<P> Despite debuting with moderate viewing figures, the departure of Carell affected the show's ratings, which fell as the season progressed . The season ranked as the eighty - seventh most watched television series during the 2011--12 television year and saw a dramatic decrease in ratings from the previous season . Critical reception was polarized . Many critics argued that the series should have ended after the departure of Carell; many also felt that the season recycled storylines from past episodes . Other critics were more positive, complimenting various actors and their characters . It marked the first time since season one that the show did not receive any Emmy nominations . </P> <P> The eighth season of the show was produced by Reveille Productions and Deedle - Dee Productions, both in association with NBC Universal Television Studios . The show is based on the British comedy series of the same name, which was created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In addition, the two are executive producers on the show . This season of The Office was produced by Greg Daniels and Paul Lieberstein, the latter of whom serves as the showrunner . Returning writers from the previous season included Lieberstein, Charlie Grandy, Justin Spitzer, Carrie Kemper, Daniel Chun, Robert Padnick, Aaron Shure, Steve Hely, Amelie Gillette, Mindy Kaling, and B.J. Novak; the latter two were both also credited as executive producers . It was previously unknown whether Kaling would write for the series any longer . Kaling herself confirmed via her Twitter page that she would write the Christmas - themed episode, "Christmas Wishes". Three new writers joined the staff beginning in season eight: Owen Ellickson, Allison Silverman and Dan Greaney . The season also saw the directorial debuts of cast members Ed Helms and Brian Baumgartner; Helms directed the episode "Christmas Wishes", and Baumgartner directed "After Hours". </P> <P> The series was renewed for an eighth season on March 17, 2011, began filming on July 25, 2011, and the season concluded filming on March 9, 2012 . Jenna Fischer's pregnancy was written into the show, and Pam was again pregnant at the start of the season with a boy as she was in real life . Unlike the sixth season, there was no episode focusing on the baby's birth; it was instead announced on a blog . In an interview, executive producer Lieberstein stated that, with the departure of Michael Scott, the writers would explore further into the other characters on the show, such as centering on a specific character for an episode . On January 25, 2012, news broke that NBC was planning a spin - off series starring Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, that would be set at Schrute Farms, Dwight's bed - and - breakfast and beet farm . The spin - off would be created by Wilson and executive producer Paul Lieberstein, but Office developer Greg Daniels would not be involved . Due to his initial involvement in the spin - off, Lieberstein stepped down as showrunner of The Office . On October 29, 2012, it was revealed that NBC was not going forward with the proposed spin - off, although the original backdoor pilot, "The Farm" aired later in the ninth season . </P> <P> The Office employs an ensemble cast . Most of the main characters, and some supporting ones, are based on characters from the British version of The Office . While these characters normally have the same attitudes and perceptions as their British counterparts, the roles have been redesigned to better fit the American show . The show is known for its large cast size, many of whom are known particularly for their improvisational work . Rainn Wilson portrays Dwight Schrute, who, based upon Gareth Keenan, is the Assistant to the Regional Manager, although the character frequently fails to include "to the" in his title . John Krasinski portrays Jim Halpert, a sales representative and prankster, who is based upon Tim Canterbury, and is married to Pam Halpert, the office administrator . Pam (Fischer), who is based on Dawn Tinsley, is shy, but is often a cohort with Jim in his pranks on Dwight . B.J. Novak portrays Ryan Howard, who is a temporary worker . Helms plays Andy Bernard, the preppy manager--who was previously a salesman--and boastful Cornell alumnus whose love for a cappella music and awkward social skills generates mixed feelings from his employees . Andy is an original character, meaning he has no English equivalent from Gervais's series . Reprising his guest - starring role of Robert California, James Spader joined the regular cast to replace Kathy Bates's character as the CEO of Sabre . Cody Horn, who guest starred in the seventh season as Jordan Garfield, was originally supposed to be featured as a recurring character this season, but she did not return . </P>

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