The Reason Michael Scott Underwent a Makeover After the First Season of 'The Office'

Fans of The Office have probably noticed that Michael Scott (Steve Carell) looked a little more rough around the edges in the first season than he did the second. Though no explanation for this was ever given in the sitcom, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey recently shared the inside scoop about Carell’s makeover.

People reports that on their podcast, Office Ladies, Fischer and Kinsey revealed Judd Apatow’s 2005 film sparked Carell's style upgrade. Kinsey explained:

“The summer that [Carell] was going to film The 40-Year-Old Virgin, he got in crazy amazing shape, and then he’s maintained that. He’s very fit now, he sort of like, made that part of his life. They just gave him a whole new look. They zhuzhed him up.”

Fischer added that the producers decided to incorporate his new look and use it as a way to differentiate him from the original UK Office. She shared:

“Originally, his character was based on the British show and the boss there, so they really mirrored his look after David Brent. And when Steve came back so much thinner and just looking amazing, they used it as an excuse…. I think they felt like when they got the pickup for season 2, they could really make this for Steve. They could really base it more on what Steve was going to bring to the character.”

Fans can thank Carell workin’ on his fitness for the Michael Scott we know and love today.