Years after The Office wrapped up, it’s still as popular as ever. Whether it’s streaming on Netflix, inside jokes between friends, or viral clips on social media, the iconic series never really went away. It’s the kind of show people just keep coming back to. Of course, having it easily available on streaming has helped, but Steve Carell aka the legendary Michael Scott thinks there’s more to it than that.
Whether it’s the characters, the humor, or something less obvious, The Office has found a way to connect with generation after generation. According to Carell, that’s why it continues to stand the test of time.
Steve Carell on the timeless appeal of The Office
More than a decade after The Office ended in 2013, it still feels as fresh and relevant as ever. The workplace comedy which first aired on NBC, continues to attract new viewers, many of whom weren’t even born when it premiered in 2005. While its availability on streaming platforms has certainly played a role in its longevity, Steve Carell, believes there’s something deeper that keeps people coming back.
While NBC didn’t make any efforts to keep him on the show when his contract was up, the series has only grown in popularity over the years. In an interview with NBC Insider, Carell shared his thoughts on why The Office refuses to fade from pop culture.
He pointed to the show’s characters as the key to its lasting success. He explained:
I think it’s funny how young people are when they first start watching The Office, which was always a surprise to me because I never thought it would be appealing to a younger audience. But I think part of it is that each of the characters is an archetype that can be translated to, like, people that they know in school, you know?
He continued:
There’s sort of the jock, there’s kind of the cheerleader, the pretty one, there’s the kind of the weirdo in the corner, but they’re all people that you can identify with — whether you’ve ever worked in an office or whether you’ve just associated with these people in school.
That sense of familiarity makes it easy for audiences of all ages to find someone they relate to, even if they’ve never stepped foot in an office. What surprised the actor most was how the show continues to be passed down through generations. Unlike many sitcoms that fade into obscurity, The Office has become a shared experience, something that families, friends, and even coworkers bond over.
Beyond its success on streaming, the show has taken on a life of its own through memes and references.While Carell has moved on to other projects, he recognizes that The Office isn’t just a TV show anymore—it’s a cultural staple that people keep discovering, and sharing year after year.
Danielle Deadwyler teams up with Steve Carell for HBO’s next big comedy
As reported by Variety, Danielle Deadwyler is joining Steve Carell in HBO’s upcoming college comedy, adding even more talent to an already exciting cast. The series, first announced in May 2024, will have 10 half-hour episodes and follow Carell as an author dealing with a complicated relationship with his daughter, played by Charly Clive.
Deadwyler has built an impressive career across TV and film, with standout roles in Watchmen, Station Eleven, P-Valley, and From Scratch. On the big screen, she’s earned critical praise for performances in The Piano Lesson, Till and The Harder They Fall, making her a perfect addition to the show’s already strong lineup.
The series comes from Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, who are also executive producers alongside Carell. Lawrence, fresh off the success of Ted Lasso, has been keeping busy with projects like Apple TV+’s Shrinking, which he co-created with Jason Segel and Brett Goldstein. With Warner Bros. Television producing, this new comedy is shaping up to be another big hit.
Originally reported as a Max streaming series, HBO has since confirmed that it will air on its cable network instead.
You can watch The Office on Netflix.
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