The Office Dethroned As #1 Streaming Series
Suits has dethroned The Office as the series with the most minutes watched in a year. In an examination of television viewership patterns in the United States for 2023, Nielsen reported that the legal drama accumulated 57.7 billion minutes watched, surpassing the 57.1 billion minutes of viewership achieved by the mockumentary sitcom in 2020.
Suits Is Now #1
However, when considering the total time watched, shows with more and/or longer episodes find themselves at a distinct advantage. The entire duration of Suits spans approximately 83 hours, making it comparatively easier for the series to reach the 57 billion-minute milestone compared to The Office, which has about 73 hours of content.
Netflix Dominance
Both records underscore Netflix’s dominance in the streaming landscape since The Office concluded its run on NBC in 2013 but maintained its audience until it was removed from Netflix in early 2021. It then moved to NBCU-owned Peacock. Suits wrapped on the USA Network in 2019 and was initially available on Peacock. But it gained the most traction after being acquired by Netflix.
No Streaming Original Broke Into The Top Ten
The Nielsen report also provides a breakdown of the top 10 most-streamed titles in 2023 overall, including the top 10 titles exclusive to streaming platforms, the top 10 acquired titles, and the top 10 streamed movies. What is extremely noteworthy about 2023 is that no streaming original made it into the top 10, a phenomenon also influenced by run times.
The Office Comeback
Interestingly, The Office may be set to make a comeback, as Greg Daniels, who adapted the series from the original British version, is reportedly developing a new show set within the same universe as the Steve Carell-led sitcom. Daniels said to be assembling a team of writers to brainstorm ideas for a new sequel series. Although the project is still in its early stages, some details have emerged.
The Office Sequel
The Office sequel series will likely feature a new setting and a different cast. Daniels has also suggested that the show might feature a documentary crew focusing on a different subject, hinting that the new series may not necessarily be set in a conventional office environment. Still, maintaining a connection to the original show could lead to potential appearances from characters of the previous series.
A Historic Comedy Run
The Office premiered on NBC in 2005. Greg Daniels adapted it from the original British series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The American version spanned nine seasons, concluding in 2013, and became a cultural phenomenon during its run. The series became famous for its unique blend of humor, satire, and distinctive format.
The Cast Became Stars
Set at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, The Office revolves around the daily lives of employees, capturing their interactions, eccentricities, and the mundane aspects of office culture. At the center of the show is the bumbling yet endearing regional manager, Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer also star.
The Office Continued After Steve Carell’s Left
The Office earned several awards and nominations during its run. Along with numerous Primetime Emmy Awards, Steve Carell won a Golden Globe Award for his role in 2006. The quality of the eighth season faced criticism, with Carell’s exit in the seventh season cited as the reason for the decline. The ninth and final season saw the series return to form.
Source: Neilsen
