Fresh off the press.
The news about “The Paper,” a spinoff of “The Office,” is that it’s not as bad as some might expect. It’s not exactly groundbreaking, but it manages to be surprisingly engaging and fun.
“The Paper,” set to debut on Peacock on September 4th, is a mockumentary similar in style to “The Office,” sharing its world. The original show, which aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, focused on the staff at Dunder Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and has gained a status as a modern classic. Even a decade after its finale, it was among the most streamed shows of 2020, racking up an impressive 57 billion minutes of viewing time.
The show introduces a new cast working in the Toledo Truth Teller newspaper office in Ohio.
At the outset, we meet Ned Sampson, played by Domhnall Gleeson, who’s stepping in as the new editor-in-chief and trying to whip his underfunded team into shape.
His colleagues include Esmerelda (Sabrina Impacciatore), a diva; Mare (Chelse Frei), a former Army vet; Ken (Tim Key), the cynical executive; Detrick (Melvin Gregg), the optimistic character; Nicole Young (Ramona Young), who’s a bit frazzled; and Adela (Gbemisola Ikumelo), who is somewhat clueless.
Oscar (Oscar Nunez), the only returning character, isn’t heavily featured initially. He even admits in a confessional that he’s not keen on being part of this new documentary, though his presence expands as the season progresses.
Generally, spinoffs from beloved shows can be hit or miss. Take “Joey,” the “Friends” spinoff, or “Frasier,” which followed “Cheers.” Even properties from Marvel and Star Wars often seem to dilute their appeal, feeling like another iteration of a sequel.
“House of the Dragon,” a recent spinoff from “Game of Thrones,” has garnered impressive viewership, yet it doesn’t quite measure up to the original in quality.
“The Paper,” however, benefits from strong foundations. It’s crafted by seasoned comedy veterans, Greg Daniels and Michael Coman, known for “Nathan for You.” Daniels has a reputation for overcoming odds; after all, “The Office” was itself a remake of a British series, and many doubted the American adaptation initially.
The creative team does a commendable job maintaining the “office” feel while ensuring “The Paper” stands on its own.
This new series resonates enough with its predecessor to feel like a fitting companion piece, especially noticeable in its theme song. It’s got a different melody but captures the essence of the original’s iconic opening tune.
While some of the first episode feels familiar, “The Paper” gathers momentum as the season moves forward. It features ridiculous scenarios reminiscent of “The Office,” like one involving a cat cameo and another subplot where someone gets their face dyed blue.
Sure, similar humor has been explored before, but “The Paper” finds a way to keep it fresh. Unlike “The Office,” which often seemed disconnected from reality, “The Paper” deeply dives into the intricacies of working in a newspaper.
The new cast has echoes of “Office” characters. For instance, Ned is certainly younger than Michael Scott, Steve Carell’s unforgettable boss. His quirks are different, and his backstory varies, yet he still finds himself in social situations that create a sense of familiarity, especially when butt heads with a teenager.
Esmerelda has her unique vibe, bringing a different energy compared to Dwight from “The Office.” While she shares some chaotic tendencies with him, she stands out in her own way—like a well-meaning but deluded single Italian mom trying to find her footing.
For those hoping for a Jim and Pam-like love story, there are hints of romance, but it feels a bit forced at times. It’s the show’s weaker point, truthfully.
The million-dollar question remains: does “The Paper” live up to its predecessor?
With only ten episodes in season one, viewers will see that answer unfold fairly quickly. “The Office” also took a bit to find its rhythm, but “The Paper,” while not quite reaching that level, does present itself as a worthy successor.
