The Paper, a worthy series spinoff?
IT has been 12 years since The Office ended, and its creators have finally returned with a spinoff titled The Paper.
Shot in the same mockumentary style, the series exists within the same universe, this time focusing on a struggling newspaper company.
With The Paper, Greg Daniels reuses the tried-and-tested structure that made The Office and Parks and Recreation fan favourites.
The show begins with the in-universe documentary crew restarting their careers by chronicling the daily chaos of the Toledo Truth Teller. Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) joins the newspaper as its new editor-in-chief, sharing an uneasy leadership with the very Michael Scott-like Esmerelda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore).
The only returning cast member is Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez), the accountant now heading the Truth Teller’s finance department. Ned, a former toilet paper salesman for Softees, the paper’s sister company, arrives with big dreams of restoring the publication’s reputation. He is aided by a quirky team, though only one, Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei), has any actual newsroom experience.
Ned, as the central character, radiates a go-getter spirit, determined to prove himself and push his unmotivated, underworked team to take the job seriously. His unconventional leadership sees everyone at the Truth Teller, from sales to accounting, taking turns writing for the paper.
True to its roots, the series explores the will-they-won’t-they dynamic on a new level, with several possible office romances unfolding. Ned and Mare’s slow-burn chemistry feels familiar, reminiscent of Jim and Pam from The Office.
The humour remains sharp but is less madcap than in Michael Scott’s era, keeping pace with modern audiences. Fans of The Office will enjoy the many nods and references sprinkled throughout the series especially from Oscar whenever explaining the trauma caused by a previous boss (Michael).
Still, questions linger about whether The Paper was truly necessary. Should The Office universe continue so long after its finale? Even the original’s later seasons struggled after Michael’s departure. Whether The Paper is a worthy successor is debatable, but it stands well enough on its own and deserves time to grow.
With a second season already confirmed, viewers can expect more newsroom drama, budding romances and familiar comedic rhythms. The Paper may not reach The Office’s legacy, but it has what counts most – heart, laughter and moments that remind us why workplace comedies still resonate.
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