Steve Carell’sSpace Forcewas supposed to be the spiritual successor toThe Office, though sadly it failed to live up to its star’s best-known work. With Carell teaming up once again withThe Officeco-creator Greg Daniels, the Netflix comedySpace Forcelaunched in 2020 with a high-profile cast and a sky-high budget. However, despite the hype, the show never quite found its comedic rhythm, and after two seasons was grounded for good. While it had flashes of smart satire, the show lacked the warmth and razor-sharp writing that defined Carell’s breakout sitcom. For fans hoping for another laugh-a-minute show likeThe Office,Space Forcejust didn’t deliver.
However, what many fans may have missed is that afterSpace Force, Carell pivoted to a different kind of role entirely, one that proved he’s not just a sitcom star but a truly versatile actor.WhileSpace Forcefizzled out, Carell quietly starred in a psychological thriller that showcased his most grounded and emotionally intense performance since leaving Dunder Mifflin. This lesser-known Steve Carell show isThe Patient- a Hulu original that flew under the radar despite strong critical acclaim and a gripping premise that allowed Carell to stretch his dramatic chops in surprising, unforgettable ways.
Space Force Wasn’t A Good Office Replacement, But Steve Carell Was Great In The Patient
Steve Carell’s Space Force Didn’t Land, But The Patient Proved His Serious Side Was Worth Watching
Space Forcehad all the ingredients for a comedy classic - Steve Carell, a timely political backdrop, and a stacked cast including John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, and Lisa Kudrow. However, despite seeming like a recipe for success, the Netflix series struggled to match expectations. The tone was uneven, the jokes often fell flat, and the writing leaned more into bureaucracy satire than laugh-out-loud comedy. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t the heir toThe Officethrone fans had hoped for. Carell’s character, General Mark R. Naird, was amusing in parts, but never felt as compelling orlovable as Michael Scott.
That said,Steve Carell’s work inSpace Forcewasn’t the problem, as his delivery was solid, and he committed to the character with his usual charm. The issue was the writing, which never quite figured out whether it wanted to be a biting political satire or a workplace sitcom in space. After Netflix canceledSpace Forcein 2022, it felt like Carell’s next project might be just as high-concept or comedic. Instead, he delivered one of the most haunting performances of his career.
IfSpace Forceleft you feeling like Steve Carell’s best days were behind him,The Patientmade it clear that he’s just getting started.
EnterThe Patient. Premiering on FX on Hulu in August 2022, the limited series was a sharp departurefrom Carell’s usual fare. InThe Patient, Steve Carell plays Dr. Alan Strauss, a therapist who’s kidnapped by his own patient, Sam Fortner (Domhnall Gleeson), a serial killer who wants help curbing his homicidal urges. It’s a claustrophobic, slow-burn thriller, with most of the show taking place in one small basement room. However, within those tight confines,Carell delivers a gripping, emotionally layered performancethat gradually reveals his character’s trauma, grief, and resilience.
The contrast betweenSpace ForceandThe Patientcouldn’t be more stark.WhileSpace Forcetried(and often failed) to land punchlines,The Patientfocused on psychological depth and emotional tension. His understated portrayal of Alan Strauss reminded viewers thatSteve Carell is capable of far more than playing a clueless bossor a goofy general. He brought quiet intensity, believable fear, and emotional vulnerability to the role, qualities that were largely absent fromSpace Force. IfSpace Forceleft you feeling like Steve Carell’s best days were behind him,The Patientmade it clear that he’s just getting started.
The Patient Is Totally Different From Steve Carell’s Other Shows, But It Deserves More Love
Steve Carell’s Space Force Got The Attention, But The Patient Is The Real Must-Watch
WhileThe Patientdidn’t explode onto the cultural radar the wayThe OfficeorSpace Forcedid, it quietly became one of the most critically acclaimed performances of Steve Carell’s career. With an 89% score onRotten Tomatoes, the series received praise for its tight pacing, eerie atmosphere, and standout performances from both Carell and Gleeson. Yet, despite the critical acclaim,The Patientdidn’t get the widespread audience or viral traction it deserved - likely because fans still expected Carell to be funny, not frighteningly intense.
What setsThe Patientapart fromthe rest of Carell’s TV workis its complete rejection of comedy. UnlikeThe Office,The Morning Show, orSpace Force,there are no punchlines or awkward laughs here.Carell’s Alan Strauss is a man quietly unraveling under unimaginable stress, and his performance is deeply internal. It’s a far cry from the exuberant antics of Michael Scott, but no less captivating. For longtime fans of Carell, the shift might be jarring, but it’s also revelatory.
Carell’s scenes with Domhnall Gleeson are especially electric
The Patientdigs into themes of guilt, trauma, and forgiveness, with a slow-burn approach that rewards patient viewers. Carell’s scenes with Domhnall Gleeson are especially electric, tense, unpredictable, and layered with unspoken emotion. The minimal setting and focused storytelling allow Carell to do some of his most nuanced work ever. It’s not flashy, but it’s undeniably powerful.
Compared to the broad comedy ofSpace Force,The Patientshows a level of restraint and depththat proves Carell’s range is far wider than audiences may have realized. Yes, many of his fans fell in love with him as Michael Scott, and it’s undeniable thatSpace Forcetried to capture that same lightning in a bottle. However,The Patientproves Carell doesn’t need a mockumentary format or an ensemble cast to shine, he just needs a good script and room to explore. In the end, Steve Carell’sSpace Forcegot the spotlight, butThe Patientdeserves the praise. It’s the kind of series that lingers - quiet, intense, and unexpectedly moving. For anyone who wrote off Carell’s post-Officecareer afterSpace Force,The Patientis essential viewing.
Space Force
Cast
The Patient
The Patient is a limited series that follows a psychotherapist, played by Steve Carell, who is held captive by a serial killer, played by Domhnall Gleeson, who demands therapy sessions in exchange for his life.
