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The Office is an iconic show that still to this day is loved and enjoyed by millions of viewers. The humor in The Office is mostly based on Dwight, Michael, and the rest of the characters in the show. This show often relates with its viewers who work in a stereotypical office space or “cubical”. The show highlights the relationship between coworkers and how they interact at work each day. The characters in the show follow stereotypes. For instance, Michael Scott is a boss who his workers under him don’t know how he got the position he is in which may remind the audience of a boss of theirs. The characters in the show are unique to each other and sometimes don’t get along but they work together to solve any issues that arise. The purpose of my analysis is to critically examine The Office for its “structure, substance, story, characters, demographics, and the ways it encourages viewer involvement in the lives through humor.” (O’Donnell 210) There are other things I want to highlight in my analysis including production information and a look behind the scenes of The Office. Through different scenes in The Office, the characters of this show are the heart of the show and its humor.

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The Office is a television show that tracks the daily lives of people apart of your typical fictional American work office. The shows follow the fictional company Dunder Mifflin, and all of its employees apart of the Scranton, P.A. branch. The show is through the lens of a documentary crew sent out through PBC. They track the daily lives of the employees of The Office. The Branch is run by the Regional Manager, Michael Scott. Michael Scott is a character who never filters what he says. The show tracks all members of the office, but focuses on the characters of Michael, Dwight, Jim, and Pam most heavily.

This documentary crew watches the love story of Jim and Pam. The series first starts out with Jim and Pam as just friends, and Pam engaged to another man, Roy. Jim is madly in love with Pam, and she has no idea until Jim finally confuses his feelings for her. She at first rejects him, and stays loyal to Roy. When Jim moves away, she realizes that she loves him, and wants to be with him. When he returns, he is dating another women, Karen. Eventually Pam expresses her feelings to Jim, who, at first rejects her. By the end of the third season, the two finally come together when Jim asks Pam out.

Another couple that is watched throughout the series is Angela and Dwight. Angela, the uptight religious women and Dwight, the odd salesman and farmer, have a very odd dynamic. The two first start off by just hooking up together, but they later begin to date. The two spend the whole series on and off, but eventually find their way to each other by the end of the series. The two have a humorous relationship that grows throughout this series.

The characters in this office all have very different personalities that work and mesh very well together. There is Oscar, who is a gay accountant and is the know it all of the office. There is also Kevin, who is also a accountant. Kevin is a heavier individual who isn't always the sharpest tool in the office, but has a kind heart. There is then Ryan, who originally starts as a temp. Ryan is a cocky young guy who has a odd relationship with Kelly, who is in charge of customer service. Kelly is also a cocky individual who always shares what's on her mind. There is then the Sales Department. There is Andy, who is a Cornell graduate constantly seeking the approval of everyone. There is Phyllis, who is the motherly figure of the office. Then there is Stanley. Stanley is the grumpy man of the office. Outside of the Sales Department, there is Meredith, who is the alcoholic mom of the office. There is also Creed, who is the mysterious character who we never quite get the hang of. In the Annex, there is Toby, who is constantly ragged on by Michael, and the rest of the office. Other characters come and go through out the series; however, this is the main cast throughout the series.

The Office is a show that shows how the people who you work with and interact with everyday are more than just your coworkers they're your family. This group of employees who have nothing in common work together to forms bond that last them a lifetime. Whether the characters fall in love or become your best friends, everyone in the office influences the person in one way or another.

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The Office first premiered March 24th, 2005. It then ran until its last episode on May 16th, 2013. It aired on NBC for a total of nine seasons. The series is originally based on the BBC series The Office, and it was adapted then to American Television by Greg Daniels. It was o-produced by Daniel’s Deedle-Dee Productions, Reveille Productions, and Universal Television. The show was a single-camera setup without a studio audience, or a laugh track. When the show originally premiered, it had mixed reviews for its first season. However, the show quickly gained popularity, and was acclaimed by television critics. The last few seasons received mixed reviews after main character, Michael, leaving the show. The series received a total of 42 Emmy Award nominations, with 5 of those being won. Steve Carell, Michael Scott, won a Golden Globe Award for his character on the show.

