Summary
There are plenty of funworkplace sitcoms to binge watch, but when it comes to a cult comedy film that people still find relatable and hilarious, fans will always have a good time rewatchingOffice Space.Released in 1999 and written and directed by Mike Judge, the movie hasastar-studded cast including Jennifer Aniston, Diedrich Bader, Ron Livingston, Gary Cole, and Stephen Root. It’s definitely fun to look back onone of Aniston’s first movie roles, and it’s also a great exercise in nostalgia to revisit some of the most famous scenes. Is anything funnier than watching Aniston’s character Joanna’s boss quiz her on the amount of flair she should be wearing on her restaurant uniform?
Just like aWayne’s Worldjoke is funnier on streaming, watchingOffice Spaceis even more compelling after learning thattwo brands made some interesting changes after the movie was released. This speaks to the love that so many people have for this memorable late ’90s film.
Office Space Influenced Two Big Brands After It Was Released In 1999
When fans think aboutOffice Space, they likely remember one main aspect:the flair that the servers at Chotchkie’s wear. According toDeadline, writer/director Mike Judge said that the movieled to one interesting shift atTGI Fridays. He explained:
“About four years afterOffice Spacecame out, TGI Fridays got rid of all that (button) flair, because people would come in and make cracks about it. One of my ADs asked once at the restaurant why their flair was missing and they said they removed it because of that movieOffice Space. So, maybe I made the world a better place.”
It’s fascinating to hear this, especially since there is such a clever scene in the movie whenChotchkie’s manager Stan (Judge) tells Joanna that she should wear more flair. It’s a perfect example ofAniston’s comedic talent and timing. He says:
“Now, you know it’s up to you whether or not you want to just do the bare minimum. Or… well, like Brian, for example, has thirty seven pieces of flair, okay. And a terrific smile… People can get a cheeseburger anywhere, okay? They come to Chotchkie’s for the atmosphere and the attitude. Okay? That’s what the flair’s about. It’s about fun.”
Office Spaceinfluenced another brand: according to an oral history published inThe Ringerin 2019,Swingline began making a red stapler after the movie’s release. The senior marketing manager, Theresa Hardy, said, “We’ve been probably officially making different variations of the red stapler for the better part of 10 years now.” This is proof that, likethe beloved sitcomThe Office,Office Spacemade a big impression on audiences who have had some office or service industry jobs that made them relate to the characters.
Despite The Movie’s Fanbase, There Was No Office Space 2
Given the love and nostalgia that many people have forOffice Space’s, fans definitely expected to see a sequel at some point, especially sincelegacy sequels have become so popular. However, Mike Judge never madeOffice Space 2. Just like fanswishWayne’s World 3had been made, it would be great to see an Office Space sequel and catch up with the characters.
During a panel at South by Southwest in March 2024,writer/director Judge said the last time that he watched all ofOffice Space, he was working on the movie.According toThe Hollywood Reporter, he explained that while he watched it countless times when working on it the first time around, he hasn’t gone back since. He said:
“Not sure why exactly, but every time I’ve started watching it, I just kind of think, ‘Nah I’m gonna go do something else. “It brings back stressful memories, I suppose. There are scenes I like watching, though — like the printer smashing, or all the scenes with Gary Cole. I just feel like I’ve seen it enough.”
Where Can You Watch Office Space?
Office Spaceis streaming on Hulu, which also has plenty ofcomedy shows that have been released recently, includingDeli Boys.
It’s always a good idea to revisit the 1999 cult comedy, which has ahigh Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%and is also 93% on the Popcornmeter, and some of the most memorable quotes from any ’90s movie. One of the best?When Bob Slydell (John C. McGinley) asks Tom Smykowski (Richard Riehle), “What would you say you do here?“Thankfully, fans can watch it anytime they want on the streaming service.
