Pretty self explanatory.

how will Steve Carrell's new found popularity effect the new season of the Office?

Higher ratings, more critical acclaim..

or go the way of Scrubs, and not do shit.

I think the show was starting to catch on to audiences when it ended last year. Fans of the original Office probably tuned in out of curiosity, and fans of Carrel from The Daily Show and Bruce Almighty probably watched. Now with the recent marketing NBC has done to bank on the success of The 40 Year Old Virgin, the show can only go up.

Even though Scrubs is one of the best shows on television, there isn't really a standout star on the show to attract viewers. The Office now has one. The show can only go up from here.

It'll probably have viewership in the first two or three shows, but don't expect fans to stick around. This isn't traditional TV, and the average person probably won't give this a second glance.