The Office: Dwight Spinoff in Development

Could Dwight Schrute be getting his own series? The Hollywood Reporter says that NBC are developing a potential spinoff for The Office character, played by Rainn Wilson.

The series would focus on Dwight and life at the Schrute Farm, involving multiple generations of Schrutes. The Reporter, who have a well-placed source, say the idea may be given a backdoor pilot style test run on an episode of The Office later this season. Greg Daniels, who developed the American version of The Office, is not part of the possible spinoff, due to other commitments, including his new pilot Friday Night Dinner. However, The Office writer/executive producer Paul Lieberstein (known for his role as Toby) is involved, along with executive producer Ben Silverman and Wilson.

NBC has looked at finding a spinoff concept for The Office before, though the first time the end result was Parks and Recreation, which of course became a completely independent project, from Daniels and The Office alum Michael Schur.

Speaking of Schur, he actually plays the role of Mose Schrute from time to time on The Office. Should the Dwight spinoff actually come to fruition, I'm guessing they'd have to come up with a reason Mose is not seen on the farm much, considering Schur's career as a writer/executive producer on another show would not likely allow him to be a series regular - or even frequent guest star.

With NBC in such an overall bad place, ratings-wise, it's not shocking that they're looking to figure out a way to continue The Office in some form, given it's one of their only success stories in recent years. While not yet officially renewed, it's expected that the show will be back for Season 9, so it's not clear if the Dwight show is one they'd possibly launch this coming TV season, or keep on the back burner until The Office comes to a close.

Update: Deadline is reporting that The Office spinoff is being targeted for midseason next year, debuting in early 2013. The plan would be for Wilson to remain a regular on The Office in the fall, before departing for his own show in the spring.

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