It’s been 20 years since the first episode of the American version of The Office aired. In addition to countless articles, reviews, and analyses, the show has earned the distinguished title of being "the series that gave the world the largest number of memes." Despite the two decades since its debut (and more than a decade since it ended), The Office memes remain as relevant as if they were freshly generated.
Somehow, with its unique formula, The Office managed to capture universal, human situations that remain unchanged, even as events around us evolve at lightning speed. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, here’s a modest list of the top 10 (well, 11) The Office memes that are still as relevant and useful as ever.
Michael Scott’s fire alarm panic
There’s nothing more relevant than Michael Scott running out of his office, confused and hysterical, because his nightmares have come true and the fire alarm has gone off. In today’s world, where events stretch the boundaries of logic daily, this meme perfectly sums up the feeling of being stunned and running with everyone else into an uncertain future.
Stanley Hudson’s iconic eye-roll
Stanley Hudson’s legendary eye-roll remains timeless. Stuck in a pointless Zoom meeting that could’ve been a WhatsApp message? Dealing with people announcing they’re "leaving social media forever"? The eye-roll is the last refuge of sanity. Just be careful it doesn’t get stuck, as my mom used to say.
Kevin’s chili spill
Who among us hasn’t been there? The frustration, the tragedy, and the absurdity of Kevin spilling his pot of chili on the floor resonate with every government meeting that ends in chaos. The difference? Kevin cleans up his mess alone, while someone else is always left to clean up the mess of leadership.
Michael Scott’s 'that’s what she said'
Perhaps the series’ most famous meme, "that’s what she said," predates The Office but was immortalized by Michael Scott. Once a relic of male humor, it now serves as a warning about inappropriate jokes in the MeToo era or as a parody of those oblivious enough to insist on telling them. Let’s just say Michael Scott in 2025 would spend most of his time in HR’s safe environment workshops.
Michael Scott’s irrational moments
We’re all perfectly rational — except when it’s inconvenient. Like when Michael believes he won’t suffer bad luck on Friday the 13th, or when a finance minister believes God will fix the economy if we follow religious commandments. Or like those who trust science and vaccines but cling to wild theories even Google refuses to index.
Dwight Schrute’s identity theft
Dwight's famous line about identity theft being no joke was ahead of its time. In an age where everyone willingly shares personal information online, identity theft has become alarmingly common. As AI evolves, the day may come when it starts stealing identities on its own — and for that moment, we’ll need a new Dwight meme.
Jim’s camera stare
Feeling like you live in an absurd, illogical universe? Frustrated that everything proceeds without interruption? The only entity you might find empathy from is a camera. Enter the "Jim Face" — your savior in moments of disbelief.
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Dwight’s 'false!' meme
Over time, there have been symbolic attempts to combat fake news and disinformation on social media. Zuckerberg hired (and fired) fact-checkers, and Twitter (or X) allowed users to debunk tweets with relevant facts. Still, when in doubt, Dwight’s "false!" meme remains the perfect response. It’s especially useful for moments like when your child insists they brushed their teeth or someone claims The Office isn’t funny.
Pam’s same photo meme
Pam is right. The differences people try to sell us — a new iPhone in "moss green" with features no one will use, another Marvel movie with more CGI but no script, or the same failed politician with thicker hair— amount to nothing. We’re all just staring at the same picture.
Michael Scott’s prison story
Michael Scott describing his time in prison, imagining it as part of the Harry Potter universe, is an enduring gem. It’s perfect for mocking people who speak with absolute confidence about topics they know nothing about. His partner in crime? The infamous "Sometimes I’ll start a sentence, and I don’t even know where it’s going."