Top 10 The Office U.S. Episodes
When it comes to mockumentaries, the folks at Dunder Mifflin will always hold a special place in our hearts. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 The Office U.S. Episodes. For this list we're taking a look at the funniest, most touching, and most iconic episodes of this acclaimed American comedy series.
Special thanks to our users Andrew A. Dennison, Iron Maniac, xBKRandyx and Sarha Phoebe Malvoisin for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: “Goodbye, Michael”
It’s a bold move for a television show to send off its main character, and it rarely leaves us in a tearful mess. Yet, this Paul Feig-directed, Emmy-nominated farewell episode had us all laughing and crying simultaneously. Unable to break the hard news to all of his employees that he’s moving to Colorado to be with his girlfriend Holly, Michael opts to present each with parting gifts and individualized goodbyes. Pam, nearly missing her boss’s last day, catches up with him at the airport. The scene becomes far too real after Michael un-mic’s himself and gives one of his closest co-workers one final embrace. The series could’ve ended here and we would’ve been happy.
#9: “Gossip”
What happens outside the workplace should stay outside the workplace. Jealousy gets the better of Michael when he’s left out ofthe office’s hottest gossip. To combat this, the Dunder Mifflin branch manager decides to spread a rumor he’s heard from thesummer interns about Stanley having an affair – but only because he doesn’t believe it. When he finds out it is true and Stanley ishaving an affair, things get even further out of hand as Michael spreads even more rumors about a bunch of his employees to cover his tracks. Awkward may not even be the word. On a lighter note, some big news comes out about Jim and Pam.
#8: “Threat Level Midnight”
As fans may know, selling paper wasn’t Michael Scott’s first choice of occupation. After a season two episode reveals that Michael’s got an unfinished screenplay, we finally get some payoff for that setup in season seven when Michael finally screens his first feature film to his co-workers, who also happen to take part in filming. The production for “Threat Level Midnight” was depicted to be in development for over 10 years, which the show cleverly takes into consideration by including characters that were no longer present in the series. While Michael’s film may never win any awards, it will sure be something the Dunder Mifflin crew won’t soon forget.
#7: “Booze Cruise”
Company outings can allow employees to form tighter bonds with their co-workers, but in some cases it can do the exact opposite. Michael saw a cruise as the perfect opportunity to host a leadership training exercise, which consequently caused him to butt heads with the actual captain of the boat. In the meantime, the Jim and Pam relationship comes to a head, with Jim eventually confessing his feelings for her to Michael. In an uncharacteristically thoughtful, Michael relays his approval and some encouraging words. Well, at least he managed to motivate one of his employees.
#6: “Dinner Party”
Most Dunder Mifflin employees try to avoid spending time with their manager outside of work, and this cringe worthy event explains why. After some tireless scheming and arm-twisting, Michael manages to get a few of his co-workers to a dinner party co-hosted by him and his girlfriend, Jan. If it wasn’t already clear that these two were a terrible match, this mess of a night makes their toxic relationship clear. Facades quickly slip away as the two engage in a shouting match that leaves their guests regrettable andthe cops at their front door.
#5: “Safety Training”
Michael expects his employees to work hard, but safety is still a priority. In an episode written by cast member and executive producer B.J. Novak and directed by comedy legend Harold Ramis, the warehouse guys mock Michael for believing that his desk job is as physically dangerous as theirs. So, to address depression brought on by work issues, Mr. Scott heads to the roof to put on a show. But it’s not long until he begins to slip into his own fit of depression, since he’s never had an outlet to express his insane loneliness and feelings that he’s undervalued. Everyone attempts to coax Michael down, before Darryl relays some words that finally get to him.
#4: “Diversity Day”
Dunder Mifflin supports a positive environment that’s accepting of all races and religions. After a Chris Rock imitation is regarded in poor taste, though, Michael fights political correctness in the office with an exercise that throws that all out the window. In thefirst episode of the series to stray from its British counterpart, each Dunder Mifflin employee receives an index card with a specific race on it, with instructions to depict offensive stereotypes in an uncomfortable guessing game. Needless to say, the office isn’t on board with the harebrained idea from the beginning, as it only makes things more tense. In the meantime, Jim loses an important sale, but things look up for him in the end.
#3: “Gay Witch Hunt”
Speaking of sensitivity in the workplace, sexual orientation can also be a hot button issue. Upon finding out that Oscar is gay; Michael exemplifies his social illiteracy once again by broadcasting it to the entire office. In an attempt to reconcile things, Michael holds another awkward team meeting and persists in proving he isn’t homophobic. He of course takes things too far by publicly kissing Oscar – a move that was improv’d by Carell, btw – so to thank him for not suing the company, Dunder Mifflin presents Oscar with three months paid leave and a company car.
#2: “Casino Night”
Season finales usually serve to bring things to a close. However, this supersized finale, written by Steve Carell himself, is notable for establishing the show’s most anticipated and beloved romance. In an effort to raise money for charity, the office decides to host a casino night for all the employees and their plus-ones – or in Michael’s case, plus two. At this event, Jim manages to finally catch a moment alone with his office crush. Taking Michael’s advice from the company cruise, he confesses his feelings and they share their first kiss before he departs to work at another branch.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Finale”
- “Office Olympics”
- “Dunder Mifflin Infinity”
- “The Injury”
- “Beach Games”
- “Fun Run”
#1: “Stress Relief”
The most viewed episode of “The Office” is also the best. This two-part episode, which aired after Super Bowl XLIII (43) proves that whenever pandemonium ensues in the workplace, you should always remain completely calm. Stanley unfortunately forgets this cue when Dwight stages a mock emergency situation by starting a fire. After Stanley’s heart attack, Michael realizes he’s become the source of his employees’ work-related stress. To combat this, he hatches an idea: he’ll host a roast – of himself. Begging his co-workers not to hold back, they do their best to humiliate their boss until the insults begin to cut too deep. In the end, though, everyone’s able to have a good laugh.
Do you agree with our list? What Office episode did you like best? For more Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.