When the documentary crew behind The Office turns their cameras toward a historic Midwestern newspaper, you know the result won’t just be headlines—it’ll be laughs, chaos, and more than a few relatable workplace meltdowns. Peacock’s highly anticipated new series The Paper (premiering September 4) feels like both a spiritual cousin to The Office and a fresh reinvention of the workplace sitcom formula. Originally set to roll out weekly, Peacock instead made the bold decision to drop all 10 episodes at once on September 4. At first, I worried this would be a mistake—but after binging the whole thing, it’s clear this was the right call. You’ll be hooked, and chances are, you’ll want to watch it over and over again.
Greg Daniels—joined by Ricky Gervais in a producing capacity—proves once again that he understands how to make dysfunctional workplaces feel like home. And with Prime Video’s Upload wrapped, Daniels is clearly still firing on all cylinders, trading Scranton, PA for Toledo, OH in a story that’s as much about change, tradition, and the quirks of community journalism as it is about comedy.
“Addictive, hilarious, and smarter than you think, The Paper isn’t The Office 2.0—it’s its own chaotic, charming beast.”
From Scranton to Toledo
Set inside the struggling Toledo Truth Tellers (TTT), The Paper introduces us to a newsroom full of employees with little to no experience, trying to keep a century-old paper alive in the digital age. Immediately, fans will notice the DNA of The Office—the awkward silences, the eccentric personalities, the absurd office pairings—but it never feels like a copy. Instead, it’s a love letter to messy workplaces everywhere, with fresh characters who demand attention on their own terms.
Characters That Click Like Clockwork
Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson is a revelation as the paper’s Editor-in-Chief. The same actor who’s played everything from rom-com leads to cold-blooded villains now leans fully into comedy, giving us an editor who’s both painfully relatable and hilariously out of his depth.
Chelsea Frei, Romona Young, Melvin Gregg, and Oscar Nunez (yes, that Oscar Nunez, serving as the connective tissue to Scranton as Oscar Martinez) light up the screen scene after scene. The pairings are where the series really shines—like a dance of mismatched styles, every collaboration brings out a different flavor of humor. Sabrina Impacciatore and Tim’s antics are another standout pairing, delivering wild-card energy that makes even mundane newsroom tasks feel electric.
And Oscar? His presence grounds the show, reminding us of the franchise’s roots while showing how far it’s evolved. His line about being “55 (really 61) and over this film crew” might be one of the most meta and laugh-out-loud moments of the season but also an arc in its own worth keeping an eye on the entire season.
A Comedy About Reviving a Newspaper (and Everything Else)
At its core, The Paper is about reinvention. Should the staff modernize the business or cling to tradition? It’s a theme threaded through each storyline, with characters constantly forced to pick sides. Along the way, we also get a surprisingly educational peek at how the newspaper business works—though the show wisely never lets realism bog down the comedy.
Every episode is packed with Easter eggs for Office fans, polished camerawork (the documentary crew has clearly leveled up),and even credit scenes that actually matter. Don’t skip them—they’re sharp little bonuses that add to the storytelling rather than cheap gags. The opening sequence sets the tone perfectly, showing us the many ways people use newspapers beyond reading—an instant laugh and a promise of what’s ahead. There also awaits a cameo that will certainly have you buzzing!
And while episode 104, “TTT vs The Blogger,” deserves its own applause for layered humor and absurd escalation, the season closes with episode 110, “The Ohio Journalism Awards,” which ties everything together in a satisfying bow. It’s the kind of finale that leaves you ready for more—more stories, more absurd newsroom antics, and hopefully many more seasons.
Familiar But New
Yes, fans will inevitably compare The Paper to The Office. And yes, there are echoes—quirky characters, heartfelt undertones, even a shared workspace with a toilet paper company called “the Softees.” But the series makes it clear early on: there is no Michael, no Jim, no Dwight. Instead, these are wholly new personalities worth investing in, and by the second episode, you’re hooked on their journeys.
Add in an addictive theme melody, a sharper polish in filming, and Peacock’s willingness to let the language breathe with a few well-placed curses, and you’ve got a workplace comedy that feels both timeless and distinctly 2025.
Final Takeaway
Greg Daniels and team have delivered another gem with The Paper. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, full of unique characters, and just heartfelt enough to keep you invested. Most importantly, it proves that while nostalgia may bring you in, originality will keep you coming back.
Verdict: The Paper isn’t just worth watching—it’s worth bingeing. And with Easter eggs, credit scenes that matter, and characters you’ll quickly grow to love, it’s another win for Peacock.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.