Steve Carell officially announced yesterday what he unofficially announced a few months ago, namely that he won’t be returning to “The Office,” after his contract ends at the end of the upcoming season. NBC, however, is already working on a contingency plan to keep their highest-rated sitcom on the air until it’s the lowest rated sitcom on the network. There are massive syndication royalties to consider, after all.
No one knows for sure what NBC plans to do to replace Carell, and while it’s the preference of most of us to go ahead and shitcan the show while there’s still an ounce of goodwill remaining, that’s not likely at all, unless ratings next season go into the tank. However, there are a few interesting possibilities. For instance, should “Community” not make it another season, Joel McHale would be a fun replacement. Obviously, Jane Lynch would be the ideal replacement, although that’s not likely to happen at all. I also like the possibility of merging the worlds of “The Office” and “30 Rock” and making Dunder Mifflin an entity of whatever cable company it is that owns NBC on “30 Rock” now, which would allow Alec Baldwin to, at least, fill a role similar to Kathy Bates’ role this season. In that case, it’d be better, I think, to promote from within: Give John Krasinski the boss’ job, although if I’m not mistaken, his contract is ending soon, too. I wouldn’t mind seeing John McGinley take the role, as long as he spent most of his screen time delivering tirades against Dwight Schrute and Hugh Jackman. There’s also the intriguing possibility of Ricky Gervais reprising his role, but American audiences would never buy into a character that unlikable. And if NBC were to go the safer route, they’d just bring back Melora Hardin (Jan) or Andy Buckley (David Wallace), who would make the most sense in that universe, but likely wouldn’t provide the instant ratings bump that networks like about stunt casting.
Not that it matters, because none of the above possibilities are realistic. That’s not the way a network operates: It doesn’t go out and find new or unestablished comedic talent to replace the lead character in a flagship sitcom; networks find veteran, established talent. Someone with considerable face recognition, but who probably doesn’t suit the show well at all. Even better if it’s an actor or actress who has experience with slowly dying sitcoms. So, what I’m positing below are not the seven ideal candidates to replace Steve Carell, but the likely candidates to replace Steve Carell, given NBC’s history of boneheaded decisions.
However, I will note that, while the choices below aren’t ideal, because Greg Daniels will obviously have considerable say in the choice of replacement, he won’t let it get to the Charlie Sheen/Jim Belushi/Christian Slater levels of badness. My guess is that they’ll be safe, nostalgic choices that will draw, at least temporarily, an even larger audience than “The Office” is accustomed to out of simple curiosity before ratings begin to deteriorate rapidly.
Ted Danson: Danson’s not actually the worst possibility, even if he doesn’t exactly fit the tone of the show. “Damages” has proven that he can play asshole well, and “Bored to Death” has demonstrated that he still has some comedic ability. I think NBC would drool over the idea of bringing back someone from the glory days of Must See Thursday night, and there’s a potential fish-out-of-water storyline possibility in Danson’s character being a mogul of some sort who buys up Dunder Mifflin only to have the rest of his corporate interests fail spectacularly, leaving him with no choice but to run the paper company.
Jerry Seinfeld: Seinfeld is another former Must See TV possibility, and given the continued strong relationship between the network and Seinfeld, I could see this happening. Clearly, Seinfeld is interested in working again (hence, “The Marriage Ref”) and the best way to kill the Seinfeld Sitcom curse is to attach yourself to an already established show (and run it into the ground, possibly). Again, tonally, it’s not that great a fit, but this is NBC we’re talking about. The same network that brought back “Knight Rider.”
Will Arnett: Arnett is a very definite possibility, I would imagine, assuming that his Fox sitcom gets shitcanned by mid-season, the likelihood of which is high. I think his character would suit half the Michael Scott role — that of a obnoxious doofus who lacks self-awareness — but I’m not sure Arnett could be as obnoxious as Michael Scott yet still remain somewhat likable or display a modicum of emotional depth (not that Michael’s done much of that in recent seasons, either). I think he’d be a great addition to the show … for about five episodes, and then his Gob personality would wear incredibly thin. He’s also got the close Greg Daniels connection since his wife is the lead in Daniels’ other workplace sitcom, “Parks and Recreation.”
Matthew Perry: Perry, like Arnett, already has a show in development, “Mr. Sunshine” over at CBS, and it’s one with very good talent behind it (“The West Wing’s” Thomas Schlamme is a producer, and Alison Janney is a co-star), but assuming that “Sunshine” fails to find an audience, Perry wouldn’t be the worst choice, though our nation’s eroding love affair with irony and sarcasm might hurt Perry’s chances. But, then again, he’s likable, has good comic timing, and he’s instantly recognizable. I could definitely see NBC courting Perry for this role, but I don’t know if Perry would ultimately accept.
Eric McCormick or Sean Hayes: If they bring in either McCormick or Hayes, they’ll probably bring in a laugh track, too, otherwise, how would we know when to laugh? Actually, McCormick was pretty good in the short-lived “Trust Me,” but he’s likely too straight for the role. Sean Hayes, however, wouldn’t have that problem — his problem would be in finding the nuance of his character. But if he did play the character gay, wouldn’t it be fun if Oscar and the new boss were the next Jim and Pam? OK. Not so much. But I’d bet dollars to really big, delicious donuts that were worth at least $.90 that one of these two names has come up with the NBC brass and Daniels.
