I do not hesitate in saying that The Office is the best comedy show on television today. Unlike other thirty-minute sitcoms, their unique mockumentary style and offbeat, sometimes dry and witty humor make the shows a success.

Furthermore, the variety of characters and embracement of awkward moments make it more real world applicable than the stereotypical “six white friends trying to find love in a city.” (Also not to slam Friends, as clearly it was successful and had its moments.)

In recent television gossip, news has spread of The Office attempting what in many ways could be a terrible a mistake, a spinoff. We’ve seen them fail (going along with Friends from above, Joey was a disaster). And in the drama world, we’ve seen them succeed (Law and Order SVU, CI, TBJ, CSI: NY, Miami, etc…). However, can a popular fake documentary type show potentially gain anything from a spinoff? And if so, who would be at its core?

The possibility of characters is endless, but I could only see the producers working with the following possibilities:

1. Taking Ryan and David Wallace and using them to explore the corporate world could make for a very interesting series. Ryan (B.J. Novak) is a series regular who writes for the show, and is almost itching to be more deeply explored, especially, with the recent episode that gave him a serious drug problem. Jan, and her firing from corporate, could also play a roll in the spinoff, though I’d like to think that the producers would stay away from further using Steve Carrell. Furthermore, Rashida Jones, who played Karen, hasn’t been hitting too well with Unhitched, and would also be great to add to the corporate world.
2. I doubt they would use Dwight, Jim, or Pam. Seeing that they are truly the ones leading the show, it would be difficult for them to carry a spinoff and star in the regular office. Though, Jim and Pam as newlyweds could be an interesting idea, I don’t see it happening.
3. The other members of The Office all are in the running to carry a future spinoff; the best guess of these characters being The Accountants. They already starred in an online miniseries that did tremendously well, as well as made an appearance on Deal or No Deal. Wouldn’t be interesting to get more of a personal centered life of characters like Stanley, Creed, or Meredith.
4. Bob Vance and the other families of Scranton. Bob and Phyllis could be explored much more in depth and I’m sure that there are plenty of likeable/awkward/amusing characters over in his office.

Let me clarify that the spinoff does not yet officially exist and is merely a possibility at this point. In recent episodes, due to Steve Carrell’s contract ending in the near future, there have been many Michael-centric plots. However, with this in mind, we have had little character development with some of the minor characters, which in my opinion make the show. Without Creed’s awkwardness, Andy’s arrogance, and Kevin’s immature humor, the show would not be what it is. Don’t get me wrong: Steve Carrell is absolutely brilliant, yet it is the supporting roles that deserve a lot of the credit as well.

Another question rises as to where NBC would place the show. Would they put it back-to-back in the lineup? I could definitely see some of the characters leaving the office, such as Jim and Pam and pursuing other occupations. In doing so, you could then juxtapose their new jobs/lives with the current status of the office for a power hour of comedy. The NBC lineup is already pretty strong with Tina Fey’s 30 Rock becoming a huge success and wrapping up Scrubs (which, if you read my last article was scheduled to be the last season, but has now moved to ABC in the fall and will continue with at least one more).

While most of my speculation here has been just that – speculation, and semi-negative due to the past success of comedy spinoffs, I am hopeful that the payoff could be amazing. A new series with several new characters in a new working environment could be absolutely phenomenal, if pulled off correctly. And having some of the characters bleeding over could be a great addition. Furthermore, a half hour of the Scranton branch and then a half hour of corporate in New York could add great storylines to the series. The Office has constantly toyed with the hour-long episodes, having five in this season already, and many in seasons prior.

Though the success of hour-long episodes is arguable (as sometimes the plotlines drone on and the humor dies), there is no doubt the show is itching for more to do. It is also important to note that a lot of the episodes this season have taken place outside of the office setting. In my opinion, the better plotlines are held within the office environment involving…well Dunder Mifflin things….but, when outlets are needed (such as a dinner party) the spinoff could serve for those purposes as well.

Last note: Family Guy is having a spinoff in the fall entitled Cleveland, featuring (you guessed it) Cleveland as a central character. He is, honestly, one of my least favorite characters on the show, but spinning off seems to be the popular thing right now. I wonder how it will all play out. The Core Junction wants to know: What do you guys think? What shows deserve a spinoff? What would be the best for an Office spinoff?

Photo courtesy of undannlin