Damn!! 8th watch?? That's insane. I don't think I have watched any show even 3 times. Tho, with short YT clips of Sopranos, The Wire, The Office UK, Veep, IASIP etc. I might have like hundred times in a way, lol

Anyways, you're right about U.S. version. It's more bright & enjoyable in a sense that U.S. version is like a completely different show in comparison to UK one.

The UK one is just so raw & pretty sad at times esp. the Christmas special. It will always have a special place in my heart. Watching the UK one never feels like watching some reel life. It's get so awkward, yet feels such relatable television. It's just something else. Tho, I do plan to watch The Office U.S. someday.