NBC has decided to keep "The Office" open for a while longer this season, extending the show's run into May. "Joey" is also returning to the network's schedule, where it gets the unenviable task of airing opposite "American Idol."

"The Office" had been scheduled to finish its season at the end of March, with its time period going to a new show, "Teachers," for the remainder of the season. But given the show's improved ratings since moving to Thursdays in January, the network decided to keep it on the air.

Some of those extra weeks will be filled with repeats, as "The Office" has already run through the majority of its order for the season. NBC has asked for one additional episode to help fill out the time; the show's season finale is now scheduled for Thursday, May 11.

"Joey," meanwhile, will take up residence in the 8 p.m. Tuesday spot beginning March 7, where it will have to scrounge for viewers against "Idol" and CBS' rock-solid "NCIS." The "Friends" spinoff will take the place of "Fear Factor," which has dipped considerably in the ratings this season. NBC says it will return in the summer.

"Teachers," which stars Justin Bartha ("National Treasure") and Sarah Alexander ("Coupling"), will also migrate to Tuesdays, pairing with "Scrubs" at 9:30 p.m. starting March 28. The show, about disillusioned faculty members at a middle school, was created by former "Scrubs" writer-producer Matt Tarses.

Repeats of "Joey" and "Scrubs" will fill the 8:30 spot for the remainder of the season.