The Office to end after Season 9

In a conference call today, The Office showrunner Greg Daniels announced that Season 9 will be the show’s final season.

Here are some more details (some spoilerish).

  • Artistic ending to the show. Last season of The Office. Big exciting last season. Lot of familiar characters coming back. Wedding. Lots of drama for Jim/Pam. Darryl will learn PowerPoint. David Wallace running things.
  • We’ll find out who’s behind the documentary, meet some of them
  • Big Jim and Pam year.
  • “All questions will be answered.”
  • Gangbuster season.
  • Jim and Pam are the heart and soul of the show. From the early years, had an inkling of their ending.
  • Last few years didn’t do arcs so much, it was more episodic comedy. Season 9 will be an arc-heavy year, and will be set up in premiere.
  • Mindy and B.J are coming back briefly, hopefully more later.
  • Now that we have an end date, we can blow things up, take some chances, hopefully it will be very exciting for the audience.
  • How that we’ve announced this is the final season, hopefully we’ll get guest directors and stars to fill in on great guest star roles
  • The majority of the fireworks will happen in creative writing choices and things happening to characters you already know.
  • Would love Ken Kwapis to direct the finale since he directed the pilot.
  • In an upcoming episode, Nellie has a charity drive; Dwight wants to donate to the Taliban in protest.
  • We’ll find out who the Scranton Strangler is.
  • Protecting characters long term: “maybe that’s not important.”
  • Break the fourth wall of documentary
  • Why are the documentarians still filming after nine years? This will be explored.
  • Michael Scott returning? We would certainly wish for it, would be fantastic.
  • Will make Season 9 special, memorable, and exciting for fans.
  • Still the highest rated scripted show for the network.
  • Greenblatt mentioned “Explosive ideas” in upfronts? Greg: I know what he’s talking about.
  • Try to get back to people being surprised when they watch the show, instead of finding out three weeks earlier.
  • The Office Season 9 premiere airs September 20.

74 comments

  1. “We would certainly wish for (Michael Scott returning). We’re not going to put pressure on Steve by writing something that would only work if he returns, but it would be fantastic. I think for him, he really loved how he was exited, and probably was anxious about not messing up such a stylish exit — so that’s a perfectly legitimate point. So we’ll see. We haven’t written — we just have ideas for the ending, but if he were to participate, we’d have good times. … But he’s pretty busy.”

  2. I’m happy about this. Seasons 6-8 were complete trainwrecks and really lowered the overall quality of the show in my opinion. Season 9, from all the news that I’ve heard about it, looks to be a major improvement over those last three seasons though, so at least the show won’t go out with a whimper.

  3. BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!
    I Can’t believe this, i’ve been wanted this moment for a long long time.
    I’m gonna miss the show I lot, but it was time.
    Finally The Office will have an end. So happy!

  4. Can’t say i didn’t see it coming,it still none the less breaks my heart. What an amazing set of actors,writers and producers they’ve been..I’m really going to miss this show :(

  5. I’m incredibly sad. I feel like it is the right time to end it but I can’t believe my all time favorite comedy is coming to an end. I do however feel with an end date set this could be an incredible season as the writers have something to work towards and hopefully this will bring some great character arches and stories.

  6. As much as I hate to hear this, I can’t help but smile, honestly. Greg Daniels is the primary reason I’m returning, and already, it seems to sound much better than last season.

    Consider me a viewer once again.

  7. Sad news, this was the first show that I actually got attached to. Let’s just hope it’ll be as good as seasons 2-5, if not the best season yet, and a Michael appearance too.

  8. Thanks for such a great show Office staff! In the words of Michael Scott “Well this is gonna hurt like a mother******.

  9. Wow! I wonder what “Jim and Pam are the heart and soul of the show. From the early years, had an inkling of their ending” means…could mean a break up, some tension/fights, or it could just mean how their characters are finalized at the conclusion of the show. Can’t wait!

  10. all good things come to an end. i will enjoy each and every episode! they better have 30 episodes. or more.

  11. Wow, this is really sad. I have grown to really like this show, the dynamic of the show, and the characters. The dynamic was wonderful.

    Now that the show is ending, I really hope they pick up “The Farm”. That would make me feel a lot better knowing that I could still watch Dwight on TV (and possibly other characters from The Office).

