UK Office officially better than US Office, according to huge critic poll

Get the guitar…

It’s official, Ricky Gervais and the O.G. The Office crew based in Slough are better than Steve Carell’s US version of the same hit comedy show set in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

It’s a verdict that’s sure to divide fans – and just one of the revelations turfed up in a huge new list of the best TV shows of the 21st Century (so far). 206 TV experts from 43 countries banded together with the BBC to bring together what they reckon are the top 100 shows – and the results may surprise you.

We know, we know… it’s only 2021 – which makes a round-up of the best shows of the century seem, well, a little odd to be honest. However, the Beeb justified their decision for doing their tally now.

“TV has played such a crucial role in many of our lives over the past 18 months, when we have relied on it for information, entertainment, solace and inspiration in equal measure,” they said.

The Office UK just scraped into the top ten, appearing at number nine, however the US Office – which some fans have argued is better than the UK version – was way lower down the list at 39.

Here’s the top 10 TV shows of 2021, according to the experts.

1          The Wire (2002-2008)
2          Mad Men (2007-2015)
3          Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
4          Fleabag (2016-2019)
5          Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
6          I May Destroy You (2020)
7          The Leftovers (2014-2017)
8          The Americans (2013-2018)
9          The Office (UK) (2001-2003)
10        Succession (2018-)

Cult animated sitcom BoJack Horseman just missed the top 10 shortlist, coming in at 11. Lost, 30 Rock and Chernobyl also made it into the top 20.

Number 100 was lockdown chess drama The Queen’s Gambit and US sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia made it in at number 90.

“While the list is wide-ranging by some metrics, there are also ways in which it reflects significant biases,” the BBC said.

“Ninety-two series feature English as their primary language, with Danish, Swedish, French, Spanish and German among the other languages featured. Meanwhile 79 shows in the top 100 were created by men and just 11 by women, with 10 by a combination of men and women.

“Both these statistics speak to systemic industry inequities: however with non-English language series increasingly amassing huge international audiences, and a more diverse range of voices, in terms of race, gender and sexual orientation being given creative control, the TV landscape could shift once again in crucial and inspiring ways in the future.”

Related links: 

• The Office US crowned best remake of UK show, according to study
• Ricky Gervais’ brilliant response to claims the US Office is better than the British version
• Quiz: Is this a quote from the US Office or US Office?