The Office is one of the greatest television shows ever made and it’s become somewhat of a comfort blanket for me since I discovered it in 2009. You probably either love (or hate) the show, or maybe you’ve always heard about it from friends but haven’t taken the plunge into the comedic gold that takes place at the paper company, Dunder Mifflin. 

Whether it’s watching the Dundies for the millionth time, or crying over (SPOILERS) Michael Scott leaving the show again, this show doesn’t get old. The antics of these characters remain hilarious. 

Here are the seasons ranked from worst to best. 

Season 8 — The show suffered a huge blow losing series lead Steve Carell. What many casual fans might not be aware of, is the fact that showrunner and series creator Greg Daniels also stepped down from showrunning duties. And boy was this season horrid. Producers brought in James Spader to unsuccessfully fill in the role that Carell left on the show. It was clear, very early on, that Spader wasn’t a great fit and this season suffered because of it. Most of all, the season is just forgettable. Period. 

Best episode: Doomsday (Episode 6)

Season 9 — This season isn’t bad. But it isn’t great either. Series creator Daniels returns in the show’s final season to deliver an ending worthy of the show’s legacy. Instead of foolishly trying to replace Carell with a new lead, season 9 gets rid of Spader and focuses on the remaining characters at Dunder Mifflin. Most importantly, the show’s final season has heart. The final three episodes evoke so many emotions that it’s tough to sit through without shedding a tear. The writing of those episodes is fantastic. 

Best episode: Finale (Final Episode)

Season 7 — Steve Carell’s swan song. The quality of the episodes began to take a dip during season 7 and it’s possible that Carell saw the writing on the wall. Perhaps jumping ship was a smart move, not just for the actor — but for the writers and character as well. While the writer’s would lose their footing trying to replace the legendary Michael G. Scott, they gave the character the most satisfying ending by giving him what he’d been yearning for the entire time: a family. Like the final episode of the series, his final episode on the show is filled with emotional moments. 

Best episode: Goodbye, Michael (Episode 22)

Season 6 — This season is jam packed with momentous occasions for our favorite characters. We have Jim and Pam’s wedding, Michael dates Pam’s mom, SCOTT’S TOTS, a fantastic clip episode and the dawn of a new age with the introduction of Sabre. This is the show at the end of its prime. 

Best episode: Scott’s Tots

Season 1 — Whenever I put someone on to the show, I always recommend starting with season 2. For whatever reason, I find that it’s hard for people to sit through the season that started it all. Each of the 6 episodes is absolutely fantastic and has the best average of quality episodes. The only reason that it’s so low on this list is the fact that it isn’t what one thinks of when talking about the show. While fantastic and daring, this isn’t what we will come to love in subsequent seasons. 

Best episode: Diversity Day (Episode 2)

Season 3 — We are introduced to Andy and Karen as Jim starts the season in a different office after the season 2 cliffhanger. Jim and Pam are literally and figuratively the furthest they’ve ever been from each other and this season plays with the audience’s emotions when it comes to the iconic relationship. Depending on how you feel about Karen’s character and the role she played, you may or may not be too crazy about this season but I love it and her. 

Best episode: Beach Games 

Season 2 — This is the season that I always begin my rewatches with. The Dundies is one of the all-time great episodes of the show and kicks off this season with a bang.

Best episode: The Dundies (Episode 1)

Season 5 — The introduction of Amy Ryan’s character Holly was an absolute game changer for the show. For the first time, Michael found someone who could go toe-to-toe with his childlike sense of being. This season also gave us the best cold opening of all the seasons with the episode Stress Relief. 

Best episode: Stress Relief Pt. 1 & 2 (Episode 14 & 15)

Season 4 — This shortened season packs a huge punch. Only half the length of a normal season because of the writer’s strike in Hollywood, this show truly hits its stride this year. So many classic episodes to mention but none compare to the magic that is Dinner Party. If you know, you know. Dinner Party delivers on the laughs and awkwardness of what makes this show so great. 

Best Episode: Dinner Party (Episode 9)

What is your list? Do you agree? Disagree? List your favorite episodes and Office moments in the comment section below!