The only thing more polarizing than Benny Blanco appearing in People’s“Sexiest Man Alive” issue? John Krasinski topping the list. That’s right, Jim from The Office has been crowned America’s hunkiest hunk — joining an elite club that includes George Clooney and Michael B. Jordan. Now, to be fair, Krasinski has given us one of TV’s most beloved characters, is an excellent golden retriever husband (see: his reaction to Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins), and, in recent years, has evolved (read: improved) his sense of style. Still, we can’t help but scratch our heads at the decision, particularly given all the internet boyfriends that dominated the discourse in 2024, including Short-Shorts Enthusiast Paul Mescal, King of Tennis ‘Fits Frances Tiafoe (no one does on-court fashion better), and Hollywood’s Most Charismatic Capybara Glen Powell — whose snub in particular sent the internet into a frenzy. Even Krasinski himself seemed bewildered, admitting that his immediate reaction was “maybe I’m being punked.”

And yet, People’s decision to choose Krasinski isn’t exactly surprising. The brand, which has doled out the accolade since 1985 (its inaugural winner was, uh, Mel Gibson), has long been criticized for the overwhelming number of white titleholders (before Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson received the award in 2016, barely any men of color had been chosen) and being out of touch (looking at you, Blake Shelton). Plus, there’s the cultural relevancy of it all: In 2024, who is the Sexiest Man Alive really for? Given last year’s title went to McDreamy, it sure doesn’t seem like the brand is trying to reach a new, younger audience — which might explain the rumors Powell turned down the offer to be this year’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” Then again, it could have also been because he was too busy taking those mesh shirt photos for Vanity Fair. At least the internet has that.