Phoenix Nights was trending on Twitter last night, with users ranking it one of the best TV shows of all time.
It all started when LAD Bible asked: “You can only pick one. Phoenix Nights or The Office?”
The content publisher had posted a picture of the cast of Phoenix Nights alongside a picture of the British series of The Office’s cast.
The odds were arguably against Phoenix Nights: The Office has become a household name since its 2001 release, with a US version (starring Steve Carell in the David Brent role of Michael Scott) becoming a major hit, and with its creator, Ricky Gervais, going on to become a celebrity in Hollywood, hosting the Golden Globes several times.
However, Phoenix Nights started trending across Twitter, and soon enough it was clear that the British sitcom about a working men’s club in Bolton was the undefeated champion of the Tuesday evening competition.
You can only pick one.
— LADbible (@ladbible) July 12, 2022
Phoenix Nights or The Office? pic.twitter.com/uTj1H1dzXk
“Great to see the majority have common sense and have opted for Phoenix Nights,” replied one fan to LAD Bible.
“Phoenix nights and it’s not even comparable, best series ever made,” said another.
“How this is even a question I don’t know. Phoenix Nights 1000%. Elite TV,” said another.
“Imagine even comparing the 2. Phoenix nights is miles ahead,” said a fourth.
Neither Peter Kay nor Ricky Gervais came out to add their thoughts to the ongoing Twitter contest.
The two series were well chosen as rivals for the showdown as they had both done the rounds on British television at the same time.
The two series of Phoenix Nights, which were created by Peter Kay with English comedians Neil Fitzmaurice and Dave Spikey, were released in 2001 and 2002 respectively, while the two series of The Office were also released in 2001 and 2002. Phoenix Nights was broadcast on Channel 4, while The Office was broadcast on BBC Two.
Both series also brought fame to some of the UK’s now best-loved actors. Phoenix Nights starred Paddy McGuinness and Ted Robbins, while The Office starred Mackenzie Crook, Martin Freeman and Lucy Davis.
The Office follows the story of the day-to-day lives of office employees who work for a paper company in Slough. Filmed in a mockumentary style, the show went on to find international success, being sold to broadcasters in over 80 countries around the world.
Its US iteration, which starred John Krasinski and Ed Helms alongside Carell, ran for nine series, turning Gervais into a massive star across the pond.
Gervais is no stranger to having his TV show compared, though usually it’s because people can’t decide which version of The Office is best.
Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in January, Gervais weighed into the debate, saying: “Well, I thought the British office was the best. But my accountant assures me that it’s the American version.”
