✅ “The Paper” is a fresh new mockumentary sitcom that delves into the chaotic and heartwarming world of a struggling local newspaper. Following the documentary crew from “The Office,” the series humorously explores the challenges of modern journalism and the eccentric characters who fight to keep it alive. With its smart writing, relatable humor, and a stellar cast, the show offers a delightful blend of wit and charm. Released on September 4, 2025, on Peacock, “The Paper” is a compelling and timely workplace comedy that will resonate with fans of its predecessor while carving its own unique identity.
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Beautiful Justice
Created By: Loi Argel Nova
Writers: N/A
Stars: Yasmien Kurdi, Gabbi Garcia, Bea Binene
Country: Philippines
Genres: Crime, Drama, Action & Adventure
Languages: Tagalog
Network: GMA Network
Overview:
TMDb: View on TMDb
The Paper (2025) – TV Series Overview & Analysis-FilmyFlix
TV Series Details
- Full Name: The Paper (2025)
- Language: English
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be moderate for a sitcom)
- Revenue: Not Applicable (Streaming Release)
- Runtime: Approx. 29 Minutes Per Episode
- Release Date: September 4, 2025 (Peacock)
- Genres: Comedy, Mockumentary, Sitcom
- Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Oscar Nunez
- Directors: Various (e.g., Greg Daniels, Ken Kwapis)
- Screenplay: Greg Daniels, Michael Koman, Patrick Kang, Michael Levin
- Studios & Producers: Universal Television, Deedle-Dee Productions, Banijay Americas
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Mockumentary, Live-Action
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Peacock -
Image via Peacock -
Image via Peacock
Plot Summary
“The Paper” takes viewers back into the world of the fictional documentary crew that once chronicled the lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin in Scranton. This time, the crew shifts its focus to a new subject: a historic but struggling Midwestern newspaper called the “Toledo Truth-Teller.” The series follows the paper’s new editor-in-chief, Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson), an ambitious journalist with a quirky sense of humor, as he tries to revitalize the failing publication. Ned’s mission is to motivate a small and unconventional group of journalists and staff, including the paper’s managing editor, Esmeralda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore), who is a stark contrast to Ned’s hopeful demeanor. The narrative explores the daily chaos, absurd meetings, and awkward interactions that characterize their attempts to produce quality journalism in the digital age. It captures the unique humor and heart of a workplace comedy, examining themes of print media’s decline, the rise of clickbait, and the camaraderie that forms in a high-pressure, low-resource environment. The show is a smart, satirical look at a changing industry, while still maintaining the charming mockumentary style that made “The Office” a beloved classic.
Cast & Crew
“The Paper” features a fantastic ensemble cast that perfectly embodies the mockumentary format. Domhnall Gleeson leads the charge as Ned Sampson, bringing a blend of awkward optimism and quiet determination to his role as the new editor-in-chief. His performance is key to the show’s dynamic, often providing the “straight man” reaction to the quirky antics around him. Sabrina Impacciatore is a standout as Esmeralda Grand, the managing editor, with her dry wit and no-nonsense attitude providing a great comedic foil. Her character feels both authentic and hilariously over-the-top, much like some of the best supporting characters in “The Office.” The show also features a delightful mix of new and familiar faces. Oscar Nunez reprises his beloved role as Oscar Martinez, adding a direct connection to the universe of “The Office.” The rest of the cast, including Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, and Gbemisola Ikumelo, all contribute memorable and distinct performances that flesh out the eccentric newsroom. The series is co-created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, with Daniels bringing his signature style of subtle, character-driven humor that has defined some of television’s most iconic comedies.
Critical & Audience Response
“The Paper” has received a largely positive reception from both critics and early audiences. Critics have praised the show for its smart and timely premise, which cleverly updates the workplace sitcom formula for the modern age. Many reviewers highlighted that the series successfully captures the spirit of “The Office” while forging its own unique identity, avoiding a simple rehashing of old gags. Domhnall Gleeson’s performance has been widely celebrated, with some calling it one of his strongest comedic roles to date. The show’s satirical take on the state of journalism and the digital media landscape has also been appreciated for its wit and accuracy. While some reviews noted that the initial episodes take some time to find their rhythm, the consensus is that the show quickly hits its stride, developing a strong rapport among its ensemble cast. Audience response has been enthusiastic, particularly from fans of “The Office” who were eager to return to the mockumentary style. Viewers have found the humor relatable and the characters endearing, making it a promising start for what could be another long-running workplace comedy.
Direction & Cinematography
The direction for “The Paper” is a collaborative effort by multiple directors, including co-creator Greg Daniels, who are all tasked with maintaining the show’s distinctive mockumentary style. Their approach is consistent and deliberate, using shaky handheld cameras, awkward zooms, and direct-to-camera interviews to create the illusion of a real-life documentary. This style is not just a gimmick; it is integral to the storytelling, allowing for subtle visual humor and character reactions that are unique to the format. The cinematography, while appearing raw and unfiltered, is carefully composed to highlight comedic moments and personal struggles. The use of natural lighting in the cluttered office spaces of the “Toledo Truth-Teller” enhances the authenticity of the setting, making the workplace feel lived-in and real. This attention to detail in both direction and cinematography ensures that the show feels like a genuine, fly-on-the-wall observation of its characters’ lives, strengthening the comedic and emotional beats of the narrative.
