Netflix Tried to Replace The Office with This Steve Carell Show (But It Flopped)

Ever since The Office wrapped up in 2013, numerous series have attempted to fill its void, yet none have quite managed to match its magic – even if they didn’t quite reach the same level of success. While it wasn’t the one who initially pioneered the mockumentary style of sitcom production, The Office undeniably played a pivotal role in making this subgenre popular. Shows like Modern Family and Parks and Recreation might not have seen the light of day without the success of The Office. However, its closest relative to date chose a different path but still held onto Steve Carell.

Some actors from the cast of “The Office” have achieved even greater success since the series ended. With Steve Carell being the most renowned member of the show, he stands out among the cast members who have continued to thrive. John Krasinski might come in second place. The two highest-rated episodes of “The Office” revolve around Carell’s final regular appearance as Michael Scott and his return years later for the series finale. If there were any doubts about Carell’s role in the show’s success, these episodes should put the debate to rest. As of 2025, Carell’s work on “The Office” remains his most celebrated television performance.

Space Force Reunited Greg Daniels And Steve Carell (But Wasn’t As Funny As The Office)

Netflix’s attempt to replace The Office wasn’t as laden with laughs

The television series titled “Space Force” aired for two seasons from 2020 to 2022, and it was significant as it reunited the showrunner and leading actor from “The Office.” Greg Daniels led all nine seasons of “The Office,” playing a crucial role in its success. Similarly, Steve Carell’s impact on the sitcom cannot be overlooked, with the show noticeably declining when he left towards the end of season 7. Consequently, there were many who anticipated that “Space Force” would become a major success due to these two talented individuals working together once more.

Season 1 of Space Force was generally well-liked, but it didn’t reach the same hilarious levels as when Carell and Daniels had collaborated before. Although it was a workplace comedy, it wasn’t like The Office because of its military backdrop. Instead of portraying a lovable idiot, Carell took on the role of a husband and father striving to be the best family man possible amidst challenging circumstances. There were certainly some funny scenes, as indicated by Netflix’s decision to renew Space Force for season 2. Regrettably, the effort to rekindle The Office’s humor didn’t succeed, and consequently, a season 3 never materialized.

Space Force Had An Amazing Cast, But The Characters Weren’t As Interesting

Carell was joined by other big Hollywood stars

In contrast to The Office, which initially featured mostly unknown actors, Space Force deliberately chose big-name sitcom stars along with some major Hollywood figures. One of the standouts was Lisa Kudrow from Friends, who portrayed Mark’s imprisoned wife, Maggie Naird. Additionally, John Malkovich and Ben Schwartz were part of the cast, with Schwartz resembling his character Jean-Ralphio Saperstein from Parks and Recreation in a more toned-down performance as F. Tony Scarapiducci Tony Scarapudduci.

Although Space Force had a busy schedule with numerous actors, it failed to create characters as captivating as those in The Office. It was evident within just a few minutes that the cast of Space Force didn’t share the same chemistry as Steve Carell’s previous ensembles. They were not dull, and their performances were commendable, but this aspect of the show was consistently compared to The Office. This might have been an unrealistic expectation for Space Force, given that The Office developed its characters over multiple seasons into beloved figures. Nevertheless, this is the reality of the situation.

Space Force’s Budget And Critical Reception Likely Played A Role In The Show’s Cancelation

Carell was taking a hefty wage for his performances as General Naird

The first season of Space Force managed to keep Netflix interested for another installment, however, it didn’t significantly enhance its quality in the second round, which wasn’t enough for a third season. While audiences tuned in, critical acclaim was lacking, which is crucial for Netflix. Moreover, the production costs were substantial. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Steve Carell earned an astounding $1 million per episode alone. Given such high expenses and only moderate feedback, it’s understandable that Netflix wanted more from Space Force than merely average reviews.

They made some adjustments to improve the second season of Space Force. Initially, they shifted the production from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and more than one person took over as showrunner. The idea was that Space Force would evolve like The Office did, but nothing Netflix attempted resulted in the desired change. Despite this, Space Force still has a low rating of 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, although its audience gives it a more positive score of 77%. Unfortunately, due to its high production costs and lackluster reviews, the show was canceled.

Space Force’s Failure Is A Reminder That Replicating The Office’s Success Is Not Easy

The Office was so successful for reasons beyond Carell & Daniels’ efforts

Achieving the degree of success that “The Office” experienced is something many production studios aspire to. It’s a rare instance of seizing an opportunity, like catching lightning in a jar, where every piece fell into place perfectly at the perfect moment. The guest stars also left lasting impressions on the show, and while it’s not unusual for this to happen, it’s not easy to accomplish consistently. The production had numerous components and crucial personnel, both on-screen and off-, and Steve Carell and Greg Daniels were just a few pieces of the puzzle that made “The Office” the series it became.

Consequently, Space Force lacked a significant amount of what was required to even try and match The Office’s success. The new cast members and other personnel didn’t click well with the show’s creator and main actor, despite Netflix’s belief that Daniels could replicate his previous success if he had Carell as a co-star. Personally, I enjoyed Space Force, but it was clear from the start that it wouldn’t reach the same levels of success as The Office.

As a movie critic, I find myself brimming with anticipation for the upcoming spinoff of “The Office,” a show that could potentially fill the void left by the underwhelming “Space Force.” While it’s helmed by Greg Daniels once more, it appears the focus has shifted towards fresh talent rather than familiar faces. However, being the only official continuation within the same universe since the US version’s finale, despite various international adaptations, it holds a unique position in the Dunder Mifflin saga.

That said, with Steve Carell unlikely to return as a series regular, it remains unclear just how closely the next chapter of “The Office” will mirror its predecessor. Only time will tell if this spinoff can truly capture the essence of the original.

2025-04-21 14:48