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The Office’s worst season shows why Peacock's upcoming reboot deserves a chance

'The Office' struggled in its first season but grew into a classic and with a reboot on the way, we probably should not be too hasty with our judgment

When 'The Office' first aired in 2005, it wasn’t the instant hit many people know and love today. As an adaptation of the British series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the first season struggled to connect with viewers. The humor felt awkward, the tone was dark, and the characters, especially Michael Scott, seemed hard to root for. However, those early missteps turned the show into one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. With a reboot officially announced by Peacock, it’s worth remembering how the original show grew on us, and why we should give the reboot a fair chance to take its own time to find what's right for the show.

'The Office' Season 1 is widely considered its weakest season. At just six episodes, it barely scratched the surface of what the show could become. One critic put it simply, "Season 1 of 'The Office' is bad, but that does not mean that viewers should skip over it," as reported by ScreenRant. The first season’s job was introducing the concept and characters, even if it didn’t nail everything immediately. It followed the tone of the UK version, making Michael Scott a boss who was more cringe-worthy than lovable. But as the show progressed into Season 2, it began finding its voice, balancing humor with heart and Michael Scott evolving into a character audiences could root for.

This transformation wasn’t just about tone; the characters themselves grew, and their relationships became more meaningful. Season 1 might feel like a bumpy start, but it laid the groundwork for everything that followed. By Season 2, the show was firing on all cylinders, with stronger chemistry among the cast and richer storylines. As one analysis notes, "The Office's most important moments do not occur until the second season." This gradual growth turned 'The Office' into a fan favorite, reminding us that good things often take time.

Now, with the reboot on the way, fans are understandably nervous. Producer Justin Spitzer has shared his optimism about the project, which will be set in the same universe as the original series. The reboot will follow the same documentary crew that brought us the Dunder Mifflin stories, but it will feature a completely new cast. Jenna Fischer recently confirmed that none of the original actors would be returning, which makes you wonder if the reboot can live up to its predecessor. Still, the history of 'The Office' shows us that we shouldn’t rush to judgment. The original show struggled at first but found its stride with time. With Greg Daniels, the mastermind behind the American version, involved in the reboot, there’s reason to be hopeful. One comment sums it up perfectly, "The fact that 'The Office' is still heavily criticized for its first season, regardless of its renowned standing in American television, shows that the new reboot deserves time to find its identity," as reported by Screenrant.

If you’re still on the fence, remember that some of the best shows take time to grow. Whether the reboot mirrors the original or charts its own path, it could surprise us by delivering the same charm and humor we came to love. Meanwhile, Greg Daniels is also working on 'Landman', a new show set in the oil industry. It’s said to be a mix of satire and workplace drama, diving into the lives of oil rig workers with Daniels’ signature wit and relatable storytelling. While not much is known yet, it’s another exciting project from the creator of 'The Office'.

Whether through the reboot or 'Landman', Greg Daniels continues to explore unique workplaces and unforgettable characters. Both shows help us see that great stories often start with small steps and of course, a little patience. Until then, if you're interested in watching 'The Office' you can stream it on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, where all nine seasons of the show are available. Peacock has exclusive streaming rights to the series, offering both free and premium subscription options. Additionally, 'The Office' is available for purchase on digital stores such as iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon if you'd like to own the episodes. Make sure to check your local streaming services for availability to relive the hilarious antics of Michael Scott and the Dunder Mifflin team!