Jenna Fischer Defends Last Seasons of ‘The Office’ in New Podcast

Los Angeles, CA — Jenna Fischer, best known for her role as Pam Beesly on the hit sitcom “The Office,” recently shared her thoughts on the later seasons of the show. Appearing on the podcast “Fly on the Wall” hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, she recapped her experience of rewatching all 201 episodes of the beloved series.

Fischer, who starred in the show from its debut in 2005 until its conclusion in 2013, expressed her surprise at the quality of the series throughout its entire run, especially after the departure of Steve Carell as Michael Scott in 2011. Despite the popular belief that the show declined in quality after Carell left, Fischer found that many memorable episodes came from the final two seasons.

“My biggest takeaway from having rewatched it was that it’s really good the whole time,” Fischer said. She added that many involved with the series thought it peaked in Seasons 3 or 4, but those later seasons still had “amazing storylines.” She highlighted episodes from Seasons 8 and 9 as some of her favorites, including standout moments that fans continue to appreciate.

Fischer also announced her favorite episodes, specifically honoring the Season 4 episode “Dinner Party” and the arc in Season 5 where Michael and Pam start the Michael Scott Paper Company. She noted how some of the show’s best moments emerged even after it seemed to lose momentum.

The actress revealed that, despite the show’s critical acclaim, the feeling among the cast sometimes suggested that they were not performing at their best after Carell’s exit. However, Fischer contended that the writing and creativity continued to thrive right until the end.

Looking ahead, fans can expect a new spin-off titled “The Paper,” set to premiere on Peacock in September 2025. The series will follow a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, employing the same mockumentary style that defined “The Office.” Oscar Nuñez will reprise his role as Oscar Martinez, while Fischer confirmed that Carell will not be involved.

Fischer’s enthusiasm for the series remains high as she engages in conversations that challenge the longstanding narrative surrounding “The Office’s” later seasons. “There were still these amazing storylines,” she affirmed, asserting the show’s lasting impact on television.