In Their Own Words: Cast Members Discuss Why ‘The Office’ Is Closed
November 9, 2007 by Chandra
If you’ve been following the ins and outs of the current writers strike, you may know that production on NBC’s The Office has been shut down for several days.
Everything came to a head when, in addition to the writers, many high-profile members of the cast refused to cross the picket line, including the Big Kahuna himself, Steve Carell. Carell is a member of the writers’ union the Writers Guild of America and has written a few episodes of the series, but his primary duties on the show are not related to that skill.
Other cast members who’ve refused to cross the picket line include Rainn Wilson, the first to join the cause, in addition to John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer. As a result of their and Carell’s solidarity with the writers striking, The Office became the very first network series to cease production directly due to the acrimonious situation between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers regarding royalty rates for new media.
Just as important, NBC’s most popular sitcom at the moment in terms of ratings will have no more fresh episodes to air following next Thursday’s broadcast, “The Deposition.” That means unless the walkout ends sooner than anticipated, there’s a long, hard drought ahead for both the Peacock Network and Office fans, filled with lots and lots (and—say it with me—lots) of repeats.
The following video clip shows numerous Carell castmates and colleagues discussing the strike directly from the line as they participate. Among the individuals are his fellow WGA members and more prolific Office writers Paul Lieberstein (acerbic Toby Flenderson), Mindy Kaling (airhead Kelly Kapoor), and B.J. Novak (former temp turned The Man Ryan Howard), as well as series executive producer and showrunner Greg Daniels.
Good for them!
I’m proud of those who stood up for what they believe is right. Of course, I am also sad becuase I will miss the show a lot while it is on hiatus. 
Of course, I am also sad becuase I will miss the show a lot while it is on hiatus.
You, me, and every other “Office” fan, too, Elizabeth…
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