For fans of NBC’s “The Office” who are already mourning the 2021 removal of the show from Netflix, there’s finally some good news to turn those frowns upside-down. Executive producers of “The Office” Ben Silverman and Paul Lieberstein are bringing their particular brand of work-related comedy to our TVs once again with a new show — this time adding a timely work-from-home angle.
The as-yet-untitled remote workplace comedy series is inspired by the new normal for workers around the world, now that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced employees out of their office-offices and into their home offices. As reported by Deadline, the show will focus on “a wunderkind boss who, in an effort to ensure his staff’s connectedness and productivity, asks them all to virtually interact and work face-to-face all day.”
“So many of us are jumping on daily Zoom meetings — for work and beyond,” Silverman told Deadline. “With the brilliant Paul Lieberstein at the helm, we think we have a series that not only brings humor and comfort during this troubling time but will also be an inventive and enduring workplace comedy for years to come.”
Of course, fans of “The Office” also know Lieberstein as hapless HR guy Toby Flenderson, who was the recipient of countless cruel barbs from Michael Scott, including, among others, “I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.”
Lieberstein explained the new project in simple terms to Deadline, saying, “Start with the office comedy, lose the office and you’re just left with comedy. The math works.”
One of the best things about the original “Office” series — which earned the cast, writers and producers numerous awards — was how relatable it was for American workers. In stark and hilarious ways, it depicted the real drudgery of 9-to-5 desk jobs and the petty in-office politics, games, fights and romances that millions of people experience every day.
Undoubtedly, this new series will mine our new remote-work landscape for fresh, scathing jokes and storylines that will — like the original series — probably make us cringe and laugh at the same time because it’s just a little too realistic.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
