Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
I think most people can relate to Jim Halpert. Anyone who’s ever stumbled through the doldrums of an uninspiring day job or felt the unmistakable pang of unrequited love can empathize with the man who perfected the “Can you believe this is actually happening?” smirk. For nine seasons on NBC’s The Office, John Krasinski imbued his fan favorite character with a recognizable, everyday charm.
A unique blend of playful antagonist and dashing leading man, Jim Halpert is responsible for so many classic moments from this immensely rewatchable NBC sitcom. From his epic rivalry with Dwight to his romantic journey with Pam, few characters have produced more unforgettable moments than The Big Tuna. It wasn’t easy, but we combed through all nine seasons to bring you the 10 Best episodes from Dunder Mifflin’s resident jester. Due to the fact that Seasons 2 and 3 produced an absolutely insane amount of classic episodes, there are a number of quality offerings that didn’t make the list.
Jim and Pam getting engaged and the birth of their first child are wonderful moments, but we’d be suffering from a threat level much more dangerous than midnight if we didn’t include “Booze Cruise” or “Product Recall.”
Before we head to Scranton to begin our journey, I have but only one question for you: Do you want to form a rewatching The Office alliance with me? If you responded “Absolutely I do,” you may proceed to the 10 best Jim Halpert episodes of The Office.
RELATED: ‘That’s What She Said’: The 10 Best Michael Scott Episodes of ‘The Office’
"The Dundies" (Season 2, Episode 1)
Want to win a bet with a rookie Office fan who doesn’t know his Toby Flenderson from his Robert California? Jim and Pam’s first lip-lock wasn’t during the Season 2 finale “Casino Night,” it actually took place during the Dundie Awards! The first episode of the second season, “The Dundies” served as a pilot 2.0 as the now classic offering gave many of the supporting characters a chance to show off their quirks.
Not only did the episode help to humanize Michael, but it also featured the first (albeit drunken) kiss between Jim and Pam. The closing scene in which Jim longingly stares off into the distance as “Tiny Dancer” plays is a beautiful moment that serves as a perfect example of The Office’s deft ability to capture small, relatable slices of life.
"The Booze Cruise" (Season 2, Episode 11)
Okay, yes, Jim is a straight-up jerk to Amy Adams’ Katy in this episode, but cut the guy some slack! He just watched the girl of his dreams set a wedding date with another man!
This classic episode is filled with so many memorable moments — “I would save the receptionist,” “Never, ever, ever give up,” “I’m king of the world!”— but I’m partial to Jim and Pam’s heart to heart on the sea. One of the main reasons why The Office is so beloved is that it blended exceptional humor with relatable, poignant moments. “Booze Cruise” is the perfect example of that delicate combination.
John Krasinski doesn’t really say anything during his conversation with Pam, but his facial expression delivers a soliloquy of unexpressed emotion.
"Conflict Resolution" (Season 2, Episode 21)
The workplace rivalry between Jim and Dwight reaches its breaking point in “Conflict Resolution.”
This episode is held in high esteem for obvious reasons (Michael reciting the string of pranks Jim’s pulled on Dwight over the years is solid gold), but it also sets the table for the finale as well as Season 3. The seeds are planted for Jim’s eventual transfer to Stamford, and we even catch a glimpse of Jim’s true feelings for Dwight when he (half) jokes about the possibility of both of them moving to Connecticut.
When you consider that the sensational episode “Drug Testing” preceded “Conflict Resolution” and “Casino Night” came after it, you can make the argument that the end of Season 2 was the the apex of The Office.
"Casino Night" (Season 2, Episode 22)
Even if you ignore the whole Jim/Pam storyline, “Casino Night,” which was penned by Steve Carell, is a superb episode of television. But, come on, we all know that the Season 2 finale is best known for “the kiss.” In terms of a cliffhanger, it doesn’t get much more dramatic than a season-ending smooch between your central will they/won’t they couple.
The obvious turning point in the Jim and Pam relationship, Halpert’s teary-eyed declaration of love evokes such a visceral reaction, and Pam’s initial rejection is such a gut-punch. It was wonderfully acted and one of the most memorable TV scenes in modern history.
"The Return" (Season 3, Episode 13)
First, this entire episode is pure chef kiss emoji, but Jim and Pam getting the prank band back together to thwart Andy’s annoying behavior is too good to leave off this list.
Rashida Jones’ Karen was well-liked enough to warrant a Team Pam vs. Team Karen debate, but Jim admitting he wasn’t over Pam was the beginning of the end of the Karen Filipelli-era on The Office.
"Product Recall" (Season 3, Episode 20)
The playful relationship between Jim and Dwight has always been the comedic heartbeat of The Office. Anyone who’s ever been forced to deal with an annoying co-worker can appreciate Jim’s distinct brand of vigilante pranking justice. While there are a number of escapades that deserve the honor of being called the best, it just doesn’t get any better than Jim dressing up as Dwight.
“Identity theft is not a joke, Jim! Millions of families suffer every year! “
"The Job" (Season 3, Episode 23)
This episode, man. This episode.
Sure, “The Job” has the incredible final scene between Jim and Pam, which is terrific, but there are so many more little moments that make this an all-time classic: The “Office Olympics” yogurt lid callback, Ryan’s surprise promotion, and an expert stroke of storytelling in which the writing staff chose to wait until this episode to reveal the conclusion of Pam’s dramatic speech from “Beach Games.”
"Niagara" (Season 6, Episodes 4 and 5)
Jim and Pam’s marriage wasn’t just a normal episode of The Office, oh no; it was a television event. We watched these two evolve from flirty co-workers to husband and wife, so in a way, watching their nuptials was like seeing two of our closest friends getting hitched… minus the hangover. That’s what I like to call a win-win (win).
Not only is Jim’s pre-wedding toast ten different levels of adorable, but when he accidentally divulges that Pam is pregnant, it’s (of course) Michael to the rescue in a hilariously cringe-worthy manner.
"Goodbye Michael" (Season 7, Episode 22)
A good comedy will make you laugh, while a great comedy will make you feel. Jim and Michael’s tearful farewell is simply beautiful. You get the sense that you’re not only watching Michael and Jim say goodbye, but you’re also getting a glimpse behind the curtain at John Krasinski and Steve Carell parting ways.
Jim and Pam receive more attention, but one of the most satisfying arcs on The Office was the evolution of Michael and Jim.
“You know what I think we should do? I think we should just save the goodbyes for tomorrow. At lunch. And then tomorrow, I can tell you… what a great boss you turned out to be. Best boss I ever had.”
"A.A.R.M." (Season 9, Episode 22)
One of the advantages of having a documentary film crew following you around for nine years is the ability to make insanely sweet mini-videos that demonstrate your undying love for your wife. In the penultimate episode of the series, The Office finally pays off the “note in the teapot” bit from Season 2’s “Christmas Party.”
I understand some people’s dissatisfaction with the decision not to make the text of the note known, but, honestly, I think it was the correct choice. Everything you need to know about that letter is in Pam’s reaction.
“Not enough for me? You are everything.”
