I think "The Office" is an interesting and exceptional case. The original Gervase version capitalized on some very English topics, the delicately awkward social situation, the central character who is devoid of perception, the not-quite love affair which is all too easy to imagine in real life, and the many cringe-worthy situations which seem to drive certain English social comedy-dramas. I thought it was brilliant.

So is the American version, which is played differently, and (yes it) is subtle in its own way. I think it has gone on significantly longer than the original UK version as well. It has somewhat broader characterizations and many of them are done brilliantly, both Steve Karel and Rainn Wilson for a start. And broadly played as it is, there is plenty of room for each character to have his moment. There was a cute episode where Jim gets to be an office manager and rapidly gets himself twisted in knots when he tries to make what he thinks is an obvious call which happens to upset office tradition. But the icing on the cake is when Michael returns and quite matter-of-factly explains to Jim what an elementary error he made, and Jim gives a little look at the camera as if to say: "I just learned something, and from the last person on earth I thought capable of teaching!"

So I submit that each version of the show is subtle and perceptive per its audience. It would make useful research to compare the two shows in the light of English/ American distinctions.