera, knowing what kind of stuff would make it into the documentary.

Striking Similarities between the first season of The Office and the original version

This theory about The Office is pushed even further when the first season of the show is compared to the U.K. version. There are so many striking similarities between the actions of the employees as well as the tone and style. From the bleak atmosphere to the jump cuts and the slightly awkward tone of it, the first season of the show is eerily similar to the U.K. version.

This would all make sense considering this theory, as for the first season of The Office, these employees who are very new to this format are trying to act in the way they think it needs to be done, adding a deeper level to the show.

David Brent's presence in The Office pushes this theory even more

The biggest reason why there's some weight to this theory is David Brent's presence in a few episodes of the U.S. show. David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais in the U.K. show, appeared on two U.S. episodes. He shared the screen with Michael Scott, and they instantly connected, as if they already knew each other.

This could tune in with the theory if Michael already knew David because the U.K. counterpart already existed, and Michael had watched David and even learned from him.

This theory doesn't need much else to stand in the mockumentary's universe, as the only thing it does is add another level of depth to an already great show. But it sure is interesting to wonder if both the U.K. version and the U.S. version of the same format exist in the same universe as sequels.

Trending

Keep reading Soap Central for more such pieces!

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback