The Office

Based on a British sit–com of the same name, The Office is set in the dysfunctional workplace of paper company Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch. Led by clueless boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell), office staff members include laid–back Jim (John Krasinski), Jim’s wife Pam (Jenna Fischer), off–kilter kiss–up Dwight (Rainn Wilson), and more than a dozen other regulars. The Office is shot in quasi–documentary style, a device later copied by Parks and Recreation and Modern Family. Season 7 boasts the biggest change since the series began: Michael steps down as branch manager late in the season, leaving the door open for perhaps another incompetent leader. Season 7 guest stars include Will Ferrell, Kathy Bates, and in one brief scene, Ricky Gervais, the show’s creator.

ClearPlay In Action!

While most of The Office’s humor is based on workplace situations — power plays, practical jokes, would–be romances, after–work interests, diversity — it occasionally drifts to racier topics. You’ll be glad you have your filter in place during Episode 4, “Sex Ed,” as well as anytime Michael or Dwight say something inappropriate (which can happen without notice). There is some language that ClearPlay trims, as well as lewd references and intimations of sex. ClearPlayed, most episodes are fine for all ages, though kids might not appreciate it like us working stiffs.

Will I want to punch’in to The Office?…

One of The Office’s strengths is its ability to be outrageous one moment and heartwarming the next (I cried a couple of times during Season 7, but then, I cry at everything). Though an acquired taste for some, its comedy holds up well to repeat viewings, and it’s consistently one of the funniest shows on television.

Marty Nabhan— ClearPlay Temp

Rated TV-14; 20 min per Episode; Created By Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, and Stephen Merchant