The 15 versions of Office explained

All fans of The office knows that NBC’s hit mockumentary sitcom was an adaptation of the British original of the same name. Office creator Greg Daniels adapted the series from the British series created by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais (who also served as executive producers on the American version).

The result was one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, a workplace comedy that became a pop culture staple. With the release of the ephemeral The office Australia in 2024 and The Paper, 2025 spin-off The Office continues to grow as a franchise in its own right. However, what many fans may not realize is that The office has been adapted several times internationally.

Including British, American and Australian versions, there are 15 versions of The office in total, covering 11 languages ​​and countless paper suppliers (and other types of businesses too). Each international version of The office brings something unique to the table, offering new takes on David Brent, Michael Scott and the world’s toughest workplaces.

The UK Office (2001-2003)

The office may be a global sensation in the 2020s, but it all started in Slough, Berkshire. Created by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, the original The office followed David Brent (Ricky Gervais), the dignified regional manager of the Wernham Hogg Paper Company. With just 12 episodes and two specials, it has become a British comedy classic known for its painfully awkward humor, dry wit and groundbreaking mockumentary style.

Unlike later adaptations, the British version’s dark realism and muted tone made it painfully true to life. Gervais’ performance as Brent redefined gritty comedy, influencing an entire generation of sitcoms. The series’ bittersweet ending and subtle character arcs set a new standard for television comedy and paved the way for The office go global.

Stromberg (2004-2012)

Germany Stromberg took The office formula and ran with it for an impressive eight years. The series’ lead, Bernd Stromberg (Christoph Maria Herbst), ran Capitol Insurance instead of a paper company, but his insufferable management style was instantly recognizable to fans of David Brent and Michael Scott.

Even if the mockumentary format remained intact, Stromberg leaned more into dark and cynical humor than its British or American counterparts. It became one of Germany’s most acclaimed comedies, even spawning a feature film in 2014. Its longevity proved that The Office’s DNA could survive even the most unforgiving corporate cultures.

You Aspones (2004)

Brazil You answer (abbreviation of “No fucking assistants”which literally translates to “F*** All’s Assistants”) offered a new Latin American take on the workplace comedy formula. Broadcast on Rede Globo, the Portuguese version of The office centered on a group of lazy civil servants in a fictional government office rather than a corporate paper supplier. Instead of copying directly The officehe adapted the concept of bureaucratic absurdity to the local culture.

Despite a strong cast, including Selton Mello and Andréa Beltrão, You answer only lasted seven episodes. Critics found its satire biting but too dark for general audiences. However, this is one of the first attempts at reinterpretation The officeThe tone of the mockumentary in a completely different professional setting.

The United States Office (2005-2013)

The American remake by Greg Daniels The office transformed the quiet squalor of the British version into something warmer, goofier and far more emotional. Steve Carell’s Michael Scott redefined the boss archetype; still worthy of the name, but more adorable. The cast of The officeled by Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer and Mindy Kaling, has become a household name.

Over nine seasons, The office The United States has become a phenomenon. He perfected the mockumentary format, injected heart into the chaos, and created iconic episodes like “Dinner Party” and “Threat Level Midnight.” Its massive streaming popularity years after its finale only cemented it as the definitive version for millions of fans around the world.

The Office (2006)

that of France The Officewith François Berléand in the role of Gilles Triquet, was created on Canal+ and brought a typically French sensibility to The office. The series stayed close to the tone of the British original but filtered its humor through French work culture. It was less tongue-in-cheek, but much more socially awkward.

Even if it was not successful in the long term (only one season was produced), The Office was praised for its commitment to realism. It captures the absurdity of French office life – with its endless meetings, coffee breaks and bureaucracy – proving The office‘s humor could survive even the most rigid workplaces.

At work (2006-2007)

At workthe French-Canadian adaptation of The officebroadcast on Radio-Canada after a short broadcast on Belle Satellite TV and featured David Gervais (Antoine Vézina), a name with a nod to Ricky Gervais himself. Located in Montreal, it follows a paper company just like its predecessors but relies heavily on Quebec humor and culture.

While At work did not achieve major success, it stands out for being one of the adaptations most faithful to the structure of the original mockumentary. The show’s use of local slang and comedic timing gave it a distinct identity from the British and American versions, although it failed to achieve their critical success.

The Office (2008)

The Ofis of Chile located The office concept for Spanish-speaking Latin American audiences, with a cast led by Luis Gnecco as Manuel Cerda, David Brent’s Chilean counterpart. The series reproduced many storylines from the British original, but adapted them to Chilean business culture.

The series received mixed reviews but has since gained cult status among Chilean comedy fans. His simple adaptation of awkward humor and the self-centered boss archetype has resonated more over time, proving The officeuniversal and culturally transcendent appeal.

HaMisrad (2010-2013)

A success compared to most localized remakes of the series which struggle to last beyond a single season, according to Israel. HaMisrad brought The office in the Middle East, broadcast on OUI Comedy. It starred Dvir Benedek as Avi Meshulam, an Israeli version of David Brent. The show cleverly used local office politics and cultural quirks to create humor around bureaucracy and social hierarchies.

HaMisrad was one of the oldest Desk remakes, lasting four seasons. He balanced the trademark with regionally relevant comedy, tackling everything from workplace dynamics to social identity, showing how adaptable he is. The officeThe format really is.

The Office (2012-2013)

Sweden The office starred Henrik Dorsin as Ove Sundberg, a character who later reappeared in the 2017 comedy Solsidan. The show aired on TV4 and put a Scandinavian twist on the familiar formula, swapping British gloom for Swedish minimalism (and also swapping paper for corporate hygiene products).

Although critics were divided, The office remains one of the funniest foreign takes of The office thanks to Dorsin’s pitch-perfect awkwardness and the show’s sharp social commentary. The unique humor draws inspiration from the Swedish culture of equality in the workplace, offering a new and cringe-worthy insight into corporate life in the Nordic world.

Kanci (2013)

The Czech Republic remake Kanci was a season-long experience that reinvented The officeThe mockumentary style of for a post-communist work environment. The show’s main character, Marek (Václav Kopta), was a hilariously oblivious boss who oversaw a small company that no one really wanted to work at.

Although Kanci was not a huge success, its balance of Czech humor and the grim realism of office life made it one of the most culturally specific Office adaptations. It’s proof that every country can find its own David Brent or Michael Scott among its squad.