NBC will be hosting the last episode of “The Office” on May 16. The acclaimed TV series has followed the lives of corporate workers for the paper company, Dunder Mifflin, located in Scranton, Pa. since 2005. “The Office” never has a dull moment. From the manager Michael Scott’s mandatory staff meetings to the new manager, Robert California, making a list of winners and losers in order to create competition, everything about the show has created a community for its cast members and viewers.
Over the years the show has kept up to its status of being a hilarious sitcom. Since its premiere the show has earned several awards including the 2006 Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Elaine Yeoh, an avid “Office” viewer, recalls the first episode.
“I remember when the show first aired,” Yeoh said. “A documentary crew first introduced us to the corporate world. Instead of telling everyone that the company was downsizing, ‘The Office’s’ manager, Michael Scott, left this as a surprise. The show has come really far. I can’t believe it’s ending after so many years.”
According to The Huffington Post, “The Office” is ending as a result of the deprivation of writing talent and too many of the show’s main characters. It slowly began to see changes in season seven when executive producer, Paul Lieberstein, who played Toby on the show, left to work on “The Office’s” spin off project. Dwight Schrute, played by Rainn Wilson, became the main focus of “The Farm,” making them lose another significant character. Then, Mindy Kaling, who played the gossip queen Kelly Kapoor, left the show to star in “The Mindy Project.”
As characters have come and gone, the show still has the same charisma. Even though the show has had many changes over the years, that is what keeps it interesting. In order to keep the show going producers felt that it was necessary to switch up, drop and add characters.
Viewers have also been there every step of the way through the progression of Pam and Jim’s relationship. They could even recall the scandalous office relationships that took place like the passionate love affair between Dwight and Angela. After nearly a decade of watching every episode religiously, viewers find it hard to believe the series is ending.
Rumors have it that Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) will not appear in the final episode as the former boss due to his involvement in several film projects. Others think that Michael’s ex, Jan, will make a surprise appearance. However, actors and producers have not confirmed anything yet which is leaving the audience to wonder what will go down in the last episode.
The last episode, the 200th, will air at 7 p.m. on May 16. It’s the last chance to watch a new episode full of “The Office’s” quirky humor and shaky camerawork.
Theresa Stanton can be reached at theresa.stanton@spartans.ut.edu