Too bad “Parks and Recreation” has already pilfered Rob Lowe.
John Oliver: We already know that “The Office” likes “The Daily Show” alums, as both Carell and Ed Helms got their start on “TDS.” The only anchor left on “TDS” that might properly fit the bill is probably Oliver, who did a fairly nice version of a dimwitted person of authority over on “Community.” (John Hodgman is also an interesting possibility, but would likely lose his appeal after a few episodes, while the rest of past and future “TDS” anchors seems too lightweight for the role, save for Colbert, who’s already got a steady paycheck). There’s also the possibility of a lot of bad, broad jokes between Dwight Schrute’s character and an English boss, something which I’m sure NBC would love.
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Some interesting possibilities. If we're talking Daily Show albums, why not Rob Riggle? He's been trying his hand in various film projects, and people will know him either from TDS or as the crazy cop in The Hangover, so there'd be some recognition with the populists. Plus, he knows how to play crazy a-hole really well. Then again, he might be too much of a Todd Packer type, and obviously the show already has plenty of that.
John Oliver! what a dream casting that would be. Think of the thousand possible plotlines that could revolve around some British dude trying to run an American office. It could be fun!
ChristianH, I hate to be "That Guy" (just kidding, I love it), but Riggle was already on an episode of The Office. He played the captain of the booze cruise. Although, it'd be a weird throw back, if, the booze cruise captain took his leadership experience into managing the branch (and side-stepping awkward run-ins with Meredith).
Also, why can't they let the show end on a (relatively) good note and just finish the show next season?
Posted by: Kayanne at June 29, 2010 12:19 PM
Oh yeah, I completely forgot about that! Bummer.
Though, as you said, it could create some really funny jokes regarding his work experience.
But yeah, this show should have ended with the company going out of business like it looked like it was going to.
Dude, yes. Just put Ben Linus in for the last few episodes, completely change the tone & direction of the show, the resolution makes no sense, & that's a wrap.
Posted by: the new transported man at June 29, 2010 12:25 PM
and making Dunder Mifflin an entity of whatever cable company it is that owns NBC on “30 Rock,” now
It's Kable Town, "with a K."
Posted by: tamatha at June 29, 2010 12:27 PM
This is why the UK Office was so much better: 14 episodes. That's it.
They left people wanting more.
NBC is going to run this sucker dry, then sell the dry goods and then sell the husk.
Posted by: Fredo at June 29, 2010 12:32 PM
I vote for Matt Perry based on the awesomeness that was "Studio 60."
Posted by: EJ at June 29, 2010 12:32 PM
It should be exactly one season without Carell, to illustrate how things change in his character's absence. And his replacement should be Steve Merchant.
Steve Carell officially announced yesterday what he unofficially announced a few months ago, namely that we won’t be returning to “The Office,” after his contract ends at the end of the upcoming season.
Freudian slip or deliberate prediction?
Posted by: Nimue at June 29, 2010 12:52 PM
I'd like to throw my vote for Michael Emerson. Anyone but Matthew Perry, dear god. Chevy's doing well on NBC, why not go for another SNL alum?
Aykroyd anyone? Murray?! Either of those could actually be a jolt of creativity.
Posted by: Barnes78 at June 29, 2010 1:05 PM
Really like the Ted Danson idea....would kind of make him Maddie from Moonlighting.
OMFG!!! YES!!! Bring Michael Emerson AND Jorge Garcia!!! THAT'S IT!!!! That's what happened when Hurley & Ben were #1 & #2!!!! THEY RAN THE ISLAND LIKE A BAD PAPER COMPANY!!! JOYGASM!!! OMHFHGMEG....
Nope. None of these are acceptable. There is no where to go that will actually improve things, after 7 seasons, so they should fold up shot. Best case scenario, knowing NBC, they spin it off with Ed Helms as the focal point, with recurring cameos by the Dunder-Mifflinites.
Posted by: jason at June 29, 2010 1:19 PM
How can one consider *likely* candidates without considering Betty White? That horrid anal fissure of a show she got stuck into on TV Land will be long gone by then.
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Posted by: Confucius Jackson at June 29, 2010 1:35 PM
martin short would be my choice
Posted by: geoff at June 29, 2010 1:53 PM
I would love to see Will Arnett come back to television in a well-scripted series. The man has great comedic delivery but keeps letting his agent pick out some of the worst garbage for him.
Posted by: Ulterior Motive Girl at June 29, 2010 2:15 PM
What about Will Forte?
Jay Harrington? Malcolm Barret? Portia De Rossi?
Rachel Dratch?
Jason Bateman?
Kristin Wiig? You could have Wiig, Poehler, and Fey on back to back to back shows.
Ellen Degeneres? Because she deserves much better than American Idol.
How about casting against type: Terry O' Quinn, Michael Emerson or Henry Ian Cusick?
