The Office (American TV series) season 8

The eighth season of the show was produced by Reveille Productions and Deedle-Dee Productions, both in association with Universal Television. The show is based on the British comedy series of the same name, which was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In addition, the two are executive producers on the show.[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/may/18/broadcasting.internationalnews American Office Gets Green Light] The Guardian, Retrieved June 22, 2008 This season of The Office was produced by Greg Daniels and Paul Lieberstein, the latter of whom serves as the showrunner.{{cite web|last=Schneider |first=Michael |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/aziz-ansari-hired-for-office-spinoff-1117987409/ |title=Aziz Ansari Hired for 'Office' Spinoff |work=Variety |date=June 12, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2011}} Returning writers from the previous season included Lieberstein, Charlie Grandy, Justin Spitzer, Carrie Kemper, Daniel Chun, Robert Padnick, Aaron Shure, Steve Hely, Amelie Gillette, Mindy Kaling, and B. J. Novak; the latter two were both also credited as executive producers.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2010/tv/news/novak-keeps-his-office-job-1118021972/|title=Novak Keeps His 'Office' Job|author=Cynthia Littleton|work=Variety|access-date=July 22, 2010|date=July 20, 2010}}{{cite web |last=Moaba |first=Alex |url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/09/15/mindy-kaling-gets-office-promotion-to-executive-producer/ |title=Mindy Kaling Gets 'Office' Promotion to Executive Producer |publisher=AOL TV |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=November 22, 2011 |archive-date=October 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006051046/http://www.aoltv.com/2011/09/15/mindy-kaling-gets-office-promotion-to-executive-producer/ |url-status=dead }} It was previously unknown whether Kaling would write for the series any longer.{{cite web|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/05/12/mindy-kaling-the-office/|title=Is Mindy Kaling Done Writing for 'The Office'?|publisher=AOL TV|first=Joel|last=Keller|date=May 12, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011|archive-date=December 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225175334/http://www.aoltv.com/2011/05/12/mindy-kaling-the-office/|url-status=dead}} Kaling herself confirmed via her Twitter page that she would write the Christmas-themed episode, "Christmas Wishes".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/mindykaling/statuses/118831807075598337|title=I'm at home writing Office Christmas episode. I've eaten two gluten free donuts, now listening to Charlie Brown Christmas. It's sad here.|work=Twitter|last=Kaling|first=Mindy|date=September 27, 2011|access-date=September 28, 2011}} Three new writers joined the staff beginning in season eight: Owen Ellickson, Allison Silverman and Dan Greaney.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2011/06/staffing-season-highlights-who-got-hottest-jobs-which-shows-attracted-most-writers-139381/|title=Staffing Season Highlights: Who Got Hottest Jobs, Which Shows Attracted Most Writers|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=June 21, 2011|access-date=September 16, 2011}} The season also saw the directorial debuts of cast members Ed Helms and Brian Baumgartner; Helms directed the episodes "Christmas Wishes" and "Welcome Party" and Baumgartner directed "After Hours".{{cite web|url=http://www.officetally.com/the-office-season-8-spoilers-and-news|title=The Office Season 8 spoilers and news|publisher=OfficeTally|access-date=December 12, 2011}}

The series was renewed for an eighth season on March 17, 2011,{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/03/17/nbc-picks-up-three-returning-comedies-for-2011-12-in-the-office-parks-and-recreation-and-community-527514/20110317nbc02/|title=NBC Picks Up Three Returning Comedies for 2011–12 in "The Office," "Parks and Recreation" and "Community"|publisher=NBC|date=March 17, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011}} began filming on July 25, 2011,{{cite web|url=http://www.officetally.com/phyllis-and-leslie-talk-about-the-office-season-8|title=Phyllis and Leslie talk about The Office Season 8|publisher=OfficeTally|date=June 30, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2011}} and the season concluded filming on March 9, 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.officetally.com/have-a-great-summer-hiatus-the-office-staff|title=Have a Great Summer Hiatus, The Office Staff!|publisher=OfficeTally|date=March 9, 2012|access-date=March 17, 2012}} Jenna Fischer's pregnancy was written into the show, and Pam was again pregnant at the start of the season with a boy as she was in real life.{{cite web |last=Hochberg |first=Mina |title=The Office{{'s}} Jenna Fischer Confirms That Baby No. 2 Is On the Way for Pam and Jim |url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/07/the_offices_jenna_fischer_conf.html |work=Vulture |publisher=New York Media LLC |date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=July 14, 2011}} Unlike the sixth season, there was no episode focusing on the baby's birth; it was instead announced on a blog.{{cite web|last=Halpert |first=Pam |url=http://www.halpertbeesly.com/baby/2011/12/hes-here/ |title=He's Here! – Halpert Baby Blog |publisher=Halpertbeesly.com |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=December 19, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110055836/http://www.halpertbeesly.com/baby/2011/12/hes-here/ |archive-date=January 10, 2012 }} In an interview, executive producer Lieberstein stated that, with the departure of Michael Scott, the writers would explore further into the other characters on the show, such as centering on a specific character for an episode.{{cite web|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/05/18/paul-lieberstein-the-office-season-finale/|title=Paul Lieberstein of 'The Office' on Steve Carell's Exit & the Star-Studded Season Finale|publisher=AOL TV|first=Joel|last=Keller|date=May 18, 2011|access-date=July 9, 2011|archive-date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002173739/http://www.aoltv.com/2011/05/18/paul-lieberstein-the-office-season-finale/|url-status=dead}} On January 25, 2012, news broke that NBC was planning a spin-off series starring Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, that would be set at Schrute Farms, Dwight's bed-and-breakfast and beet farm.{{cite web|author=HitFix Staff |url=http://www.hitfix.com/articles/office-spin-off-starring-rainn-wilson-in-the-works-at-nbc |title=Dwight Schrute 'Office' spin-off starring Rainn Wilson in the works at NBC |work=HitFix |date=January 25, 2012 |access-date=January 26, 2012}} The spin-off would be created by Wilson and executive producer Paul Lieberstein, but Office developer Greg Daniels would not be involved. Due to his initial involvement in the spin-off, Lieberstein stepped down as showrunner of The Office.{{cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/03/21/the-office-showrunner/|title='The Office' Seeking New Showrunner|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=March 21, 2012|access-date=March 22, 2012}} On October 29, 2012, it was revealed that NBC was not going forward with the proposed spin-off, although the original backdoor pilot, "The Farm" aired later in the ninth season.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2012/10/nbc-not-going-forward-with-potential-office-spinoff-the-farm-361811/ |title=NBC Not Going Forward With Potential 'Office' Spinoff 'The Farm' |website=Deadline Hollywood |first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=October 29, 2012 |access-date=October 30, 2012}}

