The Office (Seasons 1–2)

The Office (2001) is the original British sitcom you can watch online on iFILM. David Brent runs the Slough branch of paper merchant Wernham Hogg and genuinely believes he is the funniest, most beloved boss in Britain. A documentary crew records every excruciating moment.

Shot as a mockumentary, the show thrives on dead air and glances straight into the lens. Around Brent orbit Gareth, the territorial assistant who takes himself far too seriously, bored salesman Tim, and receptionist Dawn, whose quiet near-romance with Tim carries real ache underneath the cringe. Two short series plus a Christmas special add up to just twelve episodes, and the story is fully wrapped.

Created and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for the BBC, with Gervais himself as Brent, the series took home two Golden Globes and set the template for the American remake and countless imitators. The comedy is cold, awkward and built on silence; it does not click for everyone right away, but it gets under your skin. Stream every episode of The Office (2001) online on iFILM.