A Beloved Sitcom Born in Scranton but Raised in California
Ah, The Office. The mockumentary-style sitcom that turned mundane watercooler chatter into comedy gold and gave us iconic characters like Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, and Pam Beesly. Depicting the day-to-day operations of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this runaway hit found laughter in laminate binders and heartbreak hidden in breakroom glances. Yet, before you pack your bags for Scranton to sip a coffee at Poor Richard’s Pub, here’s the plot twist: the majority of this beloved show wasn’t filmed there at all. That’s right—the heart of The Electric City was largely brought to life by movie magic from sunny Los Angeles, California. Shocking, huh?
But worry not, fellow fans. Scranton wasn’t just a hollow name-drop. Its spirit, landmarks, and local quirks continuously inspired key elements of the series. Today, let’s dig deep into where the magic truly happened—from smoky California parking lots to Scranton’s street signs splashed across your TV screen—and why these filming locations are just as pivotal to the show’s charm as Jim’s signature smirk.
Where Was The Office Filmed? The Short Answer
Despite its ties to Scranton, the much-loved sitcom was predominantly filmed in and around Los Angeles, a stark but surprisingly fitting contrast to the chilly industrial vibes of Pennsylvania. And before you groan about this LA interloper, let me assure you: Scranton was far from sidelined. The show’s production team cleverly wove elements of the real Scranton into the series, from specific signage to mentions of actual businesses, crafting a blend of authenticity and cinematic adaptation.
Why Scranton Felt Like Home Despite LA’s Geography
Scranton was chosen as the show’s setting largely because of its relatable “everytown” vibe—a small American city with working-class roots and unassuming charm. To bolster that connection, the production team conducted location scouting and research in Scranton before filming began. Remember the famous opening credits? Those authentic shots of the Scranton Welcome Sign, Pennsylvania Paper & Supply Company tower, and Main Street were captured by John Krasinski himself during a research trip to the city. Yes, Jim Halpert deserves credit for the opening sequence you’ve never skipped.
Meanwhile, most of the show was filmed on a soundstage at Chandler Valley Center Studios in Van Nuys, California. The iconic Dunder Mifflin office? That was meticulously constructed there, down to details like the beige walls, fluorescent lighting, and questionable carpet that make you feel like you’re right back in a mid-2000s corporate cubicle job. Yet much of the show’s early episodes also made use of an actual office building—4335 Van Nuys Boulevard—before production fully shifted to the soundstage.
Spotlighting Key Filming Locations
The Parking Lot Chronicles
If you’re picturing a dreary East Coast parking lot for key moments like Michael Scott hitting Meredith with a car (“casual Fridays are over” will never not be funny), you’re in for another West Coast surprise. The Dunder Mifflin parking lot was located at the same California office building used for early episodes. Despite being bordered by palm trees, the crew went to great lengths to erase any telltale signs of its LA identity, focusing instead on creating the unremarkable anonymity essential to Scranton’s vibe.
“Poor Richard’s Pub” and Local Flavor
What about Poor Richard’s Pub, the favorite after-hours haunt of Dunder Mifflin staff? The show’s version of Poor Richard’s was filmed at Pickwick’s Pub, a cozy watering hole in Woodland Hills, California. However, the name is an homage to a real bar in Scranton—specifically, a lounge inside South Side Lanes bowling alley. These nods to actual Scranton institutions added authenticity that hardcore fans truly appreciated.
Streetscapes and Signage: A Custom Blend
Throughout the series, the production incorporated actual Scranton street names, businesses, and landmarks, like Alfredo’s Pizza Café and Cooper’s Seafood House (both mentioned in the show). Additionally, local Scranton residents were thrilled to see their hometown immortalized in quirky Americana details, like Schrute Farms beet merchandise. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t considered a trip to Scranton just to visit these spots—including the annual “Office” conventions that draw thousands of fans each year?
Why It All Works
Part of The Office’s enduring appeal is how it feels both hyper-specific and universally relatable. It takes the mundane realities of small-town life and desk-job monotony and amplifies them into comic genius. The patchwork of Scranton-inspired touches with LA-filmed precision is an example of how the show walks the line between real and fictional with delicate (and hilarious) balance. It’s why we all feel like we, too, are honorary employees of Dunder Mifflin.
The Takeaway: A Tale of Two Cities
So, was The Office really set in Scranton? A resounding yes. Was it filmed there? Mostly no. But that discrepancy is something fans have come to embrace rather than lament. The blend of Scranton’s earthy authenticity with Hollywood’s polished production created something truly magical—a sitcom that might as well be a love letter to small-town charm, workplace absurdity, and, of course, beet farming.
Next time you stream an episode, take a moment to appreciate the blend of geography, talent, and storytelling finesse it took to bring Dunder Mifflin to life. And if you ever find yourself in Scranton, go ahead and take a picture with the Welcome Sign—then drive west to California for the rest of the tour. You’ll be in good company with a legion of fans who’ve made this pilgrimage before you.