The series originally aired with 11.2 million viewers. However, by the end of the first season, it ended with only about 2 million viewers, averaging about 5.4 million for the first season. As the seasons went on, the show saw increases. For the second between eighth season, they averaged about 8 million each season. The last season however only had an average of about 4 million. The series ranked as NBC’s highest rated scripted series during its run, and it also was one of NBC’s highest rated shows of all time. The highest rated episode was “Stress Relief”, and it aired after Super Bowl XLIII.

The casting of the office was done very unusually. During the audition process, cast members were asked several questions and they had to respond how their character would. Michael Scott was originally supposed to be played by actor Paul Giamatti, but the actor declined. Michael Scott was then cast to be played by Steve Carell. The main cast consisted of Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, and Rainn Wilson. Other starts such as B.J. Novak, Oscar Nunez, Kate Flannery, and Angela Kinsey.

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Conflict plays a huge role in this sitcom, every episode. Every episode, there seems to be a conflict that comes up, mostly based on the actions of Michael, where the office is left to deal with the consequences. For example, one of the most famous episodes is “Frame Toby.” In this episode, Michael’s hatred for Toby and his return to the office leads him to scheme ways in which he can get Toby fired. Michael decides to put spinach in a bag, and call the cops saying that Toby has weed in his desk. The cops show up and realize that it is only spinach. Michael ends up apologizing to Toby and having to deal with the consequences. This is just an example of one of the reckless actions Michael does around the office to cause conflict.

There is also the presence of a good and evil opposition in the eyes of Michael Scott. The Corporate Branch of the company is seen as the evil of the company through Michael’s eyes in certain situations. In the early seasons, Jan is a corporate manager who is Michael’s boss, and is seen frequently in the series. Jan is always seen as the bad guy and evil to Michael, she always must be the one to discipline Michael, and step in when he goes to far. For example, in the episode “Sexual Harassment” Michael is in trouble from Corporate for sexually harassing a employee who quit, and now has to be reviewed on company policies by Jan and the lawyers of HR. Michael is seen all episode rebelling, and being upset over having to go through the procedures, and as being annoyed with Corporate and Jan. Michael also sees the HR representative Toby as evil. Michael makes it his goal to make Toby quit, and to be as mean as possible to Toby. Michael constantly excludes Toby from meetings, work parties, and mocks him as much as possible. Michael even goes as far as to get Toby a rock that says “Suck It” when Toby decides to quit.

The conflict of illegal and legal also play a role. Many of the actions depicted in this show would be illegal for a real office. Many workplace rules are broken throughout the series, due to the ignorance and personality of Michael Scott. Michael Scott discusses topics such as religion and sexuality freely throughout the office, making other employees mad and uncomfortable. Michael also makes a huge amount of racist and ignorant jokes that wouldn’t be tolerated in a normal workplace. In the later seasons after Michael leaves, Andy becomes manager. His role as manager is a great example of an action that wouldn’t normally be tolerated in the workplace. Andy leaves on a boat trip for 3 months without telling his boss, and fakes being at work. In a normal work office, this would be fraud and Andy would have been legally liable. Another example is when Dwight is the temporary regional manager, and he accidently shoots a gun off in the office. His only punishment for this is being demoted back to sales. In a normal office, Dwight would have been fired and legally liable.

The opposition of work and home is also seen. Because the series takes place in an office environment, it is rarely taking place at someone’s home. We occasionally see Schrute Farms, Michael’s condo, and Jim and Pams home. There are very few episodes at these locations, most take place at the Scranton branch office.

In the genre of comedy, the audience expects to see humor throughout the series. The Office specifically is a Situation Comedy because it is in a workplace setting, and the same set is used repeatedly. These comedies are expected to draw jokes, humorous dialogue, and situations throughout the episodes. The characters of these comedies are expected to be likable, and as relatable. The office exemplifies this quality by having average workplace employees who have normal everyday lives that are very similar to those of most viewers.

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The costumes worn throughout this series is very realistic. The characters of this television show were a typical laid-back business casual every day to work. The Regional Manager dresses a bit more dressed up, usually having a pant and jacket on. The Corporate Branch is seen as dressing in a more formal business attire, which would be expected of a corporate branch. The costumes of the characters reflect very well. For example, Angela has a very high strung and conservative personality, therefore her outfits are always very conservative and are usually neck high and never in a revealing fashion. Dwight wears the same 2-3 shirts and pants. He always has a firm look, and it reflects his strong work ethic and strict values. He always wears a tie and comes ready to work. Jim on the other hand, where a more casual button down, and is very rarely seen wearing a tie. This reflects his lazier work ethic, and his more laid-back personality.

