Michael Scott is the central character of NBC's mockumentary sitcom series The Office (2005–2013). Portrayed by American actor Steve Carell, Michael is based on David Brent (Ricky Gervais) from the original British version of the program and debuted in the series pilot. For the majority of the series, Michael is the idiosyncratic regional manager of the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of Dunder Mifflin, a fictional paper sales company. Though kindhearted and affectionate, Michael's antics and foolishness, such as his attempts at humor, often offend and annoy his peers and employees, and in some situations lead to reprimanding from superiors.