‘The Office’ theme song was almost this very popular song

There are so many elements that help build an iconic TV show, and none could be more substantial than a catchy theme song. When the American version of The Office premiered in 2005, the poppy synth-heavy theme was what got in the heads of most of Americans, and what aided viewers into entering the absurd world of Michael Scott week by week.

However, according to Rainn Wilson (who played Dwight in the hit show) that piece of the Office puzzle could have gone a different route. The theme song was almost “Float On” by Modest Mouse. Or “Better Things” by The Kinks.

In Wilson’s new book, Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy how The Office theme song was almost totally different: “Many songs were being considered seriously, including ‘Better Things’ by the Kinks and ‘Float On’ by Modest Mouse.” Wilson says.

Wouldn’t The Office have different vibes with “Float On” as an opener?

Or The Kinks?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7-iBValPvY

What the cast was actually rooting for? “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. Though, eventually they opted for an original song composed by Jay Ferguson, who was a former seventies rock/pop star before penning the catchy tune.

Can you imagine Friends without, “I’ll be there for you?” or Malcolm in the Middle without, “You’re not the boss of me now?” What about Frazier without all those, “tossed salad and scrambled eggs”? Even though The Office‘s theme was wordless, its tune is irreplaceable. Glad they opted for the synths in the end — ELO would have been too cheesy anyway, right?

(Image via NBC)