NBC's The Office, created by Michael Schur, has been one of the most popular sitcoms of the 21st century. It is loved by fans even years after it has ended, and they are anxiously waiting for news of a reunion (much like Friends).
Filled with humor and heart, weird and lovable characters who grew with viewers over the years, and some extremely weird relationships, The Office has been making fans laugh and cry for years. Here are five times The Office was heartwarming, and five times it was heartbreaking.
Heartwarming - Michael Buys Pam's Art
After Pam gets her art exhibited in an art show, nobody from the office shows up. Oscar critiques it, calling it "motel art" and Roy compliments her work as a "boyfriend gesture", without any true appreciation.
However, just as Pam is about to take it down, Michael sincerely likes it and buys it, and says he's extremely proud of her. She hugs him, and Michael puts the picture on the wall next to his office.
Heartbreaking - Michael Leaves
When Michael is hosting his last Dundies, he invites Andy for the last award of the night, and Andy thanks him. Everybody then starts singing "9,986,000 Minutes". The song brings tears to Michael's eyes.
What's truly heartbreaking is the fact that viewers can see it's not Michael crying in that scene - it's Steve Carell, leaving a show that made him the huge star he is. He was not informed of the song - his reaction was truly genuine.
Heartwarming - Michael And Pam's Goodbye
Michael leaves for the airport but has missed saying goodbye to Pam. After reaching the airport, Pam, with heels in her hands, runs up to Michael and hugs her.
It's heartwarming to see how far their relationship has come from the initial seasons, from boss and employee to good friends. Plus, viewers got to hear Michael say "That's what she said" one last time before leaving the show.
Heartbreaking - Jim Gets Jinxed And Can't Talk
When Pam jinxes Jim and tells him he can't talk unless he buys her a Coke, they sit together and Pam tries to make fun of Jim and coax him into talking. She says "You can tell me anything." and snickers, but Jim loses his smile.
It's heartbreaking to see Jim, who's secretly in love with Pam, as he literally can't tell Pam how he feels. John Krasinski's expressions make it even sadder, as viewers can almost see a light break inside Jim's eyes.
Heartwarming - Erin Sees Michael As A Father
After Erin confronts Michael after he displays some hostile feelings towards Gabe, whom Erin is dating, he angrily asks her why she needs his approval, saying he's not her father. Erin just gives him an understanding look and Michael realizes Erin looks up to him as a father figure.
It was a deeply heartwarming moment to see their relationship. Michael then jokingly plays along and tells her, "Go to your room, young lady.". Erin also plays along, and they have a father-daughter joke-fight.
Heartbreaking - Jim And Dwight Have A Heart To Heart
After Angela agrees to go out with Andy, Dwight is heartbroken. Jim finds him devastated and crying out in the stairs. He starts telling Dwight why he moved to Stamford and tries to cheer him up.
It was very sad to see Dwight so heartbroken and even sadder to hear Jim's reason for leaving Scranton, which he had never told anyone before. Despite being frenemies, he does trust Dwight and helps him.
Heartwarming - Michael Proposes To Holly
After many ups and down, Michael and Holly finally start dating again in season 7. Michael takes Holly on a walk around the office and highlights the various locations of their relationship.
He then takes her to her desk, which is surrounded by candles, and proposes to her. Hilariously, the sprinklers go off and Holly accepts. It was great to see them finally together forever.
Heartbreaking - Jim Says Goodbye To Michael
After Michael decides not to tell everyone he was leaving for Colorado that day, Jim confronts him and gets emotional trying to say goodbye. He sadly says, "Let's just leave the goodbyes for tomorrow, okay?".
It was extremely heartbreaking to see them unable to say goodbye to each other and to see their relationships had become so much more than just coworkers. Viewers could again see it was Steve Carell and John Krasinski saying goodbye, and not Jim and Michael.
Heartwarming - Michael's Letter Of Recommendation
After Michael decides to move to Colorado with Holly, Dwight asks him for a letter of recommendation for him but he hasn't written one. Dwight gets mad but Michael writes a letter for him, and Dwight thinks he didn't sincerely recommend him for Regional Manager.
However, Michael has written excellent things about Dwight, calling him "of the highest order as a man, friend, and coworker. Supreme.". Dwight is very moved by this and it is very sweet of Michael to write him such a great letter.
Heartbreaking - Kevin's Chili
While many people laugh at this scene (and let's be honest, it is), this scene is also quite sad. The expression of total heartache on Kevin's face after dropping the chili is quite sad.
The fact that he says it is the only thing he is good at, and he stayed up all night to make it, is even sadder. His attempt to clean up the chili is also pathetic and sad, and one can't help feel sorry for him.