<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> List of The Office (U.S. TV series) episodes </Td> </Tr> <P> The ninth and final season of the American television comedy The Office premiered on NBC on September 20, 2012, and concluded on May 16, 2013, consisting of 25 episodes . The Office is an American adaptation of the British comedy series of the same name, and is presented in a mockumentary format, portraying the daily lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictitious Dunder Mifflin Paper Company . The ninth season of The Office aired on Thursdays at 9: 00 p.m. (Eastern) in the United States, as part of the Comedy Night Done Right television block . This is the second season not to star Steve Carell as lead character Michael Scott, although he returned for a cameo appearance in the series finale . </P> <P> The ninth season largely focuses on the relationship between Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam Halpert (Jenna Fischer). After Jim decides to follow his dream and start a sports marketing company in Philadelphia, Pam begins to worry about moving, and the couple's relationship experiences stress . Meanwhile, Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) abandons the office for a three - month boating trip, and eventually quits his job to pursue his dream of becoming a star, although he soon becomes famous for a viral video . Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) is finally promoted to regional manager . The documentary airs, and a year later, the members of the office gather for Dwight and Angela's marriage as well as a final round of interviews . </P> <P> Following the decline in ratings from the previous year, the ninth season of The Office managed to stabilize around 4 million viewers per episode . The series finale, however, was watched by over 5.69 million viewers, making it the highest - rated episode that the show had aired in over a year . The season ranked as the ninety - fourth most watched television series during the 2012--13 television year and saw a decrease in ratings from the previous season . Critical reception was moderately positive; although some critics took issue with certain aspects, such as the reveal of the in - series documentary crew, many argued that it was an improvement over the previous season . Others lauded the way the show was able to successfully wrap - up its story arcs . "Finale" was nominated for three awards at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, and won for Outstanding Single - Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series . </P>

Who is the boss in the office season 9