The Office (US) has left a lasting legacy in the history of sitcoms by expanding the concept put forth by the original British show. With a star-studded cast in a mockumentary setting, the Office became a sensational sitcom, not just with hilarious comedic elements but also with well-laid-out emotional resonance. It’s been a long time since the show ended, yet people like me still rewatch the best “The Office” episodes to this date. So, I decided to prepare a list of the 15 best episodes of The Office.
Spoilers Warning: This article contains heavy spoilers about the story and characters of The Office. So, make sure to watch the show to avoid ruining your intended experience.
We have included both the outright hilarious episodes as well as the stirring emotional episodes in our list. Without any further ado, let’s begin the Dunder Mifflin party:
15. The Dundies
- Season 2, Episode 1
After season 1 was labeled a modest start to this sitcom, the second season kicked off with a banger episode titled “The Dundies.”
In this episode, Michael hosts the annual Dundies Awards ceremony at a bar. This is one of the most incredible episodes that transformed the series and helped it forge a new identity, separating it from the British version. Drunk Pam, Michael in his usual form, along with the rest of the gang, made the first Dundies Awards one of the most memorable funny episodes of all time.
The Dundies are kind of like a kid’s birthday party. And you go, and there’s really nothing for you to do there, but the kid’s having a really good time, so you… You’re kind of there. That’s… That’s kind of what it’s like – Oscar
14. Beach Games
- Season 3, Episode 22
The genius boss at Dunner Mifflin’s Scranton branch, Michael Scott, decides to find his true successor on a ‘beach day’ just in case he ever lands a promotion.
This transforms what was supposed to be a relaxing day into a fun and challenging day. Watching each employee battle against one another in different competitions was a sight to behold, and the final coal walk sequence was chucklesome.
I just wanna lie on the beach and eat hot dogs. That’s all I’ve ever wanted – Kevin Malone
13. Business School
- Season 3, Episode 16
Up next, we have the Business School episode from season 3, which featured three storylines where Michael goes to Ryan’s business class as a Guest Speaker, Dwight vs. a bat at the Office, and Pam’s Art Show.
By switching back and forth between these three events, there is no scarcity of comedy in this “The Office” episode. But what makes this episode a special one is its beautiful ending. As Michael visits Pam and appreciates her art, it is one of the most wholesome conversations we’ve ever seen in the show, and always a delight to revisit this scene.
A boss is like a teacher. And I am like the cool teacher – Michael Scott
12. Goodbye, Toby
- Season 4, Episode 14
Toby has always been Michael’s greatest enemy, and finally, the boss’ dream comes true with Toby leaving the Scranton branch. So, Michael decided to throw the ultimate send-off party for Toby, and Holly was introduced as his new replacement.
Michael’s atrocities at the party with the goodbye song as well as Holly’s introduction to the team were extremely fun to watch. You can catch Michael being the happiest version of himself in this episode!
Holly is the best thing that has happened to this company since World War II – Michael Scott
11. Niagara: Part 1 and 2
- Season 6, Episode 4&5
Next, we have the two-part episode titled Niagara, which focuses on Jim and Pam’s marriage. The relationship between Jim and Pam was one of the central plots in the series, and this episode was the pinnacle of it.
After overcoming various impediments in their relationship, this was the ecstatic wedding we dreamed of as we rooted for them. This marriage ceremony episode was crafted brilliantly by a mashup of humorous and lovely elements.
I knew we needed a back-up plan. The boat was actually Plan C, the church was Plan B, and Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago. Pretty much the day I met her – Jim Halpert
10. Broke
- Season 5, Episode 23
We often consider Michael as the dumbest boss ever from The Office gang. However, this episode proved how smart he is and a master of negotiation. The Michael Scott Paper Company started by Michael and his team was in luck as Dunder Mifflin came in knocking to buy their company. It is a completely laugh-riot of an episode with clever jokes and to watch Michael play the ultimate game so smartly and secure his and his friends’ jobs back.
Well, well, well. How the turntables… – Michael Scott
9. Finale
- Season 9, Episode 23
After Michael Scott’s exit from The Office, the sitcom was never the same. It went off the rails in the next seasons and had its fair share of ups and downs. However, the final season was able to get back on track. Fortunately, the show had a perfect and deserving ending with even Michael giving fans a cameo at the end. Our journey with the Dunder Mifflin gang came to an end in the most beautiful way possible and couldn’t be better than this.
