Among the many memorable moments in The Office, season 5 stands out, particularly for its spectacular cold open. This iconic segment has garnered significant recognition, becoming one of the show’s most widely shared memes. Over the years, The Office has solidified its place in comedy history, significantly influencing popular culture through various references and viral moments. The character-driven mockumentary has seen an evolving cast come and go from Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, inevitably affecting its ratings and reception. However, thanks to streaming technologies, the series has retained its popularity long after its original airing.
For both weekly viewers and binge-watchers, season 5 of The Office is frequently hailed as one of the series’ finest seasons. Notable storylines, from Michael’s romance with Holly to the creation of the Michael Scott Paper Company, made this season memorable. Perhaps most notably, season 5 delivered the show’s best cold open, the explosive “Stress Relief”episode, which helped cement its reputation and contributed to the series’ enduring legacy of humor.
Why the Fire Drill is the Best Cold Open in The Office
The Chaotic Opening Scene Made History
The infamous fire drill scene serves as the finest cold open in The Office, primarily due to its unmatched humor. In this memorable opener, Dwight sets up a perilous environment full of fire hazards to illustrate the lack of attention paid to his safety briefing. When the fire alarm rings, chaos ensues, with office employees frantically trying to escape the building. In a comic twist, Dwight nonchalantly trails behind them, unintentionally exacerbating the situation. This high-stakes hilarity propelled the viewership records for “Stress Relief,”indicating the cold open’s effectiveness as an engaging introduction.
Watch the Fire Drill Scene
Aiming to make an impressionable mark with this season’s two-part episode airing directly after the Super Bowl, the creative team delivered a stand-alone episode designed to catch the attention of new viewers, effectively acting as a “second pilot.”As chaos hit the office—with people scrambling and the camera capturing every frantic moment—the scene not only appealed to Super Bowl audiences but also contributed to an impressive viewership record of 22.91 million, securing “Stress Relief”as a memorable highlight in television history.
The Fire Drill Became One of the Series’ Most Famous Memes
“Oh My God! Okay, It’s Happening! Everybody Stay Calm!”
Following the airing of the “Stress Relief”episode, the fire drill cold open evolved into one of the most celebrated memes associated with The Office. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, with countless moments recognized for their humorous breadth. The chaotic dynamics of the fire drill sequence, particularly Michael Scott’s exaggerated reactions to what should be a mundane fire drill, contributed significantly to its meme-worthiness.
Steve Carell’s comedic timing and facial expressions make him a favorite for meme creators and fans alike. His memorable line, “Oh my god! Okay, it’s happening! Everybody stay calm!” exemplifies the relatable humor embedded within The Office. The absurdity seen in “Stress Relief” resonates with audiences, contributing to a shared experience that transcends the fictional antics of the show’s employees.