The Office U.S. - Why it’s Always on Repeat

The Office U.S. - NBC

The last episode of The Office U.S. aired on May 16, 2013 - here’s why it’s still on repeat in my house more than 10 years on…

It’s easy to play this off as a comfort show, which it is! But WHY is it so easy to re-watch? For me, I find it absolutely hilarious. Yet, there is some big emotional moments that really have you invested in the characters. Jim and Dwight in series 01 seem like two coworkers who just don’t mix, then a couple of series later they’re playing big roles in each others weddings. Michael seems like the comic relief yet when any character mistreats him you suddenly feel defensive. Michael and Toby go from enemies to — never mind! 😬

Here’s some of the biggest moments and story lines that keep me hooked.

Jim & Pam - Jam!

The Office U.S. - NBC

What a whirlwind romance! Jim’s yearning in the early seasons have you rooting for him from the first episode. There are so many moments where you see him appreciating the small moments with Pam, his sadness when Roy walks in, how defensive he gets if gets a hint Pam and Roy aren’t on good terms. He is even the one to encourage Pam to follow her dreams during the Women in the Workplace episode - even though it would keep her away from him for a few weeks.

It’s not just Jim’s small gestures that have you rooting for them (hot sauce packets in the tea pot! 🫖😭). You also want the best for Pam. Her fun loving nature, her kindness towards Michael and her complicated relationship with Roy all show how deserving Pam and Jim are to finally get together. Honestly, those early episodes get me every time. Especially knowing how they end up!

I won’t even get into their marriage troubles in the later series.

That’s What She Said!

The Office U.S. - NBC

Michael Scott. Enough said.

His character seems to be nothing more than the comedic relief - total Joey Tribbiani vibes! But he’s much more complex than that. His need to be funny truly comes from a place of wanting to be liked (or have people afraid of how much they love him) which is discovered at multiple points in the series that he was bullied often as a child. I think on those reveals you do see him in a different light. While you can imagine him being a total pain to work for, you can’t help but admire his attempts to create a fun working environment.

You then follow his romantic relationships, all leading to Holly Flax. His soulmate ❤️‍🔥. There are so many frustrating moments where Michael just totally misses the mark in his dating life. Date Mike was not a winner. But when him and Holly meet that instant spark has any viewer ecstatic!

Separate to all those things that make him such a loveable character, he is just a funny guy! There are SO many Michael Scott quotes that are repeated around my house now and there’s nothing better than realising your friend is a fan of the series too.

Every character brings their own humour to the office

Aside from the fab 4, the secondary cast are absolutely phenomenal. They all have different levels of reactions to Michaels humour, it’s a dynamic office. While they’re all not traditionally laugh out loud funny - sometimes their attitudes take centre stage. Angela is a perfect example of this. She is exactly the type of person you don’t want to be reporting to in work. She has the most fascinating sense of humour (probably why her and Dwight work so well), I honestly think the decision to include her character was a great move.

Unlike Angela, there’s also a few characters who you would genuinely questions how they got the job in the first place. Kevin - for obvious reasons, Meredith I genuinely have no clue what she does and Ryan I guess was hired for his looks? But they all have so many stand out moments and know exactly how to take over a scene when needed.

Overall, this sitcom is a pure winner. Easy to watch (except for Scott’s Tots), pure entertainment. The perfect way to switch off from stress and just enjoy TV.

The Office U.S. is available to stream on Netflix in Ireland.