As per reports, NBC is going ahead with the plans to revive The Office, aiming at a late 2018 launch. The Office first debuted in 2005 and went on to become one of the most loved comedies on TV. It was a U.S. version of the original UK series, based on the lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was led by Steve Carell who played Regional Manager Michael Scott for several seasons, and it ultimately focused on other characters. The relationship between Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jena Fischer) was a highlight of the series while Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) ultimately managed to get his dream job as the Regional Manager.
The series ended in 2013 after some of the last seasons went on without featuring Carell. However, NBC wanted to explore the story further. There was a proposal to create a Schrute Farms spinoff, but, that failed to get going. Earlier in 2017, reports about a revival came up and now it appears as if they were not baseless.
TV Line has reported that NBC is progressing with its plans to revive The Office with the plan to launch it late in 2018. The report states that it will be a continuation of the Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton offices. The case will be a mix of new and old faces, but, it is not yet known as to who all will make a comeback. Carell is the only old-timer who is certain not to return, but, a few of the other major names might also not be back because the report stated that the network is looking for a new Regional Manager.
The call to go ahead with a revival is not shocking, considering NBC’s recent revivals of Will & Grace and Rosanne. It is sensible to somehow reintroduce their biggest hits, especially taking into account the huge fanbase that the show had. However, the fact that they are searching for a new Regional Manager and taking into account the last few episodes, we feel that most of the old-timers might not be back.
Jim and Pam had shifted to Philly to work alongside Darryl (Craig Robinson), Stanley had retired, Oscar entered politics, Creed was jailed, and other such things. Dwight is the only one who stayed on with Dunder Mifflin, the last time we saw the series, but, he was the Regional Manager, and now that they are looking for a new one, it means he is also not coming back. There might still be space for Phyllis and Meredith to come back. However, the other characters would need serious story-telling to come back to Scranton. However, these are early days, and they might work out some way to reintroduce their biggest stars. If that doesn’t happen then the revival may not have the same appeal, but, it could also prove to be a new opportunity for fresh talent to be in the spotlight.