Posted by: John W at June 29, 2010 2:32 PM
The thing is this: Michael Scott's particular brand of demented, unPC, racist/sexist/narcissist Boss cannot just be replaced by another eccentric boss.
If they can develop another character whose horrific idiosyncracies are as sublimly absurd as Michael Scott, it works. No one cute-sie or just odd. Has to be balls out. And different than Michael.
That is why I think they have to get someone like Jane Lynch, to show America the real and true side of crazy only a female boss can exhibit...
Posted by: Juice in LA at June 29, 2010 2:56 PM
Barry Bostwick (Mayor Randall from Spin City) would be good. Perfect Buffoon.
Will Arnett has been on too many 30 Rock's to keep his persona separate on The Office.
Life is always a little better with Jason Bateman on TV...
Posted by: bananapanda at June 29, 2010 2:56 PM
Andy Richter.
Posted by: The Mutt at June 29, 2010 2:57 PM
Second Andy Richter.
Posted by: John W at June 29, 2010 3:49 PM
Just scrap the whole thing and move on. The scenario will play-out as follows: they will bring some known comedic player and then the show will drift aimlessly for three or four seasons, a pathetic shadow of its former self.
See: John Lovitz; Newsradio
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at June 29, 2010 5:29 PM
Ben Linus, Oh my God,YES.
I can also enjoy Jason Bateman's presence on the show.
Posted by: bubblegumshoe at June 29, 2010 6:24 PM
Bring on the Smits!!
Posted by: sansho1 at June 29, 2010 7:40 PM
Seinfeld on the Office makes me want to smash things. Let's never mention this again, please.
Posted by: Mebe at June 29, 2010 10:04 PM
Jay Harrington and Portia De Rossi! Oh and bring Phil and Lem and Linda and... damn I hate ABC for canceling that show.
Posted by: Native American Joe Pesci at June 29, 2010 11:27 PM
Will Arnett would make me forget about Steve Carrell in a second.
Posted by: SlizBomb at June 30, 2010 1:36 AM
Rob Lowe.
Posted by: gyn at June 30, 2010 3:21 AM
Maye NBC can reconcile with Conan and Coco could run dunder mifflin.
Andy richter sounds good too.
or Jason Bateman
Stephen Colbert Or Joel Hodgeman would be cool. Hodgeman is definitely screwball enough, just read his books.
Posted by: phil at June 30, 2010 8:23 AM
OH PLEASE NBC, combine 30 Rock & The Office! I think I actually got lightheaded when I read that as an idea! That would be genius - both of the shows are floundering, and combining them would be amazing. Give 50/50 screen time to both crews.
I'd LOVE to see Kelly & Jenna interact! And Dwight would fall in love with Jack!
Totally unrealistic (because this is a network which makes notoriously horrible decisions) but a gal can dream, right?
Posted by: nolalola26 at June 30, 2010 11:00 AM
Something The Office definitely needs is a new hot chick, one that looks great in a business skirt... since we're hiring LOST castaways, why not Evangeline Lily?
If they want to keep interest for a season, they should parade in all of these people as interviewees for the position, and allow Jim, Dwight and Andy explode internally as each candidate is worse than the other.
Posted by: Waldo at June 30, 2010 2:19 PM
though our nation’s eroding love affair with irony and sarcasm might hurt Perry’s chances.
I'm kind of partial to many of these ideas - as in, a new "guest boss" every week. Then, they get fired at the end of every episode. After they run through enough of them, eventually they'll find one that is a ratings winner and loved by the viewers and can bring them back via some kind of unlawful termination lawsuit. I don't know if this has been tried before but it might keep up interest just to see who shows up each week.
Posted by: sock puppet at June 30, 2010 11:12 PM
"His Gob personality would wear incredibly thin"????????????????????????????
Go Fuck your own face.
GOB WILL NEVER WEAR THIN!
Posted by: supafly at July 1, 2010 12:38 PM
If they could get Colbert that would be awesome, if not, it's just not gonna be as good.
Posted by: Walsh at September 24, 2010 12:12 AM
Would be awesome if John C. Riley would step in.
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Steve Carell's Replacement on The Office to Be Matt LeBlanc. Confirmed.
Posted by: Barney at January 27, 2011 5:13 PM
i think will feral tom cruise adam sandler will?smith????? good actors thatll fit in nicely and give it a fresh feel and look
Posted by: fhjr at February 24, 2011 4:18 PM
i think will feral tom cruise adam sandler will?smith????? good actors thatll fit in nicely and give it a fresh feel and look
Posted by: fhjr at February 24, 2011 4:20 PM
What about Will Forte?
Jay Harrington? Malcolm Barret? Portia De Rossi?
Rachel Dratch?
Jason Bateman?
Kristin Wiig? You could have Wiig, Poehler, and Fey on back to back to back shows.
Ellen Degeneres? Because she deserves much better than American Idol.
Some interesting possibilities. If we're talking Daily Show albums, why not Rob Riggle? He's been trying his hand in various film projects, and people will know him either from TDS or as the crazy cop in The Hangover, so there'd be some recognition with the populists. Plus, he knows how to play crazy a-hole really well. Then again, he might be too much of a Todd Packer type, and obviously the show already has plenty of that.