Throughout its nine seasons, The Office displays several great episodes; however, some of them rank as the best of the best. The show not only achieved great success between 2005 and 2013, when it originally aired, but it has also proved to be very popular on streaming services during the past decade, which is a clear indicator of the series aging rather well. Series that defeat the passage of time are the best, and The Office is arguably one of the best TV shows of all time. Considering that the series produced 201 episodes, it is not easy to pick ten of them.
The need to make this version of The Office more suitable for American audiences meant that the series was going to be quite different from the original show, although The Office season 1 did try to emulate the British version. Fortunately, The Office eventually found this tone, balancing the awkwardness of Michael Scott with a more loveable approach to the character. This approach could not have been possible without The Office’s cast, particularly Steve Carell. Every great episode of The Office shows a perfect combination of these elements; superb character depiction, irreverent humor, some deep and emotional narrative, and Carell at the top of his game.
10. The Office Season 9, Episode 23
Finale
“Finale” is a great ending to a great show. The later seasons, mainly because Steve Carell left The Office, are not as good as the rest, and the final episode brings some of the show’s best humor back while working as a very sweet farewell. Making use of the Dunder Mifflin documentary to give closure to the series is a very clever decision by the writers as it allows them to reflect upon the show in an organic way. Meredith dancing with her stripper son is a reminder of The Office‘s absurd humor, while Pam’s last speech reflects the emotional side of the series. It may be sad, but it is a fantastic episode.
9. The Office Season 7, Episode 21
Goodbye, Michael
“Goodbye, Michael” is a key episode for the series, as it is a turning point not only for the story but for the show as a whole. It is not only Michael Scott’s goodbye, which obviously affects every single character, but it is also a farewell to Steve Carell, who is the soul of The Office. Maybe it is not the funniest episode, but it surely shows Steve Carell’s talent not only in comedy. The writing is also great, as it manages to find a creative, emotional way for Michael to say goodbye, showcasing the very essence of the character and, at the same time, producing funny yet emotional moments.
8. The Office Season 2, Episode 12
The Injury
While The Office likes to add a little drama and subplots to each installment, “The Injury”‘s beauty lies in its simplicity. It is all about comedy. Michael burns his feet with a grill he keeps next to his bed and desperately seeks love and attention from the office. Even though there is also a twist with Dwight being seriously injured, the episode’s plot is rather straight. “The Injury” manages to pull some of The Office‘s funniest and most irreverent jokes as well as to depict Michael, the character holding everything together, in a perfect way. Dwight and Michael’s interactions as they go to the hospital are also extremely funny and a highlight of the entire season.
7. The Office Season 4, Episode 14
Goodbye, Toby
The Office excels at season endings, and “Goodbye, Toby” is surely not the exception. However, there’s something special about “Goodbye, Toby”, since it is a great ending for the best season at the show’s peak. Considering that Michael and Toby’s relationship is one of the highlights of the show, “Goodbye, Toby” lives up to the task. Toby’s farewell is just an excuse for Michael to show his hatred of him, which is comic dynamite; however, the episode goes beyond that thanks to Holly’s appearance. The fact that Michael finds his soulmate in the place where his nemesis used to be, proves that the show’s writing is not just about humor.
6. The Office Season 2, Episode 22
Casino Night
“Casino Night” is the most representative episode of the show’s ability to pull humor out of emotional or dramatic subplots. Pam and Jim’s first kiss synthesizes that entire aspect of the show in a season that is a turning point in the show’s search for its identity. That achievement is precisely sustained by the addition of moments like Pam and Jim’s first kiss, which create deeper engagement with the audience. Additionally, the episode goes deeper into the emotions of the rest of the characters. For example, “Casino Night” shows something new and deeper from Jan, without letting her lose the very essence of her character and what makes her funny.
5. The Office Season 3, Episode 23
The Job
“The Job” is also a great ending to another great season. Besides displaying the typical poor-taste jokes that often define Michael, it condenses a lot of dramatic storylines. Michael, Jim, and Karen are interviewed for the same position at corporate. Firstly, the brilliance of the episode lies in creating dramatic tension by putting important things at stake, such as Jim and Karen’s future or Michael’s continuity at Dunder Mifflin. However, it goes beyond as it makes Michael a better, deeper, more likable character by showing how, despite being arrogant about getting the job, his true loyalty is what finally prevents him from getting the position.
4. The Office Season 3, Episode 22
Beach Games
Michael’s random ideas are a crucial part of the show’s humor, and “Beach Games” is one of the best in that field. Michael takes the entire office to the beach and makes them compete without knowing what is at stake: the boss’s position. Each challenge is brilliant in terms of random comedy and creates some incredible moments as the essence of every character seems to be conveyed in the desire for power. However, this episode is special as it is Pam’s best episode. “Beach Games” allows Pam to speak up and show a different side of her, arguably changing the character’s trajectory forever.
3 .The Office Season 4, Episode 1
Fun Run
“Fun Run” is hilarious as it is Steve Carell at his best. This one is one of the most representative episodes of the tone of the show, but also its lead character. Michael runs over Meredith and, feeling guilty about it, he starts a marathon to raise money to find the cure for rabies. It is not only about the complete lack of social skills by Michael running over an employee not knowing what to do and Dwight killing Angela’s cat, or the randomness of rabies and Alfredo’s pasta, it is about creating sympathy for Michael. This episode shows how, despite his immature selfishness and making everything about himself, Michael manages to make people care about him.
2. The Office Season 4, Episode 9
Dinner Party
“Dinner Party” displays some of the most cringeworthy moments of The Office, and it’s almost difficult to rewatch it. The premise, though relatable, is as uncomfortable as it gets. Michael and Jan invite the office couples for dinner, but their dysfunctional relationship makes the guests feel uncomfortable. Although the episode is filled with iconic jokes, such as the one with the glass door and the ice cream truck, or the plasma TV, it is more than just a bunch of jokes. “Dinner Party” manages to reach an emotional fiber by creating a great deal of empathy and pithy toward Michael.
1. The Office Season 5, Episode 13
Stress Relief
“Stress Relief” is arguably The Office‘s funniest episode, and Dwight’s fire drill is surely one of The Office‘s best openings. That beginning triggers a series of events that make it obvious that Michael is stressing everybody at the office, which leads to Michael’s roast. Michael’s roast presentation is a great piece of comedy, but it also synthesizes Michael’s personality at its best. From the moment Dwight explains to the camera what he is about to do to the safety course, “Stress Relief” has one memorable joke or gag after another. The Office did a great job making its characters compelling, of course, but the show is a comedy – and “Stress Relief” is just hilarious.
