My Top 10 Episodes of The Office

When I first decided to start a blog I didn’t really know what I was going to write about. Would it be about life? Serious things? Fun things? I wasn’t really sure. What I did know was that at some point I was going to talk about something very important…The Office. Well, that day has finally arrived. I decided it was finally time for me to share my thoughts on the greatest show ever made. In this post I will be ranking my top 10 episodes. However, my goal is for this to be as objective as possible. So over the past week, in the name of research, I’ve been pouring over the episodes that made my shortlist, trying to determine what the order should be.

I came up with five categories that I will use: cold open, quotability, memorable scenes, story arc, and consistency. Each category will be given a score from 1-10. Let me explain what I’m looking for in each category.

COLD OPEN: A cold open is a fancy term for opening scene. The Office is known for it’s hilarious cold opens. Many of them are so creative and random. Some of them are related to the episode ahead and some are just isolated scenes. What I’m looking for in this category is a scene that immediately catches your attention.

QUOTABILITY: There are lines from The Office that I quote on an almost daily basis. The show is filled so many weird characters that each episode is filled with funny lines that can relate to just about any given situation. What I’m looking for are lines that truly stand out and can be heard in an everyday conversation.

MEMORABLE SCENES: These are those iconic scenes that define the show. They’re the scenes with characters at their absolute best. This is the way I look at it: is it a scene that a non-Office fan is likely to recognize? If the answer is yes, then it classifies as a memorable scene.

STORY ARC: As amazing as this show is for its comedy and humor, I think it’s also incredible for its story and character developments. A show can grow repetitive and boring if the characters never change or grow (Seinfeld being the exception. Shout out to Matt Wilson for the observation). One of my favorite parts of re-watching the show is seeing the relationships and story grow over each episode. For this ranking, an episode receives a higher score for having story defining moments.

CONSISTENCY: As good as the cold opens are in most episodes, they can’t be the only funny moment. The best episodes are funny throughout the entirety. If an episode peaks with the cold open then it won’t qualify. The best episodes have multiple story lines running throughout the episode. They’re funny from start to finish.

Chances are you’ll disagree with my rankings. You might have the same episodes in your top ten but in a different order. You might have completely different episodes. That’s okay. To me, that’s the beauty of the show. I want to start a discussion.

WARNING: There will be spoilers. Duh. And honestly, if you’re reading this and you haven’t watched The Office you need to reevaluate your life choices. If that’s you, stop reading this and go watch it.

Disclaimer: I claimed this will be objective. That probably won’t happen.

Without further ado…

 

#10. Safety Training

COLD OPEN: Andy returns from anger management. Or rather, “Drew” returns. Andy’s attempt to re-identify himself with a new name is immediately rejected by Pam and Jim. We also get an intro to Dwight shunning Andy. Bonus point because my name is Drew and I made the Andrew to Drew switch when I moved, so I can relate to this scene.

Score: 7/10

QUOTABILITY:

“I have decided to shun Andy Bernard for the next three years.” – Dwight

“Toby now has the floor and he is going to try not to screw this up like everything else in his life.” – Michael

“If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.” – Kevin

“He’s going to kill himself pretending to kill himself.” – Jim

“Mike, you’re a very brave man. I mean it takes courage just to be you. To get out of bed every single day, knowing full well you got to be you.” – Darryl

“Am I a hero? I really can’t say, but yes.” – Michael

Score: 7.5/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: Michael standing on the roof, prepared to jump onto the bouncy castle, is the standout scene of this episode. He gives his spiel on office depression to get back at the warehouse guys who claim the office workers live a cushy life. The scene takes a turn when the office workers have to convince Michael not to jump just to make a point.

Score: 8/10

STORY ARC: There isn’t an obvious story development, such as a Jim and Pam moment. But there is subtle story development with Michael. As is the case throughout the series, Michael yearns for love and approval from his workers. He’s desperate for their support in everything he does, so them telling him he’s important and seeing how much it genuinely means to Michael is one of the most underrated moments of the show, IMO, and crucial to Michael’s story.

Score: 8/10

CONSISTENCY: My favorite running joke of this episode is Dwight shunning (and un-shunning, then re-shunning) Andy. Let’s be real, at one point in time we’ve wanted to shun someone. Props to Dwight for not being shy about it. I also love them betting on things throughout the episode, such as them putting money on how long Kelly can talk without taking a break.

Score: 8.5

Overall, this is a very solid episode. The lack of a super memorable cold open is made up for with ongoing jokes, Michael standing on the roof, and underrated character developments.

