The BBC has announced a special programme to celebrate 25 years since the debut of the UK version of The Office. The sitcom, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, first aired in July 2001 and concluded with a two-part Christmas special in December 2003. The new programme, titled Mackenzie Crook and Martin Freeman Remember...The Office, will reunite the actors who played Gareth and Tim, respectively, to look back at the groundbreaking series.
Reunion After 15 Years
According to the BBC, it has been more than 15 years since Freeman and Crook last saw each other. The 25th anniversary has brought them together to share personal memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflect on the show's enduring legacy and cultural impact. The special will include anecdotes such as how Freeman initially auditioned for the role of Gareth, how Crook embraced one of TV's worst-ever haircuts, how Gervais nearly ruined filming on a daily basis, and what it was like to be at the heart of 'Office-mania' when the show was at its peak. Additionally, the pair will share their views on the American version of the show and some of their personal favourite Wernham Hogg moments.
Background of The Office
The Office followed the day-to-day lives of office employees at the Slough branch of the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company. The series consisted of two six-episode seasons followed by a two-part Christmas special, and it starred Ricky Gervais as David Brent, Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury, Mackenzie Crook as Gareth Keenan, and Lucy Davis as Dawn Tinsley. The show is widely regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed British comedies of all time.
The BBC said: "It’s been more than 15 years since the pair last laid eyes on each other, but the ground-breaking comedy's 25th anniversary has brought them together once again, sharing their memories of working, and laughing, alongside Ricky Gervais, co-writer Stephen Merchant, and their other leading office colleague Lucy Davis, who played the object of Tim's affections, Dawn."
Broadcast Details
Mackenzie Crook and Martin Freeman Remember...The Office will be broadcast on Wednesday, July 8, at 10pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
