When Does The IT Crowd Get Good?
A new viewer will know within the first 2-3 episodes if The IT Crowd will be a show they’ll enjoy. The humor only gets better as you get to know the characters better, but the style and substance remains consistent throughout the series’ four-season run.
What Fans Say
Fans of The IT Crowd celebrate its unique blend of absurdist humor, sharp wit, and memorable characters. The show’s portrayal of the eccentricities of tech workers and office life strikes a chord with many viewers. Roy Trenneman’s sarcastic demeanor, Moss’s socially oblivious genius, and Jen Barber’s complete lack of IT knowledge provide endless comedic moments. Fans also appreciate the show’s quotable lines and running gags, such as “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” and the iconic “Internet” in a box episode. Graham Linehan’s writing is often praised for balancing slapstick, clever dialogue, and surreal comedy.
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What Haters Say
Critics of The IT Crowd often point to its reliance on broad stereotypes and over-the-top humor. Some feel that the humor is occasionally dated or insensitive, particularly in episodes tackling social issues. The controversial content of certain storylines, including jokes about gender and sexuality, has drawn criticism. Additionally, detractors argue that the show’s humor can be hit-or-miss, depending on the episode. The character-driven comedy isn’t universally appealing, and some viewers find the laugh track intrusive.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality?
The IT Crowd maintains a fairly consistent level of quality throughout its run, though opinions vary on whether the final special episode lived up to the earlier seasons. Some fans feel that the show peaks in its third season and becomes slightly repetitive afterward. However, with only four main seasons and a relatively small number of episodes, it avoids the prolonged decline seen in many long-running series. The series finale special received mixed reactions, with some considering it a satisfying send-off and others feeling it lacked the sharpness of earlier episodes.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 85% | 7.9/10 |
| 2 | 85% | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | 85% | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | 85% | 8.2/10 |
| Special | N/A | 8.4/10 |
Critics generally praise The IT Crowd for its clever humor and strong performances by its lead actors, particularly Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Katherine Parkinson. The show’s satire of corporate culture and geek stereotypes has been highlighted as both a strength and a source of controversy. Reviews often commend its inventive comedic scenarios, though some note that its humor doesn’t always age well. Despite mixed feelings about certain plotlines, The IT Crowd is widely regarded as one of the best British sitcoms of the 2000s.
Overview
Premiering in 2006 and running until 2013, The IT Crowd is a British sitcom created by Graham Linehan. Set in the basement IT department of the fictional Reynholm Industries, the show follows the misadventures of Roy (Chris O’Dowd), Moss (Richard Ayoade), and Jen (Katherine Parkinson). Tasked with managing the company’s technological needs, the trio navigates workplace absurdities, bizarre social situations, and outlandish crises.
Roy is a slacker tech support specialist with a biting sense of humor and a penchant for comic books and video games. Moss, his socially inept colleague, possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of technology but struggles with basic human interaction. Jen, who becomes the department head despite knowing nothing about computers, serves as a bridge between the IT team and the rest of the office, often finding herself caught in their strange escapades.
The show is characterized by its surreal humor, memorable one-liners, and a mix of physical comedy and satire. Notable episodes include “The Work Outing,” where a night at the theater spirals into chaos, and “The Internet Is Coming,” a special episode that wraps up the series. The IT Crowd has earned a devoted fan base and remains a beloved example of British comedy.
Season Highlights
Season 1 (2006)
The first season introduces viewers to the quirky dynamics of the IT department. Highlights include the pilot episode, where Jen fakes her way into the IT manager position, and “Calamity Jen,” where a cursed pair of red shoes causes mayhem. The foundation of the series’ humor, centered on the clash between tech nerds and corporate culture, is firmly established.
Season 2 (2007)
Season 2 deepens the characters’ backstories and delivers some of the show’s most memorable moments. “The Work Outing” sees Roy, Moss, and Jen inadvertently attending a risqué theater production, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings. The season continues to explore the absurdity of office life, with standout episodes like “Return of the Golden Child.”
Season 3 (2008)
The third season is often considered the series’ peak. Episodes like “Friendface,” which parodies social networking culture, and “Tramps Like Us,” where Roy pretends to be disabled to get better service, exemplify the show’s blend of sharp satire and farcical humor. Moss’s stint on a game show in “Countdown” is another fan-favorite moment.
Season 4 (2010)
In its fourth season, The IT Crowd continues its successful formula, though some critics note signs of repetition. Highlights include “Something Happened,” where Roy and Jen confront workplace romance woes, and “Italian for Beginners,” showcasing Moss’s attempts to learn new skills with predictably chaotic results.
Special: “The Internet Is Coming” (2013)
The final special episode offers a nostalgic farewell to the series, bringing back many of its recurring gags and characters. While some fans appreciate its sense of closure, others feel it falls short of the show’s earlier brilliance. Still, it provides a fitting conclusion to the IT department’s escapades.
Similar Shows
- Black Books — Another Graham Linehan creation, featuring a misanthropic bookshop owner and his eccentric friends.
- Spaced — A cult British sitcom blending surreal humor and pop culture references.
- Community — A meta-comedy set at a community college with a similarly quirky cast of characters.
- Parks and Recreation — A workplace comedy with a heartwarming and absurdist touch.
- Silicon Valley — A tech-focused satire exploring startup culture.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Show
- The Office (UK) — Shares a dry, awkward humor and a workplace setting.
- Arrested Development — A similarly fast-paced, character-driven comedy.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine — Combines workplace comedy with outlandish situations.
- Red Dwarf — A British sci-fi comedy with a mix of surreal and geeky humor.