Overall Score: 39/50

#9. Beach Games

COLD OPEN: We start with Michael telling Dwight he’s sick while Dwight looks up his symptoms online. The best part is that Michael started feeling “sick” when Dwight brought in paperwork for Michael. I can relate to that so much. Dwight’s genuine concern is the cherry on top. David Wallace then calls Michael to invite him in for an interview with corporate. That sets the tone for the rest of the episode.

Score: 7/10

QUOTABILITY:

“May God guide you in your quest.” – Michael

“And I want you to find out about people’s character. You know, not their hotness, per se, but their humor and their charisma, and the indefinable quality that makes you all glad to follow me.” – Michael

Dwight is an obvious candidate for my job. He has the best sales record in the office. He loves the work. He is, however, an idiot.” – Michael

“I can spend all day on a project, and he will finish the same project in half an hour.” – Michael

Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episode_scripts.php?tv-show=the-office-us&episode=s03e23

 

 

“Voldemort! Voldemort!” – Jim

“Pros: He’s classy, he gets me. He went to Cornell. I trust him. Cons: I don’t really trust him.” – Michael, about Andy

“There’s nothing better than a beautiful day at the beach, filled with sun, surf and diligent note-taking.” – Pam

“I will misunderstand everything that Andy says until he goes insane.” – Angela

“At various times you gave Jim 10 points, Dwight a gold star, and Stanley a thumbs-up.
And I don’t really know how to compare those units.” – Pam
“Well, check to see if there is a conversion chart in that notebook.” – Michael

“The mind has to wrap around the foot.” – Michael

Score: 7/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: We have Stanley vs Jim in the sumo suits. We have the hot dog eating competition. We have Dwight walking across, and then falling on, the hot coals. For me the beach always stands out, probably because it takes place away from the office. It’s a nice change of pace and the happenings at the beach are easy to remember.

Score: 7.5/10

STORY ARC: The whole scene with Pam walking across the coals and then calling out Jim is incredible. She lays everything out on the line and doesn’t hold back. It’s cool to see Pam take a huge step like that. It’s also super important for the Jim/Pam story because I think it really causes Jim to question his relationship with Karen. Without this scene, Jim might not eventually withdraw from the corporate job and he and Pam might not reconcile.

Score: 10/10

CONSISTENCY: I love Stanley in this episode. Seeing him suck up to Michael is hilarious. I also enjoy Michael trying to determine who should take over for him when he leaves because he clearly has no idea. Seeing his methods for trying to find a replacement never gets old.

Score: 8/10

This is an important episode. There’s a lot of growth from Pam, which changes the dynamic of the show.

Overall Score: 39.5

#8. Branch Wars

COLD OPEN: We find out that Karen is now the regional manager at Utica and that she’s been in touch with an unknown Scranton salesman. We then cut to Michael setting up a dummy in his office to make it look like he’s asleep at his desk. Stanley then walks in to tell Michael he’s going to Utica. I just love the dummy scene. Thinking about how much effort Michael put into setting that up instead of working is hilarious.

Score: 8/10

QUOTABILITY:

“I don’t understand why sleeping at your desk is better than you not being here.” – Stanley

“Turns out it’s a pretty easy gig when your boss isn’t an idiot and your boyfriend’s not in love with somebody else.” – Karen

“Mo money mo problems, Stanley.” – Michael

“Yes, listen You cannot tear Stanley from his family like this.” – Michael
“I’m pretty sure his family’s coming with him.” – Karen

“He’s very very smart, and funny, and charming. You know, I can’t do it, Toby is the worst.” – Michael

“Aren’t you the guy that hit the woman with your car?” – Utica salesman

“So the deal was, Dwight doesn’t blow anything up, and I wear a costume.
And a mustache.” – Jim

“The Finer Things Club is the most exclusive club in this office. Naturally, it’s where I need to be. The party planning committee is my back up, and Kevin’s band is my safety.” – Andy

“I can see the security guard’s eyes.” – Dwight
“No, no, don’t do anything to them.” – Jim
“I have to do something to his eyes.
The eyes are the groin of the head.” – Dwight

“My hip bone! – We’re wedged between the copier and the railing. Ow, my leg! Jim, leave us.” – Michael

“Jim, if this is it for me, promise me something. Host the Dundies.” – Michael

“Then we will burn Utica to the ground.” – Dwight

Score: 9/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: I will never not love Michael, Dwight, and Jim driving in the car wearing warehouse uniforms. Oh, and the mustaches. Out of curiousity, I looked up how long it takes to drive from Scanton to Utica. Almost 3 hours. So they drove almost 3 hours to attempt to steal a copier while in disguise. I love it.

