When a new comedy from Greg Daniels appears, expectations inevitably soar. After all, Daniels was the creative force who helped bring The Office into American pop culture dominance, redefining workplace comedies for a generation. Now, he returns with a spiritual successor of sorts—The Paper, a series that swaps out cubicles and conference rooms for the cluttered chaos of a struggling local newsroom. Premiering in 2025, it manages to feel both familiar and timely, capturing the absurdities of work life while commenting on the precarious state of journalism today.
The premise is deceptively straightforward. The same documentary-style crew that once followed employees of Dunder Mifflin has now turned its lens toward a small-town newspaper on the brink of collapse in Toledo, Ohio. The publication, battered by dwindling subscriptions and tight budgets, can’t afford seasoned reporters. Instead, a freshly installed editor—played by Domhnall Gleeson in a seamless American accent—has no choice but to fill the newsroom with whoever he can find: an eclectic mix of underqualified office workers, eccentric personalities, and people who never imagined themselves writing a headline, much less shaping a paper’s voice.
🔔The Paper [2025] Season premiere date: September 4, 2025 🔔
This set-up creates fertile comedic ground. Much like The Office, the humor thrives in the gap between professional responsibility and human ineptitude. But unlike its predecessor, The Paper carries a weightier backdrop. Journalism is in freefall, local news is fading, and the stakes, however ridiculous in execution, feel grounded in something real. It’s this intersection of satirical workplace comedy and societal commentary that gives The Paper its distinct identity.
Daniels isn’t alone in shaping the tone. He’s partnered with Michael Koman, known for Nathan for You, a series celebrated for its sharp, offbeat comedy. The collaboration is evident in The Paper’s rhythm—mixing dry wit, absurd scenarios, and cringe-inducing office interactions with moments of genuine poignancy about the importance of truth and accountability.
The cast is a mix of fresh and familiar faces. Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez, providing a connective tissue to The Office while grounding the ensemble with his signature deadpan delivery. Alongside him are Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus), Chelsea Frei, Alex Edelman, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Melvin Gregg, Ramona Young, and Tim Key. Each performer brings a distinctive energy, ensuring the ensemble feels vibrant rather than derivative. From clueless interns to overzealous amateur reporters, the characters inhabit the newsroom with quirks that will be instantly recognizable to anyone who has endured office culture.
Thematically, The Paper succeeds because it uses humor to explore serious ideas. What happens when the people tasked with informing the public are hilariously unqualified? How does a newsroom cling to relevance in a world dominated by algorithms, social media feeds, and shrinking attention spans? While the show is packed with physical comedy, awkward pauses, and absurd misunderstandings, there’s an underlying recognition of what’s at stake—the slow death of local journalism and the ripple effects it has on communities.
Stylistically, The Paper mirrors the mockumentary format that made The Office a phenomenon. The “documentary crew” conceit allows for sly asides, awkward stares into the camera, and interviews that pull back the curtain on characters’ inner lives. But while the format is familiar, the energy is sharper and more urgent, echoing the hustle of deadline-driven reporting.
Another significant update is pacing. The series launches with all 10 episodes available for immediate streaming, encouraging a binge-viewing experience. While The Office evolved over years of broadcast, The Paper is designed as a concentrated narrative burst, balancing episodic hijinks with serialized character development.
Visually, the newsroom becomes a character of its own. Papers pile on desks, outdated computers hum, bulletin boards overflow with sticky notes and half-baked story ideas. It’s a workplace both chaotic and charming, reflecting the spirit of employees who are in over their heads but unwilling to give up. That constant state of disarray mirrors the comedic rhythm of the show itself—messy, unpredictable, but always engaging.
Why It Resonates
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A New Lens on a Proven Formula: Retains the DNA of The Office while moving into the crumbling halls of local journalism.
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Sharp Ensemble Comedy: Balances familiar faces like Oscar Nuñez with an eclectic cast of newcomers.
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Topical Edge: Uses absurd humor to highlight the fragile state of truth, media, and information today.
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Streaming-Ready Structure: A bingeable 10-episode run that rewards both long-time fans and new viewers.
The Paper is not just a revival of the mockumentary comedy format; it’s a reflection of where we are now. Funny, biting, and occasionally sobering, it reminds us that while the tools of storytelling may change, the need to laugh at ourselves—and our workplaces—remains constant.
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About The Paper [2025] TV Series
If you're a Dunder Mifflin fan, The Paper revolves around 'The Office" Universe
First episode date: September 4, 2025
Network: Peacock
Show type:
Status:
Upcoming TV Premieres
