Sat May 31 11:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Jenna Fischer Defends Later Seasons of ‘The Office,’ While Steve Carell Sits Out Spinoff

**Hollywood, CA** – “The Office” alum Jenna Fischer is defending the show’s later seasons, even after the departure of star Steve Carell. Fischer, speaking on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast, revealed that after rewatching the entire series for her “Office Ladies” podcast, she believes the show remained “really good” throughout its entire nine-season run. This counters the common sentiment, even amongst the cast and crew, that the series peaked in its earlier seasons and faltered after Carell’s exit in 2011.

“Some of my favorite episodes were in seasons eight and nine after Steve had left,” Fischer stated, highlighting that the show “still [had] these amazing storylines.”

Meanwhile, fans eager for more “Office” content can look forward to the upcoming Peacock spinoff, “The Paper,” set to premiere in September. The series, helmed by former “Office” showrunner Greg Daniels, will follow the staff of a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. Oscar Nuñez will reprise his role as Oscar Martinez.

Despite fan hopes, Steve Carell has confirmed he will not appear in “The Paper.” “I will be watching but I will not be showing up,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s just a new thing and there’s really no reason for my character [Michael Scott] to show up in something like that.” However, Carell expressed excitement for the series, praising the concept and lead actor Domhnall Gleeson.

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