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Greg Daniels on The Future of The Office

Posted on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009 by Hunter Stephenson

the_office_season_5_0011

Most fans of The Office (Scranton, USA) are simply stoked and relieved that Pam and Jim are finally making it happen, so a longer glimpse down the halls of the NBC series might seem verboten. Nevertheless, series creator and writer, Greg Daniels, recently chimed in on the future of the most aloof branch of Dunder-Mifflin…

While Steve Carell has emphasized that he has no intention of vacating the desk of Michael Scott, The Wrap asked Daniels about his plans if this happens…

Mindy Kaling very early on made the comparison to ER,  and I think it would be possible to keep bringing new characters in. Ed Helms’s Andy Bernard was introduced in season three, for example, and Ellie Kemper (”Erin”) came on last year. In our premiere, we introduced three summer interns just for the episode, but by the end of it I was curious to see more of them.

But it is hard to imagine the show without Steve and the current cast at its core. We are still several years away from having to think about it, and I have a good idea for a series finale episode, too.

The possibility of a post-Scott era may have been mentioned before in previous interviews, but I hadn’t entertained the notion until now. On one hand, the signature documentary-style and atmosphere of the show could begin to feel as drab as office-life itself if prolonged for more than an additional handful of years a la Married with Children (or worse, Scrubs).

The flip is that the show is a dream haven for great comedy writers, and with Carell, Helms, and now John Krasinski breaking into high-profile features, it serves as an ideal primetime launch pad and, unlike SNL, a longterm roost for established talent to boot. Co-star and fan fave, Mindy Kaling (Kelly Kapoor), who works as a writer on the show, notably scribed the upcoming wedding ep, “Niagra,” with Daniels, and is developing her own NBC sitcom. Moreover, the setting of DM naturally lends itself to the idea of gradually changing workforce; and as Daniels mentioned, the current sixth season introduced the concept of interns, albeit it was executed with surprising brevity.

While we’re on the subject, though the future of Daniels’s Parks and Recreation doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy due to NBC’s trust and investment therein, its ratings have not improved this season. (The Office similarly debuted to a ratings struggle.) The show’s buzz, however, has witnessed a moderate turn around. I have the first two eps unwatched on my DVR, so I can’t chime in. What say you? Tidbit: As of last week, The Office UK now airs every Friday night on [adult swim].

Discuss: What do you think about the future of The Office? Also, how do you like the season so far?

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  • TuchmanMarsh
    I still enjoy The Office, but Parks & Recreation has improved so much that I have found it be better and funnier than The Office currently. The characters are getting fleshed out more, the show is finding its own distinct voice, and it's becoming a nice place for comedy nerd favorites (Louis C.K. in a brilliant recurring role as a cop, Human Giant/Delocated's Jason Woliner directing an episode, Harris Wittels as staff writer) to get work on network television.

    Quality wise, I would compare it to The Office season 2 when NO ONE was talking about the show prior (I remember the S2 Office premiere getting barely any notice at all, similar to P&R's), but with great episodes every week it starts slowly building a fanbase. I hope that's the case, because I really want to see it continue to be on the air.
  • I too want Parks to succeed because I genuinely like the cast. Everyone is used equally and they all have a good story so far. For all those people who are disgusted by Jim and Pam, watch Parks & Recreation because it seems as though that won't happen.

    It's nice to know there is a similarity between Office and Parks' season 2 quality wise because I've heard the ratings aren't so good right now.
  • TS
    Steve Carell is contracted until season 7, where I hope they decide to end the show. While it's still highly entertaining and one of the top highlights of my TV-watching schedule, its quality has diminished - something that inevitably happens to every show - and I'd hate for it to be dragged out even further.
  • As Daniels says above, they still have a few years to go, so it would seem that Carell's role would continue past season seven. I also wonder if he'd consider a spin-off show, which was the original pitch for Parks and Recreation.

    I would love to see a show where Kevin wins the lotto, but that would probably be more suitable for HBO and/or the Playboy Channel.
  • A spin off would be milking it. I like The Office but I don't think anyone there should get a spin off series. If anyone, it should be Andy.

    I only say Andy because it seems as though he isn't used enough on the show. I knew he'd have nothing to do after his relationship with Angela ended.

