I don't think Seinfeld was making any mainstream noise in the first third of its 3rd season either though.

The comparison to Seinfeld was not my idea.

But I stand by the opnion that The Office will never be a "water cooler" show.

I don't think it will be either. I've said this in at least one previous Office thread. Part of my job is training classes of new employees about once a month. The classes range from 10 people to 50 people and since I'm only in the class an hour a day I like to start everyday with an ice breaker. One that I always use is favorite TV show. When someone says a show that others like they'll often make a comment or two. I have said The Office in 10 classes now (figure about 300 people) and have never gotten one comment on it. This show is pretty far off the radar IMHO. It has it's very loyal fanbase and that is it.

Not only does it have a very unique comic voice (as Seinfeld did) but it is VERY dependent on knowing the characters well.

I hear others talking about it in some of my classes. I wouldnt say it that far off the radar, it doesnt get bad ratings.

Well, they may just be intimidated by a female that likes to talk about her favorite TV shows.

Also, I'd say give them a few months on the job, then see how well they relate to the show.

I never heard anyone say mulva or spongeworthy.

Didnt like AT ALL the bit in the beginning with Michael under the desk, but the closing bit with Andy singing the song was awesome.

Mulva is an odd one. I'm not even sure how that would work as a reference. I have heard plenty of sponge-worthy references, though. I'd personally suggest that the Costanza (sung like "by Mennen") is probably a much better example than Mulva.

You see here's the thing. The Office is a very smart comedy that most people in this country just don't get. It references real life happenings, plus things that happen in the movies and television and most American people are clueless.

They love their 'Friends' which is just mindless fun. Now for the record, I watched every episode of Friends when it was on and it is one of my favorite show of the 90's, but it's dumbed down just enough for the people of America to understand and to watch every week. Hence the very high ratings. A hell of a lot higher than The Office will ever be.

But there will always be a small group of us that will always love shows like The Office, Scrubs and Arrested Development. Notice how none of them have laugh tracks. The producers are smart enough to know that the people watching are smart enough to laugh when they should.

Chris

I don't think you want to piss off Mrs.Nesbit

Chris

Chris keeps refrencing this imaginary fight we had 6 months ago. Good points though I do know a few stupid people who are somewhat into the show. All they ever talk about is Michael making rude,racists, or sexists coments.

Angela was just on Conan...it's nice to see she is completely different than the character she plays on the show. I'm not surprised I guess, but she pulls off her role so well, and looks so blah....man she was a great guest. And she looked pretty. hmm.

she used to be an intern at Late Night back in 1994. hheh.

I wish I coulda seen that! Last I saw was that Pam chick on TV and dear god is she annoying. Totally ruined her image for me. I couldnt stand her.

Now if you guys see or hear anything about Rashida Jones on a TV show let me know. She is sooo damn hot. In fact I recently met a girl who resembles her pretty closely!

Rashida Jones is on Late Night tonight (12:35am EST 12/7/2006)

"That Pam chick"?

frick on a stick! I guess I missed it. Is she YouTube worthy? we'll see I guess.

Caught most of her segment with Conan last night jast as I was turning off the tv.

She was pretty funny. Looked pretty good too.

Whoo hoo! Good thing I asked! I got it recorded and will be watching soon. Thanks

I guess all I care about are screencaps. Post em if you got em!

rashida on conan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAc743ZLcOw

Just saw it, wow shes amazing looking. She seems like a real down to earth girl too. I woulda thought she would come accross as some spoiled brat, but nope. Totally shot up her hotness. Wow...

Regarding the populatrity of The Office:

We went to see The Tree at The Rock last night, and decided to browse the NBC logo shop (had to: on my 5 y/o son's letter to Santa, he asked for S-1 on DVD). Well, if you use the entrance that's closest to the tree (it's about 50' away and AFAIK, it's the main door), the very first thing you see upon entering is a sizable display of Office gear, both for the show and for Dunder/Mifflin: t-shirts, golf shirts, sweatshirts, Dwight bobbleheads, talking pens and key chains, coffee mugs, and more (I was kinda hoping to see Vance Refrigeration workshirts and fridge magets, but alas). You practically fall over it once you're in the door. To my eye, it was easily the largest and most varied display in the whole store.

That must mean something, watercoolers be dasmed.,.....

Am I reading this right? Your 5 year old wants Season 1 of The Office for Christmas?

Yup, it's one of his favorite shows.

We Tivo, my wife or I screen the ep, and if we don't have to dump out more than a scene or two, we let him watch it. If it's too 'adult' for him, we just show him a rerun that meets our needs........

My six year old daughter loves it as well. She thinks Dwight is hilarious and insists on doing a little dance when ever she hears the theme music. She usually catches it when I'm watching for the second time, so I know when to hit mute during more adult moments.

Kids are smarter than you think.