The Office Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The Office
'The Office' cast Ed Helms as Andy Bernard, Phyllis Smith as Phyllis Lapin, Kate Flannery as Meredith Palmer, Craig Robinson as Darryl Philbin, Paul Lieberstein as Toby Flenderson, Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, Steve Carell as Michael Scott, Creed Bratton as Creed Bratton, John Krasinski as Jim Halpert, Oscar Nunez as Oscar Martinez, B.J. Novak as Ryan Howard, Brian Baumgartner as Kevin Malone, Leslie David Baker as Stanley Hudson, Mindy Kaling as Kelly Kapoor, Angela Kinsey as Angela Martin | NBC Photo: Mitchell Haaseth
The Office
The Office is an American sitcom that aired on the NBC network. The show ran for nine seasons, starting in 2005. The series is based on a British series of the same name, which ran on The BBC from 2001 to 2003 and was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. It was adapted for American television by Greg Daniels. The mockumentary sitcom followed the lives of employees at the fictional Dunder Mifflin paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The paper company is led by branch manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Other notable characters include salesman Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), receptionist Pam Beesley (Jenna Fischer), and salesman Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson). The series has received 42 Emmy nominations and five wins.
- TV Genres: Comedy
- Creator: Greg Daniels
- Network: NBC
- Adapted From: The Office (UK)
- Where to Watch: U.S.-based viewers can watch the show on PeacockTV. Reruns appear on Comedy Central.
- Cast: Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Mindy Kaling, Creed Bratton, Brian Baumgartner, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Ed Helms, B.J. Novak, Ellie Kemper, Craig Robinson, Paul Lieberstein, Leslie David Baker, Michael Schur, Melora Hardin
- Seasons: 9
- First Episode: March 24, 2005
- Last Episode: May 16, 2013
- Related Shows: Parks & Recreation, The Good Place
Visit the website for The Office.
Learn more about The Office—behind the scenes, a potential reboot, and where the stars are now.
News
5 years ago
‘The Office’: Rashida Jones Was ‘Crushed’ When Ed Helms Became a Series Regular, Says She ‘Always Felt Like a Guest Star’
News
4 years ago
‘The Office’: How Hilary Swank Reacted to Characters Debating Her Looks
News
4 years ago
‘The Office’: Why Dwight’s Paternity Test for Philip Schrute Came Back Negative
News
5 years ago
‘The Office’: The Clever Way They Pulled Off Jan’s Boob Job so it Looked Real
News
3 years ago
‘The Office’ Halloween Episodes: Pam and Jim’s Best Costumes, Ranked

Steve Carell

Notable People

Anne Hathaway Was Cast in ‘Get Smart’ Because She Was Able to Keep a Straight Face With Steve Carell

Anne Hathaway once shared what it took to work alongside Steve Carell in their very first movie together.

by Antonio Stallings

Published on February 23, 2024

3 min read

Steve Carell posing for a picture at the Four Season's Hotel in Beverly Hill while wearing a suit.

Ricky Gervais Felt Like He Was Expected to Try and Stop Steve Carell From Leaving ‘The Office’

Ricky Gervais understood why many didn’t want Steve Carell to leave ‘The Office’, but he also understood why Steve Carell might’ve wanted to in the first place.

by Antonio Stallings

A photo of Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, Steve Carell as Michael Scott, Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, John Krasinski as Jim Halpert, and B.J. Novak as Ryan Howard.

Steve Carrell Could Only Sit Through Five Minutes of Ricky Gervais’ Performance in the Original ‘Office’

Steve Carell once shared how studying Ricky Gervais’ ‘Office’ character David Brent might’ve actually done more harm than good for him.

by Antonio Stallings

‘The Office’: Jenna Fischer Attended a Real-Life Nightmare Dinner Party With a ‘Super Famous’ Actor and Fans Have Guesses About Who It Is

Jenna Fischer hosted a dinner party for a famous actor. She shared why it started to remind her of an episode of 'The Office.'

by Emma McKee

Published on May 7, 2025

3 min read

Jenna Fischer posing as Pam Beesly from 'The Office'.

