A letter from The Office writing staff

Dear Fans of The Office,

It looks like, after many long months, the writers’ strike will be ending very shortly. The vote to temporarily lift the strike while we vote on the contract passed with an overwhelming majority on Tuesday, and while we still technically have to ratify the contract (in a separate vote that takes place over the next two weeks or so), that vote was a very strong signal that we’re almost back to normal.

It was a difficult struggle, and we don’t take lightly the problems it caused for our crew, our actors, and the viewers of the show. In the end, though, we believe it was worth it, because writers have managed to win a share of the future of the industry.

We just want to thank you for the incredible display of support you have given us over the last four months. We never forget how lucky we are to have a fan base that cares so much about what we do, and we are excited to be going back to work, which is the only way we can try to pay you back.

It seems like we will be making six more episodes this year, the first of which is scheduled to air April 10. Right now, that episode will be “Dinner Party,” written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, which we had just begun to film when the strike hit. Also, although we aren’t 100% sure yet, it looks like we may have an hour-long season finale. All of this is subject to change, but seems likely. (Just stay tuned to OfficeTally — tanster will probably somehow find out all the developments before we do.)

In the meantime, we’re back at work, and would like to thank you, again, for everything.

Sincerely,

The Office Writers

66 comments

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1. 
   66. Dean  Thu. Mar. 13, 2008 | 11:37pm

   so why not extend the season into the summer and recapture some of the lost advertising revenue?

   you’ll have a hard time making any money off the DVD for season three with so few episodes….and even though the strike was problematic and not scheduled time off — it was still time off…surely you had time to write during the strike…produce more than 6 shows….

   most fans have already seen every previous episode so reruns are worthless during the summer…

   without 30 Rock and The Office NBC is “DOA”…

   why don’t you make 10 or 12 episodes…

   keep in mind that a good thing will not last forever…and remember guys, history will most likely show and prove that “The Office” will be the biggest hit for all involved…yes, there are other roles for the actors, etc…but you are locked in now, just like every other famous sitcom star — like it or it….

   why not be the best show ever?

2. 
   65. iEatGarbage  Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 | 7:10pm

   It’s good to know my obsession has a purpose!

3. 
   64. Gail  Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 | 10:26am

   I’m so glad you are all back and working and doing what you love to do (and what we love you to do, of course!) April 10th is a long ways off, but it will be well worth the wait. Welcome back and thanks for the nice letter. We know you recognize and appreciate the fans and that is just so darn cool!

4. 
   63. Philly Jim  Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 | 10:13am

   Thanks for the letter, “Office” writers! Can’t wait for April and to see where the season takes us. Glad this is finally resolved and everyone can get back to work and us die-hard fans can get back to obsessing and loving the show! We have missed you!

5. 
   62. brenna  Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 | 9:24am

   thanks so much! we all love you!

6. 
   61. Mexicanity  Sun. Feb. 17, 2008 | 9:15am

   Thanks for the wonderful letter, you guys are totally awesome! I’m glad you guys got a good deal (you deserve every penny of it!) and of course, I can’t wait for the new episodes!!

7. 
   60. dustin  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 11:30pm

   You’re Welcome!

8. 
   59. what's the dealio  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 10:20pm

   Thanks for the wonderful letter! You’ve created such great stories and so many hours of awesome entertainment. Hands down you are the best comedy writers on television right now and anyone with half a brain knows that for a fact. You’ve been so missed and I’m so glad you’re back!

9. 
   58. Peggy  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 9:17pm

   Thanks for the update; we’re so glad you seem to have reached a satisfactory resolution!

   My fondest desire for the last six episodes is a call back to flonkerton.

10. 
    57. dying star  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 8:40pm

    I love that the writers took the time to write this letter to us fans! I have missed my Office terribly, but I am glad that the writers stood up for themselves and got what was rightfully theirs. It’s been a long, hard wait (TWSS), but that’s okay, my Office is coming back!

    Thank you Office writers for a fabulously written, wonderfully smart, and incredibly funny show! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

11. 
    56. TinMan  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 7:52pm

    Thank you, Delegate from Iceland ;)

12. 
    55. TinMan  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 7:50pm

    The writers are great.

    I’m just bummed that we’re only getting six more episodes this season :(

13. 
    54. Delegate from Iceland  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 6:41pm

    Thanks so much to the wonderful and enormously talented writers at The Office. I told my husband that I have now divided the near future into events that occur before and after the return of The Office on 4/10. I can’t wait! :-)

14. 
    53. Annelise  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 4:01pm

    I love you guys! Thanks for caring about us.

15. 
    52. Lisa  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 3:43pm

    Writers, you are awesome.

    I can’t wait to see new episodes. I’m so glad you guys got a fair deal.

16. 
    51. alaskalyn  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 3:18pm

    We’re also planning a dinner party to celebrate the Dinner Party like ‘counting the days’ suggests. On the menu will be Talking Rain seltzer water!

17. 
    50. counting the days  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 1:16pm

    What a thoughtful gesture, writers.Can’t wait for the Dinner Party…may invite friends over and have one of my own to celebrate.

18. 
    49. lemoñadé  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 12:37pm

    Thank you so much for everything you guys do. You bring a lot of laughter to my Thusrday nights. I am so happy you were able to get a good deal and look forward to seeing what you have in store for us!

19. 
    48. sar  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 12:15pm

    Seriously? What other show would do this? That is so nice, thank you so much writers!!! Can’t wait til the 10th!! :D

20. 
    47. janetws  Sat. Feb. 16, 2008 | 11:05am

    Welcome Back!!! It’s great to have new episodes to look forward to as well to know progress has been made on the internet front in terms of revenue recognition and compensation. I know it’s not perfect, but most definitely progress and will set the stage for future progress. I can hardly wait until April!!!! Good times are here again!!!

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