Lessons from ‘The Office’ Sorry if you’re not a fan, but the TV series is great for laughing and learning

AFTER nine seasons comprising 201 episodes spread over eight years, US TV series The Office aired its finale on Thursday. A show about employees at a regional branch of a fictional paper company doesn’t sound promising, but the fact that it lasted this long says a lot about the rich characterisation, sharp writing and terrific acting.

(This American version was adapted from the original British series, which had helped turn Ricky Gervais into an international star.)