At what season does The Office start going downhill

It’s no secret that The Office is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. From its humble beginnings as an American adaptation of the UK original, to becoming a cultural phenomenon with iconic characters, heartfelt moments, and endless laughs—The Office captured hearts in a way few shows ever have.

But for every loyal fan who has watched (and rewatched) all nine seasons, there’s usually a debate waiting to happen: At what point does The Office start to go downhill?

It’s a fair question. While the show remained popular until the end, even the most devoted fans often agree that certain seasons just don’t hit the same. Whether it’s the loss of key characters, changes in tone, or a shift in writing style, something seemed to change.

So, when did it happen? Let’s break it down season by season, look at the highs and lows, and find out when exactly The Office began to slip.

The Rise: Seasons 1–5 — Comedy Gold

Before we talk about the “decline,” we have to understand just how good the early seasons were.

Season 1: The Introduction

• Short and a bit shaky

• Only six episodes

• Heavily mimicked the UK version

• Michael Scott was cringier and more abrasive

Still, by the end of Season 1, it was clear The Office had potential.

Season 2–4: Peak Performance

This is what many fans call the “golden age” of The Office.

• Michael Scott became more lovable and less harsh

• Jim and Pam’s romance blossomed

• Dwight’s eccentricity was perfectly balanced

• Supporting characters (like Creed, Kevin, and Angela) had their shining moments

Episodes like “The Dundies,” “Casino Night,” “Booze Cruise,” and “Dinner Party” became instant classics.

Season 5: Still Strong

• Michael Scott breaks away from Dunder Mifflin and starts The Michael Scott Paper Company (some of the best story arcs!)

• Jim and Pam get engaged

• The humor was still sharp, and the emotional beats hit hard

At this point, The Office was firing on all cylinders.

The Decline Begins: Season 6 — Cracks Appear

Ask longtime fans, and many will point to Season 6 as the moment things started to shift.

What Changed?

• Michael becomes more cartoonish: The lovable buffoon starts to act less grounded and more exaggerated.

• Jim becomes co-manager: This plotline didn’t land with all fans, and it sidelined Jim’s classic prankster charm.

• Less realism, more sitcom energy: The documentary-style realism began giving way to more over-the-top situations.

Still, Season 6 wasn’t a complete drop-off. It had gems like “Niagara” (Jim and Pam’s wedding) and “Scott’s Tots” (so awkward it hurts).

Verdict: The beginning of the downhill slide. Not bad, but not peak either.

Season 7: The Departure of Michael Scott

Season 7 is arguably the turning point—the season where many believe The Office truly started going downhill.

What Worked:

• Michael’s farewell arc was genuinely emotional and well-written

• “Goodbye, Michael” is one of the most heartfelt episodes in the series

• A few solid laughs and tender moments

What Didn’t:

• The introduction of Deangelo Vickers (Will Ferrell) didn’t click

• The show seemed to be figuring out its identity without Michael

The Office was built around Steve Carell’s character. Once he was gone, it felt like a different show trying to be the same.

Verdict: Still watchable, but something is missing. The heart of the show is gone.

Season 8: Searching for Purpose

After Michael’s exit, The Office entered uncharted waters—and it struggled.

Robert California Enters

• Played by James Spader

• Mysterious, philosophical, and… confusing?

• Not quite the comedic presence fans were hoping for

Andy as Manager

• Ed Helms is funny, but Andy as a boss never quite worked

• His character became inconsistent and less likable

Fan Feedback:

• Many longtime viewers started to check out

• Critics called it “aimless” and “tonally uneven”

• Jim and Pam’s story stalled

• Humor felt forced at times

Verdict: Definitely downhill. A new show wearing the skin of the old one.

Season 9: The Final Stretch — A Mixed Bag

By this point, The Office was clearly winding down. But surprisingly, Season 9 had some redemption moments.

The Good:

• Dwight becomes manager (finally!)—a satisfying character arc

• Jim and Pam face real-life marriage issues, adding emotional depth

• The finale was heartfelt and gave closure to longtime fans

• Michael Scott makes a cameo

The Bad:

• The Brian the boom mic guy subplot (weird and unnecessary)

• Andy’s character completely unraveled

• Less time spent with beloved side characters

Verdict: A slight rebound, but the magic of earlier seasons never fully returns.

So… When Did The Office Start Going Downhill?

Why the Decline Happened

Several key factors contributed to The Office’s decline:

1. Steve Carell’s Departure

Without Michael Scott, the glue of the show was gone. His comedic timing, emotional depth, and leadership of the cast were irreplaceable.

2. Writers and Showrunners Left

Greg Daniels, the original showrunner, left after Season 5 (though he returned in Season 9). Other key writers and producers also moved on.

3. Character Changes

Beloved characters like Jim, Pam, and Andy were either sidelined or shifted in strange directions. Their development felt inconsistent.

4. Stale Plots

After so many seasons, it became harder to keep office life interesting. Some plotlines felt forced or out of place (cough boom mic guy cough).

What Fans Say

Ask fans on Reddit, Twitter, or any The Office forum, and you’ll see common sentiments:

• “I stop watching after Season 7.”

• “Season 8 feels like a different show.”

• “Dwight as manager in Season 9 was satisfying, but it came too late.”

Yet, many still rewatch the full series—and for good reason. Even a “weaker” season of The Office has more heart and humor than most sitcoms out there.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay That The Office Changed

Every great show eventually faces this question: When did it stop being great?

For The Office, the turning point was gradual. Seasons 1–5 were magical, Season 6 was the beginning of change, and Season 7 marked the end of an era with Michael Scott’s exit. After that, the show struggled to find its footing but still managed to give fans a heartfelt goodbye.

If you’re watching (or rewatching), there’s no harm in stopping after Season 7—or pushing through to the finale for closure. The beauty of The Office is that its best moments are timeless, and its flaws? Well, they just make us appreciate the golden seasons even more.

So the next time someone asks, “When does The Office start going downhill?”—you’ll have the answer and the full story.