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Season Guide

The Office — Season 5

28 episodes 8.5/10 our take

Season 5 Review

Last season left Office fans gasping and worked up for more – and so, the most anticipated season of the Emmy-winning comedy is finally on the clock. New and poignant foolishness continues to plague the world of the unwary Dunder Mifflin 9-to-5’ers.

Season Review

Season 5: the Michael Scott Paper Company arc is a triumphant middle-season run, Holly’s transfer heartbreak lands, and the Stress Relief cold open (the fire drill) is the most-watched cold open of the series. The show runs on all cylinders.

Episodes

1
SummaryThe office staff goes to extremes when they participate in a weight loss contest run by corporate.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles, but The Office keeps its…
2008-09-25 ★ 8.3
2
SummaryThe office staff goes to extremes when they participate in a weight loss contest run by corporate.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but an hour that reminds you…
2008-09-25 ★ 8.3
3
SummaryHolly has to run an ethics meeting which leads to Meredith revealing an unethical situation.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character work pays.
2008-10-09 ★ 7.7
4
SummaryMichael insists the office throw Jan a baby shower even though he is not the father of her baby.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but an hour that…
2008-10-16 ★ 7.8
5
SummaryMichael arranges for a fundraiser when the office is burglarized.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but an hour that reminds you why The Office works.
2008-10-23 ★ 8
6
SummaryAfter corporate finds out about Michael and Holly's relationship, they transfer Holly back to New Hampshire.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but an hour that reminds you why…
2008-10-30 ★ 8.2
7
SummaryJim and Dwight are surprised by their low customer survey scores.Our TakeA well-built episode with more hits than misses. Worth your time.
2008-11-06 ★ 8.4
8
SummaryAndy and Oscar accompany Michael on a business trip to Canada; Pam gets bad news about her art class.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles, but The Office…
2008-11-13 ★ 8.3
9
SummaryMichael attempts to frame Toby when he returns to the office; Jim surprises Pam by purchasing his parents house.Our TakeThis one earns its reputation: tight writing, real stakes, and a…
2008-11-20 ★ 8.7
10
SummaryThe office argues over what to buy with a surplus; Dwight tricks Angela.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character work pays.
2008-12-04 ★ 8.2
11
SummaryMichael turns the Office Christmas Party into an intervention for Meredith; Dwight makes money off of a popular children's toy.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the…
2008-12-11 ★ 8.3
12
SummaryAndy finally finds out about Dwight and Angela; Michael is called to corporate to discuss the branch's success.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The plot moves, the stakes feel real, and the…
2009-01-15 ★ 8.1
13
SummaryMichael does research on a local family run company the Dunder Mifflin wants to buy out; The office debates the hotness of Hilary Swank.Our TakeThis one earns its reputation: tight…
2009-01-22 ★ 8.6
14
SummaryDwight takes things to far during his fire drill.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character work pays.
2009-02-01 ★ 8.1
15
SummaryMichael realizes he is what is causing people to stress out in the office so he arranges a roast.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles, but The Office…
2009-02-01 ★ 7.7
16
SummaryPam accompanies Michael on a lecture circuit at other branches where they discover Karen is pregnant; Andy becomes infatuated with Stanley's client.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The plot moves, the stakes…
2009-02-05 ★ 8.3
17
SummaryMichael and Pam head to Nashua so Michael can find closure with Holly.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The plot moves, the stakes feel real, and the hour flies by.
2009-02-12 ★ 8.4
18
SummaryAfter a missed opportunity at a blood drive, Michael throws a Lonely Hearts Valentine's Day party; Jim and Pam go a double date with Bob and Phyllis.Our TakeVery good —…
2009-03-05 ★ 7.9
19
SummaryMichael's idea to hide golden tickets in shipments backfires and Michael asks Dwight to take the heat.Our TakeA well-built episode with more hits than misses. Worth your time.
2009-03-12 ★ 8.1
20
SummaryThe new supervisor clashes with Michael.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The plot moves, the stakes feel real, and the hour flies by.
2009-03-19 ★ 8.1
21
SummaryMichael decides to start his own paper company after giving his two week's notice.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The plot moves, the stakes feel real, and the hour flies by.
2009-03-26 ★ 8.1
22
SummaryMichael and Pam set out to build their new company.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles, but The Office keeps its grip throughout.
2009-04-09 ★ 8.4
23
SummaryTensions run high between Michael, Pam and Ryan as they try to get the new company off the ground; Charles asks Jim to complete a task.Our TakeThis one earns its…
2009-04-09 ★ 8.7
24
SummaryMichael and Dwight wag war over clients; Jim pretends to confide in Andy.Our TakeConfident and engaging. The plot moves, the stakes feel real, and the hour flies by.
2009-04-16 ★ 8.1
25
SummaryThe Michael Scott Paper Company runs into financial trouble but Dunder Mifflin is worried about the clients they are losing.Our TakeEverything The Office does well, done at full power. Genuinely…
2009-04-23 ★ 8.8
26
SummaryMichael, Pam and Ryan return to Dunder Mifflin; Some staff takes casual Friday too far; The other sales people are upset that they are not getting their clients back.Our TakeA…
2009-04-30 ★ 8.3
27
SummaryMichael tries to create a disco in his old Michael Scott Paper Company office.Our TakeA standout hour — the kind of episode that justifies the whole series. The Office at…
2009-05-07 ★ 8.7
28
SummaryThe staff attend the Dunder Mifflin company picnic.Our TakeA masterclass episode — confident, surprising, and completely earned.
2009-05-14 ★ 9