Score: 8/10

STORY ARC: There isn’t a whole lot of story or character development in this episode. We do get to see Jim and Karen face each other for the first time since their breakup. Perhaps it made Jim feel more strongly about Pam, so it could have some underlying influence. Otherwise, this episode is more focused on comedy.

Score: 7/10

CONSISTENCY: Right off the bat we’re left wondering what will happen with Stanley. We then get to see Michael’s plan to retaliate against Karen develop. We ultimately see him, Jim, and Dwight go undercover, only to be discovered by Karen. We’re also introduced to the Finer Things Club. It’s a solid secondary storyline, especially with Andy’s desperation to join the club.

Score: 8/10

My favorite part of this episode is Jim talking to Dwight and Michael as they destroy the copier. Their reaction cracks me up every single time.

Overall Score: 40/50

#7. The Return

COLD OPEN: We get to see on the job hunt, including some insight into his interviews. Seeing him give a resume with sections devoted to athletic ability, special skills, and Dwight Schrute trivia is hilarious. Eventually we cut to Dwight working at Staples. This scene always leaves me with two questions: 1) how did Dwight ever get a job? and 2) what would I do if Dwight was my salesman?

Score: 8/10

QUOTABILITY:

“I am ready to face any challenges that might be foolish enough to face me.
How would I describe myself? Three words. Hardworking, alpha male, jackhammer.
Merciless, insatiable.” – Dwight

“I feel I have a lot to learn from you, even though you’re younger and have less experience.” – Andy

“I miss Dwight. Congratulations, universe, you win.” – Jim

“Not super crazy, just there’s something about him that creeps me out. I can’t really explain it. He’s always up in my biznezz, which is Ebonics for being in my face and annoying the bejesus out of me. I don’t understand how someone can have so little self-awareness.” – Michael, talking about Andy

“Hey, so Andy is in rare form today.” – Jim

“Look, I’ve got like 15 new clients that I’ve inherited from Dwight and each file is password protected with a different mythical creature, so I’m sorry.” – Karen

“Maybe it’s in the ceiling.” – Jim
“You know what? Maybe you’re in the ceiling.” – Andy, looking for his phone

“Sorry I annoyed you with my friendship.” – Andy

“That was an overreaction.” – Andy, after punching the wall

“I don’t want somebody sucking up to me because they think I’m going to help their career. I want them sucking up to me because they genuinely love me.” – Michael

Score: 9/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: Andy punches the wall. Enough said.

Score: 10/10

STORY ARC: Like the last episode, there isn’t a noticeable story development. However, we do get to see Jim’s life without Jim, and it’s sad. Jim needs Dwight! We get a taste of what Dunder Mifflin is without Dwight, so when he returns it makes you appreciate him even more. We do also see Jim turn to Pam for help pranking Andy, so that’s definitely important.

Score: 8/10

CONSISTENCY: I enjoy seeing Dwight in a different element. Also the fact that he thinks the welcome back party is for him when it’s really for Oscar is hilarious. The phone in the ceiling prank is gold. This is also my favorite episode of Andy.

Score: 8/10

I love this episode because Andy punching a wall is pure genius.

Overall Score: 43/50

#6. Casino Night

COLD OPEN: The office is getting ready for casino night for charity. Jim convinces Dwight that he can control things with his mind. When Dwight asks him to prove it, Jim “moves” the coat rack, with the help of Pam. Dwight is stunned.

Score: 8.5/10

QUOTABILITY:

“I, for example, am playing for Comic Relief.” – Michael
“That doesn’t exist anymore.” – Pam
“Comedy’s very much alive, as are homeless people.” – Michael
“No, they stopped making that show.” – Pam
“Well, then, they need our money more than ever.” – Michael

“I didn’t think it was appropriate to invite children since it’s you know, there’s gambling and alcohol, and it’s in our dangerous warehouse and it’s a school night and, you know, Hooters is catering. You know, is that enough? Should I keep going?” – Toby

“Why are you the way that you are? Honestly, every time I try to do something fun or exciting, you make it not that way .I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.” – Michael (this is my FAVORITE quote of the entire series)

“Mike, I am not having fire-eaters in a paper warehouse.” – Darryl

“Dinkin flicka.” – Michael

“My job is to keep Jan away from Carol and vice versa.
Michael said, “We must deceive them, “so as not to hurt them, and in that way, we honor them.” – Dwight

“It’s the weirdest thing. Every time I cough, he folds.” – Jim

“I love stealing things.” – Creed

Score: 9.5/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: Jim kisses Pam. I repeat, Jim kisses Pam! More on that in the next section.

