This series entertains while depicting the absurdities of office life that corporate employees relate to. Why is The Office so popular?
The Office PL is the Polish adaptation of the cult British series The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant in 2001. The original format was adapted in the United States, where it was a huge success, becoming one of the most important comedy series in the world.
The Polish version of the series began airing in 2021 and has now reached its fourth season. In the Polish adaptation, viewers follow the employees of the fictional company Kropliczanka, which specialises in water distribution. Instead, the location in which the series is set – Siedlce – is real. Among the characters is Michał (Piotr Polak), the Polish equivalent of Michael Scott, who plays the role of director. The series, like its foreign counterparts, uses a mockumentary format that imitates a documentary style. This approach gives the impression of a realistic take on comedy. Well-known actors playing in the series include Vanessa Aleksander, Adam Woronowicz.
The series is based on situational humour and observations of office interactions that may be recognisable to any office worker. The Office is popular because it perfectly combines elements of humor with authentic work issues and interpersonal relationships. This makes it easy for viewers to identify with the characters and their daily challenges.
Denotative analysis
The poster depicts the main character of the TV series The Office PL standing against a blue background. He is dressed in formal office attire – a dark suit and a bright tie with a colourful pattern, which emphasises his eclectic style. His figure has six hands, a humorous element alluding to the office worker’s versatility and multitasking. Each hand holds different objects, such as a phone, a cup, a bottle, and two large water cans. The caption ‘The Office PL’ and ‘season 4’ indicates that this is a poster promoting the new season of the series.
Connotative analysis. In search of answer: why is The Office so popular?
The protagonist’s six hands symbolize an overabundance of responsibilities, pervasive multitasking, and an attempt to ‘embrace’ everything in the office. Moreover, in the context of the series’ protagonist, it is also an ironic representation of his chaotic management style. Additionally, his colorful tie, combined with his office attire, gives him a slightly eccentric look. This suggests a person trying to stand out, yet feeling lost in the formal demands of the office. Furthermore, the objects he holds have their own connotations. The telephone symbolizes communication, while the coffee mug represents the office lifestyle. Additionally, the water cans signify the daily tasks and responsibilities associated with the company Kropliczanka, of which the protagonist is a part.
Anyone who has experienced office absurdities can find something familiar in the series. This connection helps viewers relate to the characters and their daily struggles.
Commutation test
Swapping each of the objects held by the character could change the interpretation of the poster. For example, if he were holding a briefcase with documents instead of a coffee mug, it could suggest a greater emphasis on professionalism. This change would shift the tone away from humor. If he had a classic tie instead of a colourful tie, his appearance would lose the comic aspect that suits the character of his character. Removing the excess hands would have caused the poster to lose its comedic expression. This detail is crucial as it references office multitasking, a key element of humor in the series.
Why is The Office so popular? Myth analysis
The poster highlights the myth of the office as a place where everyone feels overwhelmed by responsibilities. The main character embodies the typical corporate employee, juggling various tasks. This comedic hero is somewhat inept but full of enthusiasm, reflecting the frustrations and hopes of modern workers trying to manage everything at once. The humor in The Office reveals the absurdities of office culture, making it relatable to many. The office is portrayed as a ‘home’ of work, where close yet often tense relationships form, which helps the series attract audiences worldwide.
In antiquity, too, we can find manifestations of humour concerning human labour, especially in the context of the burden of work and the absurdities of everyday duties. One example is the comedies of Aristophanes, a Greek playwright from the fifth century BC. In his plays, such as Frogs and Clouds, Aristophanes made fun of various aspects of public life. He targeted the daily activities of the Athenians, including the work of philosophers and politicians. Additionally, he highlighted the petty, everyday troubles of ordinary people. His humour was often based on showing the contrast between the seriousness of his declared values and their frivolous or absurd reality – a motif that later also became crucial in The Office.