Synopsis: What Is The Paper?

The Paper is a mockumentary sitcom spin-off from The Office universe, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. The series follows the same fictional documentary crew that once filmed Dunder Mifflin, now turning their cameras toward a struggling Midwestern newspaper: The Toledo Truth Teller.

The story begins when the dying paper is saved by a new editor, Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson), an idealist with limited journalism experience. His goal is to breathe life back into the Truth Teller with a skeleton crew of quirky staffers and volunteer reporters. Returning from The Office is Oscar Martínez (Oscar Núñez), now overseeing the accounting department and reluctantly back in front of the camera.

The ensemble includes Esmeralda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore), a brash managing editor; Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei), a restless former reporter; Detrick Moore (Melvin Gregg), a charming ad salesman; and the accounting duo Adam Cooper (Alex Edelman) and Adelola Olofin (Gbemisola Ikumelo). Each character brings their own brand of chaos to a newsroom that feels both hilariously outdated and painfully relevant.

The ten-episode first season premiered on Peacock in September 2025, running roughly 30 minutes per episode. According to Daniels, the show is not a reboot of The Office but rather “a spiritual sequel” — an exploration of how workplace humor translates in the era of dying print media and digital burnout.

Critical Reactions & Highlights

Overall, critics have received The Paper warmly, calling it clever, charming, and occasionally uneven — the marks of a series still finding its footing.

What’s Working:

  • Many reviewers praise the show for recapturing the Office-style humor while carving out its own identity.
  • Domhnall Gleeson’s performance as Ned anchors the series with awkward sincerity, balancing optimism with quiet frustration.
  • Oscar Núñez’s return adds a layer of continuity that long-time fans appreciate, but he doesn’t dominate the story — a smart creative choice.
  • The show’s commentary on modern journalism feels timely and fresh, using humor to explore layoffs, ad-driven content, and clickbait culture.

Where It Stumbles:

  • Some critics note that the series occasionally leans too heavily on familiar Office-style beats, like awkward pauses and talking-head confessionals.
  • Certain characters verge on caricature, especially Esmeralda, whose over-the-top energy sometimes clashes with the show’s grounded tone.
  • The pacing can be uneven — early episodes focus on satire, while later ones try to inject more emotion, creating tonal whiplash at times.

Still, the consensus is that The Paper is a strong start, one that understands what made its predecessor special while experimenting with its own voice. It’s funny, relevant, and occasionally profound — exactly what a modern workplace comedy needs to be.

Fan Reaction & Community Response

As expected, fan reactions to The Paper are split — somewhere between cautious optimism and fierce loyalty to The Office legacy.

What Fans Love:

  • Many long-time fans appreciate the return of the mockumentary format, complete with chaotic workplace dynamics and subtle cringe humor.
  • Oscar Núñez’s comeback was met with enthusiasm, with many fans calling his character “the perfect bridge” between the old and new eras.
  • The ensemble cast quickly earned praise for its chemistry, especially Gleeson’s understated comedic timing and Chelsea Frei’s deadpan wit.
  • Fans enjoy the way the show subtly references The Office without relying on cameos or nostalgia bait.

Common Criticisms:

  • Some viewers argue that The Paper feels like a “lighter” version of The Office, lacking its sharp emotional edge.
  • Others feel that the humor can be hit-or-miss — alternating between sharp satire and predictable workplace gags.
  • Social media reactions highlight concern that Peacock may over-market the connection to The Office instead of letting the show stand on its own.

Despite mixed chatter, fan engagement has been high. Discussions, memes, and fan edits of the “press room chaos” scenes have already gone viral, suggesting the show has struck a cultural chord.

The Fate & Future of The Paper

Peacock has already renewed The Paper for Season 2, signaling early confidence in the show’s potential. This renewal came just before the full first season dropped, suggesting that the streaming service sees long-term value in expanding its comedic lineup around Daniels’ creative universe.

Season 2 will reportedly deepen character arcs and tackle broader themes like misinformation, AI journalism, and small-town politics. Daniels has hinted that the next season will be “less about nostalgia and more about newsroom survival.”

However, streaming success can be unpredictable. Peacock will likely watch engagement metrics carefully — binge completion rates, social media chatter, and subscriber retention will determine how long The Paper continues to print.

Why The Paper Matters

Beyond being a simple spin-off, The Paper taps into something deeply relevant: the decline of local journalism and the human cost behind it. By framing these issues within a workplace comedy, the show walks a delicate line between satire and sincerity.

In many ways, it’s the natural successor to The Office — a story about ordinary people navigating extraordinary change. But instead of selling paper, they’re trying to save it. The series blends humor, heartbreak, and the quiet absurdity of modern work, making it resonate with anyone who’s ever loved their job