Music & Background Score
The music of “The Paper,” much like its predecessor, plays a subtle yet effective role in setting the show’s tone. The opening theme is a new, original composition that evokes a sense of lighthearted whimsy, perfectly fitting the show’s comedic nature. Unlike a feature film, the series does not rely on a grand score. Instead, the background music is often diegetic, coming from radios, computers, or mobile phones within the scenes, which further enhances the mockumentary realism. The musical choices are clever and well-timed, often used to punctuate a joke or to provide a brief emotional beat without drawing undue attention to themselves. The sound design is also crucial, with the ambient noise of a busy newsroom adding to the authenticity of the setting. The music and sound in “The Paper” work in harmony to create an immersive and believable world for the characters to inhabit, making the viewing experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Visuals & Special Effects
As a mockumentary sitcom, “The Paper” forgoes complex visuals and special effects in favor of authenticity and realism. The series’ visual style is intentionally unpolished, simulating the look of a documentary film. The production design is a key element, meticulously recreating a bustling yet slightly disheveled newsroom. The visuals are designed to tell a story about the paper’s history and its current struggles through its physical environment. The show uses practical sets and props, with its visual humor often coming from small details in the background or subtle expressions caught by the camera. The focus is always on the characters and their interactions, with the visuals serving to ground the humor in a believable reality. The overall aesthetic is warm and inviting, making the audience feel like they are a part of the newsroom chaos. This focus on practical, character-driven visuals is a hallmark of the genre and one of the show’s most effective tools.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing in “The Paper” is a masterclass in comedic timing, a crucial element in the mockumentary format. The cuts are sharp and deliberate, often using quick reaction shots and well-timed pauses to land jokes effectively. The editors skillfully stitch together a narrative from a variety of “found” footage, including interviews and candid moments, to create a coherent and hilarious story. The screenplay, co-written by the creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, is the foundation of the show’s success. It is rich with witty, character-specific dialogue and situations that arise naturally from the workplace setting. The script balances a heartfelt appreciation for journalism with a satirical look at its challenges. The characters are well-developed, with each having distinct personalities and comedic traits. The screenplay successfully navigates both the episodic humor and the overarching narrative arc, ensuring that the show is both funny in the moment and compelling over the long term. This combination of clever writing and precise editing makes “The Paper” an intelligent and consistently entertaining series.
Positives / What Works
“The Paper” hits all the right notes with its **charming cast and strong performances**, particularly from Domhnall Gleeson and Sabrina Impacciatore. The show’s **witty and timely screenplay** is a major highlight, offering a fresh take on the workplace comedy genre. The mockumentary format is expertly executed, feeling both familiar and new. The show’s humor is smart and character-driven, relying on awkward moments and subtle visual gags rather than broad, forced comedy. The **return of Oscar Nunez** provides a fun and effective link to “The Office” universe, delighting fans without feeling like a crutch. Overall, the series has a feel-good, optimistic tone that makes it an incredibly enjoyable and easy binge-watch.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “The Paper” has been well-received, it does have a few minor weaknesses. The show’s initial episodes might feel a bit slow as it works to establish its new cast of characters and setting, a common issue with new sitcoms. Some viewers might find the humor too subtle or understated, particularly those expecting a more fast-paced comedy. Additionally, the inherent comparisons to “The Office” might be a double-edged sword; while it brings in viewers, it also sets up extremely high expectations that are difficult to match. The show’s focus on a very specific, niche industry (local journalism) might make some of the jokes less relatable to a broader audience. These points are relatively minor, as the show’s overall quality is high, but they are worth noting for potential viewers.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“The Paper” is an excellent and worthy addition to the mockumentary sitcom genre. It successfully builds upon the legacy of “The Office” without being a direct imitation, instead using the familiar format to tell a fresh and engaging story. The show’s humor is smart, its characters are endearing, and its timely premise makes it a resonant watch. With strong performances from its cast and clever writing from its creators, “The Paper” is a delightful and promising series that is sure to please fans of its genre. It is a fantastic return for the documentary crew and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys clever, character-driven comedy. The series has all the makings of a long-running hit for Peacock.
TV Series Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 4.0 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who is in the cast of "The Paper"?
The main cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Sabrina Impacciatore, Chelsea Frei, and Melvin Gregg. Oscar Nunez also reprises his role from "The Office.
Is "The Paper" a spin-off of "The Office"?
It is a spiritual successor and is set in the same universe, using the same documentary crew. However, it is not a direct spin-off and features a new cast of characters (with one notable exception).
