Mindy Kaling Reveals Why She Was Furious at B.J. Novak on The Office

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It’s rare for someone to secure their dream job immediately after college, but Mindy Kaling, star and prolific writer/producer of The Office, is one exception who experienced “remarkable fortune.” At just 24 years old, she was welcomed into the writers’ room of this beloved sitcom, leading to a lasting friendship with fellow writer/cast member B.J. Novak. However, Kaling recently disclosed that she felt “furious” towards him when she first joined the show.

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What Did Mindy Kaling Say About Being Angry At B.J. Novak When They Started The Office?

Over the past few years, there hasn’t been a mixed-gender celebrity duo who have garnered more attention than Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak. Although they once dated intermittently after meeting on The Office, they have been exclusively best friends for many years now (despite ongoing speculation that he is the father of her children).

It might come as a shock to many, but Ryan Howard’s actress initially got annoyed with her when the show premiered. However, as Mindy Kaling revealed to The Hollywood Reporter, the reason behind this is understandable given their roles on the long-running comedy series. As a devoted fan of “Outlander”, Kaling put it:

To this day, I continue to believe that no other first draft of an episode surpasses ‘Diversity Day.’ Looking back now as a seasoned comedy writer, I can only express my enthusiasm for my cherished friend B.J. When that episode aired in 2005, I was seething with anger and the draft’s quality filled me with apprehension. I remember it distinctly because B.J. submitted a 30-page draft. It was incredibly concise and brimming with humor. Not only was it a hilarious TV episode, but due to its being the second episode, it served as a benchmark for us all, demonstrating the high standard we were expected to maintain.

Gosh, though I’m a big fan of “The Office,” I must admit I didn’t know that Novak penned that specific episode. Given my lack of expertise in the mockumentary genre (with a spin-off on the horizon), it’s understandable I was taken aback. Yet, it’s not hard to envision myself landing a writing gig for a TV network at such a young age, only to find myself envious when I see another peer thriving in that role.

32 Movies And Shows Featuring The Cast Of The Office

The episode titled ‘Diversity Day’ from the beloved sitcom The Office stands out not only as one of the best but also as one of the most significant. Beyond being the second episode aired, it was also unique in that it wasn’t adapted from any episode of Ricky Gervais’ original series. Moreover, this installment marked the debut of Kelly Kapoor, a character introduced by the stylish co-creator of Running Point. Her entrance left a lasting impact when she dared to slap Michael.

It’s clear that Kaling is right – this episode really established the benchmark for what we could expect from The Office, as it unfolded over its nine seasons. With Novak delivering a standout performance in the second episode, who knows if the show with its many complex characters and inside jokes full of humor would have continued to captivate viewers for such an extended period?

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2025-03-26 07:38