The Paper, a new workplace comedy from Greg Daniels (The Office) and Michael Koman, lands on Peacock with a blend of sharp humor, quirky characters, and heartfelt storytelling. Following in the footsteps of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Abbott Elementary, the series is set in Ohio and centers on a struggling local newspaper, the Toledo Truth Teller.
A Familiar Yet Fresh Setting
The show introduces Ned (Domhnall Gleeson), the earnest new editor-in-chief, who quickly realizes he’s inherited more chaos than credibility. Alongside him is Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore), the eccentric online editor whose antics often steal the spotlight, plus a group of aspiring writers — Mare (Chelsea Frei), Nicole (Ramona Young), and Detrick (Melvin Gregg).
Adding to the absurd workplace dynamics is Tracy Letts as a newspaper benefactor who conveniently runs a toilet paper empire, and Oscar Nuñez, reprising his role as Oscar Martinez from The Office, now in a new accounting job.
Comedy That Hits the Mark
From bumbling bosses and budding romances to dry observational humor, The Paper nails the workplace comedy formula while injecting fresh energy. The pilot episode sets the tone with Ned locked in a room by suspicious employees who demand: “Why should we know why you say the things you say?” — a perfect example of the show’s mix of mundane absurdity and sharp timing.
Even though Season 1 introduces a large ensemble cast, each character, from veterans like Barry (Duane R. Shepard Sr.) to quirky staffers like Adelola (Gbemisola Ikumelo) and Travis (Eric Rahill), lands with enough impact to promise strong future development.
Standout Performances
While Gleeson provides heart with his idealistic love for journalism, Impacciatore dominates every scene as Esmeralda, embodying a character that’s both outlandishly funny and surprisingly clever. Her performance makes Episode 5 (“Scam Alert!”) one of the season’s comedic highlights.
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Final Verdict
With 10 bingeable episodes, The Paper delivers the warmth, wit, and relatability that have made workplace comedies a staple of American television. By balancing satire of the local news industry with timeless office hijinks, it proves that Daniels’ magic touch in comedy is far from over.
Grade: A – A must-watch for fans of The Office and workplace comedies.
All 10 episodes of The Paper Season 1 premiere September 4 on Peacock, with Season 2 already confirmed.
