The highly anticipated The Paper Review reveals whether this 2025 mockumentary series lives up to expectations. Every week brings new workplace comedies, but does The Paper stand out from the crowded The Office spinoff landscape?
After watching this latest offering from creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, we’re here with our complete The Paper Review. From Domhnall Gleeson’s compelling performance to Oscar Nunez’s returning role, let’s dive into what makes this Toledo newspaper comedy tick and whether it deserves your streaming time.
Series Details Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Series Name | The Paper |
| 📅 Release Date | September 4, 2025 |
| ⭐ Star Cast | Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Oscar Nunez |
| 🎥 Creators | Greg Daniels, Michael Koman |
| 🎬 Episodes | 10 Episodes (Season 1) |
| 🕒 Runtime | 30 minutes per episode |
| 🎬 Trailer | Peacock |
| 📱 OTT Platform | Peacock, JioHotstar (India) |
| 📺 Production | Universal Television |
| 🏆 Our Rating | 4/5 Stars |
Quick Review Summary
Before diving deep into our The Paper Review, here’s what you need to know: This Office spinoff delivers exceptional workplace comedy with outstanding performances and innovative mockumentary storytelling. Whether you’re a The Office enthusiast or workplace comedy lover, our comprehensive analysis covers everything about this critically acclaimed series that explores modern journalism struggles.
Cast & Characters – The Paper Review
Main Cast
Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson: The versatile actor delivers what critics are calling a career-defining performance as the new editor-in-chief of the Toledo Truth-Teller. His portrayal brings remarkable authenticity and comedic timing to this character’s journey from toilet paper salesman to newspaper savior.
Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmeralda Grand: The White Lotus star showcases exceptional range as the managing editor, creating believable workplace dynamics while maintaining her character’s professional competence throughout the chaotic newsroom environment.
Oscar Nunez as Oscar Martinez: The beloved The Office veteran reprises his iconic accountant role, now working at the Toledo Truth-Teller. His familiar presence provides crucial connection to the original series while establishing new workplace relationships.
Chelsea Frei as Mare Pritti: Delivers solid work as the paper’s compositor, adding authentic newsroom authenticity and contributing to the ensemble’s comedic chemistry.
Supporting Cast
The ensemble includes Melvin Gregg as Detrick Moore, Gbemisola Ikumelo as Adelola Olofin, Alex Edelman as Adam Cooper, Ramona Young as Nicole Lee, and Tim Key as Ken Davies, creating authentic workplace dynamics.
Cast Verdict: The ensemble brings remarkable authenticity and workplace comedy expertise to their respective roles, making this The Paper Review particularly positive about the casting choices and Office-style humor.
Story & Plot Analysis – The Paper Review
The plot of The Paper revolves around the Toledo Truth-Teller, a historic but declining Midwestern newspaper trying to resurrect itself with volunteer reporters. Following the same documentary crew from The Office, the series explores workplace chaos, generational clashes, and the challenges of running a print newsroom in the digital era.
What Works in the Story:
- Compelling storyline that addresses contemporary journalism challenges
- Well-developed character arcs following newspaper staff’s survival struggles
- Perfect balance of workplace comedy and media industry commentary
- Authentic portrayal of small-town newspaper culture and digital transition
Story Depth: The screenplay by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman delivers comedy complexity while maintaining accessibility for workplace humor audiences. Each episode builds momentum effectively, making this The Paper Review appreciate the writing quality that tackles serious media themes through mockumentary storytelling.
Narrative Structure: The mockumentary format is expertly maintained with proper pacing throughout the 10-episode season, keeping viewers engaged with both newsroom chaos and character development moments familiar to Office fans.
Trailer Analysis – The Paper Review
Trailer Highlights:
✅ Gives perfect glimpse of the familiar mockumentary style
✅ Showcases exceptional chemistry between new cast members
✅ Builds anticipation for The Office universe expansion
✅ Production values demonstrate high-quality workplace comedy
✅ Represents the series’s authentic newsroom and comedic tone
Trailer Marketing Strategy: The Peacock promotional campaign successfully created massive buzz across The Office fan communities and workplace comedy enthusiasts. The trailer’s showcase of familiar documentary style with new characters generated substantial excitement.
Visual Appeal: The trailer’s cinematography captures both intimate newsroom moments and larger workplace comedy sequences, creating visual familiarity that enhances the Office universe connection while establishing unique identity.
Performance Analysis – The Paper Review
Lead Performances
Domhnall Gleeson: Delivers what audiences and critics are praising as his most comedically accomplished performance. His transition from dramatic roles to workplace comedy demonstrates remarkable range while maintaining authentic character vulnerability throughout the series.
Sabrina Impacciatore: Shines particularly in scenes exploring newsroom management challenges while maintaining her character’s professional competence. Her performance elevates several key comedic moments throughout the season.
Oscar Nunez: Brings his beloved Office character seamlessly into the new environment, creating both nostalgic connection and fresh workplace dynamics that feel natural rather than forced.
Supporting Ensemble: Each cast member adds distinct personality to the newsroom environment, avoiding stereotypical journalist portrayals while maintaining authentic workplace relationships that ground the comedy.
Performance Highlights: The acting ensemble elevates the workplace material significantly. This aspect of our The Paper Review deserves special mention for the collective commitment to mockumentary authenticity and Office-style humor.
Character Development: Each character undergoes meaningful professional growth throughout the season, making audience investment in the newspaper’s survival and staff relationships worthwhile and emotionally engaging.
