On Sept. 4, 2025, Peacock released their new sitcom, “The Paper,” a spinoff of the hit show “The Office,” a freestanding workplace comedy.
The show is filmed in a mockumentary style with a focus on the main character, Ned Sampson. The cast includes a full crew of quirky staff members, including longtime Office character Oscar Martinez. It follows Sampson’s attempt to revive the fictional news agency the Toledo Truth Teller.
The sentiment behind the storyline is what sets “The Paper” apart from other work environment sitcoms. It explores fears within the journalism community, such as disengagement and death of the news form, while also staying relevant and entertaining. This provides heart and relatability while also allowing for ridiculous comedy and taboo jokes.
The standout moment came in episode eight of season one, “Church and State.” Where the characters discover that their partner company, Softees, is selling products that are clogging up the city’s pipes. The group debates whether the breaking story is worth damaging relationships. Ultimately, the characters work together to help rebrand the company instead of tanking it with an in-depth article on the negative effects of the products.
This episode in particular captures the heart of the show. The absurd jokes balance with the conversations on journalistic integrity. It incorporates real life topics of journalism without making it extreme, sharp or unrelatable.
Some people have critiqued that early episodes fell flat in some aspects, but overtime the show found its rhythm as an entertaining sitcom, like its predecessor “The Office.” Naturally there were comparisons between both shows due to the shared fan base and show setting, ultimately, both shows capture the heart and soul of true daytime television, relatability and connection with others.
Overall, the show is a budding addition to “The Office” universe. Without ruining already established concepts and stories, The Paper adds a fresh perspective and a new set of characters that help grow and add relevance to “The Office” universe. “The Paper” is a playful yet pertinent story on the challenges that arise in the world of journalism and is an exciting advancement for sitcom enjoyers.
