'The Office': Steve Carell probably won't come back for the finale

Michael Scott isn't likely to make a return trip to "The Office" before it ends this season.

That's the word from NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt, who says he's still "hopeful" Steve Carell might return to the show but isn't holding his breath.

"He left in the way he wanted to leave, and he and [executive producer Greg Daniels] talked about it, and I don't think he will," Greenblatt said Sunday (Jan. 6) at the TCA winter press tour. "There's maybe a little Hail Mary pass on a cameo, but I think the decision is that it will go out without him sort of compromising his exit."

"The Office" returns from its holiday hiatus on Thursday. The hour-long series finale will likely air in May.