John Krasinski, Ed Helms In Talks to Return For Season 9 of NBC's THE OFFICE

As first reported in The Hollywood Reporter, actors John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer and Ed Helms are currently in talks to return for a ninth season of the long-running NBC comedy series THE OFFICE, however none of the actors have reached a final deal with the network. Actors Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, Krasinski and Fischer have appeared on the series since its premiere in 2005, while Helms joined the cast in 2006.

Since the exit of series star Steve Carrell, ratings for the NBC comedy are down 15 percent and averaging a 3.5 in the 18-to-49 demo. Nevertheless, an insider for the program told the Reporter, "I can't imagine a scenario in which the show doesn't come back for a ninth season."

As reported yesterday, actor James Spader will be exiting the show at the end of the current season.  The actor has been portraying Dunder Mifflin branch manager Robert California since Steve Carell's 'Michael Scott' exited the Scranton office in Season 7 of the show.

Actors Mindy Kaling and Rainn Wilson may also have one foot out the door of the long-running NBC comedy. Kaling is heading to Fox for a new comedy pilot which she will write and star in, while Wilson is in talks to star in a possible 'Office' spin-off beginning next year.