The Office originally had a hard time finding its audience when it debuted in 2005. Replicating the British series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the sitcom in the United States was received tepidly at best after NBC aired the pilot.

Soon The Office became must-see TV, where fans grew to love its offbeat ‘mockumentary’ format. When talks began of creating a spin-off series, producers of the NBC comedy weren’t thrilled when another network beat them to the punch.

‘Parks and Rec’ – spin-off or standalone?

With The Office hitting its stride as a success, NBC execs and show producers began batting around ideas for a spinoff show. Writer Justin Spitzer recalled when the idea for Parks and Recreation started developing.

They immediately cast Saturday Night Live alum Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones in starring roles for the new sitcom. Yet some on the production team felt that Parks and Recreation couldn’t be considered a spin-off due to Jones’ having been on The Office as Jim’s former love interest.