The Office BFFs Summary

Behind every great TV show is a story of dreams, challenges, and lifelong friendship – The Office and its cast are no exception.

1. The Start of a Lifelong Friendship

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey first connected when their desks were placed close together on the set of The Office. From that proximity, a friendship blossomed. Both aspiring actresses had ventured to Los Angeles with hopes of making it big, but it was this shared journey on The Office that cemented their bond. Angela, initially auditioning but not landing a role, was later cast as Angela Martin, thanks to her personalized and memorable portrayal.

Their friendship didn’t take off immediately outside of the set because they filmed only the pilot episode initially. Months passed as they waited for NBC's verdict. When the show became an official series, their work brought them back together, rekindling the connection.

This reunion was the start of something special. Long workdays on set, filled with small conversations, lunch breaks, and supportive moments, deepened their bond. What started as co-workers sharing the same scene grew into a relationship as meaningful as family.

Examples

• Angela got a second chance at auditioning, leading to her perfect casting as Angela Martin.
• Over time, their on-screen separation gave way to off-screen closeness during breaks.
• Their friendship grew through everyday rituals like riding home together after long filming days.

2. The Unique Bond of The Office Set

Unlike many shows, the cast of The Office worked closely together in almost every scene. Even when some actors weren’t delivering lines, they were required to stay in the background, mimicking a bustling work environment. This unusual setup created the space for the actors to interact deeply with each other.

Angela and Jenna soon developed their rituals to make long filming days more enjoyable. Their friendship evolved during these moments, helping one another navigate their personal and professional lives. Many of their life milestones – pregnancies, first homes, and career highs – were celebrated together.

Beyond acting, The Office set thrived as an environment of mutual respect and camaraderie. From shared lunches in trailers to late-night conversations, the show provided the foundation for friendships that existed outside of fictional Scranton.

Examples

• Angela and Jenna consistently ate lunch together in Jenna’s trailer, using the time for personal chats.
• The cast worked shoulder to shoulder for 60 hours weekly, strengthening real-life bonds.
• They rode home together after shoots, extending their conversations beyond work.

3. Spotlight on the Women Behind The Office

The success of The Office wasn’t just a result of its actors. A slew of talented women took on invaluable roles behind the camera, further adding to the show’s magic. Costumer Carey Bennett went to a real paper company to design an authentic wardrobe, perfectly capturing the look and feel of a modest office environment.

In addition to the creative depth, Angela and Jenna spoke fondly of how women like Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, and Rashida Jones brought their humor and charm into the ensemble. What’s more, producers like Jen Celotta and technical talents like Sarah Levy brought their expertise to the table.

Everyone, from crew members to writers, contributed significantly to making The Office a welcoming, productive space. The women were key players in ensuring the show’s success and shaping its unique tone and aesthetic.

Examples

• Carey Bennett's meticulous costume design perfectly mirrored a real office setting.
• Mindy Kaling juggled her roles as both an actress and contributing writer.
• Producer Jen Celotta’s leadership and creativity shaped scenes to perfection.

4. Steve Carell’s Impact and Goodbye

Steve Carell, as Michael Scott, wasn’t just the heart of the TV show – he also set the tone for the camaraderie and professionalism on set. His humor, humility, and leadership were admired by everyone, including Angela and Jenna. Steve often made others feel valued and supported both professionally and personally.

When he decided to leave during Season 7, it marked a poignant moment for the entire cast and crew. Steve left for personal reasons, striving to prioritize family life over career demands. His exit was emotional for everyone, including Angela and Jenna, who each shared tearful and heartfelt conversations with him during his final days on set.

While the show continued after his departure, fans and critics alike felt the absence of his presence. Still, Jenna and Angela appreciated how Steve stayed close as a friend after his farewell.

Examples

• Angela interviewed Steve on his last day, capturing his hope for continued friendships post-show.
• In an emotional unscripted moment, Jenna thanked Steve during their final scene together.
• The cast sang a surprise song during his farewell episode, leaving Steve visibly moved.

