The Office's Tough Start: From Hated to Iconic

0:00It's March 27th, entertainment and celebrity news. Today starts now, AI-powered and spotlight-ready. I'm Cory with the story. Steve Correll recently opened up about the tough beginnings of the office on Amy Pollard's podcast. He shared that the pilot episode tested so poorly, it became the lowest rated in NBC history. Viewers didn't just dislike it. They actively hated the show right from the start, that backlash stemmed largely from comparisons to the original British version by Ricky Gervais. Many felt the American adaptation was just copying without adding fresh ideas. Even the cast was stunned by the negative feedback. Amy Pollard chimed in, noting her own series Parks and Recreation faced a similar fate early on. Fans rejected it for not matching the office, saying things like it just wasn't the same. Over time, though, the office carved out its unique mockumentary style, centered, and the quirky Dunder Mifflin paper company, and Correll's memorable, Michael Scott.

1:01It ran for nine seasons on NBC from 2005 to 2013, building a massive following with stars like John Krasinski, Rain, Wilson and Jennifer Fisher. Today, the show's relatable laughs and character arcs keep it among the top re-watch comedies on streaming services, showing how first impressions don't always last.