Cody Horn, who guest-starred in the seventh season as Jordan Garfield, was originally supposed to be featured as a recurring character this season, but she did not return. The eighth season introduced several new characters. Stephen Collins, Dee Wallace and Josh Groban were cast as Andy's father, mother and brother, respectively, and appeared in the episode "Garden Party".{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Collins-Wallace-Office-1036442.aspx|title=Stephen Collins, Dee Wallace to Appear on The Office|work=TV Guide|first=Joyce|last=Eng|date=August 17, 2011|access-date=August 18, 2011}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2011/08/josh-groban-to-play-ed-helms-brother-on-the-office-159791/|title=Josh Groban To Play Ed Helms' Brother On 'The Office'|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=August 18, 2011|access-date=August 18, 2011}} From the episodes "Pam's Replacement" to "Last Day in Florida", Lindsey Broad had a recurring guest-star spot as Cathy Simms, Pam's temporary replacement while she was on maternity leave, and who remained employed at the company for a while after.{{cite web |url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/09/the-office-lindsey-broad/ |title=The Office Exclusive: 'Til Death's Lindsey Broad Befriends Pam |author=Ausiello, Michael |date=September 8, 2011 |work=TVLine |access-date=November 12, 2011}} Maura Tierney appeared in "Mrs. California", playing California's wife.{{cite web|last=Lyons |first=Margaret |url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/09/maura-tierney-office-james-spader.html |title=Maura Tierney Is Heading to Dunder-Mifflin |work=New York |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=September 27, 2011}} Catherine Tate returned to reprise her role as Nellie Bertram, in a major arc starting in the episode "Tallahassee". Despite reports that she would also get romantically involved with Robert,{{cite web|last=Porter |first=Rick |url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2012/01/the-office-ep-paul-lieberstein-on-andy-robert-catherine-tate-and-more.html |title='The Office': EP Paul Lieberstein on Andy, Robert, Catherine Tate and More |publisher=zap2it.com |date=January 12, 2012 |access-date=January 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131041252/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2012/01/the-office-ep-paul-lieberstein-on-andy-robert-catherine-tate-and-more.html |archive-date=January 31, 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/10/office-catherine-tate/ |title= Office Exclusive: Catherine Tate Returning at Midseason For Major Arc |publisher=TVLine |first=Michael |last=Ausiello |date=October 21, 2011 |access-date=October 21, 2011}} this never occurred. Two writers for the animated comedy series The Simpsons, Matt Selman and Matt Warburton, appeared in the Kaling-scripted episode "Test the Store",{{cite web|url=http://www.officetally.com/the-office-season-8-spoilers-and-news |title=The Office Season 8 Spoilers and News |publisher=OfficeTally |access-date=December 27, 2011}} and Simpsons star Dan Castellaneta appeared in the episode "Turf War".{{cite web|last=Hyatt|first=Jeffrey|title=The Office: Season 8 Episode 23: Turf War – TV Review|url=http://screencrave.com/2012-05-03/the-office-season-8-episode-23-turf-war-tv-review/|publisher=ScreenCrave|access-date=May 4, 2012|date=May 4, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602224036/http://screencrave.com/2012-05-03/the-office-season-8-episode-23-turf-war-tv-review/|archive-date=June 2, 2012}} While, it was initially announced that the season would introduce Stanley Hudson's "other daughter and a new male addition to the accounting department",{{cite web|url=http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/the-office-recruits-cody-horn/|title=Exclusive: Meet the Newest Office Staffer|publisher=TVLine|first=Michael|last=Ausiello|date=February 15, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011|archive-date=June 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613074825/http://www.tvline.com/2011/02/the-office-recruits-cody-horn/|url-status=dead}} these new characters never appeared.

At the time, this season marked the final year that some cast members—notably Helms, Fischer, Novak, and Krasinski—were signed on for the show, as their contracts expired at the end of the season; this caused speculation that several members of the main cast would leave the series following this season.{{cite web|last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |url=https://deadline.com/2012/04/the-office-update-series-reboot-eyed-as-talks-with-cast-still-in-holding-pattern-255498/ |title='The Office' Update: Series Reboot Eyed As Talks With Cast Still In Holding Pattern |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 12, 2012 |access-date=April 14, 2012}} The eighth season was Novak's last as a series regular, although he made a couple of recurring appearances in the ninth season.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/BJ-Novak-Office-1049231.aspx |title=B. J. Novak Takes an Office Breather |work=TV Guide |first=Michael |last=Schneider |date=June 27, 2012 |access-date=June 27, 2012}} It was also Kaling's final full season, due to her pilot, The Mindy Project, being picked up by Fox; Kaling portrayed customer service representative Kelly Kapoor.{{cite news|last=O'Neal |first=Sean |url=https://www.avclub.com/today-in-potential-omens-of-the-offices-demise-mindy-k-1798229564 |title=Today in Potential Omens of The Office{{'}}s Demise: Mindy Kaling Attached to Star in a New Fox Series |newspaper=The A.V. Club |date=January 30, 2012 |access-date=February 5, 2012}} On February 28, 2012, it was announced that Spader would not return for a ninth season of the show.{{cite web|last=Sacks|first=Ethan|title=James Spader Leaving 'The Office' at Season's End|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/james-spader-leaving-office-season-article-1.1029840|work=New York Daily News|date=February 28, 2012|access-date=February 29, 2012}} There was initial speculation that following the eighth season, Daniels was considering rebooting the series due to the possible departures of main cast members. However, a new deal was negotiated with NBC, and all the main cast members, sans Spader, Novak, and Kaling, would return for the ninth season, although several new characters would be brought on board for a "mini reboot". NBC also announced that Catherine Tate would become a series regular.{{cite web|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Kevin|title='The Office' Season 9 Casts a New Series Regular|url=https://screencrush.com/the-office-catherine-tate/|publisher=Screen Crush|access-date=June 6, 2012|date=June 1, 2012}}{{cite web|last=West|first=Kelly|title=The Office Makes Catherine Tate A Series Regular For Season 9|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/Office-Makes-Catherine-Tate-Series-Regular-Season-9-43115.html|publisher=Cinema Blend|access-date=June 6, 2012|date=June 1, 2012}}

{{see also|List of The Office (American TV series) characters}}

The Office employs an ensemble cast. Most of the main characters, and some supporting ones, are based on characters from the British version of The Office. While these characters normally have the same attitudes and perceptions as their British counterparts, the roles have been redesigned to better fit the American show. The show is known for its large cast size, many of whom are known particularly for their improvisational work.

• Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, based upon Gareth Keenan, who is the office's top-performing sales representative.
• John Krasinski as Jim Halpert, a sales representative and prankster, who is based upon Tim Canterbury, and is married to Pam Halpert, the office administrator.
• Jenna Fischer as Pam Halpert, who is based on Dawn Tinsley, is shy, but is often a cohort with Jim in his pranks on Dwight. She is pregnant during the first episodes of the season and leaves midway through the season.
• B. J. Novak as Ryan Howard, a temporary worker, who is based on Ricky Howard and Neil Godwin.[https://www.comingsoon.net/news.php?id=3307 Hawaii, The Office & Lost in Space Castings] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120220613/http://www.comingsoon.net/news.php?id=3307 |date=2012-01-20 }} Variety, Retrieved April 13, 2008
• Ed Helms as Andy Bernard, the newly promoted manager—who was previously a salesman—and boastful Cornell alumnus whose love for a cappella music and awkward social skills generates mixed feelings from his employees.{{cite web|url=http://nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/nbcentertainment/theoffice|title=The Office HOME|publisher=NBCUniversal Media Village|access-date=December 12, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128222451/http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/nbcentertainment/theoffice|archive-date=November 28, 2011}} Andy is an original character, meaning he has no English equivalent from Gervais's series.
• James Spader as Robert California, the eccentric CEO of Sabre. Spader reprises his guest-starring role from the seventh season, and joined the regular cast to replace Kathy Bates's character.{{cite magazine |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/07/06/james-spader-office/ |title=Done Deal! James Spader joins 'The Office' |last=Hibbard |first=James |date=July 6, 2011 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=July 6, 2011}}

• Catherine Tate as Nellie Bertram, the president of Sabre's special projects, who later usurps Andy's role as regional manager.
• Leslie David Baker as Stanley Hudson, a grumpy salesman.
• Brian Baumgartner as Kevin Malone, a dim-witted accountant, who is based on Keith Bishop.
• Creed Bratton as Creed Bratton, the office's strange quality assurance officer.
• Kate Flannery as Meredith Palmer, the promiscuous supplier relations representative.
• Mindy Kaling as Kelly Kapoor, the pop-culture obsessed customer service representative.
• Ellie Kemper as Erin Hannon, the receptionist and love interest of Andy.
• Angela Kinsey as Angela Martin, a judgemental accountant.
• Paul Lieberstein as Toby Flenderson, the sad-eyed human resources representative.
• Oscar Nunez as Oscar Martinez, an intelligent accountant, who is also gay.
• Craig Robinson as Darryl Philbin, the warehouse manager.
• Phyllis Smith as Phyllis Vance, a motherly saleswoman.
• Zach Woods as Gabe Lewis, the director of Sabre sales.

• Mark Proksch as Nate Nickerson, a warehouse worker.
• Ameenah Kaplan as Val Johnson, a warehouse worker and Darryl's love interest.
• Hugh Dane as Hank Tate, the building's security guard.
• Lindsey Broad as Cathy Simms, a temporary worker.
• Eleanor Seigler as Jessica, Andy's girlfriend.
• Jack Coleman as Robert Lipton, a state senator and Angela's husband.
• David Koechner as Todd Packer, a rude and offensive employee, now working in Florida after Dwight and Jim tried to get him fired.
• Georgia Engel as Irene, an old woman from Florida.
• Andy Buckley as David Wallace, the former CFO of Dunder Mifflin.

• Stephen Collins as Walter Bernard Sr., Andy's father.
• Josh Groban as Walter Bernard Jr., Andy's brother.
• Dee Wallace as Ellen Bernard, Andy's mother.
• Maura Tierney as Susan California, Robert's wife.
• Brett Gelman as an unnamed magician that Pam hires for Nellie's welcome party.
• Sendhil Ramamurthy as Ravi, a pediatric surgeon and Kelly's new boyfriend.
• Chris Bauer as Harry Jannerone, a salesman from the Syracuse, New York branch.
• Dan Castellaneta as Mr. Ramish, the CEO of Prestige Direct.

Image:Season8Ratings Office.jpg

The series aired on Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. as part of "Comedy Night Done Right" television block.{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/05/15/nbc-unveils-fall-primetime-schedule-for-2011-12-season-407413/20110515nbc01/|title=NBC Unveils Fall Primetime Schedule for 2011–12 Season|publisher=NBC|date=May 15, 2011|access-date=June 20, 2011}} The season premiere, "The List" received a 3.9/10 percent share in the Nielsen ratings among viewers aged 18 to 49, meaning that 3.9 percent of viewers aged 18 to 49 watched the episode, and 10 percent of viewers watching television at the time watched the episode. "The List" was the highest-rated episode of the season. Despite this, it became the lowest-rated season premiere of the series since the series premiere. The rest of the season was unable to receive more than seven million viewers. The twenty-second episode, "Fundraiser" received only 4.17 million viewers, making it, at the time, the lowest-rated episode of The Office to ever air (although it was later beaten by several ninth-season episodes the following year). The season finale, "Free Family Portrait Studio", was viewed by 4.49 million viewers, making it the lowest finale for The Office to air, beating the first-season finale "Hot Girl", which was viewed by 4.8 million viewers.{{cite press release |title=May 3, 2005 Press Release ("Hot Girl")|url= http://www.nbcumv.com/release_detail.nbc/entertainment-20050503000000-ahotmondaywithm.html |publisher=NBC|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=January 24, 2012}}{{dead link|date=June 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [http://www.officetally.com/the-office-nielsen-ratings/4 Alt URL] The drop in ratings led to a lower ad-price for the series, with an average cost of $178,840 per 30-second commercial.{{cite web|last=Steinberg |first=Brian |url=http://adage.com/article/mediaworks/chart-american-idol-nfl-duke-priciest-tv-spot/230547/#thurs |title=Chart: 'American Idol,' NFL Duke it out for Priciest TV Spot |work=Advertising Age |date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=October 30, 2011}} Despite this, the show was still one of NBC's highest-rated shows and ranked as the most expensive ad-cost for any NBC scripted series during the year it aired. Despite the lower live ratings, Nielsen Soundscan announced that The Office added up to 44 percent to its next-day "live plus same day" 18–49 rating when additional time-shifted viewing was added, such as DVRing.{{cite web|last=Seldmen |first=Robert |title=NBC's Record-Breaking Super Bowl XLVI and 'The Voice' Supercharge the Network's Top-Rated Week of Jan. 30-Feb. 5 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/07/nbcs-record-breaking-super-bowl-xlvi-and-the-voice-supercharge-the-networks-top-rated-week-of-jan-30-feb-5/119061/ |publisher=TV by the Numbers |date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213041035/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/07/nbcs-record-breaking-super-bowl-xlvi-and-the-voice-supercharge-the-networks-top-rated-week-of-jan-30-feb-5/119061/ |archive-date=February 13, 2012 }}

