The Office US: Creed Bratton reveals who the Scranton Strangler was and fans can’t seem to digest it

Creed has been one of the prime suspects when it comes to The Office fan theories around the Scranton Strangler (Image via NBC)
Creed has been one of the prime suspects when it comes to The Office fan theories around the Scranton Strangler (Image via NBC)

A surprise Instagram post has sent The Office fans into a frenzy with the following declaration: Creed might just be the long-debated Scranton Strangler. Consider this: He humorously addresses the camera, threatening to break the code of secrecy about who the real Scranton Strangler is.

The Strangler's identity has spawned many theories over the years. For years, fans' guesses have run wild regarding who this Scranton Strangler is, and the few potential candidates were Toby Flenderson played by Paul Lieberstein, and Creed Bratton, who plays a fictionalized version of himself.

Although it seems Creed finally gave up the "answer" The Office fans were looking for, in perfect Creed fashion, the video has sparked fresh debates online, with some accepting the confession and others remaining skeptical.

As the lens pans down, he holds a small mirror in his hand, suggesting Creed Bratton himself, is the infamous Scranton Strangler!

Many took the opportunity to recall some of the series' funniest lines while reviving their theories about the character. Many fans remained skeptical, suggesting it might be an elaborate joke orchestrated by Toby, the longtime favorite for the Scranton Strangler theory.

@juanwick_19 said - "Nah Toby for sure made you record this."

@smd71ng echoed similar sentiments, humorously implying that Toby might be trying to frame Creed.

"How much is Toby paying you to take the wrap?"

Other fans took a more lighthearted approach, like @scmglove, who referenced one of Michael Scott's iconic misquotes, highlighting how this reveal perfectly aligns with the chaotic nature of The Office.

"Well, well, well. How the turntables…"

For those who can’t get enough of Creed's bizarre backstory, @robhinesfit hilariously referenced Creed’s admission of having many identities, once again sparking debate over whether this is just another one of Creed’s mysterious personas.

"That’s not the Scranton Strangler, that’s William Charles Schneider, who made love to many, many women, often outdoors in the mud and the rain."

Some, like @mechanicalengineeringmemes, have developed more complex theories, suggesting that perhaps both Creed and Toby played a role in Scranton Strangling — a theory that continues to gain traction among fans.

"My theory is that both Toby and Creed are the Scranton Stranglers."

Finally, fans like @marceljanbey expressed their desire to see more of Creed, perhaps in a spin-off, where his wild and chaotic life could be explored in greater detail.

"We need a show on Creed."

Creed Bratton or Toby Flenderson: Who’s more likely to be the Scranton Strangler on The Office?

Perhaps The Office's biggest unresolved mystery is that of the identity of the Scranton Strangler. Toby Flenderson is often considered a primary suspect due to his odd behavior and questionable motivations. As a juror on the case of George Howard Skub — the man convicted of the stranglings — Toby has expressed doubts about Skub's guilt, even going so far as to visit him in prison, only to be strangled himself.

This has led some The Office fans to believe that Toby feels guilty because he was the real Strangler and framed Skub. But with all his odd, mysterious past, Creed Bratton often always looked like a much more obvious candidate.

From the confession that he spent time as another person to the scene where he walked into work drenched in blood, there is often something odd about the character.


Will we ever find out who the real Scranton Strangler is?

Creed Bratton's Instagram post brought back the debate over Scranton Strangler. However, we don't know if that will be answered once and for all The Office US fans. In the end, despite jokes and fan theories, the creators have never confirmed who the real Strangler is.

Theories about Toby, Creed, and even David Wallace still circulate, each with compelling arguments. Toby’s suspicious absence during the police chase of the Strangler and his obsession with the case remain points in his guilt. Meanwhile, Creed’s background and behavior leave the door open for him to be the culprit.

Ultimately, it seems the Scranton Strangler will remain one of TV’s greatest mysteries — and that’s exactly how The Office fans like it.


Whether you believe Toby, Creed, or one of the other characters, is behind the notorious crimes, one thing is certain: the Scranton Strangler will be a topic that will keep fans of The Office theorizing for years to come.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava