Rainn Wilson says 'The Office' wouldn't be made today: Here's why

Rainn Wilson believes that The Office would be difficult to make in today's television environment.

In an interview with Fox News, Wilson said the show contained politically incorrect humor that might not be accepted by audiences now.

"I do feel like you couldn't make The Office today," he said. Wilson explained that many of the show's jokes worked because characters like Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute lacked self-awareness and often behaved in inappropriate ways.

He pointed to the Season 1 episode "Diversity Day" as an example. In that episode, Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, creates his own diversity workshop, leading to several awkward and offensive moments.

Wilson said the humour came from showing that Michael Scott was foolish and did not understand how inappropriate his behaviour was.

Even so, Wilson believes some of those storylines might not be approved today. He also said that while some comedians complain about limits on comedy, he thinks writers should focus on making jokes smarter rather than simply pushing boundaries.

Elsewhere in the interview, Wilson said he feels there have not been many great comedy shows over the last 10 to 15 years.

The Office aired from 2005 to 2013 and was based on the British series of the same name. It starred Wilson alongside Carell, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer.

The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006 and remains one of the most popular sitcoms ever made.

Wilson also previously admitted that he was not fully happy during his time on the show, despite its success.

He said that while he was earning a good income and starring in a hit series, he was focused on wanting a bigger career in films.

Looking back, he said he struggled with the feeling that what he had achieved was "never enough."

Meanwhile, Peacock launched a spin-off series called The Paper in 2025. The show features the return of Oscar Nunez as Oscar Martinez and has already been renewed for a second season.