Dunder Mifflinites, we bring you good news (and bad news!) Greg Daniels, the man behind the comedy series The Office, is bringing back the same universe with a brand-new spin-off. Yet, brace yourself—you’re not prepared for the chaos that’s unfolding. 

Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell at the Montclair Film Festival, November 2014
Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell at the Montclair Film Festival, November 2014 | Wikimedia/Montclair Film Fest

Imagine the most cringe-worthy title ever—yes, even more than Michael Scott’s Threat Level Midnight. Well, this off-beat spin-off has The Office enthusiasts fearing for the legacy of comedy king Steve Carell. Why, exactly? Hold onto your Dundies, as we dive into this unexpected update!

Dunder Mifflin’s demise? Fans fear The Office spin-off is a crumpled mess 

Steve Carell, with wife Nancy, pauses for a moment to take in the grandeur of the 82nd Academy Awards, March 7, in Hollywood, Calif.
Steve Carell, with wife Nancy, pauses for a moment to take in the grandeur of the 82nd Academy Awards, March 7 | Wikimedia/Sgt. Michael Connors

The Office reboot is in its early phases of development, but the crazy fans aren’t so crazy this time. Greg Daniels’ mockumentary show ran for nine seasons on NBC, with 201 episodes. And then moved to Netflix, where the series set a record for being one of the most streamed shows of 2023—with 57.1 billion minutes viewed.

SUGGESTED
Netflix Cuts The Office’s Koi Pond Cold Open
Netflix Cuts The Office’s Koi Pond Cold Open

Given the popularity, the makers decided to make a spin-off series (absolutely amazing, yep!) Everything was great until the reboot series’ title came out. The new “THE OFFICE” series is reportedly titled “THE PAPER.” Now fans of the beloved show are highly critical of this title, calling it “the worst title ever!” 

But, like okay, this is still bearable—but much to fans’ disappointment, Steve Carell confirmed that he will not be returning for the new The Office series. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Carell said of the upcoming spin-off, 

I will be watching, but I will not be showing up. That is off the cart! It’s just a new thing, and there’s really no reason for my character to show up in something like that.

Despite the backlash and disappointment surrounding the title and Steve Carell’s confirmed absence, fans are cautiously optimistic. The legacy of The Office is substantial, and while “The Paper” might face skepticism, it also has the potential to surprise and delight viewers.

A new chapter for The Office without Michael Scott

Steve Carell
Steve Carell at Despicable Me 2 red carpet movie premiere at Event Cinemas, Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia | Wikimedia/Eva Rinaldi

The Office spin-off cast includes Domhall Gleeson from Ex Machina and Sabrina Impacciatore from The White Lotus. The show’s new premise centres on a failing newspaper agency in the Midwest. 

SUGGESTED
5 Christian Bale Movies You Should Watch Apart From The Dark Knight Trilogy
5 Christian Bale Movies You Should Watch Apart From The Dark Knight Trilogy

But The Office remake does have one original series tie-in—so if it wanted to, it could easily welcome back characters like Michael Scott for brief cameos. The team behind the in-universe documentary that filmed Dunder Mifflin will also be responsible for documenting the volunteer reporters of the Midwestern newspaper in the reboot.

While some may find it sad that Carell won’t be returning to the reboot of The Office after playing such a significant role in the success of the American series, others may see it as exactly what the new show needs to flourish. Let’s see whether “The Paper” will live up to everybody’s expectations!

Watch The Office on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video! 

Explore from around the WEB