The season ranked as the eighty-seventh-most watched television series during the 2011–12 season, with an average of 6.506 million viewers.{{cite web|last=Gorman |first=Bill |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527223446/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/complete-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-viewership-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-ncis-dancing-with-the-stars/135785/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 27, 2012 |title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars' |publisher=TV by the Numbers |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=May 25, 2012}} The season also ranked as the thirty-second-most watched television series in the 18- to 49-year-old demographic. In this category, the show was viewed by an estimated 4.376 million viewers per episode and received a 3.42 rating/9 percent share among adults between 18 and 49. This means that, on average, the season was viewed by 3.42 percent of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and 9 percent of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast.{{cite web|last=Gorman|first=Bill|title=Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Ratings: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'The Voice' & 'Modern Family'|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/final-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-ratings-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-the-voice-modern-family/135747/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525183657/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/24/final-list-of-2011-12-season-tv-show-ratings-sunday-night-football-tops-followed-by-american-idol-the-voice-modern-family/135747/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 25, 2012|publisher=TV by the Numbers|access-date=May 27, 2012|date=May 24, 2012}}

Image:EdHelmsJune09.jpg received mixed reviews for his portrayal of Andy Bernard|alt=The image is of Ed Helms. He is standing outside and smiling at the camera.]]

The eighth season of The Office received mixed reviews. While some critics felt that the show was still humorous in its eighth year, many others argued that the program should have ended after the departure of Steve Carell.{{cite web|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/arts/notebook |title='The Office' Should Punch Out with Carell |work=The Michigan Daily |date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/02/28/five-popular-shows-that-should-end-this-season/ |title=Five Popular Shows That Should End This Season |publisher=AOL TV |date=February 28, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221100028/http://www.aoltv.com/2011/02/28/five-popular-shows-that-should-end-this-season/ |archive-date=February 21, 2015 }} The A.V. Club reviewer Myles McNutt criticized Robert California's role, noting that he is a character that "the narrative reacts to as opposed to something actually involved in the narrative".{{cite news|last=McNutt|first=Myles|date=September 3, 2011|title=Doomsday|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-office-doomsday-1798170301|newspaper=The A.V. Club|access-date=November 4, 2011}} Alan Sepinwall of HitFix criticized Ed Helms' comedic performance as manager (calling him "a softer version of Michael Scott"), as well as the toning down of Robert California from his appearance in the show's seventh season's finale, "Search Committee". Sepinwall also expressed disappointment that many of the supporting characters were seemingly transformed into mere caricatures of their former selves.{{cite web|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan|title=Review: 'The Office' Struggles to Find its Center Post-Steve Carell|url=https://uproxx.com/sepinwall/review-the-office-struggles-to-find-its-center-post-steve-carell/|date=November 10, 2011|publisher=Uproxx|access-date=April 6, 2012}} He stopped reviewing a majority of the Season 8 episodes since "Pam's Replacement", due to his distaste for the series. Time writer James Poniewozik also criticized the choice of Andy as manager, instead arguing that Jim should have gotten the job so the series could have been more ensemble-oriented.{{cite magazine|last=Poniewozik|first=James|url=https://entertainment.time.com/2011/11/10/the-office-after-michael-whos-in-charge-here/|title=The Office After Michael: Who's In Charge Here? |magazine=Time |date=November 10, 2011 |access-date=November 10, 2011}} New York named Andy Bernard one of the most annoying TV characters of 2011.{{cite web|last=Paskin |first=Willa |url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/12/tvs-ten-most-annoying-characters.html#photo=4x00002 |title=TV's Ten Most Annoying Characters – Vulture |work=New York |date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=December 7, 2011}} Early during the season's airing, Matt Zoller Seitz of Salon wrote a review in which he called the post-Michael Scott era of The Office "warmer and more reflective".{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/2011/11/03/the_zen_of_robert_california/|title=The Zen of Robert California|work=Salon.com|first=Matt|last=Zoller Seitz|date=November 3, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2011}} After the season finished airing, however, Seitz penned another review, writing: "Fact is, the show's first post-Steve Carell year has been a mess, at times bordering on a disaster".{{cite web|last=Seitz|first=Matt|title=TV Review: Was Season 8 of The Office a Total Disaster?|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/05/was-season-8-of-the-office-a-total-disaster.html?imw=Y|publisher=Vulture|access-date=May 11, 2012|date=May 11, 2012}} McNutt gave the season a "C" grade overall, writing that the season finale, "Free Family Portrait Studio" was "a disheartening conclusion to the show's worst season, offering little optimism to sustain our already dwindling enthusiasm over the summer months."{{cite news|last=McNutt|first=Myles|title=Free Family Portrait Studio|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-office-free-family-portrait-studio-1798172769|newspaper=The A.V. Club|access-date=May 11, 2012|date=May 11, 2012}}

