James Spader to leave "The Office"

(CBS) James Spader is leaving "The Office" after one season.

Spader joined the NBC comedy after appearing in the show's seventh season finale as Dunder Mifflin's CEO Robert California. He continued to play the character in the show's eighth season after star Steve Carell left the series.

It was reportedly Spader's decision to leave the show, which had once been NBC's highest-rated scripted series, according to Entertainment Weekly. 

"James came to The Office to play a role that was two scenes long in the season 7 finale. He instantly brought so much life and intrigue to the part that those two scenes became a season," said the show's executive producer Paul Lieberstein in a statement. 

"James always wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television. He's been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I'm grateful for that. I'm already looking for ways to work with him again."

Carell starred in the show as Michael Scott since the series' debut in 2005 and left at the end of last season.