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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

TV Junkie: Steve Carell Leaves 'The Office' Tonight

michaeloffice-nbc.jpg
Steve Carell leaves "The Office" in tonight's extended episode starting at 9pm on NBC

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Tonight is the last night that Michael Scott remains a regular character on NBC's "The Office." Steve Carell was introduced to us on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" (back in the Craig Kilborn days) but it was the American adaptation of Ricky Gervais' "The Office" that made him a superstar. Carell has been doing a lot of movies over the last several years and seems to be ready to make the transition full time but that would be a shame for a couple reasons: he is a great TV actor and does an excellent job in the medium; other than The 40 Year-Old Virgin and Date Night, what are some "great" Steve Carell movies?

To revisit favorite moments of Michael Scott on "The Office" check out TV-Line's list of Top 32 which includes video clips: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. What are some of your favorite Michael Scott moments?

Another question to ask is: What will happen to "The Office" post-Steve Carell? While we're seeing some big guns appear to usher Carell out (Ricky Gervais, Will Ferrell, Ray Romano) no one has been named to helm Dunder Mifflin into future seasons. The US version of "The Office" has had a much longer life than the UK original, has it been on the air too long at this point? Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? If so, when did the show jump the shark for you?

I guess I'm a die-hard when it comes to good shows, particularly comedies. Did we watch "Cheers" and "Seinfeld" to the end? Yes. We'll do the same with "The Office" which has always had great writing and performances, as well as guest stars who never felt as if they were introduced for a meaningless episode. If you're a true fan of TV comedy, you have to be wondering just what the heck the show is going to be like post-Michael Scott. We look forward to finding out.

If you are watching "The Office" tonight, be aware that it is an extended version as is both "Parks and Recreation" and "30 Rock" which all have staggered times, pay attention to the schedule.
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The TV Junkie Must-Watch Plan: "Attack of the Show," "Community," "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," "30 Rock," "Chelsea Lately" (Actress Mary McCormack; comic Fortune Feimster; comic Gary Valentine; TV personality Ross Mathews), "John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show" (Comics Kumail Nanjiani, Jen Kirkman, Kyle Kinane and Al Madrigal perform)

7:00pm Attack of the Show! G4 - Computers, Stars of "Fast 5"; de-evolution.

8:00pm Community NBC - Applied Anthropology and Culinary Arts When Shirley goes into labor at the anthropology final exam, Chang states that the early labor means the child is his; a riot breaks out at the Greendale World Food Festival.

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8:00pm Bud Greenspan Presents: Vancouver 2010 Stories of Olympic Glory Showtime - Olympics, Documentary

8:00pm The Vampire Diaries The CW - Damon intends to go to great lengths to protect Elena; after receiving a disturbing phone call, Tyler returns to Mystic Falls

9:00pm The Office NBC - Goodbye, Michael Michael wants a drama-free day to say goodbye to his friends; Deangelo and Andy work to keep Michael's most-important clients.

9:00pm Nikita The CW - Percy asks Michael to check on one of the black boxes and its guardian; Nathan gets in the middle of an argument between Jaden and Alex.

9:00pm SoCal Connected KCET - Local issues, presented compellingly.

9:55pm Parks and Recreation NBC - Jerry's Painting Jerry's painting creates excitement at the community art show; Ben moves in with April and Andy; Leslie disagrees with Chris' workplace dating rules

10:00pm Nuclear Nightmare: Japan in Crisis Discovery - A timeline details the horrific natural disaster that triggered a nuclear crisis at Fukushima Daiichi

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10:25pm 30 Rock NBC - Everything Sunny All the Time Always Liz encounters an obstacle while trying to fix up her dream apartment; Jack must deal with a hostage situation; Tracy finds out Kenneth, Dotcom and Grizz got closer while he was away.

11:00pm Chelsea Lately E! - Actress Mary McCormack; comic Fortune Feimster; comic Gary Valentine; TV personality Ross Mathews.

11:35pm Late Show With David Letterman CBS - TV host Phil McGraw; actor Chris Hemsworth; the Broadway cast of "Catch Me if You Can" performs; the "Madden NFL 12" cover athlete presentations

11:35pm The Tonight Show With Jay Leno NBC - Comic Chelsea Handler; director Judd Apatow; OK Go performs.

12:00am John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show Comedy Central - Comics Kumail Nanjiani, Jen Kirkman, Kyle Kinane and Al Madrigal perform.

12:05am Jimmy Kimmel Live ABC - Actress Sofia Vergara; professional boxer Manny Pacquiao; The Airborne Toxic Event performs.

12:35am The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson CBS - Actor Tom Selleck; actress Odette Annable.

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12:35am Late Night With Jimmy Fallon NBC - Actor Ice-T; actress Paula Patton; Tim McGraw performs.

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