Bret Fetzer of Amazon.com wrote that "it's best to approach this season as if it were a completely new series". He felt that it is unfair to compare the quality of this season to that of past seasons because "the series' previous heights were so very high". However, he called the year "uneven", because episodes would range from putting "Andy into Michael Scott-ish situations" to "seek[ing] out new angles on the well-established web of interpersonal conflicts". This vacillation between extremes meant that the episodes "sometimes" work.{{cite web|last=Fetzer|first=Bret|title=The Office: Season Eight|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053O8AAK/|access-date=September 2, 2013}} Hank Stuever of The Washington Post named the series the tenth-best series of 2011, specifically praising the actors' ability in "Mrs. California" to deliver cringe humor without Carell.{{cite news|last=Struever |first=Hank |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/hank-stuevers-10-best-and-1-worst-tv-shows-of-2011/2011/12/07/gIQAEIGtfO_gallery.html#photo=1 |title=Hank Stuever's 10 Best (And 1 Worst) TV Shows of 2011 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=December 11, 2011}} TV Guide named it an honorable mention on their list of the best TV shows of 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/special/best-of-year-2011/PhotoGallery/Best-Year-TV-1039885#1040683 |title=The Best TV Shows of 2011 |work=TV Guide |access-date=December 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106230627/http://www.tvguide.com/special/best-of-year-2011/photogallery/Best-Year-TV-1039885 |archive-date=January 6, 2012 }} Price Peterson from TV.com called the series "still one of the best shows on TV" and argued that, while "Season 8 definitely wasn't the show's best", the season "sneaked in some genuinely great jokes, new characters, and affecting plotlines."{{cite web|last=Peterson|first=Price|title=Looking Back on The Office Season 8: C'mon Guys, It Wasn't That Bad|url=http://www.tv.com/news/looking-back-on-the-office-season-8-cmon-guys-it-wasnt-that-bad-28698/|publisher=TV.com|access-date=June 22, 2012|date=May 17, 2012|archive-date=May 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520120829/http://www.tv.com/news/looking-back-on-the-office-season-8-cmon-guys-it-wasnt-that-bad-28698/|url-status=dead}} Despite the lackluster reviews many of the episodes received, many critics praised Ellie Kemper's performance as Erin Hannon. McNutt noted that "regardless of how down I was on this or any other episode, Ellie Kemper really has been tremendous all season."{{cite web|last=Myles|first=McNutt|title=Tallahassee|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-office-tallahassee-1798171598|work=The A.V. Club|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=February 17, 2012}} In addition, Kemper's performance in the episodes "Spooked,"{{cite web |last=Hertz |first=Barry |url=http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/10/28/recap-the-office-season-8-episode-5/ |title=The Office, Season 8, Episode 5: Recap |work=National Post |date=October 28, 2011 |access-date=October 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104055904/http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/10/28/recap-the-office-season-8-episode-5/ |archive-date=January 4, 2013 }}{{cite web|last=McNutt |first=Myles |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-office-spooked-1798170192 |title=Spooked |work=The A.V. Club |date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=October 29, 2011}} "Christmas Wishes,"{{cite web|last=McNutt |first=Myles |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-office-christmas-wishes-1798170784 |title=Christmas Wishes |work=The A.V. Club |date=December 8, 2011 |access-date=December 8, 2011}} "Pool Party,"{{cite web|last=Mader|first=Jill|title=The Office – Episode 8–12 Review – "A Party To Remember"|url=http://insidepulse.com/2012/01/20/the-office-episode-8-12-review-a-party-to-remember/|publisher=InsidePulse|date=January 20, 2012|access-date=February 17, 2012}} and "Special Project,"{{cite web|last=Tedder |first=Michael |url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2012/02/office-recap-season-8-episode-14.html |title=The Office Recap: Florida Facts |work=New York |date=February 10, 2012 |access-date=February 10, 2012}} in particular, were praised by critics.

In retrospect, many cast and crew members felt that the season was not the show's best. Rainn Wilson said that the season made some mistakes "creatively"; for instance, he argued that the chemistry between Spader and Helms was "a bit dark" and that the show should have gone for a "brighter and more energized" relationship.{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Rainn|title=IAM Rainn WILSON – Dwight From the Office and the Founder of SoulPancake – AMA!|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/11isz9/iam_rainn_wilson_dwight_from_the_office_and_the/|work=Reddit AMA|publisher=Reddit.com|access-date=October 20, 2012|date=October 16, 2012}} Brian Baumgartner felt that the show "stayed status quo [with the previous year], but without a key piece" and "didn't make a firm decision" on the direction it was headed.{{cite news|last=Justin|first=Neal|title=Q&A: Brian 'Kevin from The Office Baumgartner|url=http://www.vita.mn/arts/207619181.html|newspaper=Star Tribune|publisher=The Star Tribune Company|access-date=May 15, 2013|date=May 15, 2013}} Ben Silverman, one of the show's producers, said that "it didn't have the sense of purpose and focus" that the next season would have.{{cite web|last=Stanhope|first=Kate|title=The Office Closes Its Doors: The Cast Spills on Spin-Offs, Steve Carell's Exit and Season 8|url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Office-Oral-History-Steve-Carell-Exit-1065648.aspx|work=TV Guide|access-date=May 16, 2013|date=May 14, 2013}}

{{See also|List of The Office (American TV series) episodes}}

In the following table, "U.S. viewers (million)" refers to the number of Americans who viewed the episode on the night of broadcast. Episodes are listed by the order in which they aired, and may not necessarily correspond to their production codes.

{{Episode table |background=#5EAD8D |overall=5 |season=5 |title=22 |director=12 |writer=27 |airdate=12 |airdateR= |prodcode=7 |viewers=10 |country=U.S. |prodcodeR={{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/office/listings/|title=Shows A–Z – office, the on nbc|website=The Futon Critic|access-date=August 6, 2019}} |episodes=

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=153

|EpisodeNumber2=1

|Title=The List

|DirectedBy=B. J. Novak

|WrittenBy=B. J. Novak

|Viewers=7.64{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|title=Thursday Finals: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation' and 'Whitney' Adjusted Up|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/23/thursday-finals-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-and-whitney-adjusted-up/104707/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925201258/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/23/thursday-finals-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-and-whitney-adjusted-up/104707/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2011|publisher=TV by the Numbers|date=September 23, 2011|access-date=September 23, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|22}}

|ProdCode=8002

|ShortSummary=Robert California (James Spader) becomes the new manager of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton, but becomes the new company CEO after talking to Jo Bennett. Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) is chosen by California to become the new regional manager. When Robert leaves his open notebook by reception, Erin discovers a list which divides the office employees' names. Pam and Jim photocopy it, and the office goes crazy trying to figure out its meaning. The problem worsens when Robert invites the left-hand side to lunch. Eventually, California explains that the lists are of the "winners" and "losers". After hearing this, an impassioned Andy defends his fellow coworkers.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=154

|EpisodeNumber2=2

|Title=The Incentive

|DirectedBy=Charles McDougall

|WrittenBy=Paul Lieberstein

|Viewers=6.70{{cite web|last=Gorman|first=Bill|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office' & 'The Secret Circle,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/30/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-the-secret-circle-mentalist-adjusted-up/105546/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721180113/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/30/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-the-secret-circle-mentalist-adjusted-up/105546/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2012|publisher=TV by the Numbers|date=September 30, 2011|access-date=September 30, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|29}}

|ProdCode=8001

|ShortSummary=Robert challenges the Dunder Mifflin staffers to double their sales. Andy decides to create an incentive program; he promises the office that he will tattoo a picture of their choosing on his buttocks if they meet the sales quota, which they do in only one day. The office then makes Andy get a tattoo of a puppy. Pam Halpert (Jenna Fischer) becomes unlikely friends with Angela Lipton (Angela Kinsey), who is also pregnant.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=155

