Earlier this week, BuddyTV reported that Amy Poehler is in negotiations to star in NBC's The Office spin-off, which is set to premiere at mid-season.  This has led speculations of the 36-year-old actress' departure on Saturday Night Live, where is currently a cast member.  Now, confirmation comes from Poehler herself who told The Associated Press that she will in fact be leaving the sketch comedy where she catapulted to national fame.

Despite earning an Emmy nomination for her work on Saturday Night Live, Poehler has decided to exit the show to make way for her role on The Office spin-off, a role that is rumored to be similar to that of Steve Carell's character in The Office.


"I can kind of confirm that I will be working in some capacity on that show," Poehler told The Associated Press.  "I don't really have any other details yet."

"It's been quite a week," Poehler added.  "I'm very excited about all the good stuff that's coming down the pike."

Expect more information about Poehler's new show when NBC rolls in to the Summer Press Tour on Monday.  Meanwhile, Poehler, who is pregnant with her first baby with husband Will Arnett of Arrested Development fame, still plans to stay on Saturday Night Live through the election this fall or at least until her baby is born before making the jump to The Office spin-off.

Poehler first appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2001 and was eventually promoted from featured player to full cast member.  Beginning with the 2004-2005 season, she co-anchored Weekend Update with Tina Fey, replacing the newly departed Jimmy Fallon.  When Fey left to devote time to the sitcom she created, 30 Rock, Seth Meyers joined Poehler at the anchor desk.  Recently, she starred in the movie Baby Mama, and has landed roles in upcoming films such as Spring Breakdown, Hoodwinked 2: Hood vs. Evil and Groupies.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Associated Press
(Image courtesy of NBC)