Earlier this week, Steve Carell told BBC Radio that next season would likely be his final one as lovable boob Michael Scott on The Office. If this rings true, I expect the series will likely wrap up altogether -- Carell is the backbone of the show and co-stars Ed Helms, B.J. Novak, John Krasinski, and Mindy Kaling are all on the verge of superstardom. But what if the show continued? The writing is still strong and hilarious, and the series boasts the best comedic supporting cast on television next to 30 Rock. Sure, Dunder Mifflin losing its "World's Greatest Boss" would be a shame, but I still think the series could thrive and fire on all cylinders with a new top paper salesman (or woman). Carell is irreplaceable but here's a few random thoughts on how The Office can stay open despite losing its leader....
John C. Reilly, bringing with him the same level of dumb he did in Step Brothers, would be a perfect foil to Rainn Wilson's Dwight Schrute and Krasinski's Jim...
Will Arnett's got a new series in the works next year, but should it fail, the always reliable actor formerly known as Gob Bluth would be a perfect match for anyone in the Scranton branch...
Ricky Gervais? How cool would it be to see the UK/US versions of the show come together with David Brent taking over for Michael Scott?
Lisa Kudrow has been missed on the boob tube ever since The Comeback was rushed off the air. I'd love to see Schrute struggle working for a woman or for Kevin to be nervously shy around her...
Similarly, Elizabeth Banks could truly shine as a sultry yet silly boss. The work she's currently doing on 30 Rock doesn't showcase her talents enough...
Faizon Love could come on board playing the same exact character he did in Elf and I'd be happy...
They'd never do it but these actors would easily fit in at Dunder: Paul Rudd, Jason Bateman, or Simon Pegg...
Hire Jorge Garcia! He's free from Lost soon and would actually be a hilarious addition in a supporting role should Wilson, Krasinski, or Helms take over the reigns...
Crispin Glover could out-Creed Creed...so could John Lithgow...
Or....
Why hire someone new when you can promote an existing cast member? I'd really love to see Kaling's Kelly take the reigns. She'd make Michael look like a scholar, would make the worst decisions for the company, and could make Ryan's life hell. This week's episode in which she applies for a management program could pave the way for such a move. Oh, and if not there's always the "'Nard Dog..."
Having said all of this replacing Steve Carell is far from easy, but I can't imagine a world in which The Office isn't on Thursday night. I'm banking neither can NBC.
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