The Office,” a television series from the 2000s, is widely cherished and recognized as an iconic comedy. Initially a less-known adaptation of a British sitcom in its first season, it transformed into a massive TV success by Season 3. Over time, its popularity has continued to grow, especially with younger audiences who have discovered its unique appeal on streaming platforms. The idea of reviving “The Office” has always seemed imminent due to the trend of reboots and intellectual properties. However, the anticipation for any potential comeback has often been accompanied by concerns that it might not live up to expectations.
Step into “The Paper“, NBCUniversal’s fresh take on the mockumentary style, inspired by “The Office”. This time, the story unfolds around a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio. Much like its predecessor, it features returning cast member Oscar Nuñez reprising his role as the beloved accountant. While many see this as a potential gold mine for the company, make no mistake, it’s far from a mere revenue grab. Instead, “The Paper” is an authentic series that captivates you right off the bat with its lovable characters, promising a 10-episode season that leaves you craving more. This show is certain to win over fans of “The Office”, although it may not quite reach the zenith of the original’s greatest moments (a challenge few could match).
This documentary, titled “The Paper,” is created by Greg Daniels, who’s known for creating The Office, and Michael Koman from Nathan For You. Fifteen years after their initial Dunder Mifflin documentary, the crew is back to make a sequel. Although I won’t reveal specific details, their investigation into Dunder Mifflin leads them to an old building that used to house The Toledo Truth-Teller – once a prestigious local newspaper. However, after being acquired by a company focused on toilet tissue sales, the Truth-Teller now has only a few employees managing its online presence, tucked away in a small area on one floor of the building.
Originally a renowned salesman for toilet paper, Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) is offered the chance to work in any department within the company. Choosing the Truth-Teller role, he aims to revive authentic, community-focused journalism. He then gathers support from other office staff eager to try their hands at journalistic writing, thereby creating his own news team.
While it’s important to note that The Paper‘s characters aren’t identical to those in The Office, Ned exhibits traits similar to both Michael Scott and Jim Halpert. He holds the position of boss, displays a certain level of charming aloofness, yet demonstrates a genuine concern for lifting up his colleagues over himself. Interestingly, Mare (Chelsea Frei), the only experienced journalist among the staff, takes on roles as Ned’s top reporter and forms a romantic tension with him – reminiscent of the classic will-they-won’t-they dynamic often seen in The Office.
The team, under Gleeson and Frei’s guidance, shines right from the get-go, delivering both large doses of laughter and heartfelt moments since the beginning of the series. Each member contributes something fresh and contemporary to the mockumentary style, particularly the trio of writers-turned-supporting actors (Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, Eric Rahill), who, in a way reminiscent of Mindy Kaling, B.J. Novak, and Paul Lieberstein, consistently steal the show scene after scene. It’s delightful to observe Melvin Gregg stepping out from the realm of Netflix originals (a standout performance amidst the underappreciated American Vandal) and secure a major role here. His quirky dynamics with Ramona Young contribute significantly to one of the more compelling subplots of the season.
In this production, “The Paper” stands out by incorporating the quirky and uncomfortable humor reminiscent of Ricky Gervais’ version of “The Office”. Tim Key takes the lead in terms of jokes-to-laughter ratio, with his portrayal of a sleazy executive providing plenty of laughs. His character, who is trying to impress his superiors by undermining Ned and the Truth-Teller, is hilarious on his own. The way his humor seamlessly meshes with the American style of humor throughout the show is one of “The Paper’s” strongest points. Sabrina Impacciatore, who often appears alongside him as the editor of the online Truth-Teller, will leave viewers surprised and perhaps even impressed by her comedic talents, coming in a close second to Key. Together, they make up an impressive comedic duo that rivals any currently on television.
As a devoted fan, I can’t discuss the captivating cast of The Paper without highlighting Oscar Nuñez, who graced our screens with his presence from The Office. Rest assured, his role in this new show aligns perfectly, avoiding any sense of forced inclusion. In fact, Oscar, with his charm from The Office, seems ideally suited to bridge the gap between these two shows. He was a fan favorite there, earning his own storylines, yet not so prominent that every aspect of his life was explored. Here, we find a more confident Oscar, an evolution born from his Dunder Mifflin adventures. Oscar brings a sense of stability to this group, both as a character and an actor, carrying the spirit of The Office with him impressively well.
In the case of The Office, boasting an impressive cast headed once more by Greg Daniels, I assumed they’d assemble a stellar ensemble given its strong predecessor. While they surpassed my expectations, what took me by surprise was not just the talented cast but also the development of a rich, thought-provoking world. This series strives to stay current in today’s media scene and delivers spot on. From the very start, the humor about online journalism and clickbait is both chilling and laugh-out-loud funny due to its uncanny accuracy. As someone deeply involved in this field, it was invigorating to witness the industry’s struggles portrayed so authentically.
Despite the disheartening state of journalism currently, “The Paper” consistently maintains an optimistic outlook. Ned’s unwavering optimism towards journalism, and its significance, is continuously uplifting. The series acknowledges the challenges faced by media today and the steep climb we face, yet it firmly believes in our potential to bring about positive change.
The Paper serves not only as an excellent source of humor but also as a call to action for those who value truth. It inspires people to recognize and champion the importance of their local communities, urging them to stand up and fight for what they believe in.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Paper Season 1 debuts on Peacock Thursday, September 4th.
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2025-09-03 19:30