21 Best Office Episodes of All Time

The critically acclaimed mockumentary, The Office, follows the lives of employees at the fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin. The series is famous for filming without a studio audience or laugh track. Instead, it feels like a real documentary catching private moments, accidental reveals, and awkward interactions. 

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant created the original BBC series in 2001. The show starred Gervais as Wernham Hogg manager David Brent. The success resulted in the critically acclaimed American remake by former Simpsons writer Greg Daniels. The American Office debuted in 2005, going on to become one of the most popular series on television. 

Set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the plot revolves around Dunder Mifflin employees and their overbearing boss Michael Scott (portrayed by Steve Carell.) The series was a massive success lasting nine seasons. The Office features some of the funniest episodes in TV history. The series has all the hallmarks of a documentary format while including storylines about love, heartbreak, and friendship. Below are our favorite episodes from the series. 

1. Stress Relief (Season 5, Episodes 14 & 15)

Airing after the Super Bowl in 2009, the two-part “Stress Relief” is the highest-rated episode in the series’ history, with over 22 million viewers. It features one of the most chaotic and funniest cold opens with Assistant (to the) Regional Manager Dwight Schrute (portrayed by Rain Wilson) staging a fire to test the staff’s fire safety readiness.

All hell breaks loose as Michael unsuccessfully tries to break a window to escape, Oscar crashes through the ceiling, and Stanley suffers a heart attack. Due to Stanley’s heart attack, Michael tries to relieve everyone’s stress in a way only Michael Scott can. Realizing he’s the cause of all the stress, he hosts a “Roast of Michael Scott” that’s both funny and sad at the same time. After spending some time on a swing thinking about what everyone said about him, Michael returns to roast everyone in the office. 

2. Goodbye, Michael (Season 7, Episode 22)

Fans and critics consider the season seven finale, “Goodbye, Michael,” one of the best in the series. In fact, many critics feel it would have made for a superb series finale. Instead, The Office continued without Michael for several more seasons and received criticism for declining in quality.

As Michael prepares to move to Colorado to be with Holly Flax, he spends his last day bonding with each employee individually. The touching episode ends with Michael saying bye to Pam at the airport before leaving Dunder Mifflin and the series for good. 

3. The Injury (Season 3, Episode 12)

Often regarded as one of the greatest episodes, “The Injury ” features Steve Carell and Rain Wilson at their very best. The episode starts with Michael grilling his foot on his George Foreman grill. When Dwight speeds off to save Michael, he suffers a severe concussion when he crashes his car.

Throughout the episode, Michael acts like he’s lost a limb while Dwight shows signs of a concussion. In one of the series’ most memorable moments, Michael and Jim take Dwight to the hospital in Meredith’s van. Unsurprisingly, Dwight finds alcohol in the back seat, forcing Jim to spray him with water. 

4. Casino Night (Season 2, Episode 22)

The critically acclaimed “Casino Night” is one of the series’ most popular episodes. The season two finale had everyone talking while elevating the series to another level. Written by Steve Carell, the hilarious and brilliant episode revolves around Michael hosting a casino night in the warehouse.

Michael finds himself in a sticky situation when he invites two dates to the event. However, the episode is best known for Jim finally revealing his true feelings to Pam. Since the beginning of the series, it is apparent to everyone that Pam and Jim are soul mates. The episode ends with fans celebrating when Jim finally kissed Pam. 

5. Gay Witch hunt (Season 3, Episode 1)

The season three premiere “Gay Witch Hunt” revolves around Michael discovering that Oscar Nunez is gay. Michael tries to show Oscar that he’s accepting, but insults him instead. After paying out Oscar, Michael kisses him in a now famous unscripted moment.

The episode is also notable for revealing that Pam turned down Jim when he first asked her out. While Pam ends her engagement with Roy, Jim decides to transfer to the Stamford Branch after his failed attempt at wooing Pam. It is another bump in the road for Pam and Jim’s relationship. 

6. Diversity Today (Season 1, Episode 2)

The season one episode “Diversity Today” is the first episode in the series that features original content. The pilot uses a similar plot and jokes as the British version’s pilot. In this episode, Michael and the staff undergo racial diversity training after Michael controversially performs a famous Chris Rock routine.

