When it comes to revolutionary comedy series, “The Office,” a mockumentary sitcom that gave us an up-close and personal look at the everyday lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, stands out for its unique blend of humor, heart, and cringe-worthy moments. Adapted from the UK series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the US version developed by Greg Daniels garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim during its nine-season run.
With an ensemble cast led by Steve Carell as the infamously inept but surprisingly endearing regional manager Michael Scott, “The Office” turned into a pop culture phenomenon. Its strength lies in its memorable characters, brilliantly awkward situations, and its clever balance of comedy and emotion. Amongst the plethora of episodes, some shine brighter in the minds of fans for their impeccable humor, storytelling, and the impact they’ve had on the show’s legacy. Let’s count down the top 10 episodes of “The Office” that have left an indelible mark on the landscape of television comedy.
#10: Stress Relief (Season 5, Episodes 14 & 15)
A two-part episode that is as chaotic as it is hilarious, “Stress Relief” kicks off with Dwight’s catastrophic fire safety seminar that prompts Stanley’s heart attack, leading to a CPR training session that goes horrifically awry. From the unforgettable scene of Dwight wearing the face of the CPR dummy to the office’s chaotic attempt to save Stanley, the episode is filled with non-stop laughs.
In the midst of this chaos, Michael tries to reduce stress levels by hosting a poorly thought-out roast of himself which, predictably, backfires. These episodes also give us rare glimpses into the characters’ lives outside of the office, including the first signs of Jim’s devotion to Pam’s family, setting up emotional moments that resonate deeply with fans. “Stress Relief” strikes a perfect balance between uproarious humor and meaningful character development.
#9: Casino Night (Season 2, Episode 22)
As the season 2 finale, “Casino Night” is a pivotal episode for the series, packed with significant moments. The Dunder Mifflin crew transforms the warehouse into a casino for charity, which sets the stage for a series of high-stakes character interactions. Jim and Pam’s simmering will-they-won’t-they tension comes to a head as they confront their feelings for each other.
The episode also delivers some classic Michael Scott moments, from his awkwardly hosting the event with two dates to his cringe-worthy interactions with his employees. “Casino Night” masterfully intertwines humor and genuine emotion—a blueprint for many episodes that followed.
#8: Dinner Party (Season 4, Episode 13)
Widely revered by fans as one of the most cringe-inducing episodes, “Dinner Party” sees Michael and Jan inviting Jim, Pam, Andy, Angela, and Dwight (along with his former babysitter turned girlfriend) to their condo for an evening that unfolds with excruciating hilarity. The episode feels like a car crash you can’t look away from as tensions between Michael and Jan boil over, culminating in a disastrous and unforgettable evening.
The humor derives from the authentic awkwardness that permeates the party and the up-close look at Michael and Jan’s toxic relationship. “Dinner Party” epitomizes the show’s ability to make the audience laugh out loud while simultaneously sinking into their couches with secondhand discomfort.
#7: The Injury (Season 2, Episode 12)
“The Injury” offers an insight into the mind of Michael Scott like no other. After grilling his foot on a George Foreman Grill, Michael demands attention and assistance, leading to both frustration and hilarity. This episode showcases the series’ balance of humor and heart as Dwight—suffering from a concussion—exhibits rare vulnerability and camaraderie when bonded with Pam.
The jokes land flawlessly, especially with Michael’s absurd calls for help and his ridiculous attempts to garner sympathy from his unimpressed employees. “The Injury” serves as an excellent example of Michael’s childlike neediness and the office dynamics that the show is known for.
#6: Goodbye, Michael (Season 7, Episode 22)
Steve Carell’s final regular episode as Michael Scott is both heartwrenching and sweet. “Goodbye, Michael” captures the emotional farewell to the Scranton branch’s belovedly inept boss, as he prepares to move to Colorado with Holly. The episode is filled with touching goodbyes, from Jim recognizing Michael’s departure early to the iconic silent farewell between Michael and Pam at the airport.
