Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out cover image

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

140. Stephen Merchant: 6 Foot 7 and Co-Created The Office

Aug 12, 2024
This week, Stephen Merchant, co-creator of iconic shows like 'The Office' and 'Extras,' joins the conversation. He shares actionable advice for emerging creatives and dives into the behind-the-scenes politics of his successful collaborations with Ricky Gervais. Stephen hilariously recounts a moment from a Hollywood party where he walked through a glass door and teases a stand-up bit about interviewing a pornstar. The discussion also touches on the complexities of comedy casting in the UK versus the US.
01:04:34

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Stephen Merchant highlights the benefits of low-budget production, allowing for creative risks that shaped the unique style of The Office.
  • He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, arguing that revealing one's true self enhances comedic impact and audience connection.

Deep dives

Stephen Merchant's Comedy Roots

Stephen Merchant discusses his journey in comedy, highlighting how he co-created iconic shows like The Office and Extras with Ricky Gervais. He shares that the initial idea for The Office came from experiences at a radio station, where they improvised skits about office life. The low-budget nature of the original British Office allowed them to take creative risks that defined the series' unique style. Merchant emphasizes the blend of humor and genuine emotion they aimed for, revolutionizing comedic storytelling on television.

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