IT is a rare example of when an American remake is arguably better than the British original.
Over nine laugh out loud series’, viewers fell in love with The Office US’s collection of lovably flawed characters inside the Scranton branch of paper supplier Dunder Mifflin.
Though the sitcom ended 11 years ago, it’s been ever-present on streaming platforms like Amazon, and now Netflix, keeping its popularity at an all-time high.
And now six members of its cast have reunited for a hilarious new advert for the AT&T BusinessNext Level Network.
Show favourites Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Kate Flannery, Craig Robinson, Brian Baumgartner, and Creed Bratton might leave their corporate alter-egos behind in the ad but they still share plenty of their characteristics.
Notable omissions from the ad are John Krasinski – who played Fischer’s fiancé Jim Halpert and is married to Hollywood star Emily Blunt in real life – and Steve Carell, who played hapless Office manager Michael Scott.
Dwight Schrute star Wilson plugs the fictional service “Sleep With Rain” – a pillow containing two speakers that pump out his dulcet voice.
He says: “For years, my voice has been putting people to sleep— my mom, my wife, my therapist — so I decided to cash in.”
The Office’s warehouse worker Darryl Philbin [Robinson] then asks: “Rainn-bow, ready for launch?”
Fischer, who played receptionist Pam Beesley, chirpily says “Happy launch day” as she arrives with balloons.
Wilson says: “By bringing more sleep to the world, I may just bring about world peace.”
It’s then revealed Robinson is the brand’s chief technology officer while Fischer is its social media manager.
Viewers learn Kevin Malone star Baumgartner is head of product, while Meredith Palmer actress Flannery is a blunt no nonsense “fixer”.
She says: “I don’t care about the pillow. I’m just here for the internets.”
In yet another comical turn, the Sleep With Rainn team gets locked out of the room they’re using to launch the product and try everything to get back inside.
Though eventually successful, their efforts cause a power outage, which is when the real world purpose behind the ad is revealed: AT&T Internet Backup can help them get back up and running.
Earlier this year another Office star, who doesn’t feature in the advert, revealed a film adaptation could be in the works.
Melora Hardin, famous as businesswoman Jan Levinson, has even discussed plot ideas with show executive Greg Daniels, who is overseeing a reboot.
Insiders say that writer Greg, who remains close to the show’s stars, has discussed show options with Netflix and NBC brands.
Melora teased that follow-ups are being created by Greg, who she regularly talks to about potential plots.
Speaking about the reboot, she told The U.S. Sun: “That is up to Greg, because he is the maestro. I would certainly show up. I think a lot of us would.
“I don’t know about Steve – you can ask him – but I think he would. It would be super fun.
“But I think it’s going to have to be something special because otherwise why do it?
“We’ve already done an incredible series that people are watching and re-watching, and for generations. It’s just still living and very iconic…
“I think Greg probably feels like it has to be something that really excites him.”
