I recently discovered the British series "The IT Crowd" and loved every episode. One of the biggest reason was that the brilliant writer Graham LInehan ("Father Ted") not only wrote the shows but directed them. So, some American company thought they could replicate the show's success here in the States...but never got Linehan's involvement...and that is a HUGE mistake since the concept alone isn't what made the show enjoyable...it was the wonderful writing.
I was surprised to hear that there was an American version but apparently it never made it past this pilot episode and NBC didn't buy it. Is that a good thing or bad thing? Well, after finding the episode on the internet, I learned for myself.
When the show began, I noticed something odd. While Linehan's name was not on the program, it was essentially the first episode of the British series. It even had the same graphics and practically the same set! Also, oddly, Moss was in this show and was played by the same Moss from the British series. However, the laugh track was much more obvious and noticeable and there wasn't much new. Was it terrible? No....not at all. But there seemed to be no reason for the show....as they could just show the British version. In hindsight, it's probably for the best this American effort went no further.
I was surprised to hear that there was an American version but apparently it never made it past this pilot episode and NBC didn't buy it. Is that a good thing or bad thing? Well, after finding the episode on the internet, I learned for myself.
When the show began, I noticed something odd. While Linehan's name was not on the program, it was essentially the first episode of the British series. It even had the same graphics and practically the same set! Also, oddly, Moss was in this show and was played by the same Moss from the British series. However, the laugh track was much more obvious and noticeable and there wasn't much new. Was it terrible? No....not at all. But there seemed to be no reason for the show....as they could just show the British version. In hindsight, it's probably for the best this American effort went no further.