Sat Sep 06 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## “The Paper” Aims to Replicate “The Office” Magic, But Struggles to Find Its Own Voice

**Los Angeles, CA** – Greg Daniels, the creative force behind the American adaptation of “The Office,” is back with a new mockumentary-style sitcom, “The Paper,” now streaming on Peacock. The series, co-created with Michael Koman (“Nathan for You”), follows the documentary crew from “The Office” as they shift their focus from paper sales to the struggling “Toledo Truth-Teller” newspaper.

The series features Oscar Nuñez reprising his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office. The premise sees the documentary crew discover that Dunder Mifflin was absorbed by the Toledo-based corporation, Enervate. Viewers are introduced to a new cast of characters, led by Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson, the paper’s new editor-in-chief. Chelsea Frei stars as Mare Pritti, a military vet turned journalist and the closest thing to a Jim Halpert surrogate. Sabrina Impacciatore plays the flamboyantly Italian managing editor, Esmerelda Grand.

While “The Paper” revisits the familiar workplace comedy formula that made “The Office” a hit, critics are divided. Some find comfort in the show’s rhythms and potential for growth. Others find it dated, particularly in its depiction of media and internet culture. The series seems hesitant to delve into political commentary on the state of the news media. Instead, it leans into interpersonal dynamics and intraoffice romances, reminiscent of the Jim and Pam dynamic from “The Office.”

Despite its flaws, “The Paper” has garnered some praise for its performances, particularly from Impacciatore and Gleeson. The writing reportedly improves in the latter half of the season, with the show hinting at more unique, politicized storylines, particularly regarding ethics in media. The first full season of “The Paper” is now available on Peacock.

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