We packed our things, had our final lunch in the break room, and said our goodbyes over eight years ago. But is the end truly the end for Dunder Mifflin Paper Company Inc.? After years have passed from the heartfelt finale episode, whispers have erupted aboutThe Officemaking a comeback. With a number of beloved shows making their way back on screen, who is to say we didn’t see this one coming?
Being a spin-off ofThe Office UK, the US version did great with ratings and audience coverage earning nine seasons. There was an unsuccessful attempt to spin off the show in an episode centered around Rainn Wilson’s character Dwight Schrute; however, NBC declined to pick it up, leading to the end of the nine seasoned show. But as more and more shows have come to find their way back to our screens, wouldThe Officebe welcomed… by everyone?
The Office Survived to Become an All-Time Favorite Sitcom
Taking an in-depth look into what life is like working in a paper company,The Officereally had us wonder about what takes place, well, at the office. Debuting in 2005, the hit show received close to nothing when it came to ratings, yet it was able to survive its first season. Viewers soon began to settle into their chairs and enjoy the humor, frustration, and romance that took place in the fictional show. With the assumption that the show was actually a workplace being filmed, there was some confusion when they pieced together that it was a scripted show.
Related:The Office Writer and Star B.J. Novak Addresses the Possibility of a Reboot
In a blog written forTV Guidewhile the show was still being filmed, Jenna Fischer (who played Pam) mentioned how the show is “100 percent scripted.” Viewers soon welcomed the sitcom into their sitting rooms and havingcomedic genius Steve Carell(who played Michael) along for the ride made the journey all worthwhile.
AsThe Officegained more coverage in terms of viewer ratings, the show grew to a platform in which a spin-off took place. Curious at what the plot of a reboot could be, entertainment outlets and fans have scripted and come up with their own ideas, and as entertaining as the show was, so are some possible remakes! Setting the tone of the mockumentary theme and having shows follow up toThe Officename likeParks and Recreation, have truly pushed the envelope on daytime television.
After five years of holding on to memories of the Dunder Mifflin paper company, Carell hostedSaturday Night Liveand had fans jumping to social media as a few cast mates fromThe Officemade an appearance. Asthe cast continuedliving their lives, fans, thrilled and overjoyed, took their appearance as a sign of the show being rebooted. But while some took this as an indirect announcement, others were very skeptical of the fact.
Steve Carell Might Not be On Board
As the branch manager of Dunder Mifflin has been busy working onSpace Forceand theDespicable Memovies, to name a few projects, since his departure fromThe Office, Carell sat down withColliderand gave an inside scoop on his interest in being a part of a reunion. When asked and giving a blunt “no” response, Carell explained:
“I just can’t see it being the same thing, and I think most folks would want it to be the same thing… I think it’s maybe best to leave well enough alone and just let it exist as what it was.”
Related:The Office: Funniest Characters in the Hit Sitcom, Ranked
Still sharing a close connection to his cast mates, fans of the show state that as true as his words are, a reboot without the frustrating boss character he plays just would not be the same. But with that being said, it is not hard to wonder as evenWilson has imaginedwhat Dwight has done since the show ended.
Jokes all made in good fun could easily be misunderstood and blown way out of proportion unlike being said less than a decade ago. Some fans took to Twitter in agreement with Carell in saying that, with the jokes that took place in the show, many changes would have to be made to the script and tone. From avoiding certain words and topics to changing the overall functionality of the show to make it more appropriate, acceptable, and appealing for viewers and television today,The Officewouldn’t work for today’s television.
As easy as it was to have a show that took humor to the next level by poking fun at most topics people in this day and age find gravely inappropriate, television shows back then had an advantage – no social media. In the day and age we live in now, where we can easily download or stream content and share our opinions on different platforms, pages, and sites, it’s no wonder Carell feels that a reboot just wouldn’t take. Perhaps it is best to let the show “exist as it was” and enjoy other similar shows.
From the cringe-worthy scenes that Carell is adored for to the mockumentary for which the show has become known and loved, the plan for a reboot may be a short-lived dream, but many would appreciate it!
