The oral history featured accounts by those involved and Stupnitsky stated that most scripts on The Office got rewritten and "Dinner Party" was the only script that didn't. The specific episode was discussed by Andy Greene's latest novel, The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s. There were a ton of laughs while shooting, especially with the chaise lounge, Jan's candles, and Hunter's song. Since The Office's "Dinner Party" primarily took place in a location outside of the workplace, it was known as a "bottle episode." Those involved with the episode have very fond memories of filming since nobody could get through scenes without breaking character. Related: The Office: What Happened To Jan After Her Breakup With Michael When the tensions boiled over, the cops were called, and Michael's relationship with Jan completely fractured (just as bad as his tiny flatscreen TV).
As the party started to become a powder keg with the tension rising between Michael and Jan, a few more guests arrive, including Andy Bernard, Angela Martin, Dwight Schrute, and Dwight's date/former babysitter, Melvina. The duo gave in and attended Michael's dinner party where they got a first-hand account of their boss' relationship with Jan Levinson. After failing multiple times before, Michael finally outsmarted Jim and Pam Halpert in getting them over for dinner. The Office season 4 episode focused on Michael Scott throwing a little soiree at his condo for those he believed were his closest friends. "Dinner Party" also gave Paul Feig a win for a Directors' Guild Award that season. "Dinner Party" is one of the most memorable episodes of The Office, but many fans aren't aware that the plot almost took a very grim turn. The episode, written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, aired in April 2008 and served as the first episode following the WGA Writer's Strike.