My buddy changed my mind on The Office being the peak of comedy

I always told people The Office was the funniest show ever made, no contest. Then my coworker Mike said it's just cringe humor that doesn't hold up after season 5 and most episodes rely on awkward pauses. We spent 45 minutes going back and forth at lunch, and he convinced me to rewatch season 3 with fresh eyes. Now I'm starting to see his point about the later seasons feeling forced. Anyone else find a show they loved falling apart after a rewatch?

3 comments

3 Comments

miabennett1d ago

Oh man, that reminds me of how I used to love Friends until I realized how often they laugh at their own jokes.

diana_moore752d ago

Call me crazy, but I think The Office is still peak comedy. Season 5 has some of the best episodes like Stress Relief and the fire drill cold open, that stuff is gold. The awkward pauses are what make it work, they're like the joke's punchline not some crutch. Sure some later seasons dip, but name a show that runs seven seasons without a few duds.

wendyc531d ago

You mentioned the awkward pauses being the punchline not a crutch - do you think that style works because the characters sell it, or is it more about the writing timing itself?