In an example of everything old becoming new again, NBC and the producers of "The Office" are reportedly considering Ricky Gervais, the creator of the U.K.'s original "The Office, to become the new boss on the U.S. version of the show after Steve Carell departs, reports Joe Adalian at New York Magazine's Vulture blog.

Adalian writes that NBC loves the idea and the program's showrunners are open to the possibility.

But perhaps most importantly, Gervais doesn't sound excited about the idea. " 'As David Brent would say, 'Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt ... '," Gervais wrote in an e-mail to Adalian.. "As I would say, 'Why would I get up at 6 a.m. five days a week for seven years when I can hire someone else to do that and still get my syndication money?' " [Gervais co-created "The Office." He also co-wrote and starred in the series when it originally appeared on TV in the United Kingdom.]

One veteran TV executive--not at NBC--having read Adalian's article, told TVWeek, "There's probably only one way this could happen. They'd have to pay Gervais a lot of money, and I think both NBC and Gervais would have to see a big grassroots groundswell from the show's fans that they want this to happen."


http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/08/could_ricky_gervais_replace_steve.html

As much as I like Ricky Gervais I'd rather see the Office come to an end than have Rickey replace Steve Carell.

No ne is going to replace Steve carrell on the Office. That show needs to end altogether after next season. No season eight.

Without Steve Carell, the cast and crew might as well pack it in and call it a day. He was the anchor of the show. It would be like Hal Linden leaving Barney Miller or Judd Hirsch leaving Taxi.

I think Steve Carrell should continue.
He was a one man show.
I think that is the public demand.

Without Steve Carell, the cast and crew might as well pack it in and call it a day. He was the anchor of the show. It would be like Hal Linden leaving Barney Miller or Judd Hirsch leaving Taxi.
Those are great comparisons Monika!

Those are great comparisons Monika!
Thanks! I could also add Ted Danson leaving Cheers while I'm at it.

Thanks! I could also add Ted Danson leaving Cheers while I'm at it.

Ray Romano Leaving Everybody Loves Raymond.

I knew rumors of Ricky Gervais stepping in for the departing Steve Carell would be popping up.
Gervais has said over and over that he would never do the U.S. version of The Office. He and a few cast members from his Office were going to make some sort of cameo a few seasons back, but that fell through.

I hope they wrap things up this coming season. I don't want the show to continue with Steve.

Ray Romano Leaving Everybody Loves Raymond.
John Ritter leaving Three's Company.

John Ritter leaving Three's Company.
Bob Crane leaving Hogan's Heroes.

Michael J. Fox leaving "Spin City"
Cindy Williams leaving "Laverne & Shirley"
Topher Grace leaving "That '70s Show"

I made these references as a smart alec, but it backfired. Those shows did poorly without those stars and were cancelled shortly, thereafter.

But it would be like...
Ed O'Neill leaving "Married with Children"
Carroll O'Connor leaving "All in the Family"
Alan Alda leaving "MASH"

^ You could also make a case for Michael J. Fox leaving Family Ties. :nod: