10 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets From ‘The Office’ Every Fan Should Know

What Went On Behind 'The Office'

The fan-favorite sitcom The Office is a hilarious take on corporate life. It is packed with unforgettable moments fans still love to quote. But behind the camera, there’s an equally fascinating world that many viewers may not know about. Here’s a look at some of the best behind-the-scenes facts from The Office.

Phyllis Was a Casting Associate

Phyllis Smith, who plays the sweet and often-sassy Phyllis Vance, wasn't an actress. She was a casting associate for the show, reading lines with the actors who were auditioning. The producers loved her quiet, specific line-readings so much that they created the role of Phyllis specifically for her, making her a main cast member.

Steve Carell Never Watched the U.K. Original

When he was cast as Michael Scott, Steve Carell knew he was adapting a beloved character (David Brent) played by Ricky Gervais. He watched the first few minutes of the U.K. Office pilot, immediately recognized how brilliant Gervais was, and turned it off. He was afraid he would subconsciously do an "impression" and wanted to create his own, unique (and decidedly American) version of the boss.

Kevin's Famous Chili Was a "One-Take" Wonder

The legendary cold open where Kevin spills his giant pot of chili is a fan-favorite, and the crew nailed it on the first try. Brian Baumgartner (Kevin) has said they only had three takes-worth of chili for the scene, and the footage you see of him slipping and desperately trying to scoop it back into the pot was the very first take, much to the crew's delight.

The "Casino Night" Kiss Was a Secret

The show's first truly massive moment—Jim confessing his love and kissing Pam—was a well-guarded secret. Director Ken Kwapis revealed that they kept the kiss a surprise from the cast and crew. They used a private, hidden-away set to capture the scene, ensuring the moment felt as intimate and shocking to the audience as it did for the characters.

The Office Computers Had Real Internet

One of the reasons the show feels so authentic is that the Dunder Mifflin office was a real, working set. The computers on the desks weren't just props; they were all connected to the internet. During background scenes, the actors were often doing their real work, checking emails, or just surfing the web, which is why the background always feels so genuinely alive.

Jenna Fischer Was Told to "Dare to Be Boring"

When Jenna Fischer auditioned for Pam Beesly, she was given one crucial piece of advice from the casting director: "Dare to be boring." In an industry where actors are told to be big and memorable, this direction set the tone for the entire show. Fischer's quiet, subtle, and incredibly real performance as the "normal" person in the room is a huge part of why the show's heart works.

The Gas Station Proposal Was One Of TV's Most Expensive Shots

The iconic gas station proposal which solidified the longest running crush in the series was also a big hit to the budget. It's one of the simplest, most realistic proposals in sitcom history, and it was one of the most expensive shots of the entire series. The producers wanted it to look exactly like a real, mundane gas station on the Merritt Parkway, so they built one from scratch in a giant, empty parking lot. The shot cost a reported $250,000, all for a 60-second, rain-soaked moment that fans would never forget.

Bob Odenkirk Was Almost Michael Scott

Saul Goodman was almost Michael Scott for The Office. Bob Odenkirk was a top contender for the role. In fact, he was the network's original choice. When Steve Carell's other show (Come to Papa) was canceled, he became available again and took the part. Odenkirk later made a perfect cameo in Season 9 as a Michael Scott-esque boss in Philadelphia.

Jenna Fischer Kept the Teapot

After the show wrapped, the cast was allowed to take a few mementos. John Krasinski took the Dunder Mifflin sign, and Rainn Wilson took his glasses. Jenna Fischer took the most iconic prop of all: the green teapot that Jim gave her in Season 2, which she's confirmed she still has and uses.

Michael Kissing Oscar Was 100% Improvised

In the Season 3 premiere "Gay Witch Hunt," the script called for Michael to hug Oscar to show he was comfortable with his sexuality. On the day, Steve Carell kept leaning in closer and closer during each take, until he finally improvised a full, awkward, and unforgettable kiss. The shocked reactions from Oscar Nunez (who was not warned) and the rest of the cast are 100% genuine.