Score: 9/10

STORY ARC: Jim kissing Pam is by far the biggest cliff hanger of the entire show. It also completely shifts the feel of the show. It takes from being a funny, goofy show to being a real one that incorporates real emotion. If that scene never happens, Jim might not transfer to Stamford. The Office without the Jim and Pam relationship is nowhere near the same, and this scene is probably the most crucial to that relationship.

Score: 10/10

CONSISTENCY: The comedy of this episode keeps you engaged until the huge ending. Michael taking two dates to casino night is pure gold.

Score: 8/10

This is one of the most important episodes of the entire series. Throw in my favorite quote and you’ve got an amazing episode.

Overall Score: 45/50

#5. Booze Cruise

COLD OPEN: Jim puts all of Dwight’s stuff in the vending machine and then leaves him with a bag of nickels to pay for it all. Classic.

Score: 9.5

QUOTABILITY:

“But we are going on a booze cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack.” – Michael
“In January?” – Stanley                                                                                                                           “It’s cheaper.” – Michael

“So if this office is in fact a ship, as its leader, I am the captain.” – Michael

“Now, on this ship that is the office, what is the sales department? Anyone?” – Michael      “How about the sales department is the sails?” – Darryl                                                               “I see the sales department as the furnace.” – Michael

“Michael stands in the front of the boat and says that he’s king of the world within the first hour, or I give you my next paycheck.” – Jim

“And I’m your party captain, too! And you are gonna put on your dancing shoes later on!” – Michael

“When I was four, the pilot let me ride in the cockpit and fly the plane with him.
And I was four and I was great. And I would have landed it, but my dad wanted us to go back to our seats.” – Dwight

“If the boat is sinking, what do you save? Women and children.” – Captain Jack
“No, no, salesmen and profit centers.” – Michael
“That’s a stupid analogy.” – Captain Jack

“You and Pam? Wow! I would have never put you two together.
You really hid it well. God! I usually have a radar for stuff like that.” – Michael

“It’s a fake wheel, dummy.” – Michael, to Dwight

Score: 9.5

MEMORABLE SCENES: Michael dancing. Enough said.

Score: 10

STORY ARC: Pam and Roy set a date for their wedding, which leads Jim to break up with Kathy. Jim then confides in Michael his feelings about Pam. We continue to see just how much Jim likes Pam, and the fact that he would share that with Michael only proves as much.

Score: 10

CONSISTENCY: Michael is trying to give a leadership seminar throughout the episode and it results in him making an idiot of himself on the boat. We also get to see just how gullible Dwight is when he steers the boat.

Score: 7

This episode is huge for the development of Jim and Pam. Plus seeing Michael dance is inspirational. Watching the blooper of that scene just makes it even better.

Overall Score: 46/50

#4. Business School

COLD OPEN: Michael is excited to tell the office that he is being honored as a guest speaker in Ryan’s business school class. You can just see the immediate regret on Ryan’s face. Overall it’s not the most memorable open but it sets up the episode well.

Score: 7.5/10

QUOTABILITY:

“If you bring your boss to class, it automatically bumps you up a full-letter grade.
So, I’d be stupid not to do it, right?” – Ryan

“Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, “Would an idiot do that?” And if they would, I do not do that thing.” – Dwight

“May your hats fly as high your dreams!” – Michael

“I think it shows maturity, maturity and dignity. Is that braggy? I don’t mean it to be braggy.” – Pam

“Brings back so many memories that I would have made.” – Michael

“Poop is raining from the ceilings. Poop.” – Angela

“Replace these pages with life lessons, and then you will have a book that is worth its weight in gold.” – Michael

“The more stickers you sell, the more profit, fancy word for money, you have to buy PlayStations and Beanie Babies.” – Michael

“A good manager doesn’t fire people. He hires people and inspires people.” – Michael

Score: 9/10

MEMORABLE SCENE: Dwight trapping the bat over Meredith’s head will never get old. Throw in Michael’s entire interaction with the entire class and you have two great scenes.

