Over a decade after The Office finale, Steve Carell’s hardest episode to film as Michael Scott with a straight face ended up making its way online.

Throughout its nine-season run, the fan-favorite show, Steve Carell’s The Office, became known for its unique brand of humor. The sitcom often balanced awkwardness, a whole lot of cringe, and a few heartwarming moments to get the perfect show.

But there was one episode that even the cast found rather difficult to film due to its extreme level of cringe — the now-infamous Dinner Party episode from Season 4.

Steve Carell in The Office | Credits: NBC

Although the episode had everyone in splits, it took the longest time for Carell and the rest of the actors to power through it. After all, the jokes had left even them laughing about how ridiculous it all seemed.

Steve Carell could not handle The Office’s cringiest episode

Over the years, Steve Carell has been known for his role as Michael Scott in The Office. Although the actor has taken on many other characters throughout his career, none of them got as much attention as the bumbling boss of Dunder Mifflin.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, John Krasinski who played Jim Halpert on the show, looked back at the show’s behind-the-scenes bloopers for the Dinner Party episode. The actor struggled to keep a straight face as he watched Carell breaking character.

Steve Carell and Melora Hardin in The Office | Credit: NBC

This is terrible. We will never finish this episode.

Steve Carell

Carell struggled to regain his composure but he finally did. Watching the old clip, even Krasinski found himself praising the episode and even his co-star. He stated, “The rarity is that Steve’s going. Steve hardly ever went. He was so professional and so good.”

The episode may have taken a lot out of the cast. But it ended up proving to be worth the hard work. After all, the episode is without a doubt the most uncomfortable and awkward episode to watch. However, that is what made it hilarious.

The show has given the world many memorable moments to remember. From “that’s what she said” jokes to cringe-worthy love stories, it gave fans everything. However, the 62-year-old star doesn’t believe it could do as well today.

Steve Carell reveals why The Office would not work now

Ever since its release, The Office captured the hearts of fans. With the series delving into the absurdities of office life, and making mundane moments feel hilariously significant, it left quite an impact on those who watched it.

Although the show still has a huge fan following even after it ended in 2013, Steve Carell thinks that it might have become rather offensive. In an interview with Esquire via Deadline, the actor revealed why he thinks the show would not work in today’s landscape.

Steve Carell in The Office | Credits: NBC

The climate’s different. I mean, the whole idea of that character, Michael Scott, so much of it was predicated on inappropriate behavior. I mean, he’s certainly not a model boss. A lot of what is depicted on that show is completely wrong-minded. That’s the point, you know?

Carell even ended up pointing out that his character, Michael Scott, did some rather questionable things in the show. Most of which probably wouldn’t sit right with the new, more woke generation. The actor continued, “There’s a very high awareness of offensive things today – which is good, for sure.”

However, the star stated that a character like Scott, no matter how loved, would just not work like it used to. After all, with the character constantly making “that’s what she said” puns and other s*xual jokes, the series might not be the fan favorite it once was.

In fact, that’s the main reason that Carell does not seem to be looking back to reprise his once-iconic role. While fans might love to see the 62-year-old back in Dunder Mifflin, those days are now long gone.

Stream The Office on Peacock.