Steve Carell left The Office in its seventh season back in 2011 – here’s why.
About The Office
The Office was originally a comedy series produced by the BBC. The US adaptation of the show began airing in early 2005. The show ran for nine seasons in the US, concluding in 2013. Rumours have surfaced in recent years that the show will be re-booted in 2019.
The show is a ‘mockumentary’ comedy due to it’s single camera interview style format. It depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company.
Steve Carell starred in seven seasons of the comedy series. He played the character Michael Scott, regional manager of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Branch. Michael Scott is a lovable loser type. He is a well-intentioned man whose attempts at humour, while seemingly innocent to himself, often offend and annoy his employees and his superiors.
The Office started as an underdog in the television world. Its first season received mixed reviews, but it went on to be recognised as one of the best comedy series of its time.
Why Steve Carell left
Steve Carell was originally contracted for seven seasons of The Office. He stuck to the contract and humbly bowed out of his stellar role at the end of season seven.
During his time on the series, Carell had made a name for himself in the movie business. Having starred in numerous successful films, it has been speculated that Carell left The Office to pursue his film career further.
However, Carell also noted that one of his reasons for leaving was because he did not ‘want to get too comfortable’. Having achieved success with the show, Carell simply felt that it was his time to leave. He was seeking new challenges and was quoted as saying, “I figured it was time to try something else. You never know what might be on the other side”.
Despite this, Carell did admit that his departure was ‘bittersweet’.
Carell made a re-appearance for the show’s final season as Michael returns for Dwight and Angela’s wedding.
Nevertheless, Steve Carell has made it clear that he is not interested in being a part of the show’s 2019 re-boot.