Score: 10/10

STORY ARC: Pam and Michael’s relationship is one of my favorite ones to see grow over the series. As Michael’s receptionist for most of the series, Pam has always worked close with Michael. Michael showing up to Pam’s art show and saying how proud he is of her is one of the coolest moments of the show. It also shows just how important Pam is to Michael. It’s even more moving when you take into account everything that Michael had just dealt with.

Score: 10/10

CONSISTENCY: I think this episode is the best example of multiple story lines fit in perfectly. In one scenario, you have a bat loose in the office. This leads to Jim convincing Dwight that he’s turning into a vampire. That’s one of my absolute favorite pranks. In another, you have Michael going to Ryan’s business class, getting ridiculed, and then ends with Michael moving Ryan to the annex with Kelly. Finally, we have Pam’s art show, which includes Oscar and Gil criticizing her art, Roy leaving early, and Michael unexpectedly showing up. It all fits in beautifully.

Score: 10/10

I love this episode. The bat is absolutely classic.

Overall Score: 46.5

#3. The Injury

COLD OPEN: Michael burns his foot on his George Foreman grill. Dwight crashes into a pole and gets a concussion. Enough said.

Score: 10/10

QUOTABILITY:

“Okay, I burned my foot very badly on my Foreman grill and I now need someone to come and bring me in to work.” – Michael

“I like waking up to the smell of bacon. Sue me. And since I don’t have a butler, I have to do it myself. So, most nights before I go to bed, I will lay six strips of bacon out on my George Foreman grill. Then go to sleep. When I wake up, I plug in the grill. I go back to sleep again. Then I wake up to the smell of crackling bacon. It is delicious. It’s good for me. It’s a perfect way to start the day. Today, I got up, I stepped onto the grill, and it clamped down on my foot. That’s it. I don’t see what’s so hard to believe about that.” – Michael

“Michael, why don’t you call your girlfriend?” – Pam                                                                     “I don’t have a girlfriend.” – Michael
“But you said you went out with her this weekend.” – Jim
“That was all made up.” – Michael

“No, I didn’t mention that you cooked your foot.” – Pam
“Burned my foot, Pam.” – Michael

“Your job is being my friend, Pam.” – Michael

“I don’t want any special treatment, Pam. I just want you to treat me like you would a family member who’s undergone some sort of serious physical trauma. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.” – Michael

“Okay, see you later, Pan.” – Dwight

“Dwight isn’t my friend. Oh, my God. Dwight’s kind of my friend.” – Pam

“I fell off the toilet. I’m caught between the toilet and the wall.”

“Get Ryan. He needs to lift me, and he needs to clean me up a little bit. Bring a wet towel.” – Michael
“Ryan is..dead.”- Toby
“No, he’s not.” – Michael
“Dead.” – Toby
“I just saw him.” – Michael
“No. Can you just get up yourself? You only grilled your foot.” – Toby
“When I was a teenager, I was in an iron lung.” -Creed

“I ground up four extra-strength aspirin and put them in Michael’s pudding.
I do the same thing with my dog to get him to take his heartworm medicine.” – Ryan

“Give me the bottle or you’re fired!” – Michael                                                                           “You can’t fire me. I don’t work in this van.” – Dwight

“Dwight, what is your middle name?” – Michael                                                                “Danger.” – Dwight

Score: 10/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: Other than the opening scene, the ride to the hospital is my favorite part of this episode. Jim babysitting Michael and Dwight, while also spraying them with water when they misbehave, is absolutely hilarious.

Score: 9/10

STORY ARC: Much like the last episode we get to see two unlikely characters develop as friends: Pam and Dwight. Due to Dwight’s concussion he is unusually friendly, especially with Pam. Later in the series we learn that this isn’t an isolated incident, notably when Dwight promotes Pam to be his secret assistant. Their friendship is one of my absolute favorites.

Score: 9/10

CONSISTENCY: This episode never slows down. We jump right in with Michael burning his foot and we continue to see him make a huge deal of it. Meanwhile, we have Dwight with some of his best moments while concussed. We also have one of the best impromptu conference room meetings.

9/10

If you ask around there will be a lot of people who pick this as their favorite episode. It’s definitely with good reason.

Overall Score: 47/50

#2. Fun Run

COLD OPEN: Michael runs over Meredith. Enough said.

