While everyone has their own opinion of the direction NBC's 'The Office' has taken in the years without Steve Carell, as the series approaches its final swan song most would agree any finale would feel incomplete without Carell's character Michael Scott returning for one final "that's what she said." So while we move closer to 'The Office's ninth season and series finale, will Steve Carell return? NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt has an answer that might surprise you, so check out the new details inside!

Few would argue that 'The Office' will come to a merciful end after its ninth and current season, others believing the series should have said goodbye after Steve Carell's season 7 departure. Regardless, the question remains if Carell would make even a brief appearance toward the series finale, but one NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt didn't seem terribly optimistic about at the Television Critics Association press tour:

I'm hopeful but I don't think he will be back. He left in the way that he wanted that character to leave, and I think he and Greg [Daniels] have talked about it and I don't think he'll be back.

There's maybe a little Hail Mary pass on a cameo, but I think the decision is that it'll go out without him rather than compromising his exit.

That attitude seems to have changed somewhat since executive producer and show-runner Greg Daniels spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in August, saying "We have ideas for the ending, and obviously if he would participate, we would have a lot of good times. The idea will fly without him if he can't make it."

What say you? Does 'The Office's series finale, likely set to air in May, need an appearance from Steve Carell's Michael Scott? Give us your opinion in the comments!

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