15 Times Michael Scott Really Should Have Been Fired
Michael Scott spent seven seasons proving that being a good salesman doesn’t necessarily make someone a good manager. At Dunder Mifflin, he gets away with behavior that would have most people clearing out their desks before lunch. He insults employees during mandatory training, makes wildly inappropriate jokes, and occasionally puts people in actual danger. Somehow, his branch keeps making money, which might explain why corporate is willing to overlook so much. It’s a miracle Toby never managed to get him fired, although Michael certainly gave him enough material. From disastrous meetings to decisions that could have ended in criminal charges, here are 15 times Michael Scott really should have been fired.
Pretending to Fire Pam on His First Day on Camera
In the pilot, Michael tells Pam she’s being fired for stealing Post-it notes, then reveals it’s a joke. She cries, and he seems genuinely surprised.
Turning Diversity Training Into a Disaster
After his offensive impression prompts mandatory diversity training, Michael takes over the session and makes employees wear labels representing different identities. Kelly eventually slaps him.
Refusing to Take Sexual Harassment Training Seriously
When corporate sends someone to discuss workplace harassment, Michael complains about losing his jokes. He also spends the day entertaining Todd Packer’s offensive comments.
Outing Oscar and Kissing Him at Work
Michael reveals Oscar’s sexuality to the office without his permission, then tries to demonstrate how accepting he is by kissing Oscar in front of everyone.
Introducing Prison Mike to the Entire Office
Learning that Martin Nash served time in prison leads Michael to impersonate a ridiculous inmate called Prison Mike, complete with a purple bandana and an imaginary prison story.
Pretending to Jump Off the Office Roof
Upset that warehouse work is considered more dangerous, Michael plans to jump from the roof onto a bouncy castle to prove that office workers face risks too.
Hitting Meredith With His Car
Michael drives into Meredith in the office parking lot, sending her to the hospital. He later organizes a charity run after learning she has rabies.
Holding a Pizza Delivery Kid Hostage
Michael refuses to let a young pizza delivery worker leave until he gets a discount. Even Jim points out that keeping someone against their will is kidnapping.
Trying to Steal Another Branch’s Copier
When Stanley considers transferring to Utica, Michael recruits Dwight and Jim for a ridiculous mission to steal the other branch’s industrial copier. Karen catches them.
Trying to Frame Toby for Drug Possession
Desperate to get rid of Toby, Michael plants what he believes is marijuana in his desk and calls the police. The suspicious substance turns out to be salad.
Forcing Meredith Into Rehab
After Meredith’s hair catches fire at the Christmas party, Michael stages an intervention at work and physically drags her into a rehabilitation center against her wishes.
Spying on a Family-Owned Competitor
Michael pretends to be a potential customer to obtain confidential information from Prince Family Paper. He hands it to Dwight despite clearly feeling guilty about deceiving the family.
Blaming Dwight for the Golden Ticket Disaster
Michael’s Willy Wonka-inspired promotion accidentally gives Dunder Mifflin’s biggest client a 50 percent discount. He convinces Dwight to take responsibility when the company might lose money.
Promising College Tuition He Could Never Pay
Michael promises to cover college tuition for an entire class of children. Ten years later, he visits their school to explain that he has no money for them.
Making Employees Walk Across Hot Coals
Michael organizes a beach outing to find his possible replacement, complete with contests and a firewalking challenge. Dwight ends up standing barefoot on the burning coals demanding the job.