    There are days that I will just pull out a season and watch episodes all day. This has been the first show that I could actually relate to and it had a “realistic” touch to the show. Most television shows are “glamored” and are not that realistic, and the documentary/realistic feel to this show was just amazing and I think that is why I have liked this show so much.

  12. “Darryl learns Powerpoint” hahahah. I am so sad about this but it’s also very exciting. Glad to see they are getting back to their roots.

  13. Sad, but I knew this day was coming sooner rather than later. I’ve enjoyed every season, especially the early ones and with Greg Daniels back to oversee the final season I know the quality will of the “golden years” will return. At least we are getting a return of “arcs” and plenty of Jim and Pam. I’m going try to not read any more spoilers so I’m surprised

  14. I am very sad at this moment, but I think this is for the best. The Office deserves a proper goodbye-season, not a last minute cancellation, and with this announcement they have a chance to do it right.

  15. They can’t break up Jim and Pam. They are soulmates and that would just be straight out mean. My bet is that they finally quit Dunder Mifflin.

  16. Assuming that this season has another 24 episodes, it will allow the finale to be their 200th episode.

  17. I’m sad since The Office is my favorite show of all time, but it’s been terrible the last few years so I suppose that you gotta call it quits at times like this. Also disappoints me when he talks about trying to get a bunch of guests stars and things. The early seasons were so great in that it was mostly just office people doing their job to varying degrees of success with an incompetent boss. We don’t need a bunch of celebrities or other people to come in and join the party. Regardless, I’m not expecting something great, but I will of course watch it.

  18. Sad to see it go, hoped they would have gone to 10 seasons like Friends. But at least they can go out on top! Now I hope “The Farm” does come about.

    I wonder if the wedding will be Michael and Holly?

  19. Well… It’s for the best. The return of some older characters will be welcome. Who though? Roy, Todd and David are in… But will Devon, Karen, Hank, Jan, Danny, Charles, Hunter, Helene, Carol, Mose, Isabel, Bob or Mr. Brown reappear? And of couse… Michael and Holly?

  20. I’m trying to think of an upside. I guess this means I could actually make plans and go outside of my house on a Thursday night, which I haven’t done in about six-plus years. Other than that I’m just sad.

    [ from tanster: go outside on a thursday night? i don’t even remember what that feels like. :( ]

  21. “Goodbye, Michael” will always be the series finale for me, unless Steve returns for something else. I’ll watch the series ’till the end, but am looking forward to the Blu-Ray box set more than anything they’ll show this season.

  22. Had me, had me, had me…. lost me at Nellie. Worst thing to ever happen to the show, even worse than Todd Packer. Hopefully she (and he for that matter) is not in more than one ep.

  23. Well, it will be a bit sad when the last episode airs, but really this was the only way it could go. Trying to hang on after this when the major names would no longer be on board would have been disastrous. Tanster, I hope you get some good hangout time at the set this year.

    [ from tanster: thanks, rm! i am just incredibly sad right now. :( ]

  24. “Hopefully we’ll get guest directors and guest stars to fill in on great guest star roles.”

    No stunt casting please! Notable guest stars take attention away from the regulars and, especially in this last season, I’d rather focus on the people I know and love.

  25. They would never make Jim and Pam break up. They are the reason so many of us got hooked on the show.

  26. I “discovered” The Office with “Fun Run.” I laughed so much that I wanted to find out the backstory of these crazy people. I watched 17 hours straight (the max Netflix would allow at that time!) of the first seasons the following weekend.

    Will ALWAYS love this show.

  27. I want to know what Jim wrote in his letter/card to Pam during the Christmas episode.
    Then I will feel complete.

    Thank you Office for an amazing run!
    Good luck to all.

  28. I hope Jim & Pam’s “end” refers to how they will end their story in the show, not their relationship! It would be so messed up if those two broke up. I would never forgive the show runners and would not be able to eat.

    “All questions will be answered.” Haha. That reminds me of Lost. :)

  29. Holy Crap-

    LovesItalianFood,

    You might be onto something. Maybe some issues happen with Jim and Pam and when they watch the Documentary she sees the letter he took back. She then reads it in the episode and…BOOM…Happy moment.

