Rainn Wilson Says a 2026 Office Reboot Would Be Too Hard Because the Show Was “Politically Incorrect”
Rainn Wilson says NBC’s The Office would not be made the same way in 2026, arguing that the long-running sitcom’s humor was too politically incorrect for today’s television landscape. Wilson, 60, who played Dwight Schrute for all nine seasons of the series, said in remarks to Fox News Digital that it would be “too hard” to recreate the show now because much of its comedy relied on material that would be considered inappropriate by modern standards.
Wilson said he misses that style of comedy and noted that the series “milked” its edgy approach for many memorable moments. But he added that even the way Dwight was written, as a character often framed as an idiot, might not be acceptable if the show were developed today. His comments reflect a broader conversation about how network comedy has changed over time and how older sitcoms are often judged differently when viewed through a current cultural lens.
The actor has raised similar points before. In a September 2025 podcast appearance, Wilson said The Office would look “very, very different” if it were created now. Those remarks added to ongoing discussion among fans about whether the show’s signature cringe comedy and workplace satire could survive in the current entertainment climate, especially on broadcast television.
Despite Wilson’s comments, the world of The Office continues to expand. Peacock released a spinoff series, The Paper, last fall, using the same mockumentary style that made the original NBC series so recognizable. The new show has already been renewed for a second season, showing that interest in the franchise remains strong even as the tone and format may be adapted for a newer audience.
The article also notes that Brian Baumgartner, who played Kevin Malone on The Office, recently revealed one of the jokes that never made it to air. That detail underscores how the show often pushed boundaries even in its original run, with some material being cut before broadcast.
The Office remains one of NBC’s most popular and influential sitcoms, known for its awkward humor, memorable characters, and improvised-feeling mockumentary style. Wilson’s comments highlight how much television comedy has evolved since the series premiered, and why many of its most famous jokes, character traits, and situations might be difficult to reproduce in a modern network environment.
