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TWoP 10: Replacements for Steve Carell on The Office

by Angel Cohn April 30, 2010 6:02 AM
TWoP 10: Replacements for Steve Carell on The Office

There are rumors swirling that Steve Carell will leave The Office after the 2010 season. Apparently the allure of doing quality films like Date Night is just too tempting for him. Whether or not he actually leaves Dunder Mifflin probably comes down to contract negotiations, but if Michael Scott does depart Scranton, we've identified some folks that would be well-qualified to serve as the new office manager.

10. Andy Richter
He's had repeated trouble getting a new sitcom off the ground (see Andy Richter Controls the Universe, Quintuplets and Andy Barker, PI for evidence), and his gig on The Tonight Show didn't exactly pan out well, either. Perhaps what Richter really needs is a role on an established series.

9. Jack Coleman
If Heroes ends, the man behind H.R.G. needs a great new role. He typically plays stern, no-nonsense types, but we've read his blog and we know that he can pull off funny when he wants to. Plus, we've got a hunch that Angela won't be able to resist throwing herself at a man wearing horn-rimmed glasses.

8. Amy Sedaris
If you thought Prison Mike was hysterical, just wait until you see the nutty ex-con Sedaris has her pocket. While we don't necessarily want Strangers With Candy's Jerri to run the office (okay, who are we kidding, of course we totally do), Sedaris is adept at creating characters that aren't exactly the brightest bulbs, which would fill the Michael Scott void.

7. John Lithgow
This acclaimed actor was off our radar for a while, but after his intense stint on Dexter, we're convinced that he's more awesome than ever. He can easily pull off the role of a beloved character who is surprisingly smart but totally oblivious to all social cues. Why do you think he won all those Emmys for 3rd Rock From the Sun?

6. Portia de Rossi
We'd love to see a woman take charge, just to see how the dynamics of the Scranton branch would change. Who better than this Arrested Development alum? She could basically recycle her icy boss from Better Off Ted and call it a day (it's not like that many people saw her on that show).

5. Michael Emerson
He doesn't exactly have much comedy on his resume (more Shakespeare and serial killers) but he's quite the capable actor and we'd like to see the Office staff squirm as they try to figure out the new guy's deal. It would be like when Idris Elba came on, but actually funny. Maybe he could arrive by hot-air balloon and go by the name Henry Gale.

4. Mary Lynn Rajskub
Yes, Chloe can be comical -- we've seen it. And with 24 heading off the airwaves, Rajskub will need a new job, preferably one that doesn't involve sitting behind a computer all day frowning. In fact, we'd get a chuckle if she played a complete Luddite. And if nothing else, she could make selling paper seem like a matter of life and death.

3. Hugh Laurie
House has been pretty terrible lately, with Dr. House himself relegated to a supporting character role. Laurie deserves far better than that, especially considering that his roots are in brilliant British comedies like Blackadder and A Bit of Fry & Laurie. Sure, we'd love to see Ricky Gervais reprise David Brent full-time across the pond, but since that's not going to happen, we'd be happy with Laurie in charge.

2. Craig Robinson
He's wildly entertaining, already works as the head of the Scranton warehouse and, as arguably the most competent employee that Dunder Mifflin has on staff, definitely deserves a major promotion. Plus, we'd really like to see Craig get more screentime on this show so we don't have to trek to movie theaters for the likes of Hot Tub Time Machine.

1. Glenn Close
Like Michael Emerson, she isn't exactly known for comedy, but Close is an award-winning actress who is capable of anything and has done some of her best work on the small screen. We've watched her as a tough boss on The Shield and Damages, so now it's time to see her softer and kookier side. And Dwight might actually appreciate someone who knows how to boil a bunny.

Look back at Michael Scott's best and worst career moves.

Watch TWoP's editors discuss Steve Carell's possible replacements in this segment airing on the New York Nonstop cable news channel:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video.

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66 Comments

April 30, 2010 7:36 AM
JB
Reply

I would love, LOVE, to see Darryl take over Michael's job.

April 30, 2010 8:20 AM
Lauren
Reply

I think The Office should just end. But if they made Darryl boss or got Ricky Gervais in to reprise David Brent, I may change my mind.

April 30, 2010 8:48 AM
Trace
Reply

Steve Carell leaving would FINALLY be the last nail in The Office coffin. Just let it die already.

April 30, 2010 9:00 AM
Jamil
Reply

Oh! I get it! It's that time of the month again when TWoP bitches about House. Quick! Somebody get them a tampon!

April 30, 2010 10:45 AM
Dani
Reply

Michael Emerson and John Lithgow are my top choices :)

April 30, 2010 11:32 AM
Heather
Reply

I don't watch the Office but I would if I heard Michael Emerson was going to be the new boss and arrive in a grandtastic fashion by hot air balloon.

April 30, 2010 11:48 AM
bk
Reply

isn't #6 basically Jan?

April 30, 2010 11:52 AM
Iza
Reply
replied to comment from Jamil

Wow, Jamil...you are crass and misogynistic all at the same time. How unnecessary. Congratulations?

April 30, 2010 1:11 PM
jzimbert
Reply

Charlie Sheen!

April 30, 2010 1:47 PM
Uncle Igmar
Reply

Michael Emerson all the way - he is VERY funny - not on TV as of yet - but he is a funny guy - or even if Ben Linus gtes off the island - goes to work for Hurley's paper company - which might ot might not be Dunder-Mifflin - and Hurley has him transferred to Scranton - THAT would make me watch The Office - nothing else has.

April 30, 2010 2:13 PM
DJ
Reply

One person, who's career, let's be honest has definitely been dragging...

