NBC bosses said today they were prepared to continue the hit TV show “The Office” without star Steve Carell after he indicated he would not be renewing his contract, deadline.com reported.
Carell, who plays bumbling boss Michael Scott, told BBC radio last month he was looking to step away from the show at the end of next season.
“How long does your contract run?” asked the interviewer. “Contract through next season,” Carell answered.
“And will you stay after that?” the interviewer followed up.
“I don’t think so,” Carell said. “That will probably be my last year.”
Carell has been developing a movie career with roles in “Get Smart and “Date Night” and is said to be keen to continue his box office success.
NBC’s primetime entertainment president Angela Bromstad said in a conference call today they were hopeful he might change his mind.
“We hope we can keep him around for a long time,” she said.
But NBC Uni TV Entertainment chairman Jeff Gaspin added: “‘The Office’ is a great ensemble show, and the producers are preparing in the event he choses to move on.”