The Office US nearly had a very different theme song

The theme tune to The US Office, delightful in its cheery awfulness, is probably so embedded in your memories of watching the show that it’s hard to imagine any other song playing over those dreary images of Scranton.

There were however, quite a few options, as Rainn Wilson aka Dwight Schrute explains in his new memoir, Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy.

You can take a listen below, but first here’s what Rainn said:

‘There was an interesting process to decide on our theme song. Many songs were being considered seriously, including “Better Things” by the Kinks and “Float On” by Modest Mouse. Greg [Daniels] graciously sent out a list of songs and links to them as well for the cast to weigh in on. The one we all wanted most of all was “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. It’s a sensational song and its jubilant, upbeat refrain would have fit perfectly over the drab video of the opening credits. Then we found out another show, the doomed and dismally conceived LAX, used the song…

The theme we eventually ended up with was a beaut. Composed by former seventies rock/pop star Jay Ferguson, it was fun and catchy with just a hint of melancholy. It perfectly set the tone for the show. I’ve written pretend lyrics to it on many occasions. Perhaps I’ll sing them to you one day if you’re nice.’

Here’s The Kinks track, which does actually have a similar feel:

And now Modest Mouse, which would have been a completely different vibe:

And finally ELO, which is so cheery that by season 9 I think it would have had me in tears:

Still, the one they ultimately went for did the job nicely: