Ricky Gervais goes back to The Office

Channel4.com ^ | 02/07/2006

[Panerai]

Ricky Gervais has agreed to write a new episode of the American version of The Office.

Gervais and comedy partner Stephen Merchant are to write the episode after the US take on the hit show was commissioned for another series.

The American show, which stars Steve Carrell in the David Brent role, has an average audience of 10 million viewers.

Gervais has also written an episode of US cartoon The Simpsons, following an invitation from its creator Matt Groening.

He is also set to make another series of the celebrity-studded Extras.

The first series starred such big names as Samuel L Jackson, Kate Winslet and Les Dennis.

Stars are falling over themselves to sign up for the show, with Madonna and Brad Pitt rumoured to be on board.

[LibFreeOrDie]

I like the original Brit version of "The Office" better than the NBC version. Although the Christmas episode on the American version about the Yankee Swap is a classic...

[Minus_The_Bear]

The American version is unwatchable!

[gotribe]

I did not see the Brit version. The US version is hilarious. I hope they keep the big stars off the show. Can't imagine how bad it would be with Pitt or Madonna.

[LdSentinal]

British version is a million times funnier.

[LibFreeOrDie]

My favorite episode on the original version is "Training".

Yikes! Get a load of Ricky Gervais 20+ years ago!!

http://www.injenn.net/~tania/seona-dancing/index.html

[kmiller1k]

I have watched the British version on BBC America but, honestly, I cannot understand the dialog...are they speaking English? It is so colloquial, spoken very fast and very low...it is like South Park--it is better to watch it with closed captioning on so I can understand what the little darlin's are saying. BTW I love The Office and my favorite episode is the sensitivity training class. OMG who comes up with this stuff! Also very happy to hear that Arrested Development is moving to HBO where it should have been from the beginning.

[albionvectis]

'are they speaking English?'

Yes, but not american english. . . .

[kms61]

Arrested Development is an underappreciated gem, and I as well am glad it's finding a home on HBO. Also glad to see Justine Bateman joining her brother in a recurring role. I had a mild crush on her back in the day.

[Fishface]

While I agree that the British version is at times humorous, it is very dark as well. I prefer the American version because it leaves you smiling. My wife and I found ourselves feeling very bad for David after each episode of the British version.