Showrunner Paul Lieberstein is leaving 'The Office' to work on a possible new Dwight centered spinoff for the NBC network.

Lieberstein currently heads up the writing staff, co-produces, and stars as misunderstood HR rep Toby Flenderson on the hit comedy show.

The spinoff 'The Farm' would follow Dwight's adventures on the Schrute family farm and running his B&B. The concept will be tested on an 'Office' episode later this season. If it proves to be successful, Dwight actor Rainn Wilson is also likely to leave the show.

Lieberstein's announcement comes at a time when the future of 'The Office' is in jeopardy.

Stars of the program are landing sweet gigs elsewhere TV land.

Fox picked up a comedy pilot from co-star and co-writer Mindy Kaling (Kelly Kapoor) where she'll star as an OBGYN looking for love.

Head writer Daniel Chun signed a deal with ABC Studies in late February, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

More than one 'Office' star has seen his film career take off.

Steve Carell who played loveable boss Michael Scott departed from the series last season to concentrate on his movie career.

Ed Helms has gained popularity after starring in 'The Hangover' movies and John Krasinski has landed parts in a variety of Hollywood films.

Both actors have big movie projects lined up. Helms will be filming 'The Hangover 3' while Krasinski has been booked for 'Promised Land' with Matt Damon. Helms has also booked a guest spot as Kaling's love interest in her Fox pilot.

Helms, Krasinski, along with Jenna Fischer and B.J. Novak are still in talks to return for the ninth season. Deadline reported that talks have stalled momentarily.

Well I think obviously Steve [Carell] left last year and it just opened up all kinds of possibilities and opportunities not just for myself but the whole cast, Helms told The Hollywood Reporter. I think any time the boat is rocked, it's a good thing and an exciting thing and an opportunity.

James Spader, Carell's replacement and current Dunder Mifflin CEO Robert California, confirmed last month that he wasn't coming back for the ninth season.

James always wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television, said Lieberstein in a statement in February.

What will the ninth season be like?

An insider told TV Guide that it's likely to be written for some of the characters as a last year. But if a couple new characters are introduced or other story ideas emerge, you just never know.

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