Season 1 of The Office released in 2005, introducing viewers to the wonderful, zany world of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch. The series continued to have nine seasons, changing things slightly to nail the series since the pilot aired.
With fans binging the series again and again—and with season 1 only having six episodes—it's easy to spot major differences in season 1 compared to future seasons. From small details related to where the employees were sitting to Michael Scott's personality, there are quite a few differences that are startling if viewers haven't rewatched the first season in some time.
Meredith Was An ant
In season 1's "The Alliance," it's revealed that the Scranton branch is still on the chopping block as possibly being downsized within Dunder Mifflin. To make everyone feel lighter about the situation, Michael tells the Party Planning Committee to throw a birthday for Meredith.
Even though Meredith's birthday wasn't for another month, Michael threw the party anyway. It was in this episode that it was revealed that Meredith was an ant even though, in later episodes, she works for supplier relations. Meredith wasn't the best employee at Dunder Mifflin, but, in season 1 she showed promise.
...And She Wasn't In The Pilot
Speaking of Meredith, she wasn't in the pilot of The Office. On IMDb the actress credited as playing this version of Meredith was Henriette Mentel, though she had no speaking roles.
It's assumed Kate Flannery (Meredith Palmer) auditioned for the role and was recast after the pilot to give her a bigger role in the series.
Michael Scott's Hairstyle Was Slicked Back
Approving of Michael Scott in season 1 of The Office is something of an unpopular opinion among fans, as he was different in a magnitude of ways.
For starters, Michael's hair was completely different. Instead of a soft combover to the side, Michael's hair in season 1 was slicked back with gel. His hair made him appear unapproachable and even a little intimidating for employees. In later seasons, his hair was a touch longer and styled in a friendlier, sweeter way.
Phyllis Darkened Her Hair
Michael wasn't the only one with different hair in season 1, as Phyllis also had a different style. While she's later known for her soft curls and love of purple sweaters, in season 1, Phyllis had lighter, greyer hair and had a different sense of style.
She later makes her hair darker and changes up her glasses, which really makes her blue eyes pop. Could this be because, when production hired Phyllis Smith to portray Phyllis Vance on The Office, Smith was a casting director for the show and wasn't fully committed to the role until later?
Who Were All Those Workers In The Conference Room?
There are plenty of The Office. But, the Scranton branch was such a small, tight-knit group that fans grew to love them all.
Oddly enough, there were unrecognizable characters in season 1. Both in the conference room and in the office working, there were faces that were never named or introduced. Slowly but surely, Scranton began to cut employees without noting it and keeping the familiar faces viewers know today.
Kevin Wasn't As Dimwitted
In later seasons, Kevin Malone becomes one of the loveable albeit ditzy characters on The Office. He gets out of his comfort zone and starts mingling with others outside of the ing department, making Kevin have some of the best (and relatable) quotes in the series.
But, in season 1, he was a completely different character. He wasn't as bubbly, he was super mono-toned, and it actually looked like he was hard at work in the ing department, which is incredibly out of character for him.
Michael Had Zero Redeeming Qualities
Michael's personality in season 1 is similar to his personality in later seasons, but there's something missing.
In season 1, there are hardly any redeemable qualities in Michael. His jokes are cruel, he's too aggressive, and he doesn't show viewers other sides to his personality. In later seasons, fans begin to understand Michael after they learn about his childhood, his lack of relationships, and the fact that his work family is the only family he has. All of that is missing in season 1.
They Were In A Completely Different Building
It's hard to imagine Dunder Mifflin not being inside of the Scranton Business Park. There aren't too many scenes shot outside of Dunder Mifflin in The Office, making it a cozy, familiar place for fans.
However, in the pilot, there's a quick view of the outside of the building, and it's a completely different building from the one viewers see in season 2. It's far bigger, more modern, and not as personal as the building fans grew to love.
Kelly's Sense Of Style And Personality Shifted Greatly
Like many other characters, Kelly Kapoor is another one who changed drastically over the years. In season 1, she wasn't as outgoing or vibrant and her sense of style was completely different. She barely wore bright colors and stuck to paisley shirts and slacks. Kelly's character didn't make sense in comparison to the character everyone loves today.
Why Would Stanley Participate In The Basketball Game?
In the episode "Basketball," Michael puts together his dream basketball and selects Stanley to play for him. Shockingly, Stanley accepts the invitation and plays happily, even though he's not great at basketball.
The Stanley viewers meet in later seasons, however, would have never participated in Michael's game. Stanely would have ignored Michael's plea and finished his crossword on the bench next to Phyllis. It was completely out of character for Stanley to go along with one of Michael's ideas.