The objects seen in this series also reflect the characters well. For example, Dwight is always seen with his bobble head that Angelina gives to him as a gift. This bobble headfirst represents his big head, as in his cocky attitude about his work attitudes. It also represents his love for Angela, even after the two break up, he keeps it on his desk, and it ultimately represents his never-ending feelings and care for her. Another object that is significant in the show in Michael’s “World’s Best Boss” mug that is always on Michael’s desk. This mug first represents his confidence in how his coworkers rank him as a boss. It is a mug that he bought for himself and was not given. However, in Michael’s last episode, he throws the mug away explaining that he no longer needs it. Michael gains a better understanding of being a boss, and a better appreciation for the people in his office. The mug, in a way, represents his journey as Regional Manager. The furniture seen in the set of the Office also reflects the dynamic of the show well. The set represents a typical American office well and could easily pass for a real workplace.

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My attraction to this program comes from my love for this show. This is my go-to show where I always find myself laughing, and never getting sick of this show. Whether I’m coming home from a tiring day or I just want a good laugh, I always find myself watching the office. This program has a sense of humor that I have never seen in another show. They have a dry sense of humor that makes me laugh until I can’t laugh anymore. I find joy in all the characters in this show. Watching their fictional journey and seeing the transformations of the characters is something unlike any other show. I would argue this is one of the funniest shows to ever be created. I feel it attracts all different kinds of people, and everyone can find humor and joy within this show.

Of all the actors, I enjoy watching Dwight the most. I believe Dwight to be one of the best characters ever created in television history. Dwight’s personality shines bright in this sitcom. Dwight is serious while being funny and has a soft spot. Dwight puts on a persona for the office to try to appear as a lone wolf and appears to try to act as if he doesn’t need anyone but himself. However, during many scenes throughout the seasons, Dwight shows a soft side and shows his truly kind heart. Dwight is one of the reasons I enjoy watching the most throughout the series. His character grows tremendously throughout the seasons. He learns to be more accepting of other people’s ways, and he learns to not be as stubborn. I especially love watching Dwight achieve his goal of Regional Manager. Watching his journey in achieving this position is one that is much mocked by the office, but Dwight never gives up on his goal. I especially enjoy the relationship that both Dwight and Pam share. They have a unique friendship. Of all the relationships seen on the show, the two of them always have each other’s back. Whenever either is going through a hard time, they always find comfort in each other.

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There are several personal issues seen throughout the series. Most notably, in the last season, the hardships of married life and long-distance relationships is seen. Jim works part time at a company he founded, and therefore Pam is alone in Scranton most of the time with their two children. There is a lot of fighting seen between the two throughout the last season. They have a lot they must do to make it work. They even discuss how they do couple’s counseling in order to help their relationship. The last season represents a very real relationship, and that not all relationships are sunshine and roses all the time. Another personal issue that is seen throughout many of the characters is the struggles of money. Many characters express the struggles of working middle class jobs, and the struggles of money. For example, the problems of Michael’s money situation are seen. Michael gets himself heavily in to debt and must build back up his credit and declare bankruptcy.

There are intertextual references to other media, events, and people. For example, there is an episode in which the office employees vote on whether Hilary Swank is hot or not.  There are also references to media outlets such as The Times. When the employees originally find out they are going to be on television with the documentary, they read a review article on thetimes.com, and this is in fact a real website that is referenced in this episode. The network PBS is also referenced in accordance with the documentary series, and this in fact a real television network.

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Overall, The Office is a feel-good show that represents a very typical American office. This show has a dynamic cast that are all very different but work together in a great way. The humor in The Office is mostly based on Dwight, Michael, and the rest of the characters in the show. This show often relates with its viewers who work in a stereotypical office space or “cubical”. The show highlights the relationship between coworkers and how they interact at work each day. The characters in the show follow stereotypes. For instance, Michael Scott is a boss who his workers under him don’t know how he got the position he is in which may remind the audience of a boss of theirs. The characters in the show are unique to each other and sometimes don’t get along but they work together to solve any issues that arise. The purpose of my analysis is to critically examine The Office for its “structure, substance, story, characters, demographics, and the ways it encourages viewer involvement in the lives through humor.” (O’Donnell 210) There are other things I want to highlight in my analysis including production information and a look behind the scenes of The Office.