Photo Source: NBC
Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) was named as Michael Scott's (Steve Carell) replacement in the opening moment of the season eight premiere, which aired Thursday night.
Scott left the office last season after getting engaged to his girlfriend, Holly (Amy Ryan), and moving with her Colorado. (Carell, meanwhile, left to focus on his movie career.)
Several characters had been angling for the position, including Darryl (Craig Robinson) and Kelly (Mindy Kaling).
Viewers took to Twitter immediately upon hearing the news to share their thoughts, making "Andy Bernard" a trending topic on the site. But fans of the show were mixed about the announcement.
"I kinda like that Andy Bernard is the new regional manager, he's like a younger Michael Scott," wrote Kayla Anaisa.
Echoed Tony Cullen: "Definitely like Andy Bernard taking charge."
On other other hand, Roberto chimed in with this tweet: "Andy Bernard is the new manager? Don't like that at all."
And Kelly Deuser added: "Can't believe Andy Bernard is the new manager. Just doesn't make sense."
The premiere of NBC's comedy also featured the debut of Robert California (James Spader) as the new CEO of Dundler-Mifflin parent Sabre, replacing Jo Bennett (Kathy Bates, who now stars on NBC's "Harry's Law").
California first made his appearance at the end of last season as one of several candidates for Scott's former position.
– The Hollywood Reporter
