TV 4 months ago
Peacock's new comedy 'Lanterns,' set in The Office universe, adds Melvin Gregg, Chelsea Frei, and Ramona Young. Steve Carell won't appear but is excited about the show.

The upcoming Peacock comedy series, which is set within the world of The Office, has announced new cast members: Melvin Gregg, Chelsea Frei, and Ramona Young. This fresh addition to the show was confirmed by NBCUniversal to Entertainment Weekly. The series, titled Lanterns, is a new workplace comedy created by Greg Daniels, co-creator of the U.S. version of The Office, and Michael Korman of Nathan For You.

According to initial reports from the Palisidian-Post in Pacific Palisades, California, these new actors have been preparing for their roles by shadowing staff at a local newspaper. This series is set to feature Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) and Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus) as key figures at a struggling newspaper based in the Midwest. The series will be framed by a documentary crew similar to the one that covered Dunder Mifflin in the original series.

Melvin Gregg is recognized for his roles in Snowfall, American Vandal, and Nine Perfect Strangers, and has appeared in films such as High Flying Bird and The Blackening. Chelsea Frei has been seen in shows like Sideswiped, The Last O.G., and Poker Face, while Ramona Young has featured in Blockers, Unpregnant, and had recurring roles in Never Have I Ever and Legends of Tomorrow.

Steve Carell, known for his portrayal of Michael Scott in The Office, has expressed his awareness of the new series but stated he won’t be involved. “I’m excited about the new show,” Carell commented. “It sounds like a great concept, though there’s no reason for my character to appear in it.”

The new series, set in the same universe as The Office, might leave room for appearances by past characters. However, it remains uncertain whether the show will incorporate such crossovers. Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey continue their connection to the original series through the Office Ladies podcast, while other former cast members like Rainn Wilson and Creed Bratton have participated in related projects. This ongoing engagement with the The Office legacy suggests a continued fondness for the original show and its universe.