Mindy Kaling says The Office might still be so popular because of its offensive humor. Kaling is now known for her creation of the popular shows Never Have I Ever and Sex Lives of College Girls, but her career mostly began with her starring in the first eight seasons of The Office as Kelly Kapoor, the hilarious office gossip. She was also an executive producer and writer on the show.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Kaling admits she might not ever let her children watch The Office because “the show is so inappropriate now.” During the interview, Kaling created a brief imaginary future for her character from The Office, saying she might have become an influencer, and likely be canceled shortly after. She also offers her personal insight into why the show is still so popular almost a decade after wrapping its last season. Read what Kaling says below:
That show is so inappropriate now. We always talk about– the writers who I’m still in touch with now– always talk about how much of that show we probably couldn’t make now. Tastes have changed and honestly what offends people has changed so much now. I think that’s actually one of the reasons the show is so popular– because people feel like there’s something fearless about it, or taboo.
Why Steve Carrell Was Perfect For The Office
Later in the interview, Kaling also jokes that a 15-year-old boy is the target demographic of the show’s comedy, which is likely because of lead character Michael Scott. Michael is the source of some of the show’s most “taboo” moments. However, throughout the seven seasons his character stars, Steve Carrell managed to create a fully rounded individual beyond his character’s problematic moments.
Carrell has reflected on his time as Michael Scott in the past, saying it slightly bothers him when people deem his old character as plainly racist. He attempted to embody a character who was ignorant, but still kind-hearted. Carrell’s empathetic performance of Michael made The Office the gem that it is, despite his character’s flaws and mistakes.
How Kaling’s Comedy Style Has Changed Since The Office
Kaling is probably right in that The Office’s type of humor just couldn’t be done today. Despite the show’s longevity, the writer and a has actor has taken her career in a new direction following her exit from The Office, and definitely for the better. Kaling’s work now takes on a stance of empowering women (particularly women of color) and telling more personal stories, all while being hilarious.
In The Mindy Project, Kaling’s first television series following The Office, the show pursues narratives surrounding reproductive health and healthy relationships. Similarly, Kaling’s HBO Max series Sex Lives of College Girls also focuses on women-centered storytelling and empowerment. Never Have I Ever, Kaling’s Netflix series starring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is a wholesome yet comedic coming-of-age story that has also been somewhat of a trailblazer for Indian representation on screen. Kaling’s eye for comedy is clear in whatever project she pursues, but she’s far from the stories she once wrote for The Office.
Source: Good Morning America