James Spader Exits The Office After Only One Season

James Spader, who replaced Steve Carell as Dunder Mifflin’s CEO on the television series The Office, is set to depart after only one season.

While it was supposedly James Spader’s decision to leave the show, NBC certainly couldn’t have much inclination to try and hold onto him as their ratings declined ultimately ranking 28th this season with a mere 6.6 million viewers.

According to Entertainment Weekly’s Inside TV, executive producer Paul Lieberstein stated that James Spader’s original intent was to be with the show for one year and leave having created an enigmatic and dynamic television character. Lieberstein goes on to thank James for being a great friend and assisting with the post-Michael Scott transition. Then again, you could just read the statement Paul Lieberstein issued to Entertainment Weekly’s Inside TV:

“James came to The Office to play a role that was two scenes long in the season 7 finale. He instantly brought so much life and intrigue to the part that those two scenes became a season. James always wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television. He’s been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I’m grateful for that. I’m already looking for ways to work with him again.”

Some viewers speculate that the show will simply never be the same without the hilarious Steve Carell playing the role of Dunder Mifflin’s CEO. Much like Two and a Half Men without the likes of Charlie Sheen, The Office just might never be the same.

While there certainly exist those who have been anxiously awaiting the departure of James Spader from the roll as Dunder Mifflin’s beloved CEO, I personally have found more than a couple of episodes in which James Spader is absolutely hilarious and I believe that while he might not fit the character quite as well as Steve Carell, I certainly will miss James Spader.

Which actor do you think should play the role of the next Dunder Mifflin CEO now that we’re forced to witness the departure of James Spader?