'The Office': Andy Bernard was the most unlikable, but here's why his character got worse in Season 9

Created by Greg Daniels, Andy Bernard is portrayed by Ed Helms in the mockumentary comedy 'The Office'
UPDATED MAY 31, 2024
Let's examine why 'The Office' Season 9 made Andy Bernard so unbearable (@nbc)
Let's examine why 'The Office' Season 9 made Andy Bernard so unbearable (@nbc)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the ninth season of the iconic workplace mockumentary comedy show 'The Office', the Cornell alum and aspiring singer-songwriter Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) gets transformed into a self-absorbed, anger-fueled man.

Andy, who debuted in the third season of the show, was employed by Dunder Mifflin in Stamford at first, but when the two offices merged, he moved to the Scranton branch.

Andy proved to be a mediocre salesman, despite his best efforts to impress boss Michael Scott (Steve Carrell) initially. Despite this, he was able to turn things around and eventually became manager once Michael left.

So, what exactly happened to transform him into a frustrated and selfish guy in the later seasons?

Andy Bernard's treatment of Erin Hannon made him unlikable in 'The Office' 

Ed Helms and Ellie Kemper in a still from 'The Office' (@nbc)
Ed Helms and Ellie Kemper in a still from 'The Office' (@nbc)

One of the primary factors that greatly adds to his extreme unlikeability is the way he treats his girlfriend, Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper).

The warm and empathetic friendship that developed between Andy and Erin throughout the series begins to deteriorate in Season 9, as Andy gets fixated on his newfound success.

He prioritizes his work goals over Erin's wants and happiness, ignoring her and becoming emotionally distant. Andy, at the height of his conceit, begins seeing Jessica (Eleanor Seigler), in Season 8. However, he later regretted it and apologized to Erin, but it demonstrated his incapacity to respect Erin's emotions.

Andy's lack of consideration for Erin while deciding to cruise to the Bahamas was the last nail in the coffin. Erin was expecting he would give her a spot on his yacht, but he never mentions it and sails away after saying a heartfelt farewell.

This rash choice, motivated by his own selfishness and poor communication, cemented Andy's evolution into an unlikable figure for the viewers.

Andy Bernard's violent nature made him unlikeable in 'The Office'

(@nbc)
Ed Helms as Andy Bernard in a still from 'The Office' (@nbc) 

Earlier Andy was shown lovable in his clumsiness, and he was the underdog we cheered for. However, Andy loses this appeal in Season 9 as his newly found confidence turns into conceit.

He becomes disdainful of his coworkers, often reminding them of his triumphs at Cornell or his little moment of popularity.

Nicknamed 'Nard Dog' for his ferocity, Andy often loses his cool, which is generally aimed at his subordinates or provoked by minor workplace rivalries.

He seems immature and unstable and returns to his previous anger management problems.

Overall, Andy's regression strips him of the attributes that made him a popular favorite. He transforms from a likable figure who we all wanted to see successful to a person who deliberately causes trouble and treats others poorly.

How to stream 'The Offiice'?

 (The Office/ YouTube)
A still from 'The Office' (YouTube/@theoffice)

To see the comic gold, you must have a Peacock subscription. Depending on yur budget, you may choose between two subscription packages that the streaming site offers.

The cost of the Peacock Premium plan, which includes advertisements, is $5.99 per month or $59.99 annually.

The second option, Peacock Premium Plus, costs $11.99 a month or $119.99 a year and is ad-free.

'The Office' trailer



 

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