Brian Baumgartner Sets the Record Straight on What to Expect (and Not Expect) in The Office Spinoff

Brian Baumgartner expresses his excitement for the forthcoming spinoff of The Office, but he wants to address a misunderstanding regarding the original cast’s return.

“Everything I’ve heard about it sounds incredible. I’m confident that fans will love it,” Baumgartner, 52, shared exclusively with Us Weekly while promoting his participation in the Hilton Grand Vacations 2025 Tournament of Champions set for later this month. “I just wish the messaging was clearer about what it entails.”

He highlighted that creator Greg Daniels has made efforts to clarify that this project is not a revival, stating, “Greg has worked hard to communicate that. The tough part is there are still people who believe we’re heading back to Dunder Mifflin soon. That’s definitely not happening.”

While Baumgartner is eager for the spinoff, he hopes viewers understand it will center around an entirely different setting and new characters.

“Michael Koman, who co-created with Greg, is incredibly smart, and Greg is a genius. He has been very cautious about revisiting that world because he doesn’t want to upset the fans,” the actor explained. “However, I do believe that eventually, the gang will reunite. I don’t foresee us making another nine-season show, but I think we will come together again.”

He further noted: “There’s an interest for it — internally, among us. When Greg has a concept he feels is worthwhile, it seems like most would be on board to get back together.”

The successful NBC sitcom, which aired from 2005 to 2013, revolved around the everyday lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The Office featured Baumgartner, Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, B.J. Novak, Melora Hardin, Kate Flannery, and many other well-known faces.

Since The Office concluded, there has been a strong desire for a reboot or revival. Daniels has been able to extend the franchise by creating an original series that will maintain the same mockumentary style while being set in a different context.

The logline reveals that the documentary crew “who captured the essence of Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is on the lookout for a new subject when they stumble upon a struggling historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher attempting to revive it with volunteer reporters.” The current rumored title for the Peacock series is The Paper, though no official title has been confirmed yet.

Daniels has previously clarified that while the new installment is “set in the same universe” as the original, it should not be labeled a reboot or a revival.

“I don’t consider any of it a reboot, because I believe we concluded that story beautifully. The characters received closure,” he told TheWrap in November 2023. “I would never want to recreate that same show with a different cast, as I think we were incredibly fortunate to have the best cast in television for that show. So, the concept of a reboot doesn’t interest me.”

Like passionate fans of The Office, Baumgartner eagerly awaits more details about the Peacock series. For now, however, his focus has shifted towards personal achievements, such as his upcoming participation in the Hilton Grand Vacations 2025 Tournament of Champions.

“As a competitive individual — and someone who has engaged in sports throughout their life — this unique experience over the last 15 to 20 years has been remarkable for me. Participating in a professional tournament where I fully acknowledge I have no chance of winning,” he joked. “Ultimately, I understand why I’m there: to enjoy myself and to ensure the audience has a good time. I take it seriously, and I hope to hit a few surprising good shots for everyone watching.”

With reporting by Dan Trainor