Even though it's still finding new fans and is one of the most rewatched sitcoms around, I think it's fair to say The Office is a product of its time.
But, what if that time were actually 2023? What sort of hijinks would the Dunder Mifflin crew get into?
Now, for the purposes of this post, we'll pretend the show is just starting in 2023, so the original group of characters — including Michael — are all still around.
Here are 15 storylines the show might include:
1. Dunder Mifflin selling something other than paper
During the show's run, the company already faced a few issues with paper becoming less desirable in an increasingly digital world, and by 2023, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Dunder Mifflin selling something else altogether (unless they figured out how to sell paper sustainably). Maybe it'd be electronics (just not triangle-shaped ones).
2. The remote vs. hybrid vs. onsite work debate
It'd be interesting to see who would be angling for which model. The vast majority would probably be in favor of remote or hybrid work, but Michael would likely not be, since he'd be too easy to ignore unless he blew up people's phones constantly. Dwight would also probably hate it because he'd assume everyone was slacking off.
3. Someone getting in trouble for inappropriate Zoom behavior
As much as he would hate remote work, Michael would love video calls and demand his employees keep their cameras on. Something tells me someone would accidentally reveal themselves to be nude, Jeffrey Toobin-style. Creed feels like a strong contender, though it could be Stanley, given his penchant for relaxing in the tub with a glass of red wine.
4. Quiet quitting
Speaking of Stanley, a lot of people were actually doing this on the show, but with a name being put to it, it'd make sense for corporate to push back on it officially.
5. Artificial intelligence
Instead of the website being his big brainchild, Ryan would 100% introduce an AI salesperson who can actually talk to customers over the phone, and Dwight would 100% end up getting into an argument with it about House of the Dragon.
6. Kelly ranting about not getting Taylor Swift tickets
True to character, she'd make it everybody's problem until Creed swooped in and sold her a pair of tickets with a 400% upcharge. The night of the concert she'd find out they were fake, by which point Creed would have already disappeared.
7. Kelly and Meredith arguing about the Royal Family
Just like they argued over who would get to dress up as Kate Middleton in the original series, they'd argue over which brother (and which wife) was better. My guess is Meredith would stick with William, and Kate and Kelly would love the drama of Harry and Megan's story.
8. Michael would still be making jokes about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock
He'd get yelled at more than once for acting it out.
9. Ryan would be obsessed with Succession
He would make it his entire personality and quote it every Monday morning.
10. He'd also go broke after investing all his money in crypto
And Kelly would never let him forget that she told him to buy into GameStop.
11. Dunder Mifflin on social media
The original series kind of touched on this in the last season, with Erin and Pete creating a Facebook page, but as someone who's worked on various brands' social media teams over the years, I can totally see Dunder Mifflin going viral for being weird on TikTok because their Gen Z social media coordinator filmed themselves eating shredded paper to the Girl Dinner sound or something.
12. Angela would have a popular Instagram for her cats
Social media might not initially appeal to Angela, but as soon as she realized how popular her cats would be, I feel like she would happily show them off to the masses.
13. Angela getting canceled after someone catches her on camera being a "Karen"
She would not post an apology video, but instead double down and become a hero to all Karens.
14. And Michael getting canceled, like, 80 times
(Unless they completely rewrote the character.)
15. More queer relationships
It statistically doesn't make sense that Oscar would be the only gay person in the office — maybe instead of Pam and Jim, we'd get Pam and Kim.
What are some other storylines you'd want to see in a 2023 version of The Office? Let us know in the comments and give the show another watch over at Peacock.