Notable People

Jenna Fischer Didn’t Want to Star in the American Version of ‘The Office’ at First

Jenna Fischer had strong doubts about ‘The Office’ television series before she auditioned for the NBC show.

by Antonio Stallings

Jenna Fischer playing Pam in 'The Office'.

Notable People

Jenna Fischer Wished That Her ‘Office’ Character Was Prettier

Jenna Fischer once opened up about the one thing she wished she could change about Pam in ‘The Office’.

by Antonio Stallings

Adam Scott’s ‘Parks and Rec’ Character Came up WIth the Idea for ‘Severance’

Adam Scott might have drawn some inspiration for 'Severance' from his beloved 'Parks and Recreation' role as Ben Wyatt.

by India McCarty

Published on February 21, 2023

2 min read

Notable People

‘Parks and Rec’: Did Amy Poehler and Adam Scott Date in Real Life?

In the hit NBC sitcom 'Parks and Recreation,' their characters were famously in love, but did Amy Poehler and Adam Scott date in real life?

by Ashley Swallow

'Parks and Recreation' cast members Jim O'Heir, Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Chris Pratt, and Retta for our article about how the show almost had a different name.

‘Parks and Recreation’ Almost Had a Very Different Name

'Parks and Recreation' boasts lovable characters and plenty of humor. However, the NBC series nearly went by a different name.

by Amanda Mullen

Steve Carrell Could Only Sit Through Five Minutes of Ricky Gervais’ Performance in the Original ‘Office’

Steve Carell once shared how studying Ricky Gervais’ ‘Office’ character David Brent might’ve actually done more harm than good for him.

by Antonio Stallings

Why This ‘The Office’ Star Is Giving Fans $100,000 Back

Between Covid and the actors' strike, 'The Office' spinoff show, 'Uncle Stan' just couldn't get off the ground.

by Gina Ragusa

This Comedian Auditioned for Michael Scott on ‘The Office’ But Ended Up Playing a Different Part

Bob Odenkirk may have lost out on the chance to play Michael Scott in "The Office," but he did appear later in the series.

by Mama Rita

'The Office' character Michael Scott (Steve Carell) folds his arms.

‘The Office’ Cameraman Randall Einhorn’s Favorite Direction Treated the Cameramen Like Actors

'The Office' cinematographer Randall Einhorn revealed how the episodes' directors treated the camera and cameraman like actors on the show.

by Fred Topel

'The Office' cinematographer Randall Einhorn stands on the set of Dunder Mifflin

‘The Office’ Cameramen Would Coordinate Ducking Each Other to Stay out of Shots

Cinematographer Randall Einhorn was instrumental in the documentary style employed by 'The Office,' and he shared some tricks the cameramen used to make it work.

by Fred Topel

Movies

This ‘Office’ Star Lost ‘Bridesmaids’ Role to Maya Rudolph

After becoming a household name on 'The Office,' this actor auditioned to co-star in 'Bridesmaids' but lost out on the part to Rudolph.

by Sam Hines

'The Office': Pam (Jenna Fischer) sits behind the reception desk

Jenna Fischer Believes 1 Movie Saved ‘The Office’ From Cancellation After Season 1

'The Office' ran for nine seasons and now streams on Peacock, but when the American adaptation began, star Jenna Fischer thinks it would've been over if a co-star had not starred in a hit movie.

by Fred Topel

'The Office': Pam (Jenna Fischer) answers the phone at Dunder Mifflin

‘The Office’: Jenna Fischer Says She Has 2 Major Differences From Pam

Jenna Fischer describes her similarities and differences from her 'The Office' character, Pam. While they share some similarities, Fischer is much more proactive.

by Fred Topel

'The Office': John Krasinski stands over Jenna Fischer under fluorescent lighting

