Narrowing a great comedy TV show like NBC’s “The Office” down to 10 essential episodes is more difficult than it may seem.
Many memorable episodes could not be included here, like “Diversity Day,” “The Dundies,” “Office Olympics,” “Beach Games,” “Dinner Party,” “Company Picnic,” “Scott’s Tots,” “Andy’s Play,” “Threat Level Midnight,” and the office birthday and holiday parties.
But here are some staples, with about one episode per season.
Warning for those who have not seen the series: This article contains spoilers.
‘Pilot’
Season 1, episode 1
In the first episode of the series, the documentary crew meets the Dunder Mifflin paper company employees in Scranton, Pennsylvania, as obnoxious regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) finds out the branch could be downsized.
- Why it’s essential: This is an introduction to the main characters of the show and the dynamic between Michael and the other employees.
‘Casino Night’
Season 2, episode 22
Season two ends with an office casino night, where Michael must navigate an awkward situation when both of the girls he invited show up. Afterward, salesman Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) confesses his love for receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer).
- Why it’s essential: This episode helps set in motion Jim and Pam’s romantic relationship, which is an integral part of the series.
‘The Merger’
Season 3, episode 8
Jim returns to Scranton after transferring to Dunder Mifflin’s Stamford office when the two branches are combined, bringing with him his new co-workers, including sales representatives Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) and Karen Filippelli (Rashida Jones).
- Why it’s essential: Two worlds collide, allowing Andy to become part of the Scranton team and reuniting Pam and Jim, who, at this point, is dating Karen.
‘Goodbye, Toby’
Season 4, episode 14
The office celebrates HR representative Toby Flenderson’s (Paul Lieberstein) last day in the season four finale. Andy’s proposal to accountant Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey) at the celebration ruins Jim’s plans to propose to Pam. Toby, Michael’s least favorite person in the office, is replaced by Holly Flax (Amy Ryan), Michael’s perfect match.
- Why it’s essential: This episode includes several important plot points (Holly!), especially when it comes to relationships within the office.
‘Stress Relief: Part 1’
Season 5, episode 14
The episode begins with a classic scene. The employees panic when salesman Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) orchestrates a realistic surprise fire drill that results in Angela throwing her cat Bandit into the ceiling, accountant Kevin Malone (Brian Baumgartner) raiding a vending machine, and salesman Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker) having a heart attack.
- Why it’s essential: The fire drill is iconic in the series and gives insight into Dwight’s intensity and how the characters act under pressure.
‘Niagara: Part 2’
Season 6, episode 5
When Jim and Pam’s wedding day isn’t as happy as Pam wants it to be, they leave a chapel full of family members, friends and co-workers and make a spontaneous trip to Niagara Falls to have an intimate marriage ceremony before rejoining the church wedding party.
- Why it’s essential: Jim and Pam finally tie the knot, and viewers see what is most important to them: each other.
‘Goodbye, Michael’
Season 7, episode 22
Michael leaves Scranton to join Holly in Colorado a day earlier than he told his employees he would and spends his last day there saying subtle goodbyes to everyone in the office. Michael’s absence leads to a series of management changes, starting with Deangelo Vickers (Will Ferrell).
- Why it’s essential: Michael’s departure marks a big change for both the characters and the series.
‘The List’
Season 8, episode 1
In the season eight opener, Andy becomes Scranton’s regional manager after Dwight’s short-lived reign and the enigmatic Robert California (James Spader) takes over as Dunder Mifflin Sabre’s CEO. A page in the new CEO’s notebook separates the Scranton employees’ names on two sides of a list, leaving the office wondering what the list means.
- Why it’s essential: Viewers get to know Robert California and his dynamic with the Scranton employees and see how the company has changed since Michael left.
‘A.A.R.M.’
Season 9, episode 22
In the second-to-last episode of the series, Jim enlists the help of the documentary crew to create a video for Pam after she expresses concern that she isn’t enough for him, the office shares one last dance with warehouse-worker-turned-manager Darryl Philbin (Craig Robinson), and Dwight pulls Angela over for an important conversation.
- Why it’s essential: This is the last episode that takes place in succession with the time sequence of the series up to this point, featuring the culmination of several things that have built up throughout the show.
‘Finale’
Season 9, episode 23
One year after the documentary airs, the gang reunites for Dwight and Angela’s wedding festivities in the series finale.
- Why it’s essential: “The Office” comes to a satisfying end, including some important reunions.