BILL MURRAY

Loose Jim and Pam. Bring in a few new folks to build around Murray

April 30, 2010 5:12 PM
Foxed
Reply

At the risk of adding another Stanley to the cast... Chi McBride would be an awesome Office boss.

April 30, 2010 6:09 PM
Jeremy
Reply

I am a fan of Glenn Close, but I just can't really imagine seeing her as the boss of DM. And I'm being completely sarcastic here, but I'd love to see Jack Bauer as the boss, cause we know how much Dwight loves him.

May 1, 2010 1:01 AM
esra
Reply

Number 1 should've been "no one, please put this show out of its misery."

May 1, 2010 11:42 PM
pubcat
Reply

Tom Arnold

May 2, 2010 12:31 AM
Byron
Reply

Kind of a dirty trick, saying he's leaving after the "2010" season. While technically true, that makes it sound like we've got a month left of Michael Scott. He actually said next year would be his last, and I think it would be more accurate to say he expects to leave the show in 2011.

May 3, 2010 7:32 AM
Corry
Reply

If Michael leaves, the Office is done. Hate to say it but it really should end with his exit......

May 9, 2010 8:03 AM
jamse
Reply

I don't watch the Office but I would if I heard Michael Emerson

May 9, 2010 8:43 AM
lea
Reply

"Jack Coleman the man behind H.R.G. needs a great new role". A big truth. He would be great for the part of the very- different-from-Michael new boss in DM Scranton, with or without glasses. And he has experience at playing paper salesmen.

May 9, 2010 2:46 PM
Emmy
Reply

The Office won't be the same without Steve Carell. I choose John Lithgow all the way!! He is by far the best replacement for Michael Scott. He has the talent!

May 14, 2010 5:47 PM
Laura
Reply
replied to comment from JB

Wil Farell should replace Steve Carell on The Office. Wil needs to take a hiatus from "Bitch Hunter" anyway.

May 17, 2010 2:23 AM
Duke
Reply

David Koechner should be considered...

June 4, 2010 2:03 PM
DS
Reply
replied to comment from Laura

"Bitch Hunter" just wouldn't be the same without Will. Perhaps Jack Donaghy would be willing to run Dunder-Mifflin?

June 29, 2010 11:04 AM
Jaye
Reply

The new boss should be Packer! Imagine the staff trying to adapt to THAT!

June 29, 2010 12:24 PM
Ina Garten DaVida
Reply
replied to comment from esra

ITA with letting it wrap up, everyone lives happily ever after, and the documentary is finally done.

June 29, 2010 2:09 PM
zelmia
Reply
replied to comment from Ina Garten DaVida

Oh yeah, right. They're supposed to be making a documentary. I don't think even the producers remember this conceit.

I agree. Just put the thing out of our bloody misery already and get something entertaining that isn't ripped off from a much better-produced story and concept.

June 29, 2010 4:09 PM
FYSD
Reply

There's only one man for this job: Ted McGinley

June 29, 2010 4:31 PM
Diane
Reply

Tim Gunn should run Dunder-Mifflin. If he isn't willing they should try Alexis Denisof.

June 29, 2010 5:08 PM
Jenny
Reply

Last season was sub-par. With or without Michael, it's time to end the show.

June 29, 2010 5:18 PM
EBD
Reply

Just call it quits. While I liked the show in the beginning, it should have ended after "The Job."

June 29, 2010 5:26 PM
Toy Purple Belt
Reply
replied to comment from Lauren

If Brent (Gervais) is the replacement, I will start watching again. What's perfect is that ten years after he was 39 and often saying "in his thirties" he can still remind everyone that he is "in his forties" and not yet fifty. With Gervais starring and writing, season 8 could be brilliant. "Oy, Brent!"

June 29, 2010 5:54 PM
LOSTbean
Reply

Michael Emerson from LOST!

June 29, 2010 10:53 PM
lara
Reply

my boyfriend and I think they only other person besides david brent who could be a great boss for DM would be murray from flight of the conchords.

That would be amazing.

June 30, 2010 12:16 AM
Tim
Reply

I think thy should try and get Craig Ferguson to be the new boss. he has experience in the role from his days on Drew Carey. Check this out - www.tjwvideo.com

June 30, 2010 9:32 AM
Chelsea
Reply

I generally agree, just call it quits. I've stopped watching the show, I'm sick to death of it. However! If Michael Emerson actually came and did it, I would be back in a heartbeat.

June 30, 2010 12:50 PM
Sarah
Reply

Glenn Close? That's a pretty interesting pick--I'd be very curious to see her adopt Michael's position. Hugh Laurie would probably be great, too.

June 30, 2010 1:13 PM
Ami
Reply
replied to comment from Tim

I've never really seen the appeal of The Office, but I would watch it religiously if Craig made an appearance.

June 30, 2010 1:48 PM
Crazymadness
Reply
replied to comment from Ami

Um, Craig is on the show all the time. He's part of the cast.

June 30, 2010 8:25 PM
garboesque
Reply

Ricky won't do it because he's already played that role when HIS series ran on BBC.

No one can replace Steve Carell. Period. The show is fini!

June 30, 2010 9:04 PM
Sawyer
Reply
replied to comment from Crazymadness

Craig Ferguson, not Craig Robinson.

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Much as I value Carell's version of humor, all I can say 'bout his premature 'leave' from "Office" is...... soooo what. Office has been stale, for some time now. I chalk it up to both the sad state of affairs in the 'writing' dept nowadays in Hollywood(what 'writing?), along with the outright awful trend of TV reality shows.... gone steriodal. I left office as a viewer, some time ago.

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