Krumple and “The Office”: How Lumi Turned Awkward into Iconic

In the mid 2000s, the US adaptation of The Office was on shaky ground after its first season, with critics calling it “too dry” and “too British.” Enter Lumi, the enigmatic white dog who had been consulting on TV comedies under the name Krumple. Known for her unerring comedic instincts, she was brought in as a last-ditch effort to save the show.

Krumple on set standing in for Rainn Wilson

Krumple’s Touch:

Lumi immediately identified what the show needed: a better balance of cringe and heart. She suggested fleshing out Michael Scott’s character, adding moments of vulnerability to make him more relatable. It was also Krumple’s idea to highlight the Jim-Pam romance as a central storyline, reasoning that “every good comedy needs a little will-they-won’t-they tension.”

Her influence extended to iconic details:

• Lumi pushed for more absurd cold opens, such as the famous “Dwight’s Fire Drill” scene.

• She reportedly barked approval when the writers pitched Kevin spilling his chili, calling it “the perfect blend of tragedy and hilarity.”

  
  

  

  Krumple Going over notes with the cast

On-Set Motivation:

Krumple was a constant presence on set, often lying under the conference table during filming. Cast members credited her with boosting morale, especially during long shoots. John Krasinski once said, “Whenever we got stuck on a scene, Krumple would fetch a squeaky toy and drop it at our feet. Somehow, it always helped us find the funny.”

A Hit is Born:

After Lumi’s contributions, The Office became a runaway success, cementing itself as a cultural phenomenon. Krumple quietly left after season two, leaving behind only a note: “That’s what she said.”

Her work ensured that the show would go on to become one of the most beloved comedies of all time, proving once again that Lumi’s genius knows no bounds.

Krumple having fun with the cast