Score: 10/10

QUOTABILITY:

“I have some bad news. Meredith was hit by a car.” – Michael
“What?  Where? ”                                                                                                                               “It happened this morning in the parking lot. I took her to the hospital. And the doctors tried to save her life. They did the best that they could. And she is going to be okay.”             – Michael
“What is wrong with you? Why did you have to phrase it like that?” – Stanley

“Yeah, kind of a good news/bad news there. I was able to be on the scene so quickly because I was in the car that hit her.” – Michael

“It was on company property with company property, so Double jeopardy, we are fine.” – Michael
“I don’t think you understand how jeopardy works.” – Ryan
“Oh, right, I’m sorry. What is “we’re fine”?” – Michael

“Occasionally, I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me. No, don’t sue me. That’s the opposite of the point that I am trying to make.” – Michael

“Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked. But it’s not, like, this compulsive need to be liked. Like my need to be praised.” – Michael

“Any problems?” – Angela                                                                                                              “Well, you left the TV on. And your cat is dead.” – Dwight

“I’m not supersticious, but I’m I am a little sticious.” – Michael

“Michael Scott’s Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer memorial celebrity rabies awareness fun run race for the cure, this is Pam.” – Pam

“My nipples! It’s starting!” – Andy

Score: 10/10 (there are so many I missed)

MEMORABLE SCENES: The whole 5k is pure comedy. The whole hospital scene is hilarious. Everything about this episode is a memorable scene.

Score 10/10

STORY ARC: Jim and Pam are dating. That is all.

Score: 10/10

CONSISTENCY: I always seem to forget that this episode is 40 minutes. However, I love every second of it. It just flows so well. It starts out with a bang and then ends with the 5k. I love it.

Score: 10/10

I love everything about this episode. There’s almost no way you can beat it. But just wait!

Overall Score: 50/50

My favorite episode of The Office is…

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#1. Scott’s Tots

I’m kidding. No one should ever watch Scott’s Tots, ever. It’s the worst. Never watch it.

My actual #1 is…

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#1. Stress Relief.

COLD OPEN: If I just had to rank cold opens I’d have Dwight’s fire drill and Michael running over Meredith as 1a and 1b. This one is as good as it gets.

Score: 10/10

QUOTABILITY:

“Today, smoking is gonna save lives.” – Dwight

“Oh, I forgot my purse.” – Phyllis
“Leave it, woman!” – Stanley

“The fire’s shooting at us!” – Andy

“I just want to say for the record, I did not kill anyone.” – Dwight

“We are not mad, we are just disappointed.” – Michael
“No, we are mad.” – David Wallace

I’m just going to include the entire CPR scene.

Honestly, there are too many quotes in this episode for me to include. There’s also the entire roast of Michael.

Score: 10/10

MEMORABLE SCENES: The fire drill and CPR training are probably the two most iconic, recognizable scenes of the entire show. And they’re in the same episode! The roast of Michael Scott give this category a bonus point.

Score: 11/10

STORY ARC: Overshadowed in this episode is the fact that Pam’s dad is staying with Jim and Pam. Jim talks to Pam’s dad about his marriage, resulting in him asking for a divorce from Pam’s mom. The reason? Jim telling her dad how much he loves Pam and Pam’s dad realizing that’s not how he feels about his wife. How’s that for relationship development?

Score: 10/10

CONSISTENCY: This episode balances so many story lines it’s crazy. From the fire drill, to CPR, to the roast, this episode moves from one hilarious plot to point to another, from start to finish.

Score: 10/10

This episode has everything. One of the best cold opens, one of the most identifiable scenes, character development. Stress Relief FTW!

So that’s my list! There were so many amazing episodes, quotes, and moments I left out. If you’re reading this I’m sure your list is vastly different than mine. And to me that’s the beauty of this show. Everyone can find something different to enjoy. I’m a little embarrassed to admit how much thought and energy I put into this list. But there’s a deeper reason why I did it (because of course there is).

The Office has played a huge part in my life. That sounds ridiculous, I know. Maybe a bit extreme. But hear me out! Ever since high school, whenever I’ve needed a distraction from everyday life, I’ve turned to The Office. This show has been my go-to whenever I’m down, frustrated, angry, upset, whatever it may be. It has never failed to make me laugh or put me in a better mood. I love everything about it.

It’s also been one of the best ways for me to connect with people. Again, hear me out. I can’t say how many times something from The Office has come up in conversation with friends or even strangers. It seems like just about everyday I hear an Office quote, or see an Office gif or meme. This show is something that I have in common with just about all of my friends. It’s brought me closer to so many people. And again, I know that sounds absurd. But it’s the truth!

I love this show. And I’m excited to watch it all over again a hundred more times.

Before I sign off, I want to share what I believe to be the most underrated scene in the show’s history. Enjoy!