    I'm all for The Office continuing what they're doing even after the seventh season. I just don't know what they're going to show. Like I said earlier, I suppose it would be nice to see Michael find love with Holly.
  • dusty
    Are you people crazy? the show needs to end now? Why should a really good show with great characters that continue to surprise and take us to fun and entertaining places end? What are we going to replace it with? Is it the hipster thing where now that a few more people actually watch the show it has become lame and uncool? I am baffled. The office has been around for a while now, it is not as new and fresh as it once was, but it is still a REALLY good show. Why end it when it is still one of the top three comedies on tv?
  • Reese
    Let's face it, if Arrested Development were still on today people would be begging for its creators to mercy-kill it by now.
  • Guest
    Always leave them wanting more.
  • johnny
    thats what she said
  • Show should have ended after season 3. Don't people realize that the Pam & Jim nonsense is just their attempt to have another Rachel & Ross situation? It's cheesy. It was cheesy on Friends and now it's cheesy on The Office.
  • Reese
    This is only true if you are one of those obnoxious Office fans who think Jim and Pam are the sole reason to tune in.
  • Jim and Pam are the sole reason I no longer watch the show. Grinds that shit to a complete halt.
  • dagreenman18
    I honeslty think that the show needs to end. I love the show, and this season is going great so far, but every show needs an ending or they'll end up like the simpsons. Did you see this season premiere of the simpsons? Even Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg couldn't make it watchable.
  • Matt
    /television
  • /fuckyou.
  • iec
    Hunter, you are a winner.
  • Classy.
  • TheModernPrometheus
    Jordinho, get off your high horse. Also "Classy."? Really?!?! (/Classy)
  • I still watch it, but I'm not that into it anymore. Jim is the worst character on the show now. Terribly boring and unfunny and I rage when he looks at the camera and smirks. They use him as the guy you are supposed to relate to, but he is kind of a dick and a boring dude now. Pam is old news. Even Dwight is becoming old news. The best characters, which has been true since season one, is Creed, by far, and then Oscar, Toby, and Stanley. And they are hardly ever on. I couldnt give a fuck less about Pam and Jim getting married. It is not interesting and they are reusing the same jokes over and over. At one point the show was a 5, but now a solid 3 on netflix.
  • Guest
    I liked Parks last season, but I can't figure out what they're doing now. It's a bit much with the guy living in the pit and everything centering around the pit...
  • Equine_Cassette
    I read this post and thought, "Thank goodness." Judging from reactions of the past several seasons I realize I am in the minority but I think that The Office has become a dreadfully stale production each week. Many of the characters still on the show (I'm looking at you Michael, Pam and Jim) have become such broad caricatures that I don't find the show funny anymore. It is an overly sentimental exercise in inappropriate social behavior that exists neither in a hyper-realistic universe (like the superior British office) or in an absurd universe (like, say Anchorman) but rather you now have Michael and Dwight who would have lost their jobs years ago and probably have charges pressed against them and we have Jim and Pam, the most annoying couple on television, who may be realistic but are no longer likable. They are the neighbors you wish would have their baby and move already. So, in my opinion the idea of injecting some fresh blood into the show could energize it in the way that Idris Elba and Amy Ryan have at different times. This used to be my favorite sitcom but now I cant make it through an episode without being annoyed and turning the channel. Does anyone share this sentiment?
  • thrillhouse
    I with you dude. So far, it's been better than last year's DREADFULLY off-the-rails affair, but it still feels like it's hung around too long.

    The reason I regard the British version so much is that it feels consistent throughout. A tight, cohesive package that is deliriously funny and very touching all the way through.

    I held The US version right along side it, until season 4, where the magic started to dwindle. Seasons 1-3 of The Office would have been a wonderful way for the show to grow and then end. Seasons 1-3, in my opinion, could be on par with the British version, albeit a very different take on it.

    I fear that they've run it into the ground and have given up their consistency, just to make the show run longer.
  • Going to agree here too. The first season found the show's footing and 2 and 3 were just great. But the entire arc from episode 1 ended perfectly in 3's finale and I was completely satisfied with the resolution of every character... but of course they had to continue it.

