Steve Carell will leave the Office with four episodes left in the season, it was revealed at the TCA Press Tour in Pasadena last week.
The remaining episodes of the season will then be dedicated to finding Michael Scott's replacement, which could be a new or existing character.
“Our basic plan is to see the jockeying and interviewing [for Michael's job], and not have that happen off-camera and suddenly present America with the choice," says executive producer Greg Daniels. "We’d rather play out the stories of the various characters who want that seat, and show them fight for it.”
Kathy Bates' CEO character Jo Bennett will be back to help facilitate that process.
Darryl, Dwight and Andy are the current front runners according to producer Paul Lieberstien. But whoever replaces Michael Scott won't necessarily be the focus of the show -- it will more forward focusing on the ensemble, much as it has this season.
The show is also planning to add two new characters next season.
That's a whole lot of shakeup for one Office, but I actually think it could work. After seven seasons watching employees at that paper company, you'd expect someone to move on right?