Paul Feig Discusses Steve Carell's Impact on The Office

Paul Feig, director of several episodes of NBC's The Office, shared insights on how Steve Carell transformed the character of Michael Scott, which ultimately saved the show from declining ratings. Initially, Michael was perceived as 'boring and mean', failing to resonate with American audiences who prefer sympathetic leads. This changed during the filming of the 'Office Olympics' episode when Carell's emotional performance, which included shedding a tear, revealed Michael's inner humanity. Feig emphasized that this moment redefined Michael as a 'misguided idiot' rather than just an 'asshole', allowing viewers to connect with him. The shift in Michael's character was crucial for the show's success, which struggled initially due to its closer adherence to British humor. Additionally, a spin-off series set in the same universe is currently in development, continuing the legacy of The Office.