Does Michael Scott really hate Toby in The Office? Explained

The Office is a widely beloved American sitcom that ran for nine seasons, from 2005 to 2013. Adapted from the British version, the program chronicles the daily lives of Dunder Mifflin paper company staff members. Its mockumentary approach, realistic characters and embarrassing but funny moments are well-known.

The legacy of the show still revolves mostly on Steve Carell's performance of the eccentric regional manager Michael Scott. Though early reviews were mixed, The Office won praise from critics for its comic timing and characters. The show has become among the best ones in television history.

The main character of The Office, Michael Scott, is renowned for his frantic attempts to win over his colleagues. For some reason, Michael never accepts Toby Flenderson, the HR official.

Does Michael Scott hate Toby? Yes. Michael dislikes Toby because of their conflicting personalities and company roles. Michael is spontaneous and fun, while Toby, representing corporate procedures, holds him back.

Michael's disdain for Toby is evident from their early interactions. This dislike is not just casual; it's intense and consistent throughout The Office. Michael finds Toby's behavior too unacceptable. Toby follows policies, which gets in the way of his goal to make the workplace entertaining. This dynamic turns into a central humorous feature of the show.

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Michael Scott’s dislike for Toby in The Office

Michael’s hatred for Toby starts early in The Office. In the episode Diversity Day (Season 1, Episode 2), Michael attempts to run his own sensitivity training.

When Toby innocently comments on the session, Michael kicks him out, marking the first clear sign of disdain. This moment sets the tone for their ongoing conflict, where Michael sees Toby as an obstacle to his fun and freedom.

Throughout the series, Michael's hatred for Toby leads to numerous confrontations. One of the most iconic moments comes in the Season 2 episode Casino Night, where Toby stops Michael from inviting Boy Scouts to the company’s adult-themed event.

Michael’s response was:

"I hate so much about the things that you choose to be."

That sums up his feelings. Michael doesn’t just dislike Toby’s actions; he despises Toby.

In The Deposition (Season 4), Toby tries to offer Michael support during a tense moment, but Michael dismisses it by pushing Toby’s lunch tray off the table. This childish act shows how far Michael is willing to go to maintain his contempt for Toby.

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The infamous "Goodbye, Toby" moment

One of the funniest scenes in Season 4 of The Office centers Michael and Toby's conflict. Michael throws a huge party when Toby announces his leaving, not to honor Toby's accomplishments but rather to mark his departure.

Michael’s joy is short-lived when Toby unexpectedly returns in the Season 5 episode Frame Toby. Michael’s scream of "No, God! No!" is a fan-favorite moment, highlighting his exaggerated hatred.

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Michael’s most brutal insult

One of the most memorable lines that showcases Michael’s hatred comes from Season 6, in the episode The Chump. While Toby tries to give a serious lecture, Michael interrupts, delivering one of his harshest insults:

"If I had a gun with two bullets, and I was in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden and Toby, I would shoot Toby twice."

This line, although shocking, is a perfect example of Michael's extreme dislike for Toby.

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Behind the scenes: Paul Lieberstein and Steve Carell

Paul Lieberstein, Toby's actor, also directed, produced, and wrote for The Office. In an interview, Lieberstein revealed that the feud between Michael and Toby was never planned. It grew out of an offhand comment made by Steve Carell during filming.

The idea that Michael hated Toby simply “happened” and turned into a comedic goldmine. Carell’s natural frustration with Lieberstein’s slow pace while signing a card led to the creation of one of TV’s funniest rivalries.

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Does Michael Scott really hate Toby in The Office? Absolutely. A running joke that gives the show comedy and suspense is Michael's hate of Toby. Michael sees Toby as the epitome of everything that gets in his way of fun, from his reserved demeanor to his part in enforcing policies.

The show revolves on this continuous conflict, which generates some of the most unforgettable events. The Office's genius resides not only in its comic timing but also in its depiction of daily office dynamics, where the Michael-Toby conflict stands out.