This ‘The Office’ Lighting Trick Would ‘Get You Fired From Other Shows’ Randall Einhorn Said

Randall Einhorn describes a lighting trick 'The Office' employed to simulate cubicle lighting, and why it is the only show that could get away with it.

by Fred Topel

'The Office': Steve Carell stands between Kate Flannery and Brian Baumgartner

‘The Office’ Made This Comedy Legend Throw out All His Plans

'The Office' had a distinct style, beyond even the pseudo documentary format. So much so that when a comedy movie director came to direct an episode, he had to adapt to 'The Office' cinematographers.

by Fred Topel

BJ Novak as Ryan Howard, John Krasinski as Jim Halpert, Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, and Steve Carell as Michael Scott, who stand at varying heights

‘The Office’: Original Audition Tapes Have Surfaced, and Fans Can’t Believe Who Nearly Starred in the Beloved Series

A viral TikTok video reveals actors' original audition tapes for 'The Office,' and some of the hopefuls will surprise and delight fans.

by Agustin Mojica

'The Office' cameraman Matt Sohn stands with Brian Baumgartner

‘The Office’ Assistant Who Caught Cameraman Randall Einhorn in This Dangerous Shot

Brian Baumgartner and cinematographer Randall Einhorn reminisce about some of the dangerous moments filming 'The Office', and the assistants who saved the day.

by Fred Topel

'The Office' receptionist Pam (Jenna Fischer) sits at her desk while Ryan (B.J. Novak) stands folding his arms

‘The Office’ Writers Used a Real Story From Jenna Fischer’s Receptionist Days

Jenna Fischer had day jobs before she landed the role of Pam on 'The Office.' Creator Greg Daniels loved her receptionist stories and may have even used one in the show.

by Fred Topel

‘The Office’: Jenna Fischer Reveals Why Jim and Pam Scenes Could Take Hours to Debate

Jim and Pam were the heart of 'The Office' but they could be a pain in the butt. Jenna Fischer reveals how Jim and Pam scenes could hold up production.

by Fred Topel

'The Office' star Jenna Fischer smiles on 'Extra'

Before ‘The Office’ Jenna Fischer Lost 3 Roles to Alyson Hannigan

Before 'The Office,' Jenna Fischer was a struggling actor. Alyson Hannigan was already established after the '90s and ended up with a lot of the roles Fischer wanted.

by Fred Topel

'The Office': Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) types on his computer.

‘The Office’: John Krasinski Once Said Jim Halpert Intentionally Did ‘Mediocre Work’

On the set of 'The Office' Season 6, John Krasinski said Jim Halpert was intentionally doing mediocre work. That was in the process of changing after season 5 though.

by Fred Topel

John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Steve Carell in The Office

‘The Office’: 5 Other Comedy Shows to Watch if You Love Mockumentaries

While The Office may be off the air, there are still plenty of great mockumentary comedies that could become your next binge

by Ross Tanenbaum

Rainn Wilson, Steve Carell, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, and B.J. Novak film promo photos for The Office

Before ‘The Office,’ 1 Star Appeared on ‘That ’70s Show’

'That '70s Show' made its mark on TV, not only with its great and funny storylines but also with its huge lineup of guest stars.

by Produced by Digital Editors

Brian Baumgartner as Kevin Malone in The Office

‘The Office’: What is Kevin Malone Actor Brian Baumgartner Up to Now?

Many viewers know Brian Baumgartner for his role as Kevin Malone in ‘The Office,’ but the actor is involved in a few projects outside of the show

by Ross Tanenbaum

'The Office' star Steve Carell smiles on a red carpet

‘The Office’: Steve Carell Has a Side Business That ‘Will Never Make a Penny’ and He’s OK With That

Two years after opening his general store in Marshfield Hills, Mass., Steve Carell explained he never intended the business to make a profit but opened it for different reasons.

by Fred Topel

The Office

Learn more about The Office—behind the scenes, a potential reboot, and where the stars are now.