The uptick in reboots over the last decade has truly been a hit or miss, with most of them over-reliant on former fans or source material from the original run. The Paper, though, has managed to do what most reboots attempt and fall short of – establishing its own identity. In fact, the ties to The Office and the fictional workplace Dunder Mifflin are few and far between, existing mostly through the character Oscar Martinez. If you are considering giving The Paper a chance (which you should!), remember that The Office was not an immediate hit with viewers and there were some struggles before it found its footing.
The Paper was renewed for a second season ahead of its season one premiere.
“Do I need to watch The Office to understand?”
The pilot episode immediately explains the fate of Dunder Mifflin and its employees, and that sets up the introduction of the newspaper company, the Toledo Truth Teller. The connection between the two shows is that they exist within the same universe, which leaves room for guest actors from The Office to appear in future seasons. The Paper exists on its own, though, with no requirement for previous knowledge.
“Churnalism” – THE PAPER, Pictured: (l-r) Domhnall Gleeson as Ned, Ramona Young as Nicole, Oscar Nunez as Oscar Martinez, Duane R. Shepard as Barry, Eric Rahill as Travis, Melvin Gregg as Detrick, Alex Edelman as Adam and Gbemisola Ikumelo as Adelina. John P. Fleenor/PEACOCK ©2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Though there have been criticisms that the characters of The Paper do not resemble those of The Office, this could actually work in their favour. It was an award-winning show with a great reception and is still held as one of the best sitcoms today, but The Paper does not need to fill those shoes; it needs to set its own trajectory. So Editor-in-Chief Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) isn’t exactly a Michael Scott, and the brash Esmerelda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore) will never be Dwight Schrute, and that’s exactly what we need.
“What makes The Paper funny?“
The contrast in characters is an element that always proves highly humorous, even if that is not the intention. Just as we watched verbal spars and rousing antics between Jim Halpert and Dwight Schrute, the chemistry between the employees of the Toledo Truth Teller brings a certain sense of familiarity and ease that we often get watching workplace comedies. The ever exuberant Ned is immediately drawn to the skeptic Mare Pritti (Chelsea Frei), and the pair engage in story-hunting quests each episode with the hope of reviving the Toledo Truth Teller.
The Paper finds its footing around the third episode, and it only builds from that point on.
Check out this clip from episode 4, “I Love You”.
“What can we expect for Season 2?”
The chemistry and sexual tension between the Ned and Mare is present from the outset and only grows more up to its culmination in the season one finale where they share a passionate kiss, despite Ned’s hesitance due to his seniority in the workplace. Some were surprised, claiming that it happened too soon; others were grateful for its inclusion as the cliffhanger left them wanting more.
“The Ohio Journalism Awards” – THE PAPER, Pictured: Domhnall Gleeson as Ned and Chelsea Frei as Mare. John P. Fleenor/PEACOCK ©2024 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved
The Paper brilliantly set up some storylines for budding romances, advances in journalist careers, and overall development of the Toledo Truth Teller, but, like the Office, some changes may be needed in order to make full use of the characters and their storylines. These characters feel a lot more structured and established than those of The Office in its first season, so they’re doing something right. Getting more than 10 episodes next season would truly allow the writers to build on the characters and their dynamics, but alas, that is the downfall of streaming.
Want my advice? Approach this objectively, enjoy The Paper for what it is. It’s a show with a lot of potential and might be one of the best sitcoms yet.
All episodes of The Paper are streaming now on Peacock.