Lindsay would hate this suit.
We've mentioned, reluctantly, that The Office just ain't what it used to be. It's not really the show's fault; after five or six seasons, the sitcom formula usually gets tuckered out. Though The Office has no official end in sight, it's wise for fans to anticipate the primetime void and fill The Office's space with a new fictional workplace. Enter: Better Off Ted.
Better Off Ted is not The Office. Sure, it's got an eccentric boss played by a big-name actor, a decent amount of URST and a single-camera filming style. It also takes place in an office. But that's where the similarities end. Unlike Parks and Recreation, which tried unsuccessfully to recreate the awkward silences and unique cast chemistry, Better Off Ted is its own brand of office humor.
The camera is not a character in Better Off Ted; it's a quasi-confessional for the main man, Ted (Jay Harrington), a la Malcolm in the Middle. And, like Malcolm, the show embraces its campy characters, who aren't there to satirize society so much as to interact hilariously with each other.
And they do. Scientists Lem (Malcolm Barrett) and Phil (Jonathan Slavin) bat around perfectly dorky one-liners that are only funny in their white coats: " I wish I was a worm -- then I could cut myself in two and date my lower half." It's comments like these and throwback references to The Sound of Music and "Yes I'm Ready" (a 1979 Teri De Sario tune) that will pull in Office fans who are willing to give Ted a chance.
Better Off Ted lacks the cynicism of The Office, too. Veronica (Portia de Rossi), the anti-Michael Scott, is not the boss you want. She's the boss you have. Her company, Veridian Dynamics, is built on relevancy and technology while Dunder-Mifflin ignores its own obsolescence in a paperless world. That metaphor has to be a coincidence, right?
Comments (48)
I never got into the Office, but I can't get enough of 'Better Off Ted'. Renewing BOT was the best decision ABC made this year... it's the funniest show on TV right now!
I love Better Off Ted! Haven`t missed an episode yet! If you haven`t watched it yet, check it out! Hilarious!
The Office may not be what it used to be, but it is still damn funny. Personally I love both shows!
I LOVE BOT! If I miss an episode, I watch it on my computer!
I took na chance on this show now am hooked.Quite frankly, I never got behind the American Office, just didn't seem up to par with Ricky Gervais.But Ted is a refreshing breath!
i love both shows
They didn't mention Andrea Anders, the reason I started watching it when it began...
I love the Office, I watched 2 eps of Ted and just could not get into it.
Think its unfair to compare the two though. Making people choose sides when its completely unnecassary.
Was this written by the studio or something? Seems like I'm reading an advert, very subtle........
I've really been enjoying 'Better Off Ted.' I hope it gets high enough ratings to keep getting renewed :-)
I'll stick with my "Office" on NBC
BOT is (in NINE episodes no less) one of if not THE best comedy of this decade. I haven't laughed, or been so riveted, to a 22/23 minute comedy show since South Park first aired. It's totally different, but it IS hands down in the same league. My ONLY problem is my left hand raises high into the air, thanking God for ABC and its ever-willing nature to give these crazy, off beat, left & right of center shows a chance to see daylight; while my right hand keeps beating me over the head screaming ABC is going to ram your left hand where the sun don't shine you blind, hysterical idiot: they will cancel this show as soon as you're certain it's won it's place in a line-up for years... All I know is Lem would say if you sit on both hands you're bound to be safe - until you open your lips and run out of time to pull your foot out of your mouth... GODDAMMIT PLEASE ABC GIVE THIS ONE A GOOD CHANCE!moreless
Better Off Ted is hillarious!
There so should be a cross over episode of Better Off Ted and 30 Rock... A show down between Veronika and Jack Donaghy...
yeah, Better Off Ted is great.
I'm still a big fan of The Office, even after last season, but Better Off Ted is much funnier than that show ever was.
I hate The Office US. But I like Better Off Ted.
I love the Office, and I love Better Off Ted!
I watched the first few episodes when they aired, and I really liked the two guys in the lab, but other than that it didn't stick. I much prefer the Office, but it is true that it isn't the quality it used to be...
loving better off ted :)
I absolutely LOVE this show. The writing is HILARIOUS - there are little one-shots that you can easily miss if you aren't paying attention, and all of the characters are amusing. I don't think there's anything about this show that doesn't work. I highly recommend that everyone try it at least once; I guarantee that 99% of you who do will love it. My one friend who doesn't like it has never worked in an office building, and that's the only excuse I can find for his not loving this great show.
sounds good. I might try it out.
I enjoyed Better Off Ted, but still prefer The Office.
<em>The Office</em> is running thin because it tried to keep going, unlike the UK version which told a story in two seasons and wrapped it up. It is typical of American television that they try to suck every last drop out of a show until it is dead.I like <em>Better Off Ted</em>.
Better Off Ted is way better than The Office ever was.
better of ted has had me in stitches every episode, it's possibly one of the best new comedies. portia de rossi comes off with some freakin fantastic one liners. watch this show!
BOT is awesome.. watch the first few episodes and you will be hooked for sure
BOT is hysterical, but I'm still a huge Office fan and felt that this past season has really recovered and was funnier than in past years.
I love Better Off Ted! I'm glad it got picked up for this fall.
It's all right, but it shouldn't even rank among the type of humor found in The Office (even in TO's latest, somewhat disappointing season). Everything you say about BOT lacking TO's satirical comedy and cynicism proves that Office fans probably wouldn't like Ted as much as you claim.
Being in Australia I have never heard of this show but it does seem rather appealing. I just find it funny that this stands up as NEWS on TV.com during the summer where TV goes to sleep.
i can also only recommend better off ted.very funny, especially the fake commercials.
The one-liners are hilarious! Overall the show is pretty good.
BOT is very funny. Phil & Lem are the best! I'm glad there is going to be a season 2. Networks need to give new shows a chance!
Better Off Ted has gotten extremely funny. I'm so glad they are giving it a second season. I found it to be the funniest show of the 08-09 season.
This show is not great by any means, but I do love "Better Off Ted" for all the reasons you stated.
are you kidding me? this show is so UNfunny, it's painful
Oooh, I've never seen it. Will have to have a look.
though i love better off ted i still think the office is way funnier and enjoyable to watch
better off ted is not the type of comedy that make you LOL the first time u watch it
A very funny show that typifies big business in the world today. With a brilliant cast that doesn't take itself too seriously :)
I agree..the current Office is pathetic. Better of Ted, is fresh and new and there is a lot the show should prove to last 5+ seasons like the Office.
Better Off Ted is hilarious. So glad its going for a second season. It really is laugh out loud funny.
I'm glad to see how this site promotes the show, hopefully it will draw more people to watch it. But their support didn't save Cavemen, so we'll see, heh
Better off Ted rocks!
Not a fan of the Office at all but Better Off Ted is a show with amazing potential.
The office is great..took me a couple episodes with better off ted to see how good it is..but it is definatly a cool show.
I love this show but HATE The Office.