Peacock’s new series The Paper feels like the perfect mix of familiar comedy and fresh storytelling, managing to honor The Office while carving out its own personality. The show follows the same documentary crew who once chronicled the lives of Dunder Mifflin employees, this time landing at a struggling Midwestern paper that’s barely hanging on. What makes the premise instantly engaging is how it balances absurd workplace humor with a very real look at the decline of local journalism. The paper’s offices share space with a toilet paper sales team, the staff is wildly mismatched, and yet somehow this chaotic environment sparks some of the most heartfelt comedy Peacock has released in years.
The series kicks off with Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson, stepping in as the idealistic new editor-in-chief. Ned’s enthusiasm is infectious, though he’s clearly out of his depth. His optimism reignites the spirit of Mare Pritti, a once-burned-out journalist who finds her love for reporting again under his leadership. Their dynamic quickly becomes one of the show’s central arcs, showing how a newsroom full of doubters can be pulled back toward believing in the importance of their work. On the flip side, Ned immediately clashes with Esmeralda Grand, the power-hungry managing editor of TTT Online. Sabrina Impacciatore brings a deliciously sharp edge to Esmeralda, whose attempts to sabotage Ned keep the comedy rolling with just the right amount of pettiness.
The rest of the ensemble is equally memorable. Melvin Gregg’s Detrick Moore is a former ad salesman trying to play reporter, often blurring professionalism with his not-so-subtle crush on Nicole Lee, played with quiet charm by Ramona Young. Gbemisola Ikumelo and Alex Edelman stand out as Adelola and Adam, two unlikely journalists stumbling their way through stories, one with razor-sharp wit and the other with endearing incompetence. Tim Key’s Ken Davies brings a corporate outsider perspective, while fans of The Office get a treat with Oscar Núñez returning as Oscar Martinez, now reluctantly serving as the Truth-Teller’s accountant. His presence ties the new series back to its roots without overshadowing the fresh cast.
What really works is the show’s tone. Like The Office, it thrives on awkward interactions and subtle glances to the camera, but it also borrows some of the optimism and warmth of Parks and Recreation. Critics have already praised it as the funniest exploration of journalism’s decline you’ll ever see, and they’re not wrong. The Paper doesn’t shy away from pointing out how dire the state of local news has become, but it wraps those truths in humor and affection for the people who keep trying against the odds.
While the show starts a little slow, it quickly finds its rhythm and delivers a witty ensemble comedy. The chemistry builds, the satire sharpens, and the characters begin to feel like a dysfunctional family you want to root for. With Peacock already renewing it for a second season, it’s clear that The Paper has struck a chord.
For fans of workplace comedies, this is a show that proves spin-offs don’t have to feel recycled. The Paper creates its own voice, delivering laughs, charm, and even some heartfelt reflections about the role of community journalism. It’s a clever, funny, and surprisingly touching series that’s worth subscribing to Peacock for.
All episodes of The Paper are now available on Peacock.