Michael attempts to impart his wisdom during the diversity training but annoys the instructor. He later holds his own diversity training seminar and takes it too far when he does an offensive Indian impression, resulting in a slap to the face from Kelly Kapoor. 

7. Office Olympics (Season 2, Episode 3)

The beloved season two episode, “Office Olympics,” focuses on two main storylines. Dwight accompanies Michael to close the offer on his condo while back at Dunder Mifflin, Jim and Pam lead the employees in playing a series of games in the Office Olympics.

After Michael hesitates to purchase the condo, he yells at Dwight, prompting them to return to the office and interrupt the games. Jim manages to cheer everyone up with a touching closing ceremony.

8. Dinner Party (Season 4, Episode 13)

Fans of The Office often cite the season four episode, “Dinner Party,” as one of their favorites. The episode takes the series out of the Dunder Mifflin building, with the majority of events taking place at Michael and Jan’s condo. Michael and Jan throw an exclusive dinner party inviting Jim and Pam and Andy and Angela. The awkwardness begins instantly when Pam and Jim arrive at Michael’s doorway.

Despite not being invited, Dwight shows up with his old babysitter. The brilliant episode featured hilarious and cringeworthy moments, such as Jan trying to dance with Jim, Michael’s plasma TV, and Jan possibly poisoning Pam’s dinner. Michael and Jan’s uncomfortable bickering turns into a full-fledged domestic disturbance and the destruction of Michael’s precious Dundie. 

9. Diwali (Season 3, Episode 6)

Written by Mindy Kaling, the season three episode “Diwali” revolves around Kelly Kapoor inviting the employees of Dunder Mifflin to a Diwali celebration. During the party, Michael’s inspired to propose to his then-girlfriend Carol, who turns him down.

The episode is famous for introducing audiences to Indian traditions and customs. Pam attempts to contact Jim at Stamford, but he stays late at work and gets drunk with Andy Bernard (portrayed by Ed Helms.) 

10. Christmas Party (Season 2, Episode 10)

The Office often features a classic Christmas episode for the holiday season. The season two episode, “Christmas Party,” kicks off the tradition. That year the Dunder Mifflin employees decided to try secret Santa. Jim gets Pam and buys her a teapot, packing it with sentimental gifts and a card revealing his feelings.

After laying off an employee, Michael gets a huge bonus and goes all out for his secret Santa, intern Ryan Howard (portrayed by BJ Novak), buying him an expensive iPod. However, Michael turns secret Santa into Yankee Swap after Phyllis gives him a disappointing present. The iPod quickly becomes the object everyone wants. Dwight ends up with the iPod, but Pam gets the best gift. Fans and critics praise the episode for its writing, with “Christmas Party” earning an Emmy nomination for Best Writing.

11. Booze Cruise (Season 2, Episode 11)

Steve Carell’s stellar performance during season two helped make him a household name. The season two episode “Booze Cruise” takes the Dunder Mifflin employees from the building to the high seas. The beloved episode features Michael taking the staff on a motivational exercise on a booze cruise.

With corporate looking over his shoulder, everything falls apart when the ship’s captain has other plans. Michael famously gives a motivational dance lesson. The episode also features Pam and Roy setting a date moments before Jim is about to profess his love for Pam. That leads to Jim breaking up with his short-term girlfriend, Katy. 

12. Halloween (Season 2, Episode 5)

The Dunder Mifflin employees dress up in their best costumes for an epic party in the season two episode “Halloween.” Michael is initially eager to show off his second head costume until he realizes he has to fire someone by the end of the day. Michael struggles with his decisions as Pam and Jim prank Dwight by giving out his resume. It’s one of the early breakout episodes of the series, praised for its humor and relatable storyline. 

13. Gossip (Season 6, Episode 1)

The Office is famous for its incredible cold opens, which probably deserve their own list. The season six episode “Gossip” starts with the famous parkour opening. Later, Michael creates a ton of chaos when he spreads a rumor about Stanley having an affair that leads to him accidentally revealing the truth about Pam’s pregnancy. Fans and critics often praise the episode for its humor and acting. 

14. The Dundies (Season 2, Episode 1)

The season two episode “The Dundies” continued the series’ strong momentum. The plot focuses on Michael hosting the annual awards show, The Dundies. Taking place at Chili’s, Michael honors the very best of the Dunder Mifflin employees.

