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Brian Baumgartner and Angela Kinsey, notable for their roles as Kevin Malone and Angela Martin on the US version of “The Office,” shared insights on how the show narrowly avoided cancellation in its early days. The series, originating in 2005 and concluding in 2013, was initially struggling, facing numerous threats of cancellation due to low viewership.
During a precarious period for the show, everything changed with the airing of the second season’s 10th episode titled ‘Christmas Party’ on December 6, 2005. This pivotal episode showcased the annual office holiday party descending into chaos under the leadership of Michael Scott, portrayed by Steve Carell. The episode not only delivered hearty laughter but also solidified the romantic storyline between Jim and Pam, portrayed by John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, respectively.
This festive episode resonated deeply with viewers, drawing in over 10 million viewers for the first time. Shortly after its broadcast, Steve Carell secured a Golden Globe win, significantly elevating the show’s status and popularity. In essence, ‘Christmas Party’ became the turning point for “The Office,” rescuing it from potential cancellation.
Angela Kinsey highlighted the significant impact of this episode, noting that after its airing, the show soared to become the number one streaming show on iTunes, firmly establishing its dedicated audience. Subsequently, the show’s trajectory changed, and it found its footing in the television landscape.
The success of the ‘Christmas Party’ episode set a trend for the series, leading to a total of nine Christmas-themed episodes throughout its runtime. Kinsey reminisced about these episodes, labeling them as legendary moments within the show’s narrative. The cast cherished these holiday-themed episodes for their festive ambiance, dramatic yet humorous storylines, and the opportunity to dress up, marking them as special occasions within the series.