US version of The Office gets second series
Ricky Gervais’s show The Office has been commissioned for a second series in the United States, despite disappointing ratings.
The NBC network stuck by the wry British import, hoping that a second shot would give discerning viewers time to come around.
The first series, which launched in March, attracted an average audience of less than six million.
NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly justified his decision not to give the show the chop by drawing comparisons with hit sitcom Seinfeld, which has become one of the biggest shows in the US after a slow start.
“We could not face the prospect of not bringing it back given the history NBC has had with the likes of Seinfeld,” he said.
A further 13 episodes of the American version will be broadcast later this year. Ricky Gervais was said to be “absolutely thrilled” with the decision.
The show received a mixed reception in the US, some critics hailing it a masterpiece, others claiming it’s humour had been lost in translation.
