Michael Scott not being David Brent is what saved the US office, and going in a wildly different direction is what allowed it to become what it ultimately did.
I say this as someone who loved both shows.
This is not a "UK comedy is has more flawed characters" thing either, IT Crowd, Peep Show were full of terrible, flawed, miserable human beings but there were still some drama & larger than life aspects to those shows that gave it some element of "relief". UK office has no relief, it's just pure misery.
> [..] has no relief, it's just pure misery.
That's kind of the entire point mate. There is plenty of relief, but it's not your typical American sitcom relief.
Not sure how you can find this bleak and dull:
Having said that, if you know the context, that is, if you have watched the series, the looks and expressions of the actors are priceless, relatable and advance the story in what could have been a just slapstick moment.
I never know if I love or hate the Office UK as some scenes bring me to tears and others I just can't watch to the end. It is a masterfull piece of TV. I have only watched a few scenes of the US version on YouTube and I find them funny. It is a very different beast.
Stars of these programmes were just making their way into celebrity, like Jeremy Spake and Maureen from Driving School, and the people on slightly later shows knew their fame could be a path to them 'making it'. David Brent falls right into this category.
The Office was so incredibly well observed and authentic, it's a work of art.
The US one had other goals, it's just an American sitcom with a nod to mockumentary and zany unbelievable antics.
The usually involve some "loser" character getting hit with unfortunate circumstances over and over.
The TV execs evidently don't agree with you; Friday Night Dinner is currently on its _fourth_ attempt at an American remake. I can't imagine it working out well.