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Office Spin-off Makes its First Hire

080613azizansari.jpg
Aziz Ansari by Hal Horowitz/ WireImage.com
The producers of NBC's The Office spin-off have made their first casting hire, and it's Aziz Ansari of MTV's Human Giant. "We met him pretty early on and thought he was very funny," exec producer Greg Daniels tells Variety. "[W]e have a good character for him."

The spin-off's premise has yet to be finalized, as producers still are sorting through several ideas. It's unlikely that any current Office staffer will get spun off; rather, one or more characters from the new series probably will be introduced this fall on the mothership, paving the way for the companion show's midseason launch.

"We're trying to come up with the best concept and hire the funniest writers," exec producer Michael Schur tells Variety. "In the next couple of weeks, we'll be making the final move to one specific idea."

As first reported by TVGuide.com, Ansari will be featured on the final season of Scrubs, which finishes filming this August and will air on ABC. — Matt Mitovich


Posted by TV Guide News
Jun 13, 2008 9:16 AM
They have a great character for him, but the show doesn't have a concept yet? Um, sure.
Posted by somethingreal81
Jun 13, 2008 9:35 AM
I thought Aziz was just cast in Scrubs? I'm confused is he doing both?
Posted by mla1698
Jun 13, 2008 10:02 AM
Scrubs will be done shooting its final season in August. He'll be free in time to do the midseason Office spin-off. But good point, I'll add that to the story.
Posted by Matt Webb Mitovich
Jun 13, 2008 10:03 AM
Recent interviews have shown that it may not be the final season of Scrubs though. There was talk of rotating cast members -- ER style. So the Scrubs bosses may have been counting on this guy to continue if the show was renewed.

What bugs me is going forward with an office spinoff without having a good idea to start with. The fact that they're still tinkering with ideas makes me think this thing is mass-production rather than inspiration.
Posted by ScottyT
Jun 13, 2008 10:34 AM
Okay, this is the BEST news of the week: "It's unlikely that any current Office staffer will get spun off". I will reserve judgement on the new series - though I agree that the lack of any kind of premise at this point isn't encouraging. My greatest fear was that they'd transfer Andy or Toby or Ryan (or someone else) over. Yea! Scranton rules!
Posted by isembard
Jun 13, 2008 12:42 PM
Well crap. Looks like now I'll have to actually check out this spinn-off. Aziz was absolutely hilarious on Flight of the Conchords!

Also, I agree completely with the assessment that this whole thing appears more NBC hype than actual inspired TV creativity. Was it really necessary?
Posted by imatvjunkie
Jun 13, 2008 1:09 PM
I can't believe people are dissing another Office-type show. It could be really good. Why? Because there's a script and actors.


My point: Would you rather see another half-hour of Deal or No Deal instead?!
Posted by pyeman9
Jun 13, 2008 2:00 PM
Well, isn't the concept of the show right in the title?

The show is about the shenanigans of people who work in an office. Concept done.

I'm guessing what Greg Daniels meant was they are still figuring out the details that refine the concept. Will there be an inter-office romance a la Jam? What are the various characters going to be like? Is the boss going to be bumbling like Michael Scott or will the boss be more of a jackass like David Brent? Is the boss even going to be the main focus or will it be a salesperson or HR or Customer Service or the IT guy?
Posted by imaguestage
Jun 13, 2008 2:17 PM
Oh my gosh, Aziz was HILARIOUS as Sinjay, the racist fruit vendor, on FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS (the whole show is brilliant). I'm excited he'll be on a series that'll hopefully expose him to a wider audience.
Posted by sistagirl
Jun 13, 2008 4:32 PM
Thanks for the update, Matt! Your the best!
Posted by mla1698
Jun 13, 2008 8:03 PM
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