So I watched The Paper

"The Paper"

Rating: 7.5/10

A New Chapter in Familiar Territory

"The Paper" is a spinoff of "The Office" and follows a faltering Toledo newspaper whose staff is desperate to turn the tide. After nearly a decade since The Office finale, Greg Daniels and Michael Koman have returned to the mockumentary well with ambitious results. While the show doesn't quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of its predecessor, it eventually finds its footing as something worthwhile in its own right.

Set at the struggling Toledo Truth Teller newspaper, the series follows the revival of The Truth Teller, a historic Toledo newspaper, is the subject of the same documentary crew that followed the workers at Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch. The premise is both clever and risky—using the same documentary framing device while transplanting beloved character Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nuñez) into an entirely new workplace ecosystem.

Performances That Anchor the Show

Domhnall Gleeson delivers the show's strongest performance as Ned Sampson, the idealistic new editor-in-chief. Crucially, "The Paper's" boss, Domhnall Gleeson's Ned Sampson, is completely different from Steve Carell's Michael Scott in The Office. Where Michael Scott was delusionally confident and obliviously incompetent, Ned is earnest, anxious, and genuinely capable—but equally prone to awkward situations. Gleeson brings a neurotic energy that feels fresh while still fitting the mockumentary format.

Oscar Nuñez seamlessly transitions his beloved character into this new setting. In the new Peacock show, his character is back, but things are different — especially with a new boss. Oscar Martinez's dry wit and exasperated professionalism provide both continuity with The Office and a grounding presence for the new ensemble.

The supporting cast, including Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, and Ramona Young, creates an ensemble that feels authentic to small-town journalism while offering distinct comedic voices. Each brings their own flavor of workplace dysfunction that complements rather than copies the Scranton branch dynamics.

Writing That Walks a Tightrope

The show's greatest challenge is living up to The Office legacy while establishing its own identity. Critics note that it captures the same 'Office' energy but offers enough of an update and a compelling new cast to make it worth watching. The newspaper setting provides rich material for both workplace comedy and subtle commentary on the state of local journalism in America.

However, the writing occasionally struggles with this balance. The team behind the legendary sitcom try to revive that ol' Office feeling with this quasi-spinoff set at a failing newspaper. It's... fine? Some episodes lean too heavily into familiar Office rhythms, while others venture into territory that feels disconnected from what made the original special.

The show works best when it embraces the unique pressures of journalism—deadline stress, local politics, and the existential dread of a dying industry—rather than simply replicating paper sales scenarios with different props.

Visual Style and Direction

The mockumentary format remains as polished as ever, with the same handheld camera work and talking-head interviews that defined The Office. The Toledo setting provides authentic Midwestern atmosphere, and the newspaper office feels lived-in and believable. The production design effectively captures the slightly shabby, resource-strapped environment of local journalism.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Works:

- Gleeson's nuanced lead performance that avoids Michael Scott comparisons

- Oscar's natural integration into the new workplace dynamic

- Authentic newspaper industry setting with genuine stakes

- Solid ensemble chemistry that develops throughout the season

- Moments of genuine heart alongside the comedy

What Struggles:

- Some characters don't fit at all, and it can't quite escape 'The Office's' shadow

- Occasional over-reliance on familiar comedic beats

- Uneven pacing in early episodes as the show finds its rhythm

- Supporting characters need more development to match Scranton's depth

The Verdict

"The Paper" faces an impossible task: creating something new while satisfying fans of one of television's most beloved comedies. While it doesn't fully escape those shadows, it succeeds more often than it fails. The delightful workplace comedy offers enough fresh perspective and genuine laughs to justify its existence.

The show's exploration of local journalism adds weight to the comedy, giving the characters' struggles real-world relevance that The Office sometimes lacked. When "The Paper" leans into this unique setting rather than retreading familiar ground, it hints at the potential to become something special in its own right.

Bottom Line: "The Paper" is a solid if imperfect return to The Office universe that succeeds through strong performances and a compelling setting, even if it occasionally struggles to step out of its predecessor's considerable shadow. Worth watching for Office fans willing to embrace something familiar yet different.

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All 10 episodes of "The Paper" Season 1 are available on Peacock. The series has already been renewed for Season 2.