Those critics still watching NBC’s “The Office” are generally in agreement about one fact: the show is in the midst of a creative resurgence.
After a few middling seasons–and an eighth season that was considered abysmal creatively–“The Office” has gotten off to a stronger start for its final season. The humor seems simultaneously crisper and more effortless. Save for a weird decision to transform Andy Bernard into Michael Scott’s evil twin, the character development seems more sincere. The stories are simpler and more relatable.
Unfortunately, audiences are not finding their way back. Thursday’s episode delivered a 2.0 adults 18-49 rating with 4.3 million viewers in the fast nationals Thursday. If the rating holds in the finals, it will mark “The Office”‘s worst adults 18-49 performance on record.
And “The Office” is not the only Thursday NBC comedy facing hardship. “30 Rock,” also in its final season, delivered a mere 1.3 with 3.3 million viewers. “Up All Night” posted a 1.4 with 3.3 million, while critical darling “Parks & Recreation” could only muster a 1.6 and 3.4 million out of “The Office.”
