Ed Helms, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer In Talks for "Office" Return - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 02-29-2012, 09:15 PM

John Krasinski, Ed Helms in Talks to Return to "The Office" But No Deals Yet (Exclusive)
2/29/2012
by Lacey Rose

James Spader's decision to exit the long-running NBC comedy comes as co-stars Rainn Wilson and Mindy Kaling are questioning their futures with the show.

And while stars Ed Helms, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer are in talks to return for a ninth season, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter none has a deal in place. A future without these actors' characters seems hard to imagine, but the ensemble mockumentary famously replaced star Steve Carell last year.

Ratings this season have dropped 15 percent but are still averaging a 3.5 in the key 18-to-49 demo when the full week's viewership is factored in, according to Nielsen.

That's hardly "The Big Bang Theory" territory, but "Office" is the highest-rated comedy on fourth-place NBC, adding extra pressure to secure the key talent.

"I can't imagine a scenario in which the show doesn't come back for a ninth season," says one "Office" insider.

The comedy has the youngest audience of any primetime series on the big four networks with a median age of 36, and it generates $179,000 per 30-second spot for the network, according to an Ad Age report.

What's more, aside from "Modern Family" and "Parks & Recreation", "Office" has the most affluent viewership on broadcast TV.

But after years working at Dunder Mifflin, the cast can be forgiven for pursuing new projects.

Writer and co-star Kaling has a comedy pilot at Fox. If it is picked up to series, Kaling, whose Universal Television deal expires in June, is expected to depart "Office" and focus instead on the new effort.

Fellow writer-producer Daniel Chun has inked an overall deal with rival ABC Studios and will leave the Paul Lieberstein-run series at the end of the season.

NBC also is eyeing a potential mid-season spinoff centered on Wilson's Dwight Schrute character, which likely will get a test episode next fall. If the network opts to move forward with it, Wilson, too, would pack his briefcase.

Wilson, Kaling, Krasinski and Fischer have been with the series since its premiere in 2005.

Helms -- arguably the show's biggest star thanks to the Hangover films -- joined in 2006 and has played a bigger role following Carell's departure.

"'The Office' is still their top-rated scripted show and the linchpin of NBC's Thursday night comedy block," says Horizon Media's Brad Adgate, who notes NBC will likely spend big to retain the show -- and its stars.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...d-helms-295909

Janice · 02-29-2012, 09:32 PM

Anyone know the salaries of The Office actors? They are soooo talented.

Yong Fang · 03-01-2012, 08:43 AM

To me, Jim is the heart of the story and if that actor leaves, there wont be any purpose to the show. If Jim leaves, then the actress who plays Pam will also have to leave. I dont see them killing off the Jim character, that wouldn't be funny.

I love Dwight, but I think having his own show at the farm would be a bust. His character has gotten way to cartoonish lately anyway.Dwight will need a straight man to work off of. I think the writers should put Angela and Dwight back together and have her live up at the farm with her. Actually, if they toned down Dwight a tad, and bring in a bitchy Angela, this could be something like the Cleese Brit series "Fawlty Towers".

Spader really did not have anything to do in the show. I dont see why he could not be retained as a recurring character. The character was pretty cool. But I have noticed that he has not been in any episodes lately and I think his last appearance was in the pool party episode.

TVFactFan · 03-02-2012, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Anyone know the salaries of The Office actors? They are soooo talented.

I would love a season finale episode that involves a layoff and these characters get pink slips

Kevin, Meredith, Creed, and Kelly-LOL

Brian Damage · 03-02-2012, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I would love a season finale episode that involves a layoff and these characters get pink slips

Kevin, Meredith, Creed, and Kelly-LOL

Kelly is most likely leaving the show...especially if her new pilot gets picked up by FOX.

TVFactFan · 03-02-2012, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

Kelly is most likely leaving the show...especially if her new pilot gets picked up by FOX.

Kelly has two bad qualities. UGLY and CRAZY-LMAO

Brian Damage · 03-02-2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

Kelly has two bad qualities. UGLY and CRAZY-LMAO

I think she is cute

TVFactFan · 03-02-2012, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

I think she is cute

You need eye surgery LMAO

Janice · 03-02-2012, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

I think she is cute

I think so too. What cracks me up with Kelly is that she acts like such a dolt on the show, but in real life, Mindy's as bright as they come.

Janice · 03-02-2012, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I would love a season finale episode that involves a layoff and these characters get pink slips

Kevin, Meredith, Creed, and Kelly-LOL

Noooo, Solomon, you need supporting characters. Creed, he's a scream. Remember when he came in with the tan and wig, trying to look young, lol. Meredith, now there's a ho and Kevin, the way he talks kills me.

