Watch The Smoking Room

The Smoking Room is a British comedy TV series broadcasted in BBC Worldwide from 2004 to 2005. Created and written by Brian Dooley, the show's setting is a generic smoking room in a large and impersonal company. Although somewhat dated, it still retains its appeal and charm because of its dry humor and excellent British comic timing.

The show revolves around the conversations and musings of the employees who go to the smoking room, set up as an enclave for taking a break and smoking. The ensemble cast is led by Robert Webb, known for his work in Peep Show and Jeremy Swift who plays the supporting role. The show is dialogue-heavy and relies on the sharp wit and sarcasm of its characters to create humor.

The series features a unique cinematic style, with each episode featuring a different person, at the end of the day, taking a break in the smoking room. The show runs for approximately 30 minutes for each episode, and the premise is simple, with the characters sitting in the smoking room and talking about their daily lives, the politics of the office, personal interests, and everything in between.

The characters in the show are diverse, comprising individuals from different departments, ages, ethnicities, and genders. They come from all levels of the organization hierarchy, from the tea girl to the CEO. The show's main characters include Robin, played by Robert Webb, a cynical and sharp-tongued man with an unhealthy smoking habit; Phil, played by Jeremy Swift, a middle-aged man who has been working in the company for years; and Sharon, played by Siobhan Redmond, a no-nonsense woman who works as a secretary.

The humor in the show is derived from the dialogue, and each episode begins with a slice-of-life scenario that sets the tone for the episode. The characters often engage in banter and arguments, discussing topics ranging from favorite TV shows to their love lives, and from politics to what they had for lunch. The show brilliantly captures the monotony and isolation of corporate life, coupled with the unique camaraderie of smokers who gather in crowded getaways to whittle away the time.

The show is well-written, and the actors deliver their lines with impeccable timing, bringing out the best in each character. Although the humor in the show is often subtle, the audience will find the show quite engaging and hilarious. The dry humor and insightful commentary on the mundane, sometimes weird, conversations people engage in to alleviate the stress of modern life, situate this show in a league of its own.

In conclusion, The Smoking Room was a unique and captivating sitcom, well ahead of its time, which was loved by many people for its biting satire and offbeat humor. The show was an excellent portrait of the dull and often tedious life in a corporate office, and the characters were relatable, flawed, and hilarious. It serves as a reminder of a lost era of office life and celebrates the banter and conversations that defy the routine of daily life. The cast and writing are top-notch, making it a must-watch show for anyone looking for a good laugh.

The Smoking Room is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between June 29, 2004 and on BBC Worldwide