It's finally coming together: The Office Spin-Off!

Ever since NBC confirmed that they are creating a spin-off of the ultra successful and criminally funny The Office, there has been much speculation on who would be part of the cast. While early rumors said that Rainn Wilson would actually be leaving the Scranton office to be the main cast member of the spin-off, there has been no confirmation on that as of yet and with his upstart film career, I am not sure if right now is the time to attempt to create a following for another TV show. While we are not sure if anyone from the original cast will be gracing the spin off with their presence, Variety has confirmed that Aziz Ansari, from MTV’s Human Giant has signed on to star in the program and a one year contract with Universal Media Studios, the company producing the program. The show is slated to premiere in the 2008-2009 Television season, in the prime spot of Thursday at 9:30 PM, right after “The Office”.

Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, executive producers of the program, are not exactly set on the full concept of the spin off, but they are excited about the ensemble they are putting together for the program. Schur will also not confirm if the series will be a straight spin-off of the original, but he has said that they are “focusing on making the best show we can make as a companion to "The Office”. So far the writing team is adding up nicely, with vets from “Everybody Loves Raymond”, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “South Park”.

And since ex “Office” star Rashida Jones has signed a new talent deal with Universal Media Studios there have been plenty of rumors that the spin-off will be about her life at the Utica branch or possible elsewhere in the country. This has yet to be confirmed, but Jones (Karen Filippelli) was very well received character on the program and it would be interesting to watch a female lead a TV program situated in an office setting. As time will tell and production begins, I have to say I am excited about the prospect of another hilarious comedy on the Thursday night line up. There have been some great additions to the original “Office” as well, with “Freaks and Geeks” creator Paul Feig securing a writing gig on the program, as well as Aaron Shure and Charlie Grandy. Even though Summer just started, I am very psyched for the fall lineup.