Technical Aspects – Direction & Production
Direction Analysis:
- Greg Daniels showcases masterful mockumentary filmmaking techniques refined from The Office
- Newsroom sequences are crafted with authentic journalism industry details
- Digital age challenges receive realistic and contemporary treatment
- The workplace comedy elements maintain Office DNA while establishing unique identity
Production Excellence:
- Shot with same documentary crew concept maintaining Office universe continuity
- Editing by veteran Office directors maintains familiar pacing and style
- Production design creates authentic declining newspaper environment
- Musical choices enhance workplace comedy atmosphere without overwhelming dialogue
Technical Rating: 4/5 stars for exceptional mockumentary production values that support this positive The Paper Review with authentic Office-style storytelling.
Direction & Office Connection – The Paper Review
Creator Greg Daniels showcases remarkable expertise in expanding The Office universe while maintaining authentic mockumentary storytelling. Following the series’s Peacock premiere success, the direction ensures every episode contributes meaningfully to both character development and Office legacy continuation.
Directorial Vision: Clear vision translates effectively on screen, making this The Paper Review appreciate Daniels’s authentic approach to workplace comedy evolution while honoring The Office’s documentary style and humor sensibilities.
Office Universe Integration: The series successfully expands The Office world through Oscar’s character continuation and documentary crew concept, creating authentic connection without relying heavily on nostalgia or forced references.
Production Collaboration: Michael Koman’s co-creation with Daniels brings fresh perspective while maintaining Office comedy DNA, creating workplace humor that feels both familiar and innovatively contemporary.
Streaming Release Details & Critical Reception
- Release Platform: Peacock (US), JioHotstar (India)
- Release Date: September 4, 2025
- Episode Count: 10 episodes (30 minutes each)
- Season 2: Already renewed before premiere
- International: NOW/Sky (UK), Binge (Australia)
Critical Acclaim: The series achieved impressive critical reception with 84% on Rotten Tomatoes from 70 critics and 68/100 Metacritic score, indicating “generally favorable” reviews that praise the Office evolution and character development.
Office Legacy & Cultural Impact
Franchise Expansion: The Paper represents successful Office universe expansion, demonstrating how beloved workplace comedies can continue through authentic spinoffs rather than direct sequels or reboots.
Journalism Commentary: The production addresses contemporary media industry challenges through workplace comedy lens, providing both entertainment and social commentary on digital transformation effects on traditional journalism.
Mockumentary Evolution: The series advances mockumentary television by maintaining The Office’s documentary style while exploring new workplace environments and contemporary professional challenges.
The Paper Review – What Works Exceptionally Well
✅ Authentic Office universe expansion maintaining documentary style and humor DNA
✅ Outstanding ensemble cast led by Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore
✅ Oscar Nunez’s seamless character continuation providing Office connection
✅ Strong critical reception with 84% Rotten Tomatoes approval
✅ Greg Daniels’s expert direction balancing nostalgia with innovation
✅ Contemporary journalism themes addressed through workplace comedy
✅ Season 2 renewal confirming network confidence and audience appeal
✅ High production values maintaining Office quality standards
Areas Needing Improvement
❌ Some Office references could feel forced for non-fans occasionally
❌ Newsroom setting may not appeal as broadly as office environment
❌ Supporting character development needs more screen time in places
❌ Digital journalism themes might date the series quickly
❌ Peacock exclusivity limits broader audience accessibility initially
Comparison with Workplace Comedies
Office Spinoff Context: Compared to other beloved series spinoffs, The Paper stands out for maintaining original creators while establishing independent identity and workplace setting.
Mockumentary Excellence: This production successfully continues The Office’s mockumentary tradition while proving the format’s versatility across different workplace environments and contemporary challenges.
Contemporary Relevance: The series addresses current media industry struggles more effectively than most workplace comedies, providing both entertainment and insight into modern professional challenges.
Final Verdict – The Paper Review 2025
Bottom Line: The Paper delivers exactly what it promises to audiences seeking authentic Office universe expansion with exceptional performances and contemporary workplace comedy that honors the original while establishing unique identity.
Worth Your Time? Absolutely! This series justifies both your streaming subscription and support for quality workplace comedy that successfully expands beloved television universes through authentic storytelling.
Office Fans Priority: Make The Paper your essential viewing for experiencing how The Office universe continues through innovative spinoff storytelling that maintains documentary style while exploring contemporary challenges.
Cultural Significance: Beyond entertainment value, this series represents important progress in television franchise expansion that respects original material while creating relevant contemporary workplace commentary.
Rewatch Value: The layered workplace dynamics and Office universe connections offer unlimited viewing pleasure for fans, making this The Paper Review recommend it for permanent comedy collections.
Rating & Final Recommendation
⭐ Our Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommendation Level:
- Must Watch (4-5 stars) – Don’t miss this authentic Office universe expansion
- Worth Watching (3-3.5 stars) – Excellent workplace comedy entertainment value
- Skip It (Below 3 stars) – Not applicable for this critically acclaimed production
Where to Watch:
🎬 Streaming: Available September 4, 2025 on Peacock (US)
📱 India: JioHotstar from September 5, 2025
🎥 Trailer: Available on Peacock and YouTube
Final Thoughts: This comprehensive The Paper Review concludes that the series succeeds in delivering premium workplace comedy entertainment while authentically expanding The Office universe through innovative mockumentary storytelling. The streaming release promises satisfaction for Office fans and supporters of quality contemporary workplace comedy that addresses real professional challenges with humor and heart.