TVFactFan · 03-02-2012, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I think so too. What cracks me up with Kelly is that she acts like such a dolt on the show, but in real life, Mindy's as bright as they come.

I kind of like the Goofy Receptionist Erin better than Kelly. Erin is just goofy, Kelly seems like she is on drugs-lol

TVFactFan · 03-02-2012, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

Noooo, Solomon, you need supporting characters. Creed, he's a scream. Remember when he came in with the tan and wig, trying to look young, lol. Meredith, now there's a ho and Kevin, the way he talks kills me.

But there would still be plenty of supporting characters. You would have

Darryl
Phyllis
Stanely
Toby
Angela
Ryan
Andy
Val

How many supporting characters do you need Janice?-lol

Janice · 03-02-2012, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

But there would still be plenty of supporting characters. You would have

Darryl
Phyllis
Stanely
Toby
Angela
Ryan
Andy
Val

How many supporting characters do you need Janice?-lol

I need Kevin, Meredith, Creed and Kelly to stay on. What can I say, I don't like change.

I just finished season 5. I know I'll hate it when Michael leaves.

02-29-2012, 09:15 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,129	Ed Helms, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer In Talks for "Office" Return *John Krasinski, Ed Helms in Talks to Return to "The Office" But No Deals Yet (Exclusive)* 2/29/2012 by Lacey Rose James Spader's decision to exit the long-running NBC comedy comes as co-stars Rainn Wilson and Mindy Kaling are questioning their futures with the show. And while stars Ed Helms, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer are in talks to return for a ninth season, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter none has a deal in place. A future without these actors' characters seems hard to imagine, but the ensemble mockumentary famously replaced star Steve Carell last year. Ratings this season have dropped 15 percent but are still averaging a 3.5 in the key 18-to-49 demo when the full week's viewership is factored in, according to Nielsen. That's hardly "The Big Bang Theory" territory, but "Office" is the highest-rated comedy on fourth-place NBC, adding extra pressure to secure the key talent. "I can't imagine a scenario in which the show doesn't come back for a ninth season," says one "Office" insider. The comedy has the youngest audience of any primetime series on the big four networks with a median age of 36, and it generates $179,000 per 30-second spot for the network, according to an Ad Age report. What's more, aside from "Modern Family" and "Parks & Recreation", "Office" has the most affluent viewership on broadcast TV. But after years working at Dunder Mifflin, the cast can be forgiven for pursuing new projects. Writer and co-star Kaling has a comedy pilot at Fox. If it is picked up to series, Kaling, whose Universal Television deal expires in June, is expected to depart "Office" and focus instead on the new effort. Fellow writer-producer Daniel Chun has inked an overall deal with rival ABC Studios and will leave the Paul Lieberstein-run series at the end of the season. NBC also is eyeing a potential mid-season spinoff centered on Wilson's Dwight Schrute character, which likely will get a test episode next fall. If the network opts to move forward with it, Wilson, too, would pack his briefcase. Wilson, Kaling, Krasinski and Fischer have been with the series since its premiere in 2005. Helms -- arguably the show's biggest star thanks to the Hangover films -- joined in 2006 and has played a bigger role following Carell's departure. "'The Office' is still their top-rated scripted show and the linchpin of NBC's Thursday night comedy block," says Horizon Media's Brad Adgate, who notes NBC will likely spend big to retain the show -- and its stars. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...d-helms-295909 Attached Images

02-29-2012, 09:32 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Anyone know the salaries of The Office actors? They are soooo talented.

03-01-2012, 08:43 AM	#3
Yong Fang Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 04, 2009 Location: Memphis Tennessee Posts: 3,073	To me, Jim is the heart of the story and if that actor leaves, there wont be any purpose to the show. If Jim leaves, then the actress who plays Pam will also have to leave. I dont see them killing off the Jim character, that wouldn't be funny. I love Dwight, but I think having his own show at the farm would be a bust. His character has gotten way to cartoonish lately anyway.Dwight will need a straight man to work off of. I think the writers should put Angela and Dwight back together and have her live up at the farm with her. Actually, if they toned down Dwight a tad, and bring in a bitchy Angela, this could be something like the Cleese Brit series "Fawlty Towers". Spader really did not have anything to do in the show. I dont see why he could not be retained as a recurring character. The character was pretty cool. But I have noticed that he has not been in any episodes lately and I think his last appearance was in the pool party episode.