How 20 years ago, The Office sparked a cultural phenomenon that we still see to this day

Two decades. Twenty years. 7,300 days. However you slice it, it's been a long time since the US version of The Office graced TV screens, premiering in the US on March 24, 2005. 

Stream every episode of The Office US on Stan.

Yet, in a world of fleeting trends and endless streaming options, this mockumentary sitcom continues to hold a special place in our hearts. 

To celebrate 20 years of The Office, we look back at what made the sitcom so great. 

'World's Best Boss': Michael Scott, Region Manager of Dunder Mifflin Scranton

Steve Carell's portrayal of Michael Scott wasn't just a character, he was a phenomenon. From his cringe-worthy "that's what she said" jokes to his surprisingly tender moments, Michael was the chaotic glue that held Dunder Mifflin together.

His naive optimism and desperate need for approval made him both hilarious and at times so relatable.

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He made us laugh. He made us cry. And he taught us that sometimes, the best boss is the one who tries the hardest, even when he fails spectacularly.

We're still obsessed with Jim and Pam: A love story for the ages

Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly. John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer's protrayal of their slow-burn romance was the emotional backbone of the show.

From stolen glances across the office to their iconic rooftop proposal, their story resonated because it felt real.

Even after 20 years, their love story still makes us swoon and believe in finding "your person" in the most unexpected places.

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It delivered some of the internet's best memes: 

The Office isn't just a TV show, it's a cultural cornerstone. Its quotes and moments have been immortalised in countless memes, GIFs, and reaction videos. 

From Michael's "Parkour!" to Dwight's "False," these moments have become a universal language of comedy.

The show's ability to capture everyday awkwardness and turn it into viral gold is a testament to its enduring relevance.

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Best side characters: From Dwight to Creed, Dunder Mifflin's quirky cast

Beyond the main cast, The Office boasted a supporting ensemble that was nothing short of legendary. Dwight Schrute, with his beet farm and survivalist tendencies, remains an iconic comedic figure.

Creed Bratton's bizarre one-liners and mysterious past provided endless laughs.

And who could forget Kevin's chili spill, Angela's judgmental stares, or Stanley's love for pretzel day?

Each character added a unique flavour to the Dunder Mifflin melting pot.

Best Quotes

The Office is a treasure trove of quotable lines. "That's what she said," "Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica," "Did I stutter?". "Dinkin' Flicka" and "The Scranton Strangler" - the list goes on.

These quotes have become ingrained in our pop culture lexicon, used in everyday conversations and social media captions. They're a testament to the show's sharp writing and its ability to capture the absurdity of office life.

Best Episodes: A Trip Down Memory Lane

All nine seasons of the US version of The Office are available for streaming on Stan and we polled a group of The Office super fans to find out which episodes are a clear favourite.

Here, we've collated the full countdown for your viewing pleasure – ranking every episode ever.

So now might be the time to load up your World's Best Boss mug and take another scroll through America's favourite office!

Stream every episode of The Office US on Stan.

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