Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook have reunited for a special episode of Remembers to mark the 25th anniversary of the BBC's acclaimed sitcom The Office. The episode, airing on Wednesday 8 July at 10pm on BBC Two and iPlayer, features the two actors looking back at the series and sharing personal memories from their time on the show.
A Look Back at the Iconic Series
It has been fifteen years since Freeman and Crook last saw each other. The episode includes behind-the-scenes stories and an exploration of the show's enduring legacy. The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, was a mockumentary set in the Slough paper company Wernham-Hogg, following the boss from hell, David Brent, and his long-suffering employees.
Freeman played Tim, the 'cool' salesman in love with receptionist Dawn (Lucy Davis), while Crook played Gareth, the very 'uncool' second-in-command to David. Their US counterparts were Jim (John Krasinski) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) in the American adaptation.
Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
The anecdotes the pair will share include Freeman's audition, which was initially for the role of Gareth, how Gervais came close to "ruining" filming every day, and what it was like to be "at the heart of Office-mania when the show was at its peak". They will also discuss the American version and their favourite moments from the UK's two series.
The Legacy of The Office
The series has been credited with redefining the sitcom genre with its mockumentary style, inspiring shows like The Office US, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family. The cast has gone on to achieve great success: Ricky Gervais won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for The Office and earned further accolades for Extras and After Life. Mackenzie Crook earned a BAFTA nomination for Detectorists and starred in Game of Thrones. Lucy Davis appeared in Shaun of the Dead, Wonder Woman, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Martin Freeman played Dr John Watson in Sherlock, Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, and Everett K. Ross in Marvel films. Freeman recently secured a role in the new British drama Oddly Flowers, playing the eccentric father Walter opposite Emily Carey.
Mackenzie Crook and Martin Freeman Remember... The Office airs Wednesday 8 July at 10pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