There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point? – Pam
8. The Job
- Season 3, Episode 23
Dwight takes the throne as the “Regional Manager” as his dreams come to fruition with the help of Michael. It was extremely fun to watch the antics of the rest of the employees working under the great Dwight Schrute for the first time.
Meanwhile, on the flip side, the interviews of Michael, Jim, and Karen at the headquarters in New York were like the icing on the cake.
It is my greatest dream come true. Welcome to the Hotel Hell. Check-in time is now. Checkout time is never – Dwight Schrute
7. The Injury
- Season 2, Episode 12
In this episode, Michael had a foot injury by unfortunately stepping on a Foreman Grill, and this injury factor drove the whole episode. I mean, look at the plotline of this episode, and this is what every episode of The Office is like — completely random yet hysterically funny.
Dwight and Michael’s amusing performances are the highlight of this episode, and it will remain forever as one of the The Office classics.
I enjoy having breakfast in bed. I like waking up to the smell of bacon. Sue me – Michael Scott
6. Garage Sale
- Season 7, Episode 18
While we thought there was no way a match made in heaven was awaiting Michael Scott, the angel Holly Flax came into this office. After Jim and Pam, Michale and Holly were the best couple we all have been rooting for since day one.
So, Michael’s proposal to Holly in the place where he fell in love was nothing short of magical. It is still my personal favorite proposal in the series. It is the last episode directed by Steve Carell, and it is always a delight to watch every single time.
This is where I fell in love with you.. And this is where I ask you to marry me – Michael Scott
5. Threat Level Midnight
- Season 7, Episode 17
The script for Threat Level Midnight was found way back in season 2, and who would have thought we would get to see the complete version of the movie? In this episode, Michael finally screened the epic movie for his friends and us.
Oh boy! It was hilarious to watch the horrendous acting in tandem with the over-the-top action scenes. This brilliant movie from the mind of Michael Scott will go down as one of the movies of all time.
Go puck yourself – Michael Scarn
4. The Dinner Party
- Season 4, Episode 9
A couples-only dinner party hosted by Michael and Jan developed into one of the most chaotic and cringe-worthy nights in The Office. Never have I ever been put in such an awkward atmosphere, yet I started cackling at seeing how the events of the night transpired. Steve Carell and Melora Hardin’s portrayal of the end of a toxic relationship turned out to be a fan-favorite episode of The Office of all time.
That is a $200 plasma screen TV that you just killed! Good luck paying me back with your zero-dollars-a-year salary plus benefits, babe! – Michael Scott
3. Casino Night
- Season 2, Episode 22
The Office Season 1 was kind of a mixed bag. However, the next season was an incredible one that turned the tide with banger episodes. One such is Casino Night, where Michael throws a casino party in the warehouse.
As fun as it was to watch the gang gamble in poker games, the night suddenly became tense, with Jim finally confessing his feelings to Pam. This was a pivotal episode in the series’ history, and it equally entertained us with a brilliant mix of comedy and emotional moments.
Two queens on Casino Night. I am going to drop a deuce on everybody – Michael Scott
2. Stress Relief
- Season 5, Episode 13
Hands down, the opening sequence of the “Stress Relief” episode is by far the best in The Office’s history. The chaos orchestrated by Dwight in the name of a fire training exercise was uproarious humor at its best.
Then, the whole episode was followed by more hysterical moments, like the actual training exercise, roast about Michael, and more. On the whole, this episode was comedic gold, and this will be my go-to episode whenever I want to laugh my head off.
Today, smoking is gonna save lives – Dwight Schrute
1. Goodbye, Michael
- Season 7, Episode 21
No matter what anyone says, Michael has always been the heart and soul of The Office. He started off as an annoying character who was frowned upon by the fans. But over time, when we started to understand his character, backed by the exemplary performance of Steve Carell, he became the fan-favorite character.
Therefore, when we knew Michael’s departure was imminent, tears ran down everyone’s face while watching him bid goodbye to his colleagues. This episode was the perfect way to send off the World’s Best Boss. Although it was bittersweet, to this day, it remains at the top as the best office episode of all time.
It’s just that sometimes goodbyes are a b*tch – Jim Halpert
That’s a wrap to our list of the 15 best “The Office” episodes. The Office will always be remembered as one of the greatest sitcoms to ever be made. More importantly, it has climbed to occupy a space in every fan’s heart and will be celebrated for ages to come. So, what is your favorite office episode? Let us know in the comments below.
Ajith Kumar