    I've continued to watch the show because it does still maintain some good humor and I've really enjoyed a few of the mini arcs (Michael Scott Paper Company) but since 3 ended I haven't really been grabbed by any of the characters. There's no conflict to Jim and Pam so they're completely uninteresting, and worse have embodied a more traditional sitcom couple. Oh they're getting married. Now a baby. It's gotten too broad where the big moments used to be Pam falling asleep on Jim's shoulder. That will always have way more impact than them having a baby.

    But to the issue at hand - An Office without Carrel? New characters? No. Just end it. The sooner the better, please.
  • Mariel
    I agree with most of this, the show is becoming stale and boring. Michael is getting really annoying, so much so I hate watching him. Dwight is okay still not the best ever anymore but still good. I have and probably will always love Jim and Pam, but their relationship is getting boring there's no more pranks and they are hardly doing anything funny, its now all about real life. I love the co-characters, Andy love him forever, the first episode this season he really shined. I love Kevin, Creed, Kelly and Ryan's relationship, they all just work because they haven't been changed. I just think The Office is growing up and thats not fun because the whole point of the show is the fun, goofy things they do. All in all I've been disappointed.
  • jackdurden
    The first two episodes of this season's Office have been great, the premiere especially was chock full of laughter.
  • Brett
    The Office hit its prime in the second season. I felt like it was a good mix of comedy with a sprinkle of drama/romance. It's never really been as good.

    That being said, there's not much else on TV that comes close to being as funny, so I'll keep watching. 30Rock was good the first two seasons, not quite as funny last season.

    Parks and Recreation isn't funny in the slightest. Amy Pohler wasn't funny on SNL, she's not funny on Parks and Recreation. I hope this show doesn't make it through the season.

    Community has its moments, we'll see how it plays out.
  • So far I really love the show. I felt like the characters made some overly rapid changes that seemed slightly unjustified (but maybe I'm just being harsh) but besides that 'Gossip' was by far one of the best episodes of the office I have ever seen (though I'm not too much of an avid Office fan, though this season I feel I may be).
  • Sergio
    I love the show, have been catching up with netflix watch instantly. As for the new season I'm really enjoying it, I don't know how the show would be without Carell though, don't even want to think about that.
  • Itri12
    When Steve Carell leaves, the show should end. As simple as that.
  • fanboy_d
    This isn't The Office. Where's Ricky Gervais?
  • jwjw
    Behind the camera.
  • He is hardly involved at all. At tis point they are totally different shows and they are both great for different reasons.
  • petersostarich
    I feel like the Office is really declining in humor and quality.

    But Parks&Rec is looking reallllllllly promising
  • the intro on the 2nd episode was fantastic. (convo between oscar and Michael)... i was tickled to death.
  • drebin73
    Ideally this should be the last season of the office. I want the show to end in its prime.

    The first two episodes, imo, were good, but not great. (and it is way too early to tell, but i fear that the office itself may have just jumped the shark with the new recent plot change from episode 2, but it is still way to early to come to that conclusion, but i'll leave it that i'm leery to see how it turns out)
  • cptjchite
    lol
  • Timothy
    Parks and Rec started rocky, but I feel like it's starting to come into its own. Amy's character is becoming less of a carbon copy of Michael Scott, and the never-failing Aziz Ansari is one of the main reasons to watch the show. Her boss, Ron Swanson, the government official who hates government, is also a classic character.
  • --------Spoilers-------

    Season's going great, I like the new talk of the baby. I want the show to go on forever like The Simpsons but we all know it must come to an end. I really don't want it to because it completes a good Thursday night, it's a part of the week. It would seem weird without the office now.

    The first episode was The Office doing what they do best. Michael going around spreading rumors was the best. I ask you all, which rumor was the best? My personal favorite was Tobey's.

    The second episode more or less, gives a bit of drama because Jim's great at what he does even when he's not trying. If anyone's going to leave the show, it would be him and Pam. Pam made it clear last season, she's going to stick with Dunder-Mifflin forever and now Jim's coming around and I thought last weeks episode was more of a power play for a better job title/pay raise.

    Even though we're only two episodes deep, you can already tell this season won't disappoint. We will see the highly anticipated marriage of Jim and Pam and possibly the birth of the child along with Michael finding love, maybe Holly. One can only hope it's Holly Flax considering she's the one for Mr. Scott.
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