What Would "The Office" Be Without Steve Carell?

We first met the staff of Dunder Mifflin - Scranton branch in the spring of 2005. Steve Carell brought Michael Scott to our living rooms each and every week. Now, it is becoming more likely that Steve Carell will be leaving after this coming season of "The Office". So, the big question is will he leave or not and what will happen with the show?

I have been a fan of "The Office" from the beginning. I am not going to lie that I am a big fan of Steve Carell. Steve Carell certain makes the character of Michael Scott enjoyable. I can understand why Steve Carell would want to leave. He has a very successful big screen career appearing or starring in hit movies as Bruce Almighty, Anchorman, 40-Year-Old Virgin, Evan Almighty, Little Miss Sunshine, Get Smart, and Date Night. Carell has indicated that he would like to take a break from TV to spend more time with his family which is admirable.

"The Office" was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for BBC television. The show is what they call a "mockumentary" meaning there is a single camera setup and no live audience or laugh track. Gervais both produced and starred in the British version of the show. Steve Carell was the perfect choice to play Michael Scott on the American version of "The Office". Believe it or not, Carell was not the first choice to play Michael Scott. Some of the actors who considered for the role are Paul Giamatti, Hank Azaria, Martin Short, and Bob Odenkirk.

So, you are thinking, will "The Office" be the same without Michael Scott? No, it will not. What helps the show is the strong supporting cast of Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, John Krasinski as Jim Halpert, Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly Halpert, Ed Helms as Andy, and B.J. Novak as Ryan. Novak also is one of the four writers of "The Office" and the only one to appear in a regular role. The rest of the cast includes Angela Kinsey as Angela, Kate Flannery as Meredith, Brian Baumgartner as Kevin, Phyllis Smith as Phyllis, Leslie David Baker as Stanley, Oscar Nunez as Oscar, Paul Leiberstein as Toby, Craig Robinson as Darryl, Mindy Kaling as Kelly, Ellie Kemper as Erin, Creed Bratton as Creed, and Zach Woods as Gabe. Kathy Bates has been making regular appearance as Jo Bennett, Owner/CEO of Sabre Dunder Mifflin. The show has a very strong supporting cast could very help the show last another few seasons. When the leading star leaves the show, more often then not, the show drops in the ratings and ends up being cancelled. I think the cast of "The Office" is strong enough to help last another season or two. It really depends upon where the writers and producers take the show. That is the big key.

Steve Carell could be swayed to comeback similar to what CBS did for Charlie Sheen to return to their popular show, "Two and Half Men", but it is looking very unlikely. Carell will forever be remember as Michael Scott. You will not forget some of the great words of wisdom he imparted on the staff of Dunder Mifflin. Some famous lines and moments include "that's what she said", being the "king of forwards", "the Dundee Awards", and "Scott's Tots". There is even a Facebook page dedicate to the popular, "that's what she said" line. Carell is one of the funniest men today. He has a great following from the fans and will remain popular for years to come. We loved him on "The Daily Show" and will always love him as Michael Scott. We will still go see him in the movie theatre. Steve Carell is just likeable. Yes, we will miss him if leaves "The Office". I guess we will see what happens in the months to come.