Press call with Ed Helms and Paul Lieberstein

Reporter 21: Having done so much creatively on TV and film, what are some of the things that you like to watch on television and what might be on your DVR at the moment?

Ed: Myth Busters.

Paul: I watch Parks [and Recreation].

Ed: Parks and Recreation is fantastic. I love that too. And one of my favorite shows on earth right now is Rob Corddry’s show, Children’s Hospital. Of course Rob is a buddy from my Daily Show days. And I just think he is killing it with that show. But I wasn’t joking about Myth Busters either. I think that that is an extraordinary show. It’s incredibly compelling to watch and hilarious. I also [like] Iron Chef still and Downton Abby I got hooked on. I get hooked into those home and garden design and sort of home makeover shows.

Reporter 21: That sounds like a very Andy thing to say.

Ed: Yeah, right. How’s this for Andy? I’ve been known to watch – what is that show, the Great American Sing Off or something that’s a sing off.

Reporter 21: The Sing Off.

Ed: Thanks. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that’s great television, but I have been sucked in from time to time.

Reporter 22: I’m curious what will the documentary be about at the end? The documentary crew that has been with The Office for so long.

Paul: That’s a very interesting question and I’m not going to tell you because I think that’ll be a very fun reveal. But it might not be about what you think.

Ed: Is the show itself not the documentary or is it the show just b-roll from the documentary?

Paul: That’s good. I think what we’d (unintelligible) is the very first episode which is why the documentary is there and what they came to explore. So…

Ed: It’d be a bit of surprise.

Paul: I mean some questions shouldn’t be asked because a documentary would have been the most extensive and expansive documentary in the history of documentaries. But you definitely understand why they’re there.

Ed: Yeah. There’s something beautiful in the mundane if you take a big enough microscope to it. And that’s a lot of the best real documentaries out there sort of start on one subject and wind up zeroing in on something that seemed just innocuous to being with like Capturing the Friedmans for example is a – and I just think that the smallness of this world is part of its – it’s part of what makes it so beautiful and compelling.

13 comments

  1. Interesting quote from Paul regarding the nature of the documentary! “…that’ll be a very fun reveal. It might not be about what you think.”
    Hopefully they won’t be revealing that anytime soon since he implies it’ll be towards the end of the series.

  2. You were able to travel into the future for an interview on October 27th? Your reporter skills are impressive! :)

    [from tanster: oops! now fixed, thanks!]

  3. Having Paul and Ed talking about the inevitable finale of the series, that makes me kinda sad. At least I am relieved they know the ending they are working towards and seem to have it planned out, which is something that cannot be said about other shows.

  4. Wow, I never ever thought I’d see Capturing the Friedmans referenced alongside The Office.

    That [unintelligible] couldn’t have come at a worse possible moment in the transcript… ;)

  5. Sounds like the show is going to come to an end soon. Perhaps 9 seasons at most. However, thanks for the interview!

  6. This was a good read. And yes, having Paul and Ed talk about the ending makes me really sad. I know it has to come to an end some time especially having a 8 season run so far, but I really do wish it can go longer than 9 seasons. I’m hoping for 10, if that’s not too much to ask for.

  7. I was a bit surprised that Paul seemed very unsure that Steve would ever make a return. I was under the impression that there might be a few cameos at least. I’m all for the show not living in the past but I would have loved to see something like.

  8. @#7 Paul is unsure because it’s entirely up to Steve. And these are Steve’s most recent comments on the subject:

    “I don’t think Michael Scott should come back at all,” he said. “I just think it’s better if he just moves along. I think the show should become whatever it’s going to become without people traipsing back in.”

  9. I really can’t think of any valid reason to bring Michael back, even for a cameo. I mean, maybe they can have him Skype with Dwight or something one episode but Michael’s story in Scranton is over. That’s not to say that the series finale shouldn’t acknowledge him–and certainly, the producers should and will extend the invitation to Steve for that–but there’s really no situation that wouldn’t come across as obviously contrived for a sitcom.

    If they ever do have him make another appearance though, I sincerely hope the producers and cast make every effort to keep it a surprise until the episode airs. No hints on Twitter like “So excited to shoot with today’s ‘guest star’!!” or promos heralding the return of Michael Scott. Keep it organic so it doesn’t lead to an overblown, overhyped bit like Ricky Gervais last year.

  10. Paul was vague on Michael’s return because there is clearly some long term planning in the works. If The Office were to go off air without the Michael/Holly wedding it would be nothing short of a travesty! Steve understands that. He’s just not going to start prematurely discussing anything of that nature in the media.

    As far as the number of seasons goes, I was convinced this year would be the last but not sure as the ratings aren’t diving so we might get a 9th.

  11. There’s no chance of a Michael/Holly wedding. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that, if it happens, I’ll run naked through the parking lot with a doughnut on my ding dong.

  12. @Kyle – What, no ass tattoo?!?!

    But I agree completely. I’d be stunned if Steve ever made a cameo in a future episode, even the series finale. All indications are that he’s done with the show and they’re done with him. Everyone is taking the high road, and saying the right things, because that’s good for business.

  13. I liked the explanation Paul gave about why they chose Andy to be manager. I’m glad someone asked about the Scranton Strangler. I thought that storyline would have continued by now especially after what Toby said at the Dundies. Paul’s answer was confusing. Toby is going to visit the Scranton Strangler in jail? I’m excited to see what the documentary is going to be about at the end! I’ve been wondering what Toby’s purpose is now that Michael is gone. I really loved their relationship. I’m so happy someone asked if there would be a Michael and Holly wedding! I really hope we see them get married. I know I’m not the only fan whose been waiting to see Michael’s wedding day. If we can’t see their wedding, I at least hope they can both make an appearance and just update everyone on what they have been up to. I know Steve has already said he feels like Michael shouldn’t come back, but I hope he changes his mind when it comes time for the series finale if not sooner!

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