|EpisodeNumber2=3

|Title=Lotto

|DirectedBy=John Krasinski

|WrittenBy=Charlie Grandy

|Viewers=5.82{{cite web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office,' 'Person of Interest,' 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Down|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/07/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-person-of-interest-parks-private-practice-down/106528/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008234045/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/07/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-person-of-interest-parks-private-practice-down/106528/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 8, 2011|publisher=TV by the Numbers|date=October 7, 2011|access-date=October 7, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|6}}

|ProdCode=8005

|ShortSummary=The entire warehouse staff quits after winning the lottery, leaving Andy (Ed Helms) and Darryl Philbin (Craig Robinson) to scramble for replacements, while Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), Kevin Malone (Brian Baumgartner) and Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper) get a taste of the warehouse life. Darryl eventually confronts Andy about his jealous feelings that Andy was chosen as manager, and Andy delivers a speech that defends California's choice.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=156

|EpisodeNumber2=4

|Title=Garden Party

|DirectedBy=David Rogers

|WrittenBy=Justin Spitzer

|Viewers=6.08{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/14/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-person-of-interest-x-factor-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/107299/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017134457/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/14/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-person-of-interest-x-factor-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/107299/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 17, 2011|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'X Factor' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=October 14, 2011|access-date=October 15, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|13}}

|ProdCode=8004

|ShortSummary=Andy throws a garden party at Schrute Farms to impress Robert, with his parents (Stephen Collins and Dee Wallace) and brother (Josh Groban) in attendance. Andy is disappointed that even at his own party, his father shows obvious favoritism towards his brother. A conversation between Andy and his father is later broadcast via a baby monitor to the rest of the members of the office. In the meantime, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) works to make it a classy event, on the behest of a book that is an elaborate prank by Jim.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=157

|EpisodeNumber2=5

|Title=Spooked

|DirectedBy=Randall Einhorn

|WrittenBy=Carrie Kemper

|Viewers=5.53{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/28/thursday-final-ratings-world-series-game-6-finals-big-bang-vampire-diaries-office-person-adjusted-up-rules-secret-circle-whitney-prime-suspect-adjusted-down/108807/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029202958/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/28/thursday-final-ratings-world-series-game-6-finals-big-bang-vampire-diaries-office-person-adjusted-up-rules-secret-circle-whitney-prime-suspect-adjusted-down/108807/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 29, 2011|title=Thursday Final Ratings: World Series Game 6 Finals + 'Big Bang,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Office,' 'Person,' Adjusted Up; 'Rules,' 'Secret Circle,' 'Whitney,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=October 28, 2011|access-date=October 28, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|27}}

|ProdCode=8006

|ShortSummary=Erin tries to make the annual Halloween party spooky and non-childish, with help from Gabe Lewis (Zach Woods). Dwight becomes friends with Robert's son (David Mazouz), and Pam and Jim debate the existence of ghosts. Meanwhile, Robert tries to figure out everyone's deepest fears in order to culminate the party with a specially-tailored ghost story.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=158

|EpisodeNumber2=6

|Title=Doomsday

|DirectedBy=Troy Miller

|WrittenBy=Daniel Chun

|Viewers=6.15{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/04/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-the-office-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up/109650/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106134548/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/04/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-the-office-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up/109650/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 6, 2011|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation,' 'The Office,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Seidman|first=Robert|date=November 4, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|3}}

|ProdCode=8003

|ShortSummary=In order to improve efficiency, Dwight installs a doomsday device that will send an email to California and suggest the closing of the branch. After the maximum number of mistakes is made on the first day, the email is sent but the office works to counteract it; Jim is sent to distract California, whereas Pam—among others—attempts to talk Dwight into dismantling his machine. Meanwhile, Gabe attempts to court the new warehouse worker, Val (Ameenah Kaplan), by trying to put Darryl down.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=159

|EpisodeNumber2=7

|Title=Pam's Replacement

|DirectedBy=Matt Sohn

|WrittenBy=Allison Silverman

|Viewers=5.96{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-prime-suspect-adjusted-up-bones-rules-private-practice-adjusted-down/110412/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113211840/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-prime-suspect-adjusted-up-bones-rules-private-practice-adjusted-down/110412/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2011|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Up; 'Bones,' 'Rules,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Seidman|first=Robert|date=November 11, 2011|access-date=November 12, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|10}}

|ProdCode=8007

|ShortSummary=Pam trains a temporary worker, Cathy Simms (Lindsey Broad), to take her place while she is on maternity leave, and enlists Dwight's support when she tries to show that Jim finds her replacement attractive. Meanwhile, Robert surprises Andy, Kevin, and Darryl when he asks to join their band. However, he soon brings in several professional musicians and kicks the original three members out, forcing them to happily play outside by the dumpster. Pam makes a discovery about Jim’s health amidst the execution of her plans with Dwight.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=160

|EpisodeNumber2=8

|Title=Gettysburg

|DirectedBy=Jeffrey Blitz

|WrittenBy=Robert Padnick

|Viewers=5.50{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/19/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-big-bang-theory-private-practice-adjusted-up-bones-adjusted-down-beneath-the-blue-evaporates/111138/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122012133/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/19/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-big-bang-theory-private-practice-adjusted-up-bones-adjusted-down-beneath-the-blue-evaporates/111138/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 22, 2011|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Up; 'Bones' Adjusted Down; 'Beneath The Blue' Evaporates|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=November 19, 2011|access-date=November 19, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|17}}

|ProdCode=8008

|ShortSummary=Andy takes some of the office staff on a field trip to Gettysburg for inspiration. After most of the office abandons him, Darryl and Jim confront Andy and tell him that he should stop trying so hard to impress his coworkers. Meanwhile, Gabe finds himself enjoying the trip when he is mistaken as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator. Robert tasks the remaining employees with coming up with a new business idea for Dunder Mifflin and becomes convinced that Kevin's simple ideas are elaborate metaphors.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=161

|EpisodeNumber2=9

|Title=Mrs. California

|DirectedBy=Charlie Grandy

|WrittenBy=Dan Greaney

|Viewers=5.71{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/02/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original/112501/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205011840/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/02/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original/112501/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 5, 2011|title=Thursday Final Ratings: No Adjustment for 'Community,' 'Bones' or Any Thursday Original|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Seidman|first=Robert|date=December 2, 2011|access-date=December 3, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|12|1}}

|ProdCode=8009

|ShortSummary=Robert tries to get Andy to not give his wife, Susan (Maura Tierney), a job in the office. After a confusing interview, Andy relents and gives Susan a job, and California is furious. After Susan learns the truth, she and California have a major fight. Meanwhile, Dwight opens a gym in the building and makes Darryl join in hopes of getting other office members to follow.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=162

