The Office will have a new behind-the-scenes boss next season as Paul Lieberstein is stepping down as executive producer-showrunner. He is expected to land a hand while he preps the potential spinoff series starring Rainn Wilson, The Farm, which he co-created, but search is under way for a new showrunner to take the reins of the veteran comedy series next season.
Meanwhile, conversations with key Office cast members John Krasinski, Ed Helms, Jenna Fischer and B.J. Novak, who have no deals beyond this season, continue, though I hear that they have stalled for the moment. Locking in as many actors of the core quartet as possible is critical for the future of the series in light of the potential departures of Wilson, who would segue onto the spinoff series sometime next season, and Mindy Kaling, who has a pilot in the running at Fox. Additionally, this season’s addition James Spader recently announced that he will be leaving in May.
