The US version of the British comedy The Office is the best thing to ever air on television. It is, without a doubt, the funniest, most well thought out show I’ve ever watched… And I love it. As an Office enthusiast and pretty much the show’s biggest fan, here is my list of five reasons why the show was and remains the best.
1. The Plot
The idea of a documentary crew filming everyday life in a paper company office? Hysterical, but also strangely relatable. Many people work in offices similar to Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch. It could easily be you sitting making sales calls about card stock. The idea of filming the shenanigans of seemingly regular people at their regular job is a simple one. But with the added outrageousness of Regional Manager Michael Scott, the show is hilarious in a way only The Office can be.
2. Setting
Scranton, PA. As a native Pennsylvanian myself, I adore the fact that this quirky show is set in a town not too different from the one I grew up in. Also, if you’re from PA, you’ll notice subtle details in the show that continually suggest the setting. A Froggy101 sticker that’s a real radio station in the Scranton area, the Utz brand party mix on top of the fridge and even the first couple shots in the opening are filmed in the actual town of Scranton, PA. These tiny details that maybe only Pennsylvanians or those from around Scranton would notice make the show. It proves that writers paid attention to where they were setting the story. The fact that this is just a normal, everyday place with a slightly abnormal company makes the show relatable and funny.
3. Love Stories
There are multiple love stories and love triangles that go on throughout the 9 seasons of The Office. There’s the nauseatingly clingy Kelly and Ryan; Angela and Dwight, which goes off and on quite a bit and includes Andy sometimes; Phyllis and her husband Bob Vance (of Vance Refrigeration); and, of course, everyone’s favorite, Jim and Pam who have to deal with several distractions like Roy, Karen, Toby and Katie along the way.
Jim and Pam should be everyone’s relationship goals. They aren’t perfect, and yet, that’s what makes them perfect. They are two average people who just happen to work in the same crappy office. They deal with losses, distance, breakups, an unplanned pregnancy and everything else life throws at a normal couple today. Jim and Pam are best friends and it is so fun to watch them fall in love on the show.
4. The Humor
This show is my favorite because no matter how many times I’ve seen an episode, many of them still make me laugh out loud, even when I’m watching by myself. I have cried laughing at this show more times than I can count and it never gets old. From “That’s what she said” jokes to the pranks between Jim and Dwight to the weird stuff that comes out of Creed’s mouth, The Office brings a brand of humor that isn’t offered in most other shows. It’s very dry and sometimes it takes you a second to realize the joke, but honestly, that’s the best type of comedy.
5. Characters
This show is absolutely character-driven. Every episode involves Michael doing something rude or outlandish, Dwight being insane and Jim’s popular “look” into the camera. The characters are all unique and yet, relatable. You can see yourself as Pam, wondering if a receptionist is all she’ll ever be and debating if art school is a good call. You can see yourself as Stanley, just wanting to retire. You can even see yourself as Michael, wanting to be loved and admired. They all bring something to the table; even characters you never thought would matter. You connect with them all and that’s what makes The Office extraordinary.