  30. Roy will be back so obviously whatever answers or plot devices with Jim and Pam will deal with him.
    So it would make sense if that letter were used somehow. Lol

  31. Nobody said it was easy; it’s such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy… no one ever said it would be this hard.” – Coldplay

    I just want to say to the entire office family….Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

  32. While the Office is still my favorite show, I am glad that they have ended it. The last three seasons have been lacking so hopefully now that they have a definitive end date they can make this last season good.

    Glad to here that it will be a big year for Jim/Pam since they haven’t really done anything for the last two years. I really don’t think that Greg will break them up because
    a)He stated in an interview that they were soulmates.
    b)A large amount of people who still watch the show are JAM fans and they would probably burn NBC to the ground.

    My guess that the drama will revolve around them being miserable with their jobs/dealing with two kids and looking for better jobs.

  33. Wow, was kind of expecting this really, but still so, so sad. I will miss these characters so much. This is my favourite show ever (and I watch a lot of shows). Kind of nervous about ‘drama for Jim and Pam’ and a ‘big year’ for them. I know, ultimately Greg Daniels will give them a happy ending ‘cos it would be an absolutely horrible end to the show otherwise, but I’m wondering if it means they’re going to temporarily split this season? Oh god, all sorts of emotions going on inside me right now! Sadness, fear, excitement…and gratitude for one final season and a proper send-off. Not to mention gratitude for 8 previous seasons of an incredible show.

  34. At Greg, Post 24

    It was announced before that there will be only 22 episodes for this season, I do not know if the number of episodes will change since this is the last season.

    tanster do you know anything about this? Thanks

  35. Very sad news, but it is probably time. It is better to go out with a bang than with a whimper.

  36. Daniel G., as far as I’m aware, Roy is only back for one episode and it revolves around his wedding, so I don’t think he’s going to have that much impact on Jim and Pam. I remember reading that during his contract negotiations, John wanted time off to shoot a movie in January, so if that is true, and they have to write him out for a while, maybe his absence will be part of this big story for Jim and Pam.

  37. I hope they end the show similar to the british version. Maybe a two or three episode special ending explaining life after the documentary. I think it would give an interesting perspective on the characters!

  38. I have always thought when Greg left for Parks this show suffered greatly. I have not watched it in years. But I maintain that seasons 1-3 are some of the best tv in history (season 2 is my favorite of any show I have ever watched – brilliant drama and comedy throughout). I will tune in to watch season 9 and see how Greg ends it.

  39. It’s going to be a sad ending, because this has been such a wonderful, brilliant comedy to watch unfold. It’s going to be a good ending. because Greg Daniels is involved. And it’s going to be a RIGHT ending, because it’s time.

  40. I’m very sad about this, but we all knew this day would come. With the main characters headed for movie stardom, the Office would either have to change drastically or end. I probably would have watched a rebooted Office, but maybe it’s best they just let it end with the characters that drew us loyal fans to the show in the first place. We will all survive.

  41. @Jessie I just read an article on another site about the conference call:
    Daniels does tease that the Jim/Pam fans will not be disappointed with what is coming for everyone’s favorite “Office” couple.

    “A lot of drama in the Jim/Pam storyline this year,” says Daniels. “Big Jim and Pam year. You’ll be pleased and excited for what we have planned for them.”

    I don’t think many Jim/Pam fans would be excited or pleased if they were separated.

  42. I cannot tell you how happy I am. Last season was a disaster. I was ready to throw in the towel with the show. But I think Greg Daniels has me convinced for one more round.

  43. Goodbye, my lover… goodbye, my friend…

    After the past season or two, I’d lost faith that this show would ever see a dignified ending, but I stand corrected. Thank you, Greg Daniels, for making the brave (and correct) decision to end it on your own terms. It sounds like a very promising season; I’m grateful to have just one more!

  44. I didn’t realize I would be sad when I heard this news. But I am. During some of the really bad times in my life over the past seven years I watched episodes of The Office over and over again in a loop. I miss her already.

