While every episode of The Office has been watched numerous times in the age of online streaming, the best way to have caught the comedy when it first aired was by watching it live on TV. While the program had a sizable number of viewers tuning in, some episodes definitely attracted larger audiences than others. We’re here to look at these now. To do this, we’ll be using the numbers provided by Nielsen ratings. Before we get started, it’s worth noting that while most of The Office episodes have watch numbers available, some of the data is not public and will, therefore, will not be considered on this list. Additionally, it’s worth keeping in mind that the numbers are approximate.
With that said, it’s time to head back to Scranton; here are the most-watched episodes of The Office at the time of their original airing.
Dinner Party (9.22 Million)
Michael tricks Jim and Pam into a “Dinner Party” at his house in this Season 4 episode. However, tensions are running high between Michael and his girlfriend Jan, which makes the experience uncomfortable for all the guests at the house. To make things worse, Dwight shows up uninvited with his former babysitter as a date.
“Dinner Party” ultimately scored 9.22 million views.
Secret Santa (9.24 Million)
Though the Scranton branch hopes to have a fun Christmas party, Michael decides to sabotage it after learning that Phyllis will be Santa instead of him. Meanwhile, Pam tries to play matchmaker with Oscar and a new warehouse worker, and Andy surprises Erin with an intense “Secret Santa” gift based on the 12 Days of Christmas.
This Season 6 holiday episode pulled in 9.24 million viewers.
Employee Transfer (9.32 Million)
In this episode a season prior, Holly is transferring back to her Nashua branch after David Wallace finds that she and Michael are dating. The pair struggles to figure out what this means for the future of their relationship.
Back at the office, Dwight and Andy get into a debate over his alma mater, Cornell. Meanwhile, in New York, Pam deals with a mean prank that Jim’s brothers want to play on him. While “Employee Transfer” isn’t the most talked-about episode out there, it still managed to score 9.32 million viewers.
Fun Run (9.67 Million)
Michael accidentally hits Meredith with his car, which has her heading straight to the hospital. However, while there, she learns that she actually has rabies.
Still feeling guilty, Michael plans a "Fun Run" for the Scranton branch to raise money for rabies awareness. The Season 4 double-episode had 9.67 million viewers tuning in.
Christmas Party (9.70 Million)
"Secret Santa" wasn't the only holiday episode to score a larger crowd. Season 2's "Christmas Party" pulled in its own 9.70 million viewers.
The episode has the Scranton branch gathering together for a simple gift exchange. However, Michael quickly transforms the gathering into a game of "Yankee Swap" after feeling frustrated that he bought the most expensive gift.
Chair Model (9.81 Million)
Michael falls for a "Chair Model" while looking through an office supplies catalog in this Season 4 episode. Unluckily for him, she died in a car crash. This has him going out with Pam's landlady. Meanwhile, Kevin and Andy team together to claim the work parking spaces that have been taken over by a construction crew. Additionally, Jim teases Pam with the idea of engagement.
"Chair Model" scored 9.81 million viewers.
Ben Franklin (10.10 Million)
Excited for Phyllis' wedding, Michael decides to bring a couple of strippers to the office to celebrate. He puts Dwight in charge of the guys' performer and Jim in front of the ladies'. Instead of hiring a normal stripper, however, Jim humorously goes for an educational "Ben Franklin" impersonator.
The Season 3 episode had 10.10 million viewers enjoying its shenanigans.
Traveling Salesmen (10.10 Million)
Michael decides that all of Dunder Mifflin's employees will be "Traveling Salesmen" in this Season 3 episode. They all team up to go out on various sales calls at the same time.
During this event, Andy tries to tear down Dwight's reputation in front of Michael while Karen discovers that Jim once had feelings for Pam. "Traveling Salesman" had 10.10 million viewers when it first aired.
Pilot (11.20 Million)
The first episode of The Office naturally pulled in 11.20 million viewers who were eager to find out what the show had in store.
The "Pilot" has the documentary crew beginning to tape the everyday work life of Dunder Mifflin's employees. While Michael tries to gloss over the potential downsizing, the new temp, Ryan Howard begins his first day on the job. Additionally, Jim continually pranks his nemesis, Dwight.
Stress Relief (22.9 Million)
Topping off the list as the most-viewed Office episode of all time is "Stress Relief." It pulled in a whopping 22.9 million viewers, airing directly after the Super Bowl in 2009.
The Season 5 episode has Dwight staging a fire drill in order to prepare the Scranton gang for a real fire. However, the stress of the events cause Stanley to suffer from a heart attack. Hoping to make the office a more relaxing environment, Michael decides to let his employees express their feelings about him at a comedic roast.