The Office spin-off is still in the early stages of production. Nothing has been written, nor has the concept been fully formed.  Office writer/producer/part-time blogger Michael Schur (perhaps better known as Mose Schrute) recently discussed The Office spin-off with Variety, saying "We're trying to come up with the best concept and hire the funniest writers.  In the next couple of weeks, we'll be making the final move to one specific idea."  Word is that none of the main characters from The Office will leave the original series to be a part of the spin-off.  More likely is that some new characters will be introduced next season on the original who will then become a part of the spin-off, which will premiere on NBC at mid-season.  Despite not having a premise nailed down, the spin-off has its first cast member: Aziz Ansari. Aziz is a part of the MTV comedy troupe Human Giant and will be featured on the next season of Scrubs as an intern. 

E! Online is reporting a rumor regarding The Office spin-off that, if true, will probably divide fans. An anonymous source has stated that Rashida Jones may star in the spin-off, reprising the role of Karen Fillippelli.  This might make sense, given that her character is currently working at the Utica Branch of Dunder-Mifflin.  It's only a rumor at this point, but it seems reasonable.  While Rashida was a nice piece of the puzzle on The Office, I don't think she has the comedic chops to anchor an entire series.  Perhaps if she takes over the “Jim” role on the new series it could work.

As for Aziz, Office show runner Greg Daniels had this to say: "We met him pretty early on and thought he was very funny.  We have a good character for him."  While it might seem counter-intuitive to create characters first and concept second, it's a plan that works for a series like The Office.  The spin-off, if it's going to be successful, will need to give us as many iconic and dynamic characters as the original.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: Variety, TV Guide
(Image Courtesy of MTV)