The future of The Office appears to be uncertain, as Steve Carell recently confirmed that he is quitting the hit US version of the show after the 2010-2011 season. 'Yes, it will be my last,' Carell told UsMagazine while promoting his movie Despicable Me. 'It's the last [season] on my contract, and I want to honour my contract.' When rumours of Carell's possible departure first surfaced in May, NBC indicated that they planned to carry on broadcasting The Office if Carell left.
During a conference call with reporters in May, Jeff Gaspin, chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment, said that the show"is a great ensemble and ... the producers of the show are preparing in the event that [Carell] chooses to move on." Yet since the announcement of Carell's departure, NBC are reportedly reconsidering whether to continue the show without him. NBC made no comment on Carell's remarks, sparking further curiosity.
It remains to be seen whether the show will continue to attract viewers without Michael Scott, Carell's character. Carell has achieved great success and popularity with the role, and won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the incompetent manager in 2006. Carell thinks that his exit will mean a fresh start for the show, telling E!/i> that "it's just a dynamic change to the show, which could be a good thing, actually". He claims that he sees it as a positive in general for the show.Time will tell what viewers will think.