Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, left The Office after the seventh season primarily because Carell wanted to spend more time with his family and to move on to other career opportunities. Additionally, Carell felt that it was time for other characters on the show to step into the spotlight and have their storylines explored more deeply. The writers gave Michael a fitting exit by having him leave Dunder Mifflin to move to Colorado with his love interest, Holly Flax. This departure was an emotional moment both for the character and the actor, symbolizing Michael's growth and readiness for a new chapter in his life beyond the office environment.