NBC is working on a potential Office spin-off series featuring Rainn Wilson‘s character, Dwight Schrute. The network is hoping to launch the proposed family comedy as a mid-season 2013 series. The actor created the idea for the show with The Office‘s executive producer and show runner, Paul Lieberstein. Both men will executively produce the spinoff, alongside the show’s executive producers, Ben Silverman and Howard Klein.
Deadline is reporting that the spinoff will follow Dwight as he lives at his family beet farm and bed & breakfast, which has been featured on The Office several times. The show will focus on the Schrutes’ struggling to keep their family and farm together. It will will be introduced during an episode of The Office later this season.
The show will be the network’s second attempt at launching a spinoff to The Office. Silverman tried launching a spinoff during the 2007-08 season, but ultimately decided to focus on the Parks & Recreation.
If NBC decides to proceed with the spinoff and renews The Office for a ninth season, Wilson will appear in the hit comedy during its fall episodes. He will then move over to the new show during mid-season. The writers of The Office have been creating ways for Dwight to leave Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton office, in case Wilson does leave the show.
Dwight was convinced he was the best salesman to fill the manager job Steve Carrell‘s character, Michael Scott, vacated. However, the position went to Ed Helms‘ character, Andy, so Dwight might use that as an excuse to move onto his family farm.
Greenlighting the Dwight spinoff would be a smart move on NBC‘s behalf. None of the core cast members, including Helms, John Krasinksi and Mindy Kaling, have yet signed deals for a ninth season of The Office, as they have possible films and other television series lined up.
Dwight has the potential to finally bring success with another family format sitcom, in a move that is reminiscent of Fraiser. The only question is, how will Office fans react if Dwight leaves the show?