The Office: 8 Characters Whose Popularity Declined By The End Of The Series
The American adaptation of Ricky Gervais’ game-changing mockumentary series is one of TV’s most adored shows. The Office captured the hearts of millions and left fans laughing at the characters’ silly antics. After Steve Carell left The Office and took the overly-friendly boss Michael Scott with him, it meant a downturn in quality for NBC’s hit series.
However, Carell/Scott’s departure also led to multiple characters stepping up and attempting to fill his shoes. Some shone in the spotlight but others failed miserably and their popularity took a hit as a result. Some characters lost their adoration by the time The Office finished its remarkable run.
8. Jan Went From A Disliked Character To A Hated One
Melora Hardin’s mean-mugging boss made for an intimidating presence in early episodes of The Office. Jan Levinson quickly revealed herself to be somewhat unhinged and harbor an unshakable desire for men she was not best suited for. However, later seasons of The Office saw the character venture into ridiculous territory.
Her romance with her secretary may have played its part in the all-time classic episode Dinner Party, but later storylines involving her baby and her attempts to keep Michael involved in her life aggravated viewers. She was never popular, but Jan was a character fans loved to hate. By the end of The Office, she was simply someone fans hated.
7. Pam And Her Affection For The Sound Guy Left Her Fans Furious
Pam Beesly spent her early years on The Office as the adorable, unattainable receptionist of Jim Halpert’s dreams. She transitioned into his loving and supportive partner after the pair finally tied the knot.
Then, the will-they-won’t-they dynamic was lost and intrigue was officially absent from The Office’s most famous romance. Without this drama, the writers inserted conflict in places many fans took umbrage with. Teasing Jenna Fischer’s character having an affair was a step too far for many Office fans, and it soured them on Pam as a result.
6. Jim Suffered Without His Goal Of Winning The Heart Of The Receptionist
As was the case with Pam, John Krasinski’s charismatic Jim suffered greatly as a character after the duo’s love affair was neatly wrapped up and the pair were destined to be together forever. Similar affair teases reared their ugly head, though Jim seemed far more at conflict with the idea than his wife did.
Jim Halpert still managed to finish The Office as one of the show’s undeniable favorites. But, much like The Office itself, his character had been trending downhill for some time before the much-loved finale. His friendship with Dwight was a highlight of the later seasons, though it was never going to be a match for his romance with Pam.
5. Oscar’s Season 9 Storyline Did His Popularity No Favors
From informed accountant and all-around know-it-all to a mean-spirited adulterer, Oscar Martinez had quite the fall from grace in the eyes The Office’s fans. Oscar spent the early seasons defined by his clear-headedness, and it was refreshing to see the character remain undefined by his sexuality despite it playing its part in multiple moments and storylines.
Oscar’s later years on The Office saw him indulge in an affair with Angela’s soon-to-be husband, Senator Robert Lipton. Season 9 is widely accepted as a low point for The Office, and this poorly received story certainly played its part in that.
4. Andy Went From Being A Goofball To A Jerk
Ed Helms’ talents as a funnyman are undeniable, though The Office never seemed to find the perfect balance for his character. Helms displays brilliant comedic timing in feature films like The Hangover, yet his shining moments in The Office are scattered throughout the seasons with very little consistency.
Things reached their worst when Andy stepped into the manager’s office and committed such horrendous acts as preventing Nellie from adopting a child. Andy was no longer an annoying character with undying affection for Cornell University, he was a mean, resentful, and bitter human being. He redeemed himself somewhat in the finale, but by that point, the damage had already been done.
3. The Novelty Of Robert California Quickly Wore Off
When Michael Scott walked away from his world’s best boss mug and the Dunder Mifflin offices, The Office was destined to suffer. Multiple attempts were made to fill the void Steve Carell would inevitably leave behind, starting with the bizarre new boss Deangelo Vickers (played by legendary comedian Will Ferrell).
2. The Office Failed To Capitalize On Ellie Kemper’s Talent As Erin
Erin was always fighting against the odds in terms of fan affection thanks to her being the receptionist replacement for the beloved Pam Beesly. Ellie Kemper made short work of this obstacle with her trademark likability and infectious energy. Erin quickly won over fans as a naïve, good-natured addition to The Office.
Erin was victim to the awful antics of her then-boyfriend Andy Bernard. Later love affairs managed to prove even more unpopular, and sadly she is now remembered as the love interest of “New Jim” Pete Miller. Ellie Kemper’s character had plenty of potential but The Office squandered it in favor of less palatable personas.
1. Ryan Was Never Particularly Likable, But He Got Worse With Each Season
Ryan was never much of a fan favorite on The Office, but he played a vital background figure for the majority of the show’s run. Whether as an unwilling best friend to Michael or an absent lover to Kelly, B.J. Novak’s Ryan provided many humorous moments by playing it relatively straight opposite some of Dunder Mifflin’s more quirky employees.
Ryan Howard then became an incredibly irritating presence on The Office. Committing fraud and then bleaching his hair blond remain two of his most despised acts, and his continued poor treatment of Kelly never showed any signs of improving. Ryan eventually appeared less on The Office, and most fans welcomed the change.
