The Office is an American television sitcom, originally aired on NBC, that follows the lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was first aired on March 24, 2005 and the show has since gone on to have 10 seasons. The show has been widely praised for its witty writing and hilarious characters, receiving a multitude of awards and nominations.
Despite the show's success, there is no doubt that it has had its fair share of bad episodes. Here we will take a look at the worst and least liked episodes as ranked by fans, critics, and viewers.
So let's dive right in and explore the worst episodes of The Office, and see why they didn't live up to the show's usual high standards.
Written by Sophie and last updated on Nov 22, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
In a special hour long episode, Ryan returns to Scranton with a plan to bring Dunder Mifflin into the digital age by launching a new website - Dunder Mifflin Infinity. Michael is worried about ageism and attempts to win back clients using old fashion business skills. Relationships are on the forefront as Ryan returns to an eager Kelly, Jim and Pam are outed to the office, and Angela is still upset with Dwight about her cat.
The episode was rated 7,66 from 829 votes.
Michael gleefully anticipates attending the company's Web-site launch party in New York. Meanwhile, Angela arranges a bash in Scranton, while Dwight gets wrapped up in a real paper chase: He tries to sell more paper than the Web site.
The episode was rated 7,67 from 2729 votes.
Michael is feeling left out after finding out Ryan took a handful of branch managers and even Toby on a wilderness retreat, but didn't invite him. In order to get back with nature, Michael asks Jim if he would consider a camping trip together. Hypothetically, Jim answered yes.
The episode was rated 7,68 from 1575 votes.
Karen was now the regional manager of the Utica branch and used her position of power to woo Stanley to her branch. For the right price, Stanley agreed to make the transfer. In Scranton the news was welcomed with applause, much to Michael's dismay.
The episode was rated 7,69 from 1587 votes.
Ryan returns to Scranton but not to a warm welcome. He is making everyone in the branch come in on a Saturday to re-enter data into the new website. Michael makes it clear that Ryan is the reason they have to come in on the weekend. The rest of the staff aren't happy knowing a computer will be getting credit for all of their sales.
The episode was rated 7,70 from 1395 votes.
In this hour long special, its the launch of the new Dunder Mifflin Infinity website and Michael is anticipating going to the launch party in NYC. At the Scranton branch, Angela and the Party Planning Committee plan a satellite party. Meanwhile, Dwight competes against the website to be top seller of paper in a day.
The episode was rated 7,71 from 819 votes.
Michael is driving to New York with Jan where he is going to speak at her deposition. Jan is suing Dunder Mifflin for four million dollars over her wrongful termination. Michael is excited to testify and has memorized every answer Jan told him to.
The episode was rated 7,73 from 1542 votes.
Michael is quickly going into debt with Jan renovating his condo. Meanwhile, it's a barn burner when Jim and Pam check in to the Schrute family farm, which has been converted into a bed-and-breakfast.
The episode was rated 7,74 from 2746 votes.
In this hour long special, Michael is quickly going into debt with Jan renovating his condo. He tries to get money anyway he can including asking his employees for a loan. Meanwhile, Jim and Pam spend the night at Dwight's farm - now a bed and breakfast.
The episode was rated 7,79 from 833 votes.
Michael comes to believe the office might be cursed in the wake of a freak accident. After scrutinizing each of his staffers' religious beliefs, he organizes a charity 5K "fun run."
The episode was rated 7,80 from 3007 votes.
Michael was excited to know Dunder Mifflin bought television ad space in local markets, including Scranton. Michael wanted to create the perfect commercial. Only problem was Michael wasn't seeing eye to eye with guys who were going to be producing the commercial.
The episode was rated 7,80 from 1673 votes.
In the hour long season four premiere, Michael hosts a Fun Run for the Scranton Business Park. A freak accident leads him to believe the office is cursed, and he questions his employees' religious beliefs. The office relationships are also explored, with Pam and Jim's new romance and Dwight and Angela's continuing relationship.
The episode was rated 7,81 from 898 votes.
In the episode of The Office titled "Goodbye Toby", Toby Flenderson is leaving Dunder Mifflin and Michael plans a huge goodbye party for him out of joy. Angela refuses to help with the party, so Michael turns to Phyllis. Dwight and Meredith harass Holly, their new HR representative.
The episode is a classic and had viewers laughing out loud, especially at Kevin's scenes. The ending of the season was a great and weird one, with Michael happily exclaiming "Holly!" after watching the series for the 100th time.
The episode was rated 8,17 from 2249 votes.
The Office episode "Dinner Party" is a classic episode of cringe comedy. Michael has an elaborate plan to get Pam and Jim to his and Jan's place for a dinner party. Jim reluctantly agrees and Dwight overhears and wants an invitation as well. But, with Andy and Angela already invited, there's not enough room for Dwight. This episode reveals so many nuances and details about the relationship between Michael and Jan, making it an absolute masterpiece of cringe comedy.
The reviews for this episode have been glowing. One review called it an "absolute masterpiece of cringe comedy" and praised the amazing performances from everyone in the cast. Another said it was the "best episode of the series" and that there are so many details learned about Michael and Jan's relationship. A third comment simply said it was an "awkward episode" and highlighted all the details that are revealed.
The episode was rated 8,19 from 1742 votes.
Toby leaves Dunder Mifflin, and Michael plans a huge goodbye party... out of joy. Angela refuses to help with it, so Michael turns to Phyllis. Dwight and Meredith harass Holly, their new HR representative.
The episode was rated 8,37 from 546 votes.
