In a newsroom where ink is dry and newspapers are used for anything but reading — “The Paper” finds a way to make the headlines. Peacock’s new workplace mockumentary of 2025, “The Paper” takes viewers on the path to revive a historical Ohio newspaper called the “Toledo Truth Teller” through satire and nostalgia.
The cameras of the documentary crew from “The Office” turn their lenses to explore the Midwestern newsroom; the show’s creator Greg Daniels, also the creator of “The Office,” is back to telecast a story set in the same universe.
This series focuses on the chaos of local print journalists exploring the struggles of the digital age, while carrying forward the same awkwardness and humor that made “The Office” a hit. The first episode starts off with a newly appointed editor-in-chief arriving at the newsroom in Toledo, Ohio with hope and ambition to bring back the newspaper’s relevance.
Fun Fact: The Truth Teller is owned by the company Enervate, who also took over the paper company from Dunder Mifflin in “The Office,” connecting the two shows even further.
“The Paper” has a comedic ensemble that brings the chaos from the Ohio newsroom to life. The show follows Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson), a former toilet paper salesman who is introduced as the new editor-in-chief aspiring to return the paper to journalistic roots and the hilarious Esmeralda Grand the former EIC (Sabrina Impaccatore) leading the newsroom along with Oscar Nunez reprising his role from “The Office” as an accountant.
Other characters are a group of enthusiastic volunteer reporters, salespeople and accountants attempting to cover stories because of the lack of reporter availability.
The newspaper is portrayed as a local paper going through budget cuts, staff shortage, and the result of impacts from dominance of digital media.
Looking at the dynamics between the characters, the relationship between Ned and Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frea) is definitely golden retriever and black cat coded. It is meant to be a slow burn workplace romance but both characters have professional respect for each other.
The plot is building the two to end up with each other and are constantly in comparison by the audience to Pam and Jim’s slow burn yet the two have two different vibes. Their growth wasn’t as slow, but it makes sense as shows are quicker to be canceled in this era.
Speaking of romances, Nicole Lee (Ramona Young) and Derrick Moore (Melvin Greg) represent a Gen Z approach to love. Their “no strings attached” commitment showcases modern dating culture.
Audiences from “The Office” may recognize a connection between the shows because it is similar to the mockumentary style, which includes talking-head interviews, awkward pauses, breaking the fourth wall and the overall camera work.
“The Paper” has a mix of humor, nostalgia and a realistic plot that carries the spirit of “The Office,” but simultaneously has its own unique spin. Between the awkward humor, hysterical characters and realistic writing, “The Paper” makes viewers reflect on the importance of local news.
It navigates its own voice through the shadows of “The Office” through its unique newsroom setting. It may not be the strongest plot now but just how “The Office” evolved into a classic, The Paper has potential to develop into its own meaningful story and relationship dynamics with time as it is renewed for a second season.