Nearly a decade after the series finale back in 2013, “The Office” is more popular now than ever before. Thanks to a new generation of viewers discovering the sitcom on Netflix years ago, combined with the fact that you can find an episode of “The Office” airing nearly 24/7 somewhere on cable TV, the Steve Carell-led comedy series from NBC seems to be the topic of conversation whenever people talk about potential reboots and revivals. But yet, even though so many other, lesser sitcoms have returned, “The Office” remains on the sideline. But according to an NBCUniversal executive, the studio’s ready, willing, and able to welcome back the folks of Dunder Mifflin whenever it’s time. But it’s ultimately not the studio’s choice.
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Speaking to Deadline, in response to the question about a new revival, reunion, or whatever new “Office” content could be happening in the future, NBCU content chief Susan Rovner said, “Whenever Greg Daniels wants to do one, we’re standing by.”
Greg Daniels, of course, is the creator of the American version of “The Office,” based on the British series of the same name from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. And the superstar producer seems to be the only one that is currently holding back any possible development of new ‘Office’ content.
That said, even if Daniels were to agree to make it happen, it would be pretty damn hard to get everyone else on board, particularly the cast. The aforementioned Carell is a much bigger star than he was a decade ago and is pretty picky about projects. Then you have John Krasinski, who is an A-list filmmaker and actor, with plenty on his schedule. And without going into details about everyone, the idea of getting an entire ensemble back for something like an ‘Office’ revival seems particularly difficult.
The fans, however, are definitely ready to see it happen. The series was one of the biggest hits on Netflix’s streaming platform before it was switched over to Peacock, where it has become one of the most popular bits of content on that streamer. And judging by the sheer number of memes generated from the series, there’s a desire to see the Dunder Mifflin crew return. You have to assume NBCU is ready to write some big checks to make it happen, also.
But until then, it doesn’t appear any closer to reality. For now, at least.