A year from now, might The Office be (Michael) Scott-free?

If Steve Carell's recent comments are any indication, brace yourself for that possibility.

The actor is reaffirming his desire to leave The Office and his role as Dunder-Mifflin's lovable, bungling boss at the end of the award-winning NBC comedy's upcoming seventh season.

“I think [Season] 7 will be my last year,” he told EW this weekend at the premiere of his new movie, Despicable Me. “I want to fulfill my contract. I think it’s a good time to move on.”

Asked if there’s anything that could change his mind, or if there has been any friction with the show or NBC, Carell replied, “No. I just want to spend more time with my family.”

Corporate may have fantasized about this day more than once, but we're saddened.

Back in April, Carell made headlines when he announced in a BBC interview that next season “would probably” be his last at Dunder-Mifflin. Looks like it's a firm stance he's taken.

Would Dunder-Mifflin, and our library of The Office quotes, cease to exist sans Michael? Could the show carry on to Season 8 with a new boss or is there no show without Scott?

Leave us a comment with your thoughts!

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.