The IT Crowd (2006 TV Movie) User Reviews

Too much like the British version...so why not just watch the original??

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 18 March 2018]

I recently discovered the British series "The IT Crowd" and loved every episode. One of the biggest reason was that the brilliant writer Graham LInehan ("Father Ted") not only wrote the shows but directed them. So, some American company thought they could replicate the show's success here in the States...but never got Linehan's involvement...and that is a HUGE mistake since the concept alone isn't what made the show enjoyable...it was the wonderful writing.

I was surprised to hear that there was an American version but apparently it never made it past this pilot episode and NBC didn't buy it. Is that a good thing or bad thing? Well, after finding the episode on the internet, I learned for myself.

When the show began, I noticed something odd. While Linehan's name was not on the program, it was essentially the first episode of the British series. It even had the same graphics and practically the same set! Also, oddly, Moss was in this show and was played by the same Moss from the British series. However, the laugh track was much more obvious and noticeable and there wasn't much new. Was it terrible? No....not at all. But there seemed to be no reason for the show....as they could just show the British version. In hindsight, it's probably for the best this American effort went no further.

Appalled by the doppelgänger

[jamesmills-29703 · 15 July 2023]

I understand that I can't give a true review until I've seen an episode, but being such a fan of the original and correct version I'm just going to say that based on my knowledge, I've said original, and my review of the reviews I am willing to bet more than five dollars That this will be an easy thing to hate hate hate. I can't understand why they would take a beautiful thing and turn it into this. It just doesn't make any sense to me and honestly the fact that Richard is a part of it scares the crud out of me. I am searching right now and I can't find it but I can't wait to watch episode one of the American version , so I can critique it hard.

British/ American TV

[mzjamm · 10/10 · 23 May 2020]

If we look back in television history the US has "Borrow" ideas from the British for decades. The list is too long to list. American television networks like to take successful British material because it's proven to have a market with audiences. They tend to Americanize the shows, using the stories and characters in an American setting in hopes that people will better identify with the stories. It sounds like they are lazy and want $$$$$ quickly instead of just doing it themselves.

Insultingly Bad

[seannicker · 1/10 · 17 August 2020]

Bad. So bad. A travesty. Do not watch. The original is a work of pure genius. This horrendous attempt to pilfer that genius will only make you question every life choice you ever made, as they all led to you watching this contrived mess

Turn my brain off and then...

[heathr1973 · 1/10 · 17 July 2021]

I decided to watch this after having seen the original. I've never been so scared in my whole life. The horror of American comedy sometimes.

Embarrassing

[The_nibs · 1/10 · 25 October 2017]

What is with this need for Americans to recreate British TV shows? Are they really that incapable of understanding a British accent? The script for the pilot is verbatim, the same pilot script from the original British series, save for a few minor word changes. The only major difference is that the American actors that were cast are utterly horrible at delivering their lines. NBC couldn't even come up with their own unique spin off for this awesome series. I'm glad it was never meant to be, it would have been an embarrassment if this somehow managed to pull through. Watch the original The IT Crowd, and if you have difficulty understanding a British accent then turn on the subtitles!

They never learn...

[rien-stuijfzand · 1/10 · 26 September 2018]

There is a huge difference between English and American humor. If you don't get the English humor don't bother to try and understand it, you wont. Not ever! I'm not surprised the American version din't get any further than te Pilot...

Another BAD American remake of great British TV

[google-78867 · 1/10 · 24 August 2022]

This is a scene for scene remake of the British IT Crowd Episode 1, only this one isn't funny.

Joel McHale comes off as a lazy, inept moron; and not the lazy, but capable IT guy Roy is supposed to be.

Jessica St. Clair is too pretty and comes off too dumb for the Jen role. She is supposed to be secretly computer illiterate, not a complete idiot.

Rocky Caroll checks the diversity box and doesn't bring much else.

It's as if these 2nd rate actors are playing the roles of the British 2nd rate actors playing the roles of the show characters in some weird made for TV biopic about the IT crowd.

Except of course for Richard Ayoade, who plays himself brilliantly.