Even after its 2013 series finale, "The Office" remains funny and enjoyable to watch.
As Ohio University reaches the middle of the Spring Semester, students everywhere are flocking to their parents' Netflix accounts to binge watch anything and everything they can before the nagging voice in the back of their heads finally persists hard enough to get them back on track. I, of course, am no exception to that rule, which is essentially why I decided to turn my procrastination into a weekly article.
It has been hard to stay productive this semester. The gloomy weather only has encouraged us to stay inside more, and with not only spring break but also 14Fest fast approaching, it is hard not to get discouraged by the steadily accumulating pile of work on all our desks.
So for those of you who feel burdened by your workload, all nine seasons of the American version of The Office are on Netflix to launch you into another stupor of ignorant bliss.
For those who don't know, The Office is a mockumentary series that explores the lives of the workers in the fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin Inc. in Scranton, Pennsylvania. What typically would be another ordinary, run-of-the-mill workspace often is transformed by the misguided but well-meaning antics of manager Michael Scott.
The humor in the show is similar to the somewhat wacky yet reserved-nature comedy that appears in other shows such as Parks and Recreation.
The series received a lot of attention during its initial run on NBC, but after it ended in 2013 it seemed to fade into some level of obscurity. Maybe that is just because the show was popular slightly before our generation could appreciate it. Regardless, it is for sure worth the second watch.
There are very few movies, books and TV shows that I can tolerate watching more than once, but I can say with total sincerity that I could watch every single episode of The Office again, and it would feel like the first time I was watching it.
The show is incredibly human and entirely captivating from beginning to end. I admire the writers and their superb sense of comedy, which ranges from low-brow slapstick to tiny, obscure jabs that only a few will catch.
There’s more to the show, of course, than just the jokes. I think what has made The Office so memorable is its ability to balance comedy with sincerity. The plots in the show about love and loss are just as touching and meaningful to the audience as the jokes.
Long story short: There are very few episodes in the show that I would skip. All of it is really good. Even if you’re not using it as an excuse to put off studying for midterms, finals or any other kind of exam, the show is great to watch with some friends on a rainy day.
Also, it might be worth adding that The Office is one of those shows that has a truly satisfying ending unlike some other shows (cough, How I Met Your Mother, cough).
The Office is a fantastic show for anyone old enough to understand the situations of the material within in. Give it a shot.
Kaitlyn McGarvey is a freshman studying journalism. Who's your favorite character from The Office? Email her at km451814@ohio.edu or tweet @McGarveyKaitlyn.
