Steve Carell shares thoughts on why an Office revival wouldn’t work today

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It's a scientific fact that THE OFFICE is one of the greatest TV shows ever made and because it’s on Netflix now and until the end of days means audiences can fall in love with it again and again. In this age of reboots and revivals, fans are clamoring for a return to Scranton to see with the gang is up to, but star Steve Carell (seasons 1-7) doesn’t think that’s a great idea, thinking the humor may not play as well in today’s social climate.

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While other cast members like John Krasinski are interested in a reunion of the show, Carell thinks that given his character Michael Scott’s penchant for politically incorrect, “That’s what she said,” humor the show may be more prone to offend modern viewers.

“Because The Office is on Netflix and replaying, a lot more people have seen it recently. And I think because of that there’s been a resurgence in interest in the show, and talk about bringing it back. But apart from the fact that I just don’t think that’s a good idea, it might be impossible to do that show today and have people accept it the way it was accepted ten years ago. The climate’s different. I mean, the whole idea of that character, Michael Scott, so much of it was predicated on inappropriate behavior. I mean, he’s certainly not a model boss. A lot of what is depicted on that show is completely wrong-minded. That’s the point, you know? But I just don’t know how that would fly now. There’s a very high awareness of offensive things today—which is good, for sure. But at the same time, when you take a character like that too literally, it doesn’t really work.”

Indeed, Scott has always found himself addressing inappropriate topics in a hilariously cringe-worthy way. There’s the way he responds Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) being flashed in the parking lot by joking around and sticking his finger through his zipper; then there’s the time he kissed Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez) to prove to the office he wasn’t homophobic and; many, many, many other guileless, but no less hilarious examples. However, despite all his inappropriate gags, the character was given a warm sendoff at the end of season seven when Carell left and focused on his successful movie career. Now, you address him as Oscar nominee Steve Carell and nothing else, lest you feel his wrath. 

Carell makes a good case, to a point. Not only is a reunion a bad idea simply because the concept seems overdone and unnecessary, but also because the antics of Scott may not fly as well today with audiences that are more sensitive to the character’s type of humor. That being said, audiences are more than familiar with Scott, and they understand that what makes him a poor boss also makes him endearing, as his character (and Carell's performance) is laced with all these other relatable qualities we can sympathize with. We love Scott for all his crass jokes and inappropriate gestures, and I wouldn't say no to seeing what his character has been up to for the last few years. Most likely writing "Threat Level Midnight 2: Midnight Harder," I suspect. 

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You can catch Carell in three movies this fall, including BEAUTIFUL BOY (out today), VICE and WELCOME TO MARWEN.