As a huge fan of NBC’s The Office, I nearly fell into a coma when I heard that star Steve Carell would permanently exit the show after the current season wraps up. Oh the travesty! After all, what’s The Office without Michael Scott? Kind of like Gilligan’s Island without Gilligan. Still, the show must go on, right? And so NBC and the powers that be are running rampant trying to find a suitable replacement. Harvey Keitel’s name has popped up, as has Will Ferrell’s (who will appear in a four episode stint that will reportedly “bridge” the gap left by Carell). Show creator Ricky Gervais has other plans. His suggestion – Will Arnett. Here’s what Gervais had to say on his official blog:

“Had a little meeting with NBC about various things and recommended Will Arnett for a regular in The Office. Thoughts? I think he's amazing.”

Hit the jump for more.

Arnett has long rode the TV airwaves, what with his role on Arrested Development and various guest appearances on shows such as 30 Rock and Parks and Recreations – he even has a voice credit for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. All told, the man has done well for himself on the boob tube.

How he would fit on a show like The Office is anyone’s guess. The man knows funny – check out his performance in Blades of Glory for proof of his comedic sensibilities – and the wry, subtle humor of The Office would definitely cater to the man’s strengths. But is he too different? Arnett typically plays sleazy, edgier characters; none of which would fit comfortably into a show whose main personalities usually fit under the category of dumb, but loveable. Still, maybe a shakeup like Arnett is just what the doctor ordered – it’s no secret The Office is need of something … fresh if it hopes to continue its run.

No matter who NBC chooses, they have some tough shoes to fill. Carell was/is a comedic genius, one who will surely be missed. I look forward to seeing him more oft on the big screen – bigger, louder and, hopefully, always on top.

That’s what she said.