The Office featured several clever references to the Harry Potter series throughout nine seasons of the NBC sitcom. Created by Greg Daniels, the series debuted in 2005, totaling 201 episodes before coming to an end in 2013. The Office has since found a resurgence in popularity thanks in part to Netflix. That will soon end when the series leaves the streaming giant to join Peacock, which plans to feature extended episodes.
Dwight Schrute, the longtime Assistant (to the) Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch had a particular affinity for fantasy series. The popularity of J.K. Rowling's book series and the subsequent Harry Potter film adaptations were insanely popular during The Office's original broadcast run. For that reason, it was no surprise that the series made Dwight a major fan of the boy wizard.
Aside from Harry Potter, The Office made sure to include other cultural references stemming from popular franchises. Battlestar Gallactica, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings were well represented as was comedy series like Saturday Night Live. That said, the Harry Potter nods were extra memorable, and here's every reference during the sitcom.
Season 2, Episode 4 "The Fire" - After the office building's fire alarms went off, the employees were forced to evacuate. As a way to pass time, Jim came up with a number of fun games, including "Desert Island Picks." When Dwight was asked what he would take with him if stranded on an island, he couldn't make up his mind between copies of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone or Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Season 3, Episode 9 "The Convict" - After new employee Martin Nash shared his experiences in prison, some of the employees claimed that jail sounded better than Dunder Mifflin. To change everyone's opinion, Michael took on the persona of "Prison Mike" who claimed that the worst thing about prison was the Dementors, stating "they... were flying all over the place, and they were scary."
Season 3, Episode 23 "Beach Games" - Michael decided to hold a Survivor-like contest at a local lake with all of his employees. After the group was split up into teams, Dwight named his tribe "Gryffindor." In an act of retaliation, Jim named his team "Voldemort," which visibly disturbed Dwight. He remained apprehensive each time the name was said out loud in the episode.
Season 4, Episode 7/8 - "Money" - Jim and Pam decide to spend a night at Dwight's bed and breakfast located at Schrute Farms. As part of the experience, Dwight read an excerpt from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire before they went to sleep.
Season 5, Episode 14/15 - "Stress Relief" - During the office-wide roast of Michael, Kelly listed everyone she would rather make out with than her boss. Included in the list was Lord Voldemort.
Season 6, Episode 4/5 "Niagra" - While attending Jim and Pam's wedding, Dwight mentioned that he owned 9 and 3/4 horses. This was a nod to Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station in Harry Potter.
Season 6, Episode 10 "Murder" - To distract his employees, Michael forced them to play a murder mystery game called Belles, Bourbon & Bullets. Angela was assigned to portray a character named Voodoo Mama Juju, a woman she claimed got interested in the dark arts after reading Harry Potter.
Season 7, Episode 18 "Todd Packer" - To get rid of Todd Packer from the Scranton branch, Jim and Dwight came up with a scheme, claiming to offer him a job at the corporate headquarters in Florida. During the prank call, Dwight kept referencing The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as a selling point to relocate to Florida.
Season 9, Episode 24/25 "Finale" - Those featured in the Dunder Mifflin documentary reunite for a special panel at a local theater. While there, the audience had a chance to ask questions. One woman referenced Jim and Pam's relationship to a great book that never ends before comparing it to the Harry Potter series.
