"The Office" Series 1 premiered on July 9, 2001, and consisted of 14 episodes. The show's protagonist, David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais, is a well-intentioned but clueless and incompetent manager who creates a toxic work environment. The series' innovative mockumentary style, where a camera crew follows the employees around, added to its humor and relatability. The show's influence on British comedy was immediate, and it gained a significant following.