Working from home is the new normal, and producers of the beloved sitcom The Office are already planning on developing a WFH scenario for the screen. Ben Silverman and Paul Lieberstein who executive produced The Office are spearheading the new comedy which is yet to have a title.
Lieberstein, who you may know as Dunder Mifflin’s HR raincloud Toby Flenderson, describes the concept as “an office comedy without an office.” He said
“Start with the office comedy, lose the office and you’re just left with comedy. The math works,” Lieberstein said.
The idea came from personal experiences the producer has had while dealing with working from home during the current health crisis. Between Zoom conference calls, work chats and emails, Lieberman saw the opportunity to turn these aspects of work into a show.
“Everybody’s attempt to keep themselves private from work no longer applies. And this kind of integration between home and work brought all these new ideas and stories and characters into play,” Lieberstein said.
We can only imagine the endless possibilities for storylines from a theme that’s maybe all too relatable right now. Unexpected Zoom meeting background appearances, internet connection struggles, and general distractions that come with working from home could all lead to entertaining snafus. With a ‘work from home’ premise, a show shot entirely from individual homes would be extremely handy during today’s climate, especially if the pandemic lasts longer than expected. Though there’s no date set for the series, that means production could start at any time, even before shelter in place laws and lockdowns are lifted.
“So many of us are jumping on daily Zoom meetings — for work and beyond,” Silverman said. “With the brilliant Paul Lieberstein at the helm, we think we have a series that not only brings humor and comfort during this troubling time but will also be an inventive and enduring workplace comedy for years to come.”
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