Questions
Who created the American version of The Office and what network aired it?
Greg Daniels adapted the series for NBC. It premiered on March 24, 2005, and ran for nine seasons and 201 episodes.
Is The Office based on something else?
Yes. It is based on the BBC series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, which originally ran from 2001 to 2003. The American pilot was a direct adaptation of the first British episode.
Where is the show set and what does Dunder Mifflin sell?
It follows the everyday work lives of employees at the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company.
Why does The Office look like a real documentary?
It uses a mockumentary format shot single-camera with no laugh track. Characters glance directly at the documentary crew and speak in confessional-style interviews, creating an observational comedy style.
Who were the main cast members?
Steve Carell played Michael Scott, Rainn Wilson played Dwight Schrute, John Krasinski played Jim Halpert, Jenna Fischer played Pam Beesly, and B.J. Novak played Ryan Howard.
Did any cast members shoot part of the actual show?
Yes. When John Krasinski was cast as Jim, he visited Scranton for research and interviewed employees at real paper companies. He also shot the footage of Scranton used in the opening credits.
Who wrote and performed the theme song?
The original theme was written by Jay Ferguson and performed by a band called The Scrantones.
How did B.J. Novak get cast?
B.J. Novak was cast as the reluctant temp Ryan Howard after Greg Daniels saw his stand-up act.
Is it true Phyllis was played by a real casting associate?
Yes. Phyllis Smith was a casting associate, and director Ken Kwapis cast her as Phyllis after liking the way she read lines with other actors who were auditioning.
Were there any famous guest stars?
Yes. Will Ferrell appeared as Deangelo in season 7 and James Spader joined as Robert California in season 8. J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon guest directed, and Ricky Gervais popped up briefly in the episodes The Seminar and Search Committee.
Why did Steve Carell leave the show?
NBC did not renew Carell’s contract for season 8. His character Michael Scott is written out after getting engaged to Holly and moving with her to Colorado to support her elderly parents.
How did the series end?
The two-part finale aired on May 16, 2013, and drew 5.7 million viewers. It reunited the characters for Dwight and Angela’s wedding.
Did The Office win any major awards?
Yes. It won a Peabody Award, a Golden Globe for Steve Carell, and five Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006.
Is it true John Krasinski almost quit acting before The Office?
Reportedly yes. Krasinski was said to be close to giving up on acting before he landed the role of Jim, and Jenna Fischer reportedly tried to look as boring as possible for her Pam audition.