  45. Aw, I knew when Greg Daniels was coming back, it was the beginning of the end. Didn’t he say that at a conference once – that once they start exposing the office mates to the documentary and showing their reaction to it – that would be the end? I very much love that idea. I’ll miss them – they should all be extraordinarily proud of the innovative and creative television they made. And I think that the Jim and Pam drama will be because they will see all the taped moments they didn’t see before they got together – that would affect any relationship – even one of soulmates. :D

  46. You know, I have never encountered a show that I’ve ever had much love for than the Office. It really is a part of my life since I have looked forward to it every week during Fall TV season every year. It has fathered my sense of humor and has given me a set of role models I can look up to as I am trying to pursue something along the lines of acting. Thank you everyone for the Office for caring for your fanbase and being the best thing to ever happen to television for the past 7-8 years.

    Let’s finish this one off strong Tallyheads!

    Let’s go Season 9! I’m pumped!

  47. I hope the Jim/Pam thing won’t be a separation. Maybe one of them will get sick? A 3rd child already? Finally they’ll quit the office to pursue art and sportscasting?

    I want to see Michael return. More Meredith/Creed/Oscar/Phyllis. Less Nellie. WAY less Nellie. Erin and Andy needs to finally happen.

  48. Since this is the final season of The Office, I’ve got to ask: Where’s The Office Fan Viewing Parties?

  49. Like most of us here, I am incredibly sad to see the show end, but agree that it’s probably time. I’ve enjoyed every season, though some have obviously been better than others, and it sounds like this final season is going to be amazing! I will miss all the characters (EXCEPT Todd Packer, Robert California & Nellie! HATE!) but I’ll miss Kevin the most. I love that big idiot. :(

  50. It makes me sad to think about the ending of the show — but very happy that Greg Daniels is once again in charge. He developed the American version and guided it with brilliance. I know he will know how to give it a wonderful ending. I can hardly wait for Season 9!

  51. It feels like somebody took my heart and dropped it into a bucket of boiling tears. And at the same time, somebody else is hitting my soul in the crotch, with a frozen sledge hammer. And then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone.

    Seriously, though I have loved The Office, especially series 2 – 6, I agree it is probably for the best. Would rather a great final season than cast leaving one by one and it getting cancelled.

  52. Tell the producers I want to buy Dwight’s Firebird when shooting ends (and if they don’t want it for The Farm).

    Please!!!!

  53. I’m very pleased to hear this news. I know I’ll definitely miss “The Office” once it ends (it’s one of my all-time favorite TV shows), but it’s time for it to end. I would rather it go out with a bang than go on for more seasons with fans/viewers complaining about how it’s passed its prime. It will be really weird though not watching “The Office” every Thursday night anymore (when the next fall season begins).

  54. “Try to get back to people being surprised when they watch the show, instead of finding out three weeks earlier.”

    Thanks, God! That means that Daniels knows what went wrong with season eight…

  55. I will miss the Office (especially the Jim/Dwight stuff) but hopefully this means the writing will become more focused and no more feculent turd filler episodes.

  56. It’s so damn sad to learn the 9th season of the show is the final one. But I’m pretty sure the show will have the perfect ending. There better be bigger surprises, for instance: Andy and Erin finally complete their love; and I’m looking forward to know if Dwight’s really the father of Angela’s baby and not the senator (and also if the senator really is gay, or maybe bisexual); also, I’m very interested in if everything’s cool between Jim and Pam, and Roy; and we’ll see David Wallace enjoying his new workplace as CEO; I’d wish Packer were back to the show, after being fired last season; as Bob Vance hasn’t been seen since Season 7 Episode “Christening”, I would like to see him back; someone’s getting married; but most of all, I hope Michael returns in this new season.

  57. I forgot to mention: I’m also very interested to know who the Scranton Strangler really is, like some other people do. And, please, try to include some more of Pam’s dad.

  58. So sad The Office will be ending! Thursday nights will not be the same without it. I can’t wait to see what happens this season though, hopefully nothing bad with Jim and Pam. Would like to see Michael and Holly again and way less Nellie!

  59. 2021 now and I am still watching The Office over and over and over. I just listened to the audiobook by Andy Greene and I laughed so hard I cried and cried so hard I cried harder. I am currently watching at this moment “Work Bus” on DVR from Comedy Channel. Shabooya ya Roll call is in the back ground as I write this. I am so privileged and beyond happy to be privy to the most amazing series to ever be on television in my lifetime. I hope it keeps drawing in new viewers, especially since NBC took the rights from Netflix last year.

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