Steve Carell Reflects on The Office Pilot’s Initial Rejection Steve Carell has opened up about the challenging reception “The Office” faced when its pilot first aired, revealing how the now-iconic sitcom was initially met with widespread criticism. Speaking on Amy Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” Carell described the show’s debut as one of the lowest-performing pilots in NBC’s history. He admitted that audiences actively disliked the pilot, which ultimately led to the show’s uncertain future. Carell recalled how the pilot’s reception surprised even the cast, as the series would later become a cultural phenomenon. “People really hated it. They actively hated this show, and I don’t quite know how it got legs after that,” he said. The pilot’s poor performance was partly due to comparisons with the original British version of the show, created by Ricky Gervais. Many viewers felt the U.S. adaptation was derivative rather than original, which contributed to the initial backlash. Despite the negative feedback, the show gradually found its own identity. Over time, its unique mockumentary style, relatable humor, and character development helped it win over audiences. Poehler, who co-hosted the podcast, noted that her own show, “Parks and Recreation,” faced similar early criticism, with viewers comparing it directly to “The Office.” She joked, “This is not The Office. We don’t like this.” “The Office” eventually became a nine-season staple on NBC, running from 2005 to 2013. The series followed the employees of the fictional Dunder Mifflin paper company, with Carell’s Michael Scott as the awkward yet endearing boss. The show’s cast also included John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Jenna Fischer.#steve_carell #amy_poehler #good_hang_with_amy_poehler #ricky_gervais #dunder_mifflin
