With NBC now creating their own streaming platform, and the licensing deal for The Office ending soon, many fans of the show (me included) are worried that Netflix may pull the plug on the beloved series. Although not confirmed, I will continue to binge watch “The Office” in anticipation of its possible departure. Here are six of the best Office episodes to watch before it leaves the streaming platform:
1. Diversity Day (season 1 episode 2)
This episode is only the second in the series, and is undoubtedly a classic. Michael holds a “diversity day” in the office by having everyone place cards on their foreheads of their race, and telling everyone to treat others how they would treat people of those races, effectively implying that people of different races should be treated differently, which goes against the whole point of having an attempted “diversity day.” Hilarity ensues.
2. Threat Level Midnight (season 7, episode 17)
Arguably one of the best episodes in the series, Michael presents a film, “Threat Level Midnight,” that is absolutely the stupidest, most ridiculous and therefore funniest film, like, ever. Pretty much every character that had a stint in the series appears, and it’s absolutely amazing. He gets upset when everyone laughs (how could you not?) and chances are you’ll be laughing right alongside everyone in the office. Just watch out for Goldenface.
3. Stress Relief part 1 (season 5, episode 14)
Stress Relief is hilarious. Dwight scornfully sets up a dangerous fire drill to teach everyone about fire safety. Chaos ensues, and everyone loses their sh*t. Angela throws her cat in the ceiling, Michael tries breaking a window with a chair and Stanley has a heart attack. If only real-life office antics were this entertaining.
4. Stress Relief part 2 (season 5, episode 15)
It goes without saying that you can’t watch Stress Relief Part 1 without watching Stress Relief Part 2. Michael realizes that he is the cause of everyone’s stress in the office, as Stanley has a stress monitor that suspiciously beeps louder and louder the closer Michael gets to him. Michael decides it’s a good idea to host a roast of himself. No one holds back.
5. Scott’s Tots (season 6, episode 12)
If there was an award for cringiest episode to ever air on television, this is it. It’s as cringey as it is funny, as Michael promises a classroom full of kids that he will pay for their education if they all graduate. The kids put on a performance to thank him, not knowing that he has neither the intention nor the money to actually follow through. Cringe.
6. Niagara (season 6, episodes 4 & 5)
If you were as in love with Jim and Pam as I was throughout the series, then this episode is a must. Jim and Pam host their wedding at Niagara Falls, and the whole office follows. If “The Office” manages to be hilarious in a simple office setting, the change in location allows for many more hijinks to be had. Andy tears his scrotum, Dwight bangs an admittedly out-of-his-league dental assistant, and Pam’s pregnancy is accidentally revealed much to the dismay of her “meemaw.” Plus, Jim and Pam get married and I get into my feels Every. Single. Time. Is it too much to ask to have a relationship like theirs?
7. Finale (season 9, episode 23)
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the finale episode. Michael returns and so does the whole cast after the airing of their documentary for Dwight and Angela’s wedding. Everyone says their goodbyes in a conclusion to the series that wraps everything up satisfyingly with a nice little bow. It’s sad, it’s funny, it’s everything.
Now go wash away those sad tears, and be ready to replace them with tears of laughter as you watch as many episodes as you can before it leaves Netflix!