What makes this episode stand out is the balance of emotion with the show’s signature humor. Michael’s attempts to sneak away quietly juxtaposed with the open displays of sentiment from the employees creates an atmosphere that reinforces the depth of the character relationships within the show.
#5: The Convict (Season 3, Episode 9)
“The Convict” episode brilliantly explores the office dynamics when the employees find out one of their own, Martin, is an ex-convict. Michael’s uninformed efforts to prove the office is better than prison leads to the creation of his alter ego, “Prison Mike,” in one of the show’s most iconic scenes.
The episode humorously navigates stereotypes and the employees’ reactions to Martin’s past. It also continues the ongoing tension between Pam and Karen, as well as Pam’s unresolved feelings for Jim, adding a layer of depth to the humor.
#4: Niagara (Season 6, Episodes 4 & 5)
In a beautiful culmination of the Jim-and-Pam storyline, “Niagara” is a two-part episode that sees the office traveling to Niagara Falls for Jim and Pam’s wedding. The leads’ attempts to hide Pam’s pregnancy and the staff’s continuous blunders create a buildup of tension that is released in a joyous, touching reveal.
The episode also features one of the series’ most memorable and sweetest sequences: the wedding dance. Inspired by a viral video at the time, this wholesome scene resonates with fans as an emblem of the show’s heart. There’s also the payoff of the long-awaited wedding, which, true to Jim and Pam’s characters, happens privately at the falls before the chaotic church ceremony.
#3: The Dundies (Season 2, Episode 1)
“The Dundies” exemplifies the humanistic and endearing side of “The Office.” Set in the less-than-glamorous setting of a Chili’s, the annual Dundie Awards hosted by Michael offer a glimpse into the appreciation he has for his employees—even if the execution is often misguided.
With this season opener, the episode sets a lighter and more inclusive tone for the series moving forward, following a more somber first season. Moments like Pam getting hilariously drunk and happily accepting her Dundie, and Jim’s reactions to her actions, cement “The Dundies” as a quintessential episode that encapsulates the spirit of the series.
#2: Threat Level Midnight (Season 7, Episode 17)
After years of teasing, fans finally got to see Michael Scott’s magnum opus, “Threat Level Midnight,” a homemade action movie he’s been producing for years featuring characters played by employees from the office. The episode allows for a brilliant display of self-referential humor and character-based jokes, as the lines between the actors and their roles in Michael’s film blur comically.
The sheer ridiculousness of the film within the show, coupled with the fact that it actually gets completed and shown to the office, makes for one of the most hilarious and unforgettable moments in the series. It’s also a touching nod to Michael’s misplaced but earnest ambitions, further deepening his character just before his departure from the series.
#1: Fun Run (Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2)
“Fun Run” tops this list as an epitome of “The Office” at its absolute best. After accidentally hitting Meredith with his car, Michael organizes a charity fun run for rabies awareness that leads to an absurd series of events, including Michael carb-loading on fettuccine Alfredo and Dwight euthanizing Angela’s cat.
This two-part season premiere has everything that made “The Office” great—perfectly timed humor, cringe-worthy moments, and endearing, if slightly misguided, attempts at doing the right thing. Michael’s mix of ignorance and heart during the “race for the cure” and the varied reactions of the office staff to the entire situation reconcile the viewers with the idea that the employees at Dunder Mifflin Scranton are more than just co-workers; they’re a dysfunctional but loving family.
Choosing the top 10 episodes from such a beloved and groundbreaking sitcom is no easy task, as the series boasts a plethora of episodes that could have made this list. The relatable setting, coupled with the show’s ability to turn mundane office life into an extraordinary viewing experience, is a testament to the writers, actors, and all who contributed to “The Office.” These episodes serve as key milestones that represent the best of the humor, characters, and storytelling that have cemented “The Office” in the pantheon of American television comedy.