James Spader Not Staying At The Office

The Office executive producer/showrunner said today that James Spader will not return to the NBC comedy next season. The actor, who parlayed a two-scene appearance at the end of last season as Robert California into a full-season gig, had only signed a one-year deal. “James always wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television,” Lieberstein said. “Hes been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and Im grateful for that.”