HOLLYWOOD—NBC is said to be working on a spinoff to “The Office” starring popular character Dwight Schrute with a debut targeted for the middle of the 2013 season, according to reports on Wednesday, January 25.

Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson). Photo courtesy of A New Dress A Day blog

The proposed show would be a family comedy that would center on Schrute, played by Rainn Wilson, living at the Schrute family beet farm/bed and breakfast, which has been featured on “The Office” numerous times.  The spinoff at its core is said to be a family farm struggling to survive and a family trying to stay together.  There’s been no word yet on whether the show will include Schrute’s cousin Mose who has been featured in episodes at the farm.  Mose has been played by Office alum and Parks & Recreation co-creator Mike Schur.  Wilson and "The Office" executive producer and showrunner Paul Liberstein will executive produce the spinoff along with "The Office" executive producer Ben Silverman, who has also worked on the project.

This potential spinoff will be introduced in an "Office" episode later this season that will be set at Schrute Farms.  Should NBC decide to proceed with the new show, Wilson will not immediately leave “The Office.”  With the Emmy Award winning show expected to be renewed for a 9th season, Wilson would return in the fall before moving to the spinoff midseason of 2013.

-