The Paper – A Worthy Spin-Off to The Office
It’s been more than twenty years since The Office first premiered, yet it remains one of the most beloved and rewatchable comedies ever made. Now, a brand-new series has arrived to carry that legacy forward — The Paper . And honestly, it feels like another hit in the making.
The premise is clever. Instead of focusing on a paper company, this story is set in an Ohio newspaper called The Toledo Truth Teller . At the center of it all is Ned Sampson, the paper’s new editor, played by Domhnall Gleeson. Ned isn’t your typical boss — he’s earnest, intelligent, and a little idealistic. Unlike Michael Scott’s bumbling charm, Ned feels more grounded, yet he still manages to bring the same warmth and comic potential that keeps the show’s tone lighthearted. He even jokes that he once dreamed of being Clark Kent rather than Superman — because being a reporter seemed “more noble and achievable.”
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What makes The Paper so successful is how it mirrors the DNA of The Office without simply copying it. The mock-documentary style is back, complete with side glances at the camera and awkward interviews, but the backdrop has shifted to reflect how journalism itself has changed. Where Ned dreams of hard-hitting news, his staff is stuck churning out clickbait like celebrity skincare routines. It’s a funny yet sharp commentary on how the industry has been reshaped.
The ensemble cast is spot on. Chelsea Frei plays Mare Pritti, Ned’s smart but exasperated colleague, and together they form the show’s emotional backbone. Oscar Nunez reprises his role as Oscar, now the paper’s accountant, groaning at the return of the ever-present camera crew. Then there are fresh faces like Ramona Young, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and Eric Rahill, all fumbling through roles they were never really trained for, since Ned can’t afford proper reporters.
But perhaps the standout addition is Tim Key as Ken, the British corporate lackey. He’s cringeworthy in the best way, filling the same space David Brent once did — smug jokes, awkward smiles, and just enough screen time to make him both irritating and hilarious. He’s the kind of character you roll your eyes at, yet secretly look forward to seeing again.
Not every part works perfectly. The scheming managing editor, Esmeralda Grand, played by Sabrina Impacciatore, can feel a bit over the top at times. Her flair for the dramatic becomes tiring by the later episodes, but even that can’t drag down the overall charm.
At its core, The Paper captures the nostalgic essence of The Office while carving out its own identity. It balances light escapism with timely themes about the state of news today. And with ten episodes already out, it’s clear this isn’t just a throwaway spin-off — it’s a show that could easily run for years.
For fans of The Office , The Paper feels like comfort food with a modern twist. It’s funny, warm, a little biting, and yes — absolutely worth watching.
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