Review: ‘Office BFFs’ a pleasant return to Dunder Mifflin

May 16, 2022, 6:50 AM | Updated: 7:00 am

This cover image released by Dey Street shows "The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There" by Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey. (Dey Street via AP)

(Dey Street via AP)

Nearly a decade after its finale aired, the American version of “The Office” is a ubiquitous part of popular culture. So much so that the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin became a surrogate workplace of sorts for millions working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Office BFFs: Tales of the Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There” is an enjoyable complement to the series, filled with behind the scenes anecdotes that help explain what made NBC’s hit click.

Written by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey — who, respectively, played Pam Beesly and Angela Martin on the show — “Office BFFs” is written as a dialogue between the two actresses. It’s a fitting format, since the book is essentially an extension of their popular podcast about the sitcom.

You don’t have to be a fan of “The Office” to enjoy the book, but it certainly helps. The book is filled with stories about some of the show’s most popular moments, including some harrowing experiences surrounding one episode on a “booze cruise” and another on a bus.

Fans will also enjoy learning the answers to mysteries that have remained since the show ended, including what was on the note Jim had included with the teapot he gave to Pam.

But the most interesting theme of the book explores the creative process that went into a show that at first faced an iffy future. Fischer and Kinsey recount the collaborative process that went into each episode and the level of detail and planning it required.

If there’s any lesson to be learned from the show’s nine-season run and this book, it’s that a lot of teamwork goes into making an office look this dysfunctional.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

AP

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)...

Associated Press

Donald Trump stored, showed off and refused to return classified documents, indictment says

An indictment charging former President Donald Trump with mishandling classified documents has been unsealed.

2 days ago

FILE - A bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey is displayed next to a Bad Spaniels dog toy in A...

Associated Press

Ruff day in court: Supreme Court sides with Jack Daniel’s in dispute with makers of dog toy

The Supreme Court on Thursday gave whiskey maker Jack Daniel's reason to raise a glass, handing the company a new chance to win a trademark dispute with the makers of the Bad Spaniels dog toy.

3 days ago

(Pixabay Photo)...

Associated Press

6 arrested in alleged scheme to fraudulently collect millions in COVID aid meant for renters

Six people from Washington, Arizona and Texas have been arrested and accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars of COVID-19 aid from an assistance program meant for renters, federal prosecutors said.

3 days ago

FILE - Protesters stand outside of the Senate chamber at the Indiana Statehouse on Feb. 22, 2023, i...

Associated Press

LGBTQ+ Americans are under attack, Human Rights Campaign declares in state of emergency warning

The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. on Tuesday.

5 days ago

FILE - People wait in line outside the Supreme Court in Washington to listen to oral arguments in a...

Associated Press

Supreme Court opened the door to states’ voting restrictions. Now a new ruling could widen them.

Within hours of a U.S. Supreme Court decision dismantling a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, Texas lawmakers announced plans to implement a strict voter ID law that had been blocked by a federal court. Lawmakers in Alabama said they would press forward with a similar law that had been on hold.

5 days ago

Gavel (Pexels Photo)...

Associated Press

Ex-teacher sentenced to prison for making death threat against Arizona legislator

A former Tucson middle school teacher was sentenced Tuesday to 2 ½ years in prison after pleading guilty to making a death threat against Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Here are the biggest tips to keep your AC bill low this summer

PHOENIX — In Arizona during the summer, having a working air conditioning unit is not just a pleasure, but a necessity. No one wants to walk from their sweltering car just to continue to be hot in their home. As the triple digits hit around the Valley and are here to stay, your AC bill […]

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

Review: ‘Office BFFs’ a pleasant return to Dunder Mifflin