After Roy leaves, Pam bonds with Jim while stealing drinks off other tables and getting drunk. Some of the winners included Kevin winning the “Don’t Go In There After Me” award, Pam the “Whitest Sneakers” award, and Ryan landing “Hottest in the Office.”

15. Threat Level Midnight (Season 7, Episode 17)

During season two, Pam discovers Michael’s thrilling screenplay for Threat Level Midnight. The hilarious episode gives a glimpse into Michael’s creative imagination. Several seasons later, the movie comes to life in the season seven episode “Threat Level Midnight.” After ten years of writing, shooting, re-writing, and re-shooting, Michael’s vision finally comes to the TV screen in their office.

Michael unveils his masterpiece to his employee and girlfriend, Holly Flax. In the movie, Michael Scott portrays Agent Michael Scarn, still reeling from the death of his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones Scarn. The episode also includes Jim Halpert as the evil Goldenface and Dwight Schrute as Scarn’s robot butler Samuel L. Chang. Fans praised the episode’s tone, humor, and the return of several past characters. 

16. The Deposition (Season 4, Episode 12)

The Office was a master at creating uncomfortable and awkward yet hilarious situations. One of the best examples is the season four episode “The Deposition.” Michael travels with Jan to New York as her star witness in her lawsuit against Dunder Mifflin and David Wallace.

The popular episode features Jan’s lawyer reading passages from Michael’s private diary. However, Michael ends up defending Wallace and the company instead of Jan. As Michael and Jan drive back to Scranton, they argue about money.

17. Niagara (Season 6, Episodes 4 & 5)

Portrayed by Jenna Fisher and John Krasinski, Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert’s “will they-won’t they?” love story had everyone on the edges of their seats. In the two-part episode “Niagara,” Pam and Jim travel with their family to Niagara Falls to get married. The entire Dunder Mifflin staff also make the trip since Michael gave everyone Friday off.

The wedding starts to fall apart when Jim accidentally reveals that Pam is pregnant, and her old-fashioned grandmother decides to leave. The episode culminates in the family and friends mimicking a popular viral YouTube video wedding entrance to Chris Brown’s “Forever.” Pam and Jim’s romance continues to blossom over the years. 

18. Beach Games (Season 3, Episode 23)

The series would sometimes take the characters out of the familiar setting of Dunder Mifflin. This is what happens in the season three episode “Beach Games.” Michael takes his employees to the beach for a fun day relaxing in the sun, having a sumo competition, and in Pam’s case, diligent note-taking.

Since Michael’s interviewing for a job with corporate, he has the staff compete in a beach competition to determine his replacement. The episode features Pam doing a fire walk and delivering a memorable speech. 

19. Dream Team (Season 5, Episodes 22)

Throughout season five, Michael Scott struggles to get along with his new boss Charles Miner (Idris Elba). Michael can’t take it anymore and finally quits with only Pam leaving with him. In the season five episode “Dream Team,” Michael and Pam set out to start their own paper company, recruiting Ryan Howard and Vikram to join them.

Only Vikram’s smart enough to know it’s a bad idea, but Michael and his two employees won’t let anything stand in their way. The episode received widespread praise, including a PrimeTime Emmy award nomination. 

20. The Michael Scott Paper Company (Season 5, Episode 23)

The season five episode, “The Michael Scott Paper Company,” picks up where the previous episode ends. Michael, Pam, and Ryan struggle to get The Michael Scott Paper Company off the ground. Located in the same building as Dunder Mifflin, Michael, Pam, and Ryan host a pancake luncheon to bring in new clients.

In the Dunder Mifflin offices, Jim is no longer the office’s golden child as he struggles to win over his new boss Charles Miner. Ultimately, Pam makes her first sale, launching the Michael Scott Paper Company. 

21. Fun Run (Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2)

Life is good for Michael; Jan has moved into his place, Ryan landed a corporate job in New York, and everyone is happy at Dunder Mifflin. Unfortunately, that’s when Michael hits Meredith with his car. Doctors discover that Meredith has rabies and in an attempt to make up for his guilt, Michael decides to host a fun run to raise awareness for rabies. That’s when Michael makes his second mistake and overloads on carbs.

The episode also features two famous subplots. First, the series finally reveals that Jim and Pam are dating while also bringing an end to Angela and Dwight’s relationship after Dwight kills her cat.