The Office

Michael Scott may be exiting The Office after next season, but he won't be taking his former temp with him.

B.J. Novek has signed a new deal with the NBC sitcom, one that promotes the actor/writer to executive producer status through at least season eight.

Does this mean Ryan will become the next branch manager? We doubt it. A history of fraud and a cocaine addiction the last time he was in charge may stand in the character's way.

"B.J. has been an integral part of The Office since the launch of the show," said NBC president of primetime entertainment Angela Bromstad. "Whether he's in the writing room or appearing on screen, we always get the smart, sophisticated, ridiculously funny humor from him that the fans have come to love."

The Office premieres it new season on September 23.