5. Bryan Cranston and the Risky “Work Bus” Episode

"Work Bus" was one of Season 9's standout episodes, directed by Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston. His presence combined worlds: a serious drama director helming a quirky comedy. But beyond the humor of the episode, the filming process became unforgettable for the cast due to real-life close calls.

During the shoot, actors were accidentally hurled under heavy furniture when the stunt crew forgot to secure items properly. Later, they discovered the portable air conditioner was pumping harmful carbon monoxide back into the bus. These incidents bonded the cast even further, strengthening the sense of teamwork that truly defined The Office.

Despite the chaos, they completed an episode that became a fan favorite, illustrative of how much fun yet unpredictable the show’s creation could be.

Examples

• The set's furniture trapped cast members during a botched stunt scene.
• Jenna’s keen nose detected carbon monoxide leaking during filming.
• Bryan Cranston's directing added gravitas to this already comedic masterpiece.

6. Deciding When to End

Ending The Office with Season 9 wasn’t easy. Although NBC approached them with ideas for future seasons, Greg Daniels convinced the cast to wrap the show properly with all the main characters intact. This allowed The Office to conclude on a high note and leave fans with a heartfelt and authentic goodbye.

The finale was a deeply emotional process, with numerous goodbyes shared among cast and crew. Everyone, including Steve Carell, returned for the last episode. Cast members cried as they reflected on the nine years spent together, acknowledging how the show had changed their lives forever.

It was a bittersweet ending but one that felt right, allowing Angela, Jenna, and the rest of the team to move forward while preserving their legacy.

Examples

• Greg Daniels proposed stopping the show before contracts expired or momentum was lost.
• Steve Carell’s secret return for the finale surprised even cast members like Angela.
• The final days on set were spent reminiscing with crew and preparing for the end.

7. Transition to Podcasting

Life after The Office wasn’t just about reminiscing for Jenna and Angela. Both actresses found balancing work with family increasingly challenging. Inspired by a suggestion from Jenna’s co-star Oliver Hudson, they tried podcasting as a way to connect with fans and explore their bond.

Their podcast, Office Ladies, focused on rewatching The Office episodes and sharing behind-the-scenes insights with humor and warmth. Despite being new to the field, the duo’s camaraderie and storytelling struck a chord with listeners.

Their podcast skyrocketed in downloads, becoming one of the most popular in its category and proving Jenna and Angela’s friendship could carry them into a new chapter of success.

Examples

• Oliver Hudson urged them to explore podcasting as a flexible career alternative.
• Their first demo, recorded in Angela’s house, impressed executives immediately.
• Office Ladies accumulated over 200 million downloads, continuing the pair’s relevancy post-show.

8. Friendship Beyond Filming

Even after the show, Angela and Jenna’s connection remained unshaken. Despite moving to different cities or projects, they kept in touch through daily “Ramblies,” long voice memos where they shared life updates.

Their enduring friendship became a support system that carried them through career changes, family milestones, and personal struggles. They celebrated their wins together and leaned on each other during hardships.

Fans of The Office now see their off-screen friendship as another gift the show brought into the world.

Examples

• The duo sent each other voice memos almost daily, despite busy schedules.
• Jenna traveled to London without losing touch with Angela.
• Their shared daydreams often sparked real-life projects, like their podcast.

9. Success Through Shared Passion

Jenna and Angela’s story reminds us that shared passion and genuine connections can turn into lifelong success. Their journey shows how collaboration and trust can lead to meaningful accomplishments, both professionally and personally.

Their dedication to one another became the foundation for a thriving partnership in podcasting and beyond. Whether cleaning garages or supporting each other through childbirth, they showed the value of loyalty and teamwork.

Even in new ventures, they proved that their bond was more than one project deep – it was for life.

Examples

• They conceptualized and successfully transitioned to a podcast career.
• They supported one another through major milestones like Angela buying her home.
• Their friendship became as synonymous with The Office as the show itself.

Takeaways

1. Build relationships with colleagues that go beyond work—it can create lifelong bonds and opportunities.
2. Be open to career shifts; new passions or suggestions from trusted friends can lead to incredible ventures.
3. Celebrate shared joys and work together on challenges. Partnerships thrive on mutual support and collaboration.