Fans of the beloved mockumentary sitcom The Office are in for a treat as Peacock prepares to launch The Paper, a highly anticipated follow-up series set in the same comedic universe. Premiering on September 4, 2025, with its first four episodes, The Paper promises to deliver the same quirky humor and heartfelt moments that made The Office a cultural phenomenon, while introducing a fresh setting and new characters. Created by Greg Daniels, the mastermind behind the American adaptation of The Office, and Michael Koman, known for Nathan for You, this new series is poised to capture the essence of workplace comedy in a struggling Midwestern newspaper office.
The Paper shifts the focus from the paper-selling world of Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the historic but declining Toledo Truth Teller, a Midwestern newspaper fighting to stay relevant in the digital age. The series follows the same documentary crew that immortalized the antics of Michael Scott and his team, now turning their cameras on a new group of eccentric characters led by an eager publisher striving to revive the struggling publication with a team of volunteer reporters. This fresh premise offers a timely exploration of the challenges facing traditional media, wrapped in the mockumentary style that fans know and love.
The show’s setting in Toledo, Ohio, provides a new backdrop for workplace shenanigans, with the newspaper’s office serving as a stage for both comedic chaos and heartfelt camaraderie. The official logline describes the series as following “the documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch as they find a new subject when they discover a historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to revive it.”
The Paper boasts an impressive ensemble cast, blending fresh talent with a nod to The Office fans. Leading the series is Domhnall Gleeson (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ex Machina), who plays Ned Sampson, the passionate publisher determined to breathe new life into the Toledo Truth Teller. Joining him is Sabrina Impacciatore (The White Lotus) as Esmeralda, alongside a talented supporting cast including Chelsea Frei (Poker Face), Melvin Gregg (American Vandal), Gbemisola Ikumelo (A League of Their Own), Alex Edelman (Just For Us), Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever), and Tim Key (The Witchfinder). Adding a touch of nostalgia, Oscar Nuñez reprises his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office, bridging the two series and offering fans a familiar face in this new venture.
The series also features a roster of guest stars, including Eric Rahill, Tracy Letts, Molly Ephraim, Mo Welch, Allan Havey, Duane Shepard Sr., Nate Jackson, and Nancy Lenehan, promising memorable cameos that will add to the show’s comedic flair.
The Paper is helmed by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, who serve as co-creators, co-showrunners, and co-writers. Their combined expertise in crafting sharp, character-driven comedy ensures that The Paper stays true to the spirit of The Office while carving out its own identity. The series is executive-produced by Daniels and Koman, alongside The Office UK creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, as well as Howard Klein, Ben Silverman, and Banijay Americas. The first season’s directors include a mix of The Office veterans and fresh voices, such as Ken Kwapis, Yana Gorskaya, Paul Lieberstein, Tazbah Chavez, Jason Woliner, Jennifer Celotta, Matt Sohn, Dave Rogers, and Jeffrey Blitz, ensuring a blend of familiarity and innovation in the show’s visual style.
The Paper will debut on Peacock with a four-episode premiere on September 4, 2025, followed by two new episodes every Thursday through September 25. This release schedule allows fans to dive into the series while keeping the anticipation high for each new installment. Early glimpses, including a first-look photo of Domhnall Gleeson rallying his team from atop a desk, suggest a dynamic and chaotic workplace environment reminiscent of Dunder Mifflin’s finest moments. A trailer showcased at NBCUniversal’s Upfront presentation further teased the series’ blend of humor and heart, with the Toledo Truth Teller’s staff navigating the absurdities of their struggling newspaper.
While The Paper introduces a new cast and setting, it retains the mockumentary format that made The Office so iconic, complete with awkward interviews, workplace banter, and the subtle charm of everyday office life. However, the series is not a direct continuation of The Office’s storylines, and fan-favorite characters like Michael Scott (Steve Carell), Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), or Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) are not expected to return, allowing The Paper to stand on its own while paying homage to its predecessor.
As The Paper prepares to hit Peacock on September 4, 2025, it carries the weight of high expectations while offering a fresh take on the mockumentary genre. With a talented cast, a creative team steeped in comedic expertise, and a premise ripe for both humor and heart, The Paper is poised to carve out its own place in The Office universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dunder Mifflin or a newcomer to the mockumentary style, The Paper promises to deliver a mix of laughs, cringe-worthy moments, and relatable workplace antics when it premieres this fall.
Mark your calendars and get ready to subscribe to the Toledo Truth Teller’s next chapter—available exclusively on Peacock starting September 4.
