The Office Reboot is doomed to fail, here's why

Modified Oct 13, 2023 09:26 GMT

The Office US was adapted from the 2001-2003 BBC comedy of the same name, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Greg Daniels, writer for Saturday Night Live, King of the Hill, and The Simpsons, adapted the show for US television. The show is about the employees of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Through all their hilarious misadventures, the motley crew at this small paper company form bonds and rivalries that make for an entertaining watch. Even though the show is an adapter version of The Office UK, the characters have their unique zing.

The idea of rebooting the iconic TV show has been circulating in Hollywood circles, with NBC Universal reportedly in talks with Greg Daniels, the creator of the U.S. version. While the prospect may excite some fans, there are several compelling reasons why a reboot may not be the best idea.

Why The Office reboot is a bad idea

The Office has made a lasting impact on American TV, running for nine seasons with a total of 201 episodes. It's celebrated for its memorable characters, wit, and narrative depth. Therefore, attempting a reboot could jeopardize the original's revered legacy if it doesn't recapture what made it so iconic in the first place.

Reboots inherently face the challenge of living up to their originals. It's worth noting that the U.S. version of The Office was itself a reimagining of its British counterpart and took a while to establish its own identity.

Given the high standards the show has set, expectations for a reboot would be sky-high. Considering the less-than-stellar track record of TV reboots, one can't help but wonder if a new version of The Office is destined to disappoint.

Other revivals like Will and Grace, iCarly, and Fuller House have had a hard time capturing the same audience magic as their predecessors. So, any reboot of the show would inevitably be measured against its legendary original, setting the bar incredibly high for success.

Can the reboot keep up with the changing schema of the workplace?

Today’s office culture is substantially different from what it was a decade ago. The original series was a product of its time, reflecting the office culture of the 2000s. Although the show still stands relevant today, the setting of the reboot might appear a little alien to the viewers. This is because the workplace has evolved significantly. In today’s world, remote work and digital communication have become more prevalent.

While this could offer new comedic material, it also means that the reboot would have to navigate a completely different cultural landscape. This, in turn, could alienate fans of the original show. Thus, it will have to tread risky waters to leave an impact like the original show.

Furthermore, the original cast had a unique chemistry that contributed to the show's success. The dynamics of the main cast were tightly intertwined throughout the seasons. Moreover, the mischiefs of these characters created a hilarious screen time.

The original characters had arcs that were neatly wrapped up in the series finale, leaving little room for further development. So, re-opening the show to new possibilities might put off the viewers, especially when the ending was quite wholesome.

All in all, it will take a village to recreate the show in the light of the original. Given the show's devoted fan base, the creators may want to think carefully about the potential drawbacks of a reboot.