|EpisodeNumber2=10

|Title=Christmas Wishes

|DirectedBy=Ed Helms

|WrittenBy=Mindy Kaling

|Viewers=5.79{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/09/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original-2/113274/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107172226/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/09/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original-2/113274/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 7, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Big Bang,' 'Rules,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'X Factor,' 'Bones' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=December 9, 2011|access-date=December 9, 2011}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|12|8}}

|ProdCode=8010

|ShortSummary=Andy attempts to make everyone's Christmas wishes come true. Erin, upset about her unrequited feelings for Andy, drinks too much at the Christmas party and is escorted home by California. Meanwhile, Dwight and Jim are ordered to stop pranking one another, lest they forfeit their Christmas bonuses. Thus, they try to frame each other.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=163

|EpisodeNumber2=11

|Title=Trivia

|DirectedBy=B. J. Novak

|WrittenBy=Steve Hely

|Viewers=5.90{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/13/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/116462/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115011846/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/13/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/116462/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Seidman|first=Robert|date=January 13, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|12}}

|ProdCode=8011

|ShortSummary=When Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez) joins a trivia contest, Andy gets the entire office involved. Eventually, the team made up of Kevin, Erin, Kelly, and Meredith wins. Meanwhile, Dwight goes to Sabre headquarters to petition California to give him a job as a regional manager. California tries to get out of meeting with him, but eventually declines Dwight's request.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=164

|EpisodeNumber2=12

|Title=Pool Party

|DirectedBy=Charles McDougall

|WrittenBy=Owen Ellickson

|Viewers=6.02{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/20/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-tops-american-idol-1st-half-hour-office-mentalist-greys-adj-up-person-rob-parks-adj-down/117089/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123011608/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/20/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-tops-american-idol-1st-half-hour-office-mentalist-greys-adj-up-person-rob-parks-adj-down/117089/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Tops 'American Idol' 1st Half Hour; 'Office,' 'Mentalist,' 'Grey's' Adj. Up; 'Person,' 'Rob,' 'Parks' Adj. Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=January 20, 2012|access-date=January 21, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|19}}

|ProdCode=8012

|ShortSummary=When Robert decides to sell his mansion due to his divorce, Kevin suggests that he throw an office pool party, where Erin attempts to make Andy jealous by flirting with Dwight. Robert gives everyone a tour of his massive home, which increasingly makes everyone feel uncomfortable.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=165

|EpisodeNumber2=13

|Title=Jury Duty

|DirectedBy=Eric Appel

|WrittenBy=Aaron Shure

|Viewers=5.31{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/03/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-adjusted-down/118569/ |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob' Adjusted Down |publisher=TV by the Numbers |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=February 3, 2012 |access-date=February 3, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205134135/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/03/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-adjusted-down/118569/ |archive-date=February 5, 2012 }}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|2}}

|ProdCode=8013

|ShortSummary=After Jim fakes having jury duty to spend time with Pam and their newborn child, Dwight suspects something is awry and tries to trip Jim up with an investigation. Jim, worrying that he will get into trouble, confides in Andy, who understands and tries to help cover up the incident. Meanwhile, Angela gives birth to her son, whom Dwight believes is his son.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=166

|EpisodeNumber2=14

|Title=Special Project

|DirectedBy=David Rogers

|WrittenBy=Amelie Gillette

|Viewers=5.19{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/10/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-american-idol-greys-anatomy-the-mentalist-vampire-diaries-adjusted-up-rob-private-practice-the-finder-up-all-nig/119426/ |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Mentalist,' 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'The Finder,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down |publisher=TV by the Numbers |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=February 10, 2012 |access-date=February 11, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213025338/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/10/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-american-idol-greys-anatomy-the-mentalist-vampire-diaries-adjusted-up-rob-private-practice-the-finder-up-all-nig/119426/ |archive-date=February 13, 2012 }}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|9}}

|ProdCode=8014

|ShortSummary=Just as Pam's maternity leave ends, Dwight and Andy must select employees to accompany Dwight to Tallahassee, Florida, after he is sent on an assignment by corporate.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=167

|EpisodeNumber2=15

|Title=Tallahassee

|DirectedBy=Matt Sohn

|WrittenBy=Daniel Chun

|Viewers=4.38{{cite web|last=Gorman |first=Bill |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Big Bang Theory,' '30 Rock,' 'Office' Adjusted Up; 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'Secret Circle' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/17/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-big-bang-theory-30-rock-office-adjusted-up-person-of-interest-mentalist-adjusted-down/120429/ |publisher=TV by the Numbers |date=February 17, 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410223136/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/17/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-big-bang-theory-30-rock-office-adjusted-up-person-of-interest-mentalist-adjusted-down/120429/ |archive-date=April 10, 2012 }}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|16}}

|ProdCode=8015

|ShortSummary=Dwight and his group journeys to Tallahassee to meet with the President of Sabre's special projects, Nellie Bertram (Catherine Tate). The group discovers that Todd Packer (David Koechner) is participating in the same project, much to Jim and Dwight's chagrin. Although Dwight tries to impress his new boss, he has an emergency appendectomy. Andy fills in for Erin, and surprisingly enjoys himself.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=168

|EpisodeNumber2=16

|Title=After Hours

|DirectedBy=Brian Baumgartner

|WrittenBy=Halsted Sullivan & Warren Lieberstein

|Viewers=5.02{{cite web|last=Bibel |first=Sara |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'The Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/24/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-private-practice-up-all-night-adjusted-down/121760/ |publisher=TV by the Numbers |date=February 24, 2012 |access-date=February 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227055432/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/24/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-private-practice-up-all-night-adjusted-down/121760/ |archive-date=February 27, 2012 }}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|23}}

|ProdCode=8016

|ShortSummary=Dwight and Packer compete to be in charge of the Sabre store by trying to romantically woo Nellie. Cathy bothers Jim in his room and tries to seduce him, only to be foiled with help from Dwight. In Scranton, Andy has everyone stay late to cover for their co-workers in Florida.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=169

|EpisodeNumber2=17

|Title=Test the Store

|DirectedBy=Brent Forrester

|WrittenBy=Mindy Kaling

|Viewers=4.95{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/02/thursday-final-ratings-awake-american-idol-adjusted-up/122753/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304194236/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/02/thursday-final-ratings-awake-american-idol-adjusted-up/122753/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Awake' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up |publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=March 2, 2012 |access-date=March 2, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|3|1}}

|ProdCode=8017

|ShortSummary=At the Sabre store opening, Dwight attempts to put on a theatrical presentation to impress Nellie. After a shaky start, an impromptu speech—originally supposed to be delivered by Ryan Howard (B. J. Novak)—given by Jim impresses the critical crowd. Andy is embarrassed after receiving a black eye, courtesy of a little girl.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=170

|EpisodeNumber2=18

|Title=Last Day in Florida

|DirectedBy=Matt Sohn

|WrittenBy=Robert Padnick

|Viewers=4.89{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/09/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-parks-recreation-adjusted-down/123866/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312025242/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/09/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-parks-recreation-adjusted-down/123866/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 12, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Parks & Recreation' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Bibel|first=Sara|date=March 9, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|3|8}}

|ProdCode=8018

|ShortSummary= When California reveals he hates Nellie's business plan, Jim swings into action to keep Dwight from getting fired. Jim eventually delays Dwight long enough, and Packer—who takes Dwight's place at the meeting with California—is fired instead of Dwight. Andy learns that Erin is not going to return to Scranton.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=171

|EpisodeNumber2=19

|Title=Get the Girl

|DirectedBy=Rainn Wilson

|WrittenBy=Charlie Grandy

|Viewers=4.87{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/16/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-the-office-missing-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down-ncaa-game-ratings/124732/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318135050/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/16/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-the-office-missing-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down-ncaa-game-ratings/124732/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 18, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'The Office', 'Missing' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down + NCAA Game Ratings|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|date=March 16, 2012|access-date=March 17, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|3|15}}

|ProdCode=8019

|ShortSummary= Andy drives to Florida to try to win back Erin. Nellie revisits the Scranton branch and takes over as regional manager, assuming that because the manager seat is vacant, she can have it. This usurping divides the office into pro-Andy and pro-Nellie factions.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=172

|EpisodeNumber2=20

|Title=Welcome Party

|DirectedBy=Ed Helms

|WrittenBy=Steve Hely

|Viewers=4.39{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/13/thursday-final-ratings-the-office-and-american-idol-up-scandal-down/129004/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415223316/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/13/thursday-final-ratings-the-office-and-american-idol-up-scandal-down/129004/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Office' and 'American Idol' Up; 'Scandal' Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Bibel|first=Sara|date=April 13, 2012|access-date=April 13, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|4|12}}

|ProdCode=8020

|ShortSummary= California forces the office to prepare a welcome party for Nellie, but the party planners seek to sabotage it. Soon, Jim and Dwight learn tragic information about Nellie that makes them think twice about pranking her. Meanwhile, Erin helps Andy break up with his current girlfriend Jessica (Eleanor Seigler).

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=173

|EpisodeNumber2=21

|Title=Angry Andy

|DirectedBy=Claire Scanlon

|WrittenBy=Justin Spitzer

|Viewers=4.35{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/20/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-greys-anatomy-awake-scandal-parks-and-recreation-adjusted-down/130065/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423161425/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/20/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-greys-anatomy-awake-scandal-parks-and-recreation-adjusted-down/130065/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 23, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Awake' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Down|publisher=TV by the Numbers|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=April 20, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|4|19}}

|ProdCode=8021

|ShortSummary= Andy returns to the office to find Nellie in the manager's chair. Andy soon overreacts by punching a hole in a wall and is promptly fired. Meanwhile, Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling) is forced to choose between Ryan and a new man, Ravi (Sendhil Ramamurthy), who is Pam and Jim's pediatrician.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=174

|EpisodeNumber2=22

|Title=Fundraiser

|DirectedBy=David Rogers

|WrittenBy=Owen Ellickson

|Viewers=4.17{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/27/thursday-final-ratings-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-the-vampire-diariesmentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/131096/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430045540/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/27/thursday-final-ratings-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-the-vampire-diariesmentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/131096/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 30, 2012|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Idol', 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Mentalist' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|date=April 27, 2012|publisher=TV by the Numbers|access-date=April 27, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|4|26}}

|ProdCode=8022

|ShortSummary= Newly fired Andy goes to a fundraiser held by Angela's husband Robert Lipton (Jack Coleman) and returns with 12 dogs. Dwight, who wants to win the entire auction, discovers that the winners must lose money. Nellie tries to bond with Darryl and he teaches her how to properly eat a taco.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=175

|EpisodeNumber2=23

|Title=Turf War

|DirectedBy=Daniel Chun

|WrittenBy=Warren Lieberstein & Halsted Sullivan

|Viewers=4.44{{cite web|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Secret Circle', 'The Mentalist', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/04/thursday-final-ratingsthe-big-bang-theory-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up-secret-circle-the-mentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/132411/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507174045/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/04/thursday-final-ratingsthe-big-bang-theory-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up-secret-circle-the-mentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/132411/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 7, 2012|publisher=TV by the Numbers|access-date=May 4, 2012|date=May 4, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|3}}

|ProdCode=8023

|ShortSummary= While drunk, Robert shuts down Dunder Mifflin's Binghamton branch. Andy prepares to make his comeback by temporarily forming his own rival paper company. Jim and Dwight work together to defeat a rival Dunder Mifflin salesman (Chris Bauer) who wants the Binghamton branch's clients.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The Office (American TV series) season 8

|EpisodeNumber=176

|EpisodeNumber2=24

|Title=Free Family Portrait Studio

|DirectedBy=B. J. Novak

|WrittenBy=B. J. Novak

|Viewers=4.49{{cite web|last=Kondolojy|first=Amanda|title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Office', 'Secret Circle', 'Grey's' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-idol-vampire-diaries-office-secret-circle-greys-adjusted-up-touch-scandal-adjusted-down/133458/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513200626/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-idol-vampire-diaries-office-secret-circle-greys-adjusted-up-touch-scandal-adjusted-down/133458/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 13, 2012|publisher=TV by the Numbers|access-date=May 11, 2012|date=May 11, 2012}}

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|10}}

|ProdCode=8024

|ShortSummary = Dwight offers free family portraits in an elaborate scheme to obtain the DNA of Angela's child. After he steals a diaper, Angela pursues him in a high-speed car chase. After former CFO of Dunder Mifflin David Wallace (Andy Buckley) buys back the company, he re-installs Andy as manager and donates several million dollars to a mentor program California will join. California promptly leaves the office for good.

|LineColor=5EAD8D

}}

}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website|https://www.nbc.com/the-office}}
• {{IMDb episodes|0386676|The Office|season=8}}

{{The Office US}}

{{The Office US Episodes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Office (American season 8), The}}

Category:2011 American television seasons

Category:2012 American television seasons