NBC gives 'The Office' a third go-round

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Season Two has been a charm for NBC's "The Office" and being moved to "must see" Thursday night hasn't hurt the comedy's ratings, either.

The show has become a key player in the Thursday night lineup and recently received a 22-episode third season order from NBC, USA Today reported Thursday.

Since moving from Tuesdays to its new slot along with "My Name is Earl," "The Office" has averaged 9.2 million viewers, an increase of 1.5 million, USA today said. It's a top download on the iTunes Web site as well.

Steve Carell took home a Golden Globe for his performance at the head of the ensemble cast.

NBC Universal President Angela Bromstad credited executive producer Greg Daniels, who she said "Americanized" it from its British original.

"He went with his actors and their personalities," she said. "He made it a little louder. Greg went for a little bit of heart at the end of each show."