Note: Only people who are realistic possibilities were eligible for this list. People who are currently committed to other shows, are movie stars, are dead, or have not yet born were not considered.
7. James Spader
Of the outside people interviewed in the season finale, my favorite was Will Arnett, who would have been perfect as the next boss. Unfortnately, he's already going to be on another show this fall. Of the other candidates, James Spader seems like the most realistic possibility. The problem is that they've already pigeonhold his character in a big, and not good, way. I think the the next boss should be similar to Michael in that he or she is well-meaning, but flawed, and should have a whole new set of comedic quirks. I think James Spader could definitely meet that requirement, but I'm not sure his character could.
6. Ed Helms
The problem with an internal hire is that what's needed isn't a new regional manager of the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, but a new star of The Office. With Michael leaving they lost the comedic head, and the internal hire candidates are all appendages. By choosing one of them, no matter which, you're just getting another arm or leg, and The Office isn't going to work as some kind of headless 3 legged monster. Of those still being considered by the end of the season 7 finale, Ed Helms might be the best choice, as he's a big movie star now, and as fleshed out as his character is, it seems like there's still room for him to develop if he was made the next boss (although obviously he could never be referred to by his character's name again if he was chosen).
5. Patrick Stewart
Yes, seriously. While this is admittedly a risky choice, I think there's a very good chance that he would be awesome as the next boss, considering he was hilarious on Extras, and he's always good on American Dad.
4. An SNL alum, such as Darrell Hammond, Steve Martin, Jon Lovitz, or Chris Parnell
Basically, someone with an established improv background (transferability of credits is not an issue). While there are obviously issues with these actors having been established as actors on past episodes, comedy trumps continuity.
3. Ken Marino
He was hilarious on Party Down as a very Michaelesque boss, and I see no reason why he would be any less hilarious on The Office.
2. Kristen Wiig
She's been my favorite SNL cast member ever since I started watching it again a few years ago, and is so versatile that she would be great at 10 completely different versions of the next boss.
1. John Hodgman
obv.
