Peacock’s New Show, “The Paper,” Revives an Old Favorite

In 2005, the unique British comedy “The Office” made its way to American screens. Now, two decades later, Peacock is serving up a fresh take within that beloved universe in a new format.

The premise? Well, it’s pretty straightforward. Dunder Mifflin, the fictional paper company from Scranton, has been bought by a large company based in Toledo, which also owns a local newspaper called The Truth Teller, among other paper products—yes, even the softer toilet paper.

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Anyone unfortunate enough to catch the pilot of the American “Office,” likely thinks it ranks among the worst half-hour segments ever. They leaned heavily on the British script, almost verbatim, and it just didn’t translate well.

Quickly, the writers figured out that an American audience needed Michael Scott to have more redeeming qualities compared to David Brent, and Jim Halpert had to come off as more masculine than Tim Canterbury.

Fast forward to today—just as the humor in the UK was shaped by its cultural nuances back in 2005, American attitudes have also shifted dramatically over the last twenty years. The original “Office” had to adapt to geographical differences; with “The Paper,” the challenge is more about adjusting to a changing cultural landscape.

You can see this shift in one of the opening jokes, where Esmerelda, the managing editor, sends an email on the first day of the new editor-in-chief, mentioning that he wasn’t “metoo” to undermine him. It’s a clever nod to the #MeToo movement, which did raise questions about whether the world of “The Office” had to wait for the right moment to make a comeback.

Indeed, from the outset, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s simulation-style sitcom explored the themes of boundaries and social norms that come with spending so much time around colleagues. What’s the nature of those relationships, really?

In a similar vein, “The Paper” dives into its own set of romantic relationships, delivering both humor and entertainment. The chemistry between Ned and Mare sizzles as they bond over their shared journalism backgrounds, while their interactions draw a parallel to the iconic Jim and Pam.

As the show’s ten episodes unfold, however, it’s evident that many of the jokes that worked in the original “Office” may feel stale in 2025. David Brent and Michael Scott thoughtlessly pushed boundaries, often making remarks that would be considered unacceptable now. Back then, Michael mistakenly called Oscar “Mexican” as if it were a slur, or Brent was blissfully unaware of the workplace etiquette that we all know so well today.

Now, thanks to years of corporate training, everyone in “The Paper” seems acutely aware of proper workplace conduct. This change alters the fabric of comedy that was once rooted in ignorance.

Instead of exploring faux pas related to office etiquette, “The Paper” shifts focus to journalism ethics, as the new team navigates how to fairly report on local stories. One standout dynamic in the show is the relationship between Esmerelda and Ned. She’s in a position of power over him, but it’s puzzling how this character, with little knowledge of news reporting, seems to keep getting herself into trouble without facing repercussions.

As the series progresses, you do see Esmerelda become a bit more relatable, yet you can’t shake the feeling that Ned is constantly worried about being labeled a sexist for pushing back against her incompetence.

It’s kind of fascinating, stepping back into this world years later. It feels reminiscent of visiting a city after a long time away, where everything seems familiar and yet different.

Oscar Martinez makes a hilarious reappearance, and there’s a particularly funny moment when the documentary crew interacts with him, juggling their fears and frustrations—only to have Oscar ultimately revert to the familiar role of the show’s participant, mirroring our own experiences of re-engaging in this fictional world.

“The Office” remains a cultural benchmark for those over 30, especially with those reruns that just won’t quit. It’s truly a shared reference point. Just last year, Jim Halpert’s demeanor became a relatable touchstone during a Vice Presidential debate.

On the other hand, while “The Paper” captures some nostalgia, it’s hard to see it achieving the same cultural impact. It’s tough for a new show to gain the widespread audience “The Office” enjoyed—especially in this streaming landscape.

But watching “The Paper,” you might find a sense of comfort in returning to something familiar. The humor brings some lightness amid a backdrop shaped by the complexities of the #MeToo movement, alongside a fresh exploration of workplace relationships. After the long stretches of isolation brought by Covid, it can almost feel like a welcome return to the office.