--- title: "The Office: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005" critics_score: 65 critics_reviews: 9 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # The Office (2005): what the critics said Critics' score 65 from 9 reviews: 5 positive, 3 mixed, 1 negative. ## The Hollywood Reporter — Barry Garron Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 24 March 2005. The critic highlights how the series preserves the documentary style and satirical take on office life while giving it an American flavor through tweaks by Greg Daniels. Steve Carell delivers a superb take on the clueless boss Michael Scott, supported by a versatile cast, making it one of NBC's most unique new comedies. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/office-first-episode-thrs-2005-784023/) ## Empire — William Thomas Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 18 April 2006. The critic praises the American adaptation for maintaining the low-key, cringeworthy style of the original without glossy US sitcom elements or canned laughter. The cast, particularly Steve Carell as Michael, brings the characters to life while developing them beyond the UK version. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/office-american-workplace-season-1-review/) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 17 May 2013. The review celebrates the series finale as a warm, ensemble-focused send-off that honors the show's journey from 2005 underdog to cultural staple, while noting that its later popularity contributed to some creative weaknesses in the final seasons. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2013/05/the-office-series-finale-review-goodbye-dunder-mifflin.html) ## The Independent Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 26 March 2005. The critic notes that the US version of The Office is not as good as the British original but is off to a decent start with quirky, deadpan humor that avoids a laugh track. They single out the strong writing team led by Greg Daniels for praise while acknowledging the challenges of adapting the format for American audiences. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/the-office-relocation-loses-little-in-translation-to-america-529992.html) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 15 March 2005. The review finds the adaptation broader than the original, likely to annoy die-hard fans but still capturing awkward office moments effectively with a strong ensemble cast that looks like real people. It suggests the show might thrive more on cable than network TV. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2005/film/awards/the-office-3-1200527210/) ## The AV Club — Erik Adams Rating C-/B+. 5 June 2013. The critic views the US Office pilot as a shaky, overly familiar start that struggles to differentiate itself from the British original, while praising the quick improvement in 'Diversity Day' as the show begins to find its own voice and tone. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/the-office-classic-pilot-diversity-day-1798177005) ## The Times — Joe Joseph Fi1m's normalised score 45/100 (inferred from the text). 15 June 2005. The American adaptation feels like a meticulously choreographed tribute act recreating the original almost word-for-word, with familiar characters and situations transplanted to a US paper company. While the new setting and accents provide some distance, the cast, especially Steve Carell as Michael Scott, struggles to match the depth and vulnerability of the UK originals. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/its-the-office-but-not-as-we-know-it-pbnhmbxtm9k) ## The Guardian — Sam Wollaston Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 15 June 2005. The US remake is a pale imitation of the original UK series, with Steve Carell's Michael Scott coming across as trying too hard in a role written for Ricky Gervais. It may work as a decent new sitcom for viewers unfamiliar with the British version, but feels like a high-school production of a classic play for fans of the original. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/jun/15/tvandradio.comment) ## Digital Spy — Tom Eames Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 19 May 2013. The retrospective praises the US adaptation for successfully standing alongside the British original as one of the best comedies of its era despite a rocky 2005 start, highlighting its evolution into a heartfelt ensemble series over nine seasons. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a482568/the-office-us-2005-2013-a-retrospective-of-